President Lai Ching-te announced pay increases for military personnel, civil servants and teachers, with specialty and supervisory allowances raised by US$63 starting in July and an additional 4% pay raise set to take effect next January. Lai made the announcement during a visit to an army base in Taichung, calling it the fifth public sector pay hike under his administration and that of former President Tsai Ing-wen. He said the raise recognizes the professionalism of service members while strengthening national defense. Opposition lawmakers' proposals for even higher military salaries remain stalled amid a political standoff.