Taiwan Shells Out $40 Billion, US Contractors Cheer
Taiwan's leadership, fresh off a promise to hit 5% of GDP for defense, is now committing $40 billion over eight years for a 'defense dome' and shiny new U.S. weapons. This comes after former President Trump demanded Taiwan increase spending to an astounding 10% of its GDP—a figure even the U.S. military-industrial complex rarely hits. The narrative? 'Escalating threats' from China, conveniently
ignoring that massive arms purchases often escalate tensions, not de-escalate them. While Taiwan prepares to divert billions from public services to Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, the U.S. 'pressure' on allies to buy American rather than build indigenous defense capabilities continues unabated. One might wonder who truly benefits when a nation is convinced it needs a $40 billion dome against
hypothetical threats, while its domestic needs languish. It appears 'defending democracy' is a lucrative business model for the Pentagon's favorite contractors.