Taiwan President Lai Ching-te called on August 26, 2026, for a six-year T$210 billion special budget to purchase 210,000 military drones, framing the measure as essential self-defense. The opposition-controlled parliament has proposed alternatives including an annual cap of T$40 billion funded through the regular budget with economy ministry oversight, with a vote scheduled for August 27. Sources consist solely of left-center outlets, limiting perspective diversity.