Taiwan's president is promising a wave of cash payouts and a record defense budget next year, good news for families and the military but a bet that the government can keep spending without adding debt.

• Defense spending will top NT$1 trillion next year, with money going into drones and other military build-up.
• Families are promised NT$5,000 a month for every child under 18, plus a one-time NT$10,000 "AI dividend" for every person.
• Older farmers would get NT$10,000 a month, and people outside the main pension systems at least NT$5,000 through the national pension.
• The pitch: taxes are up because the economy is doing well, and government debt has not grown.
• Another NT$1 trillion is earmarked for public works and economic development.

Outlook: All of it hinges on the legislature passing the budget, and the fight over it will shape the run-up to local elections.