Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said Wednesday his government will propose $40 billion in additional defense spending over eight years, as the democratic island seeks to deter a potential Chinese invasion.

“We aim to bolster deterrence by inserting greater costs and uncertainties into Beijing‘s decision-making on the use of force,” Lai said.

Lai said the extra spending would go towards new arms purchases from the United States as well enhancing Taiwan’s ability to wage asymmetrical warfare. (AFP)