DPP: Opposition drone bill versions exclude capabilities China fears most

Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has criticized opposition-backed versions of a drone procurement bill, asserting they omit crucial military capabilities that China would find most threatening. The DPP argues that the government's proposed special bill is essential for national defense autonomy and establishing a stable, "non-Chinese" supply chain.

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Whether there is Chinese influence, I do not know, but the deployment of coastal surveillance, attack drones, and unmanned surface vessels proposed in the government's version is what China hates the most.

DPP caucus whip Chuang Jui-hsiung stated that while he cannot confirm direct Chinese influence, the government's plan to deploy coastal surveillance, attack drones, and unmanned surface vessels is precisely what China fears most. He criticized opposition parties for not including these capabilities in their versions of the bill. The DPP's core objective with its special bill is to enhance Taiwan's asymmetric warfare capabilities through defense self-sufficiency and a stable development mechanism.

Chuang expressed concern that opposition versions, which rely on general annual budgets, would subject drone procurement to the whims of the legislature. He pointed to past budget reviews where opposition parties "cut or reduce" funding, suggesting a politically motivated approach. "Drones are too important for Taiwan and are the biggest deterrent to China!" he declared, emphasizing the critical role of attack drones regardless of the threat's origin. Without cross-year budget allocations, Taiwan's drone capabilities would remain stagnant.

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Drones are too important for Taiwan and are the biggest deterrent to China!

DPP caucus secretary-general Fan Yun clarified that a NT$42.2 billion drone plan approved in the previous week's general budget primarily covers domestic uses, such as educational and medical applications. It notably excludes the military-grade coastal surveillance, attack drones, and unmanned surface vessels outlined in the government's special bill. The DPP fears that relying on annual budgets, as proposed by the KMT's NT$240 billion, six-year plan, would lead to constant political battles and unpredictable funding.

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The plan approved last Friday mainly includes domestic-use drones for education and agriculture, but completely excludes military-grade coastal surveillance, attack drones, and unmanned surface vessels.