Taiwan defense spending would focus on preparing arms, equipment for a 'total blockade' by China

The Taiwanese military said the government’s defense spending would prioritize preparing arms and equipment in the event that China may force a “total blockade” in a possible invasion of the island. The priorities would include F-16 jets and replenishing weapons.

In a report to parliament seen by Reuters requesting the approval of the budget on Monday, the Taiwanese defense ministry said it has started reviewing its strategic fuel reserves and repair abilities in 2022. The ministry said that the spending for this year would include replenishment of artillery and rocket stockpiles along with parts for its F-16 jets “to strengthen combat continuity” in the event that China puts up a “total blockade of the Taiwan Strait.”

China views the democratically-governed Taiwan as its territory and has opposed any interaction between the island’s government and other foreign governments. Taiwan has repeatedly rejected China’s assertions. The ministry, in a threat update assessment, said the Chinese military has been conducting joint force operations focusing on controlling strategic choke points and denying access to foreign forces.

“Recently, the Communist military’s exercise and training model has been adjusted from a single type to joint operations of land, sea, air, and rocket forces,” the report said. “It is adopting an actual war approach and shifting from training to combat preparation.”

The assessment was issued ahead of defense minister Chiu Kuo-cheng’s appearance at parliament, taking questions from lawmakers on Wednesday. The Taiwanese defense ministry also said China systematically increased the strength of its “joint combat readiness” actions around the island and that it has continued to use “grey zone” tactics to test Taiwan’s response, such as sending drones, fishing boats, and balloons, close to the island.

Also on Monday, Reuters reported that the United Kingdom approved an increase in exports of submarine parts and technology to Taiwan last year. The value of licenses that were approved by the British government to companies that export submarine-related parts and technology to Taiwan overall was $201.29 million during the first nine months of 2022, the UK export licensing data showed.

While the UK does not recognize Taiwan and has no formal diplomatic relations with the island, it still maintains economic and trade ties along with a de facto British embassy in Taipei.