Taiwan opposition votes to cut Lai’s defense budget despite US urging

Taiwan tensions Outlays slashed by about 38% days before expected Trump-Xi summit in Beijing Taiwanese soldiers carry a drone during an annual military exercise in Kaohsiung in January. © Reuters THOMPSON CHAU May 8, 2026 17:39 JST Updated on May 8, 2026 18:17 JST TAIPEI — Taiwan’s opposition-led legislature on Friday voted to cut President Lai Ching-te’s proposed defense funding by more than a third, a move likely to draw scrutiny in Washington days before an expected summit between the U.S. and Chinese leaders.