Taiwan Passes Annual Budget After Long Delay, Including Drone Spending

Taiwan’s opposition-controlled parliament passed the central government’s 2026 budget late Friday after a record 266-day delay. Lawmakers cut the original spending plan by NT$48 billion, bringing total spending to NT$2.9869 trillion, but approved NT$63.4 billion earmarked for drone industry development and procurement. President Lai Ching-te urged “professionalism” and warned budget reviews shouldn’t be distorted by politics. Taiwan is also expected to increase defense spending next year, with the cabinet set to propose the 2027 budget soon.