KMT Arms Budget Dispute: Cheng Claims Minority Support for 800 Billion NTD Plan, Jaw Questions Pressure Tactics

The internal debate within the Kuomintang (KMT) over the arms procurement budget has exposed a significant rift, with party chairwoman Chien-li Cheng firmly stating that the 800 billion NTD proposal represents a minority view. Cheng emphasized that the party's majority supports the 380 billion NTD plus N version, a stance she declared non-negotiable, even offering to bear the pressure herself.

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If everyone has pressure, just pass this burden to me, and I will withstand the pressure.

However, former Broadcasting Corporation of China chairman Jaw Shaw-kong has publicly questioned the prolonged deliberation and the alleged strong-arm tactics employed to push the larger budget. He pointed to a previous party meeting where a vote could have settled the matter, suggesting the current delays and mobilization indicate a push for the 800 billion NTD figure, rather than a genuine consensus-building process.

Jaw also highlighted the necessity of incorporating the Taiwan People's Party's (TPP) perspective, given the upcoming legislative negotiations. He argued that differing opinions within the KMT are normal and should not be treated as a crisis, criticizing the current approach as overly dramatic and potentially detrimental to the party's broader interests, especially with upcoming local elections.

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If it were like that, the vote at the KMT caucus meeting on April 29th would have already ended it. Why drag it out?

This internal conflict underscores a broader challenge for the KMT: balancing the demands of different party factions, including the influential Huang Fu-hsing veterans' group, with the need to appeal to a wider electorate. The party's legislative caucus faces a delicate balancing act, attempting to satisfy hardline supporters while avoiding alienating moderate voters crucial for electoral success. The outcome of these negotiations will not only shape the island's defense capabilities but also reflect the KMT's internal cohesion and strategic direction.

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There are different opinions within the KMT, which is normal. Before any political vote, everyone can have different opinions. We still need to negotiate with the TPP, shouldn't we consider the TPP's opinions?