Taiwan unveils record defence budget as China stands firm on claim to island

Taiwan has announced a record defence budget of US$15.4 billion, as the self-ruled island faces growing military pressure from the Chinese mainland. Taipei’s August 13, 2020, announcement of a 10 per cent increase in spending in 2021 represents an increase of about US$1.4 billion. Beijing officials responded by comparing Taiwan’s move to “an ant trying to shake a tree”.