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Taiwan's defense capabilities are under scrutiny as a US Congressional Research Service report outlines challenges stemming from political divisions over a proposed NT$1.25 trillion defense budget. Opposition parties, including the KMT and TPP, have blocked the budget multiple times, leading to concerns about military readiness amid ongoing Chinese military pressure.

Taiwan has committed to increasing its defense budget by 5% annually from 2019 to 2023 and aims for 3.3% of GDP by 2026. The US has pledged significant military support, including NT$1.23 trillion in foreign military sales. However, Taiwan's military modernization efforts are hindered by legislative stalemates and demands for more transparency from opposition lawmakers.