DPP Slams Opposition for 'Gift to Xi Jinping' Over Defense Procurement Delay

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has strongly condemned the opposition parties' handling of the defense procurement bill, labeling their actions as a "big gift" to Xi Jinping. DPP spokesperson Lin Chu-yin lambasted the KMT and TPP for turning the vital military spending into a "market price" negotiation, thereby hindering national defense readiness.

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The opposition parties are giving a big gift to Xi Jinping.

Lin argued that the opposition's proposed cuts to the defense budget, particularly regarding commercial purchases and commissioned manufacturing, would leave Taiwan vulnerable and isolated. She emphasized that the defense ministry's comprehensive plan, which includes domestic development and industry integration, is essential for Taiwan's security. By reducing this budget, the opposition is signaling to Beijing that Taiwan's defenses are weak and that it is being excluded from international defense supply chains.

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The opposition parties are turning the defense procurement into a market price negotiation.

The DPP also criticized the KMT's demand for a "price offer" from the US before approving the budget, calling it a "blank authorization" that could lead to missed deadlines. Lin highlighted that Taiwan's economic prosperity, evidenced by its booming stock market, must be protected by robust defense capabilities. She asserted that without security, economic progress is unsustainable, and the opposition's actions jeopardize both.

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Cutting commercial purchases and commissioned manufacturing tells the CCP that Taiwan's beachhead defense still has a loophole.

From Taiwan's perspective, this is not merely a legislative debate but a critical juncture for national security. The opposition's tactics are seen as playing into the hands of external adversaries, undermining the collective effort to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense. The DPP's strong stance reflects a deep concern for national sovereignty and a commitment to ensuring Taiwan can protect itself against potential threats, a sentiment often underappreciated by international observers who may not grasp the immediate and existential nature of these security concerns.

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Deleting commissioned manufacturing excludes Taiwan from the democratic partners' drone supply chain.