Analysis
Multiple reputable news outlets reported that President Tsai Ing-wen, during a defense review meeting in Taipei in early 2022, announced plans to increase defense spending and to focus on asymmetric capabilities such as missile systems, drones, and anti‑ship weapons. Official transcripts of the meeting and Ministry of National Defense releases corroborate these remarks. The statement accurately reflects her policy commitments at that time.
Background
Amid escalating cross‑strait tensions, Taiwan has sought to modernize its armed forces while maintaining a modest overall budget. Tsai's administration has set a target of raising defense spending to about 2.5% of GDP by 2025 and emphasized asymmetric deterrence to offset China's larger conventional forces. The 2022 defense review was a key forum for outlining these strategic priorities.
Verdict summary
Tsai Ing-wen did state at a 2022 defense review meeting that Taiwan would raise its defense budget and speed up asymmetric warfare development.