Taiwan opposition votes to cut Lai’s defense budget despite US urging
Taiwan tensions
Outlays slashed by about 38% days before expected Trump-Xi summit in Beijing
Taiwanese soldiers carry a drone during an annual military exercise in Kaohsiung in January. © Reuters
THOMPSON CHAU
May 8, 2026 17:39 JST
Updated on May 8, 2026 18:17 JST
TAIPEI — Taiwan’s opposition-led legislature on Friday voted to cut President Lai Ching-te’s proposed defense funding by more than a third, a move likely to draw scrutiny in Washington days before an expected summit between the U.S. and Chinese leaders.
