Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have proposed raising the Taiwan region's defense budget by 18.2% to a record high of NT$1.1225 trillion ($35.2 billion) in 2027, surpassing NT$1 trillion for the first time and accounting for more than 3% of GDP, according to media reports on the island.

A CGTN stringer spoke with local residents to hear their views on the sharp increase in defense spending. With prices in the Taiwan region remaining above the inflation alert level for several consecutive months and mounting concerns over people's livelihoods, those interviewed said the surge in defense spending could squeeze resources for essential public services and welfare, leaving fewer resources available for people's livelihoods.