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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Elections & Politics

KMT defends defense bill against 'unconstitutional' claims

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The KMT legislative caucus proposed a draft "National Defense Autonomy Unmanned Vehicle Technology Development and Procurement Act," allocating 240 billion NT dollars over six years from the general budget.
  • The ruling party's proposal faces constitutional questions from the Executive Yuan's Secretary-General Chang Chun-hsiung and concerns about review delays from Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng.
  • KMT caucus whip Lin Pei-hsiang defended the proposal, arguing that stable defense industry development and domestic manufacturing are not unconstitutional and questioning the preference for special budgets over general appropriations.

Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party has unveiled a draft bill aimed at bolstering domestic defense capabilities, particularly in unmanned vehicle technology. The proposed "National Defense Autonomy Unmanned Vehicle Technology Development and Procurement Act" earmarks a substantial 240 billion New Taiwan dollars (NT$) over six years, to be funded through the regular government budget.

However, the KMT's initiative has immediately drawn criticism from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Executive Yuan Secretary-General Chang Chun-hsiung has raised concerns about the constitutionality of the KMT's funding mechanism. Adding to the debate, Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng has expressed worries that the proposal could lead to delays in the legislative review process.

Stable national defense autonomy and domestic manufacturing, how can this be unconstitutional?

— Lin Pei-hsiangResponding to questions about the constitutionality of the KMT's defense bill.

KMT caucus whip Lin Pei-hsiang strongly refuted the constitutional challenge, questioning how stable defense autonomy and domestic manufacturing could be deemed unconstitutional. He argued that the proposal aims to foster a robust domestic defense industry, enabling Taiwan to produce and repair its own drones. Lin also pointed out that the KMT's approach prioritizes consistent funding through the general budget, contrasting it with a potential reliance on special budgets, a move he suggested might be favored by the Executive Yuan.

Lin further elaborated that the KMT's bill includes provisions for diversifying satellite capabilities, establishing drone command systems, and enhancing anti-jamming communication technologies. He emphasized that the goal is not merely procurement but also technology transfer for domestic production. Lin also alluded to feedback from "good friends in the U.S.," suggesting that international partners are more concerned with Taiwan's determination to advance its defense industry than the specific budgetary method employed.

We hope to express your determination.

— U.S. partner (paraphrased)Lin Pei-hsiang's account of feedback from American contacts regarding Taiwan's defense industry development.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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