Taiwan is already spending on protection for its 2028 presidential race, a sign officials expect a tense and risky campaign.

• The National Security Bureau has set aside money in its 2027 budget to buy 36 patrol and escort vehicles for the election.
• The plan also covers bulletproof vests for candidates and their spouses, armored briefcases, bulletproof podiums, and bulletproof glass screens.
• Hundreds of vests are being bought for the security staff themselves, alongside medical, bomb-detection, and screening equipment.
• Bodyguards will go through shooting, combat, and counter-attack training, ending with a formal graduation ceremony.

Outlook: The budget now goes to Taiwan's legislature, where lawmakers will decide whether to approve the spending.