2023/08/17
The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release stating that the budget of national defense has grown steadily year by year to promote military build-up and war preparations (August 17, 2023)
Press release of the Ministry of National Defense
Time: August 17, 2023 at 14:50
In response to media reports that "the budget of national defense will exceed 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2023," the Ministry of National Defense (MND) pointed out today (17th) that the national defense budget, aside from the appropriation placed under the jurisdiction of the MND, also includes the special and fund budgets. In recent years, the national defense budget has increased from NT$355.7 billion in 2017 to NT$580.3 billion in 2023, a cumulative increase of NT$224.6 billion, or a growth of 63%. The proportion of GDP soared from 2.0% in 2017 to 2.5% in 2023.
The MND further stated that the national defense budget has grown steadily with strong support of the government in recent years, which has helped promote military build-up and war preparations. The MND is currently preparing the budget for the year 2024, and it is preliminary estimated that the amount, both the aggregate of the budget and ratio of GDP, will continue to grow. The MND appeals to our nationals for support.