• Taiwan President Lai announces the development of a new 'T-Dome' air defence system.
• The system aims to counter increased threats from China and enhance overall military readiness.
• Defence spending is set to increase, with plans for a special military budget proposed.
• Lai calls on China to renounce the use of force to seize Taiwan.
• Reports suggest the 'T-Dome' will integrate advanced technology akin to Israel's Iron Dome.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has announced the creation of a new advanced air defence system called "T-Dome" during his National Day address, outlining its purpose to better protect the island against increasing threats from China. Lai indicated that the system is designed to cover multiple layers of air defence, with aims to enhance detection and interception capabilities amidst soaring military tensions in the region, particularly due to China's growing military presence and capabilities, which include advanced aircraft and missile systems, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Lai emphasized Taiwan's clear necessity for increased defence spending, which he stated must rise to over 3% of the island's GDP in the coming year, with aspirations to reach 5% by 2030. This increase is intended to support the development of the T-Dome system and bolster Taiwan's armed forces against the backdrop of heightened military drills and incursions by China into Taiwanese airspace, according to Reuters and BBC.

President Lai further called on China to renounce any intentions to use force, affirming Taiwan's determination to safeguard its sovereignty and democratic way of life. He has framed the enhancement of Taiwan's military capabilities as crucial not only for national defence but also for regional stability, saying, "The increase in defence spending has a purpose; it is a clear necessity to counter enemy threats and a driving force for developing our defence industries," according to TRT Global and Al Jazeera.

Interestingly, experts have drawn parallels between Taiwan's T-Dome system and Israel's Iron Dome, noting that it will require significant resources and time to fully implement. Analysts suggest that while the announcement signals a commitment to self-defence, challenges remain concerning the execution of such a robust military initiative, as pointed out by political scientists commenting on the feasibility of the T-Dome project, according to BBC and Anadolu Agency.