TAIPEI, Taiwan: Hundreds of people gathered in central Taipei on May 23 to support the government's plan to increase defense spending. This came after the opposition-controlled parliament approved only about two-thirds of the $40 billion budget requested by President Lai Ching-te.

Lai had wanted the full extra defense budget to be approved, including money for U.S. weapons and locally made equipment like drones, to strengthen protection against China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory.

However, the opposition, which holds the majority in parliament, passed its own version of the plan this month. It limited spending to U.S. weapons only, saying the government's proposal was unclear and could risk corruption.

Several human rights and pro-independence groups organized the protest in Taipei. People waved flags and shouted slogans supporting higher defense spending.

Wang Hsing-huan, chairman of the small Taiwan Statebuilding Party, told the crowd that real peace needs strong national defense, and that strengthening defense is necessary to protect Taiwan's freedom.

The government is now seeking approval for the remainder of the budget, including funding for its new "T-Dome" integrated air defense system.

Angela Yen, a 34-year-old civil engineer, said Taiwan must protect itself from China's growing power and added that China and Taiwan are separate countries.

Both main opposition parties say they support defense spending, but they do not want to approve funding without clear details.

Speaking in southern Taiwan on the same day, Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the main opposition party Kuomintang, said no one wants war with China. She added that Taiwan has enough money but should not spend it carelessly.

Cheng also said Taiwan should prioritize peace over war and should not send young people to fight. She had met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing last month.

Taiwan's government rejects China's claims over the island, saying only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.