Taiwanese authorities have proposed a record defense budget for 2024 totaling more than 600 billion New Taiwan dollars, or about 19 billion US dollars, as China increases military pressure.

President Tsai Ing-wen was briefed on the proposal on Monday by officials from the Executive Yuan, or Cabinet.

The proposed budget is 606.8 billion New Taiwan dollars, up 4.5 percent from the current year. It includes a special budget, which analysts believe will be spent on procuring advanced F-16V fighter jets and mass-producing missiles and other equipment.

If approved, it will be the first time that defense spending has topped 600 billion New Taiwan dollars. Tsai said it accounts for 2.5 percent of Taiwan's GDP.

The Taiwanese presidential office released a video showing Tsai being briefed on the proposed budget. She said Taiwan must continue strengthening its self-defense capabilities and demonstrate its determination for self-defense in order to ensure its security and interests and win more international support.

The burden on Taiwanese military forces has been growing, as they scrambled jets and took other measures in response to increased pressure from the Chinese military.

Chinese forces have been stepping up activities involving aircraft and vessels around Taiwan.

Last week, Taiwan's defense ministry said it would increase its spending on fuel next year by about 50 percent from 2023.