KMT Internal Strife Erupts Over Defense Budget: 'Selling Out the Party' Accusation Flies

A significant rift has emerged within Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party, centered on the contentious issue of a crucial military procurement bill. The dispute escalated dramatically when KMT Vice Chairman Chi Lin-lien publicly accused Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu of 'selling out the party for glory' during a party meeting. Chi even suggested expelling Han from the party, a move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape.

“

I can't help but ask, in supporting the strengthening of Taiwan's defense capabilities, which 'party' has been 'sold out'?

This internal conflict has drawn sharp criticism from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). DPP legislator Chen Pei-yu vehemently denounced Chi's accusations, questioning the logic behind labeling support for Taiwan's defense enhancement as party betrayal. Chen highlighted Chi's past involvement with pro-unification groups and his public praise for Chinese military displays, suggesting a potential conflict of interest or ideological leanings that might influence his stance on national security matters.

The KMT's internal division is manifesting in their approach to the defense budget. Under the leadership of Chairwoman Chang Ya-chung, Vice Chairman Chi Lin-lien, and Caucus Convener Fu Kun-chi, the party appears divided, with some factions pushing for significantly reduced versions of the defense budget – either NT$380 billion or NT$800 billion – and actively obstructing substantive negotiations. This stands in stark contrast to the Executive Yuan's proposed NT$1.25 trillion defense budget over eight years, which is based on rigorous military assessments.

“

When a person with such a background exerts influence within the KMT Central Committee and attempts to obstruct the advancement of the defense budget, all of us Taiwanese must be highly vigilant.

Chen Pei-yu emphasized that national defense requires long-term, professional planning and cannot be sacrificed for internal party squabbles. She urged KMT legislators to prioritize Taiwan's genuine defense needs and engage in professional review within the Legislative Yuan, aligning with the DPP to support the Executive Yuan's proposed defense budget. The legislator stressed that safeguarding Taiwan's democracy and security necessitates unified, cross-party efforts, particularly in the face of escalating external threats.

“

The KMT insists on promoting versions of NT$380 billion or NT$800 billion, which significantly shrink and severely weaken Taiwan's defense capabilities, and uses this to continuously boycott and delay substantive negotiations on the bill.