Taipei: A former intelligence chief from the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) has urged Taiwan's Legislature to expedite the approval of a NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.56 billion) supplementary defense budget. The budget is deemed crucial for Taiwan's long-term defense strategy, despite recent reports suggesting that China does not currently plan to invade Taiwan by 2027.

According to Focus Taiwan, Michael Studeman, a recognized expert in Asian affairs and national security, is currently in Taiwan to discuss security issues with government officials and promote his book, "Might of the Chain: Forging Leaders of Iron Integrity." In a recent interview, Studeman emphasized the importance of the "Davidson window," a time frame introduced by former INDOPACOM Commander Philip Davidson, which suggests that China may attempt to take over Taiwan between now and 2027.

Studeman, a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral, clarified that this window highlights China's strategic ambitions rather than predicts specific actions. He urged Taiwan to match China's strategic ambition with robust defense measures.

Studeman pointed to China's large-scale military exercises and "gray zone" tactics around Taiwan as reasons for heightened vigilance. He emphasized the volatile and unpredictable nature of global events and advocated for foresight in reviewing Taiwan's proposed defense budget, which includes funding for future arms purchases from the U.S.

The budget has faced opposition from Taiwan's Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party, which have legislative control. They argue that approving the budget would allow the government to bypass routine oversight. Additionally, political commentators suggest that the likelihood of U.S. Congress approving further arms sales to Taiwan this year is low, especially with an upcoming trade meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

In his interview, Studeman stressed the urgency of passing the defense budget, warning that delaying it could risk Taiwan's security. He highlighted the need for multi-year planning and funding for a variety of weapon systems, beyond the focus on U.S. foreign military sales.

Studeman also discussed the challenges of intelligence sharing between Taiwan and the U.S., noting that Taiwan needs to enhance its counterintelligence efforts against China. While there has been significant progress in information sharing due to deepening trust, protecting secrets remains a critical issue.

Studeman concluded that improving Taiwan's intelligence protection capabilities could lead to increased sharing from the U.S., reassuring the Taiwanese public of ongoing dialogue and cooperation.