Taiwan Legislature Blocks Defense Spending Increases

Taiwan faces domestic political paralysis as its legislature, controlled by the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP), continues blocking defense spending increases proposed by President Lai Ching-te's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Security analysts warn this weakens Taiwan's deterrence capacity at a critical time. Washington has been sending mixed signals on its commitment to Taiwan's defense, further complicating the strategic picture.