Han Kuo-yu visits U.S. to boost defense ties; critic slams legislative paralysis at home

Taiwan's Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu concluded his five-day visit to the United States by meeting with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson. Accompanied by Taiwan's Representative to the U.S., Alexander Yui, Han engaged in in-depth discussions with Johnson on critical issues including Taiwan-U.S. security cooperation, economic development, and industrial collaboration.

The meetings occurred as Han leads a bipartisan delegation to the U.S., aiming to strengthen ties and explore areas of mutual interest. The discussions with Johnson, the third-highest-ranking political figure in the U.S., are seen as significant for Taiwan's international relations and its defense capabilities.

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The 'drone procurement special regulation' worth NT$210 billion, which is related to Taiwan's defense autonomy and asymmetric warfare capabilities, was directly blocked by the KMT and TPP in the Legislative Yuan. This is not only absurd but also a political farce that makes the international community laugh.

However, upon Han's return to Taiwan, media personality Wu Ching-yi voiced strong criticism regarding the domestic legislative situation. She pointed out that the ruling coalition, comprising the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), had blocked a crucial NT$210 billion special budget for drone procurement. Wu argued that this action directly contradicts Han's stated commitment to strengthening defense capabilities and promoting the drone industry, effectively undermining his credibility.

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Disaster relief budgets are stuck, national defense development is stagnant, is the Legislative Yuan paralyzed? ... When disaster relief funds are blocked, the executive branch can only use emergency measures, and ultimately, it is the frontline disaster relief and people's safety that are affected.

Wu further highlighted the legislative deadlock's impact on other essential areas, such as disaster relief budgets, which have been delayed for over 300 days. She expressed concern that the inability to access funds for disaster preparedness, including emergency reserves, jeopardizes public safety, particularly during the current rainy season. Wu questioned the legislative majority's priorities, contrasting their focus on issues like a potential corporal punishment referendum with the urgent need to address disaster relief and defense budgets.

Wu Ching-yi concluded by stating that Han Kuo-yu should focus on ensuring the normal functioning of the legislature and addressing the paralysis caused by the KMT and TPP. She emphasized that his role as Speaker is to maintain order and facilitate legislative progress, not to allow critical defense and relief measures to be stalled.

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If Han Kuo-yu still wants to run for president, that's a joke! You don't handle the blocked disaster relief budget, you don't handle the blocked drone defense regulation, and you don't handle the KMT paralyzing the Legislative Yuan. Then what do we need a Legislative Speaker for?