Taiwan's Foreign Ministry is raising its budget for hosting foreign visitors, framing it as a defensive move against China's growing influence campaigns — a sign Taipei is spending more to shore up its shrinking circle of international friends.

• The ministry's visitor-hosting budget jumped by over NT$150 million for next year, but lawmakers froze part of it, demanding proof the spending actually works.
• The ministry says the increase is needed because China is luring away Taiwan's allies and friendly contacts, squeezing Taiwan's international space.
• Rising travel costs — airfare, lodging, insurance — driven by inflation, exchange rates, and oil price swings are also eating into the budget, especially for North America trips.
• The ministry points to wins like a visit from Paraguay's former president (resulting in new judicial and tech cooperation deals) and a Panamanian delegation that led lawmakers there to form a 45-member pro-Taiwan group.
• Officials also cite the need to court figures connected to the Trump administration's renewed outreach to Latin America, plus deepening U.S. and Canada ties.

Outlook: Expect continued friction between the ministry and lawmakers over budget transparency, even as Taiwan keeps increasing diplomatic outreach spending to counter China's pressure campaign.