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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Economy & Trade

KMT's drone budget plan called 'scam' by critic

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Taiwan's opposition KMT party proposed a budget of NT$240 billion for drones, funded annually over six years, after blocking an executive-yuan-backed special budget.
  • The ruling DPP criticized the KMT's proposal, arguing that annual budget reviews would delay military modernization.
  • Commentator Wen Lang-tung accused the KMT of a "fake game" and "scam," asserting that neither the KMT nor other politicians genuinely support the drone industry.

Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party has proposed a six-year, NT$240 billion (approximately $7.3 billion USD) general budget for drone procurement, following their obstruction of a special budget bill from the executive yuan. The KMT's plan involves annual allocations of NT$40 billion.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) criticized the KMT's approach, arguing that subjecting drone procurement to annual budget reviews would disrupt the military's modernization timeline. DPP legislators contend that special budgets allow for more efficient and timely acquisition of critical defense equipment.

This is the KMT's 'fake game' scam.

— Wen Lang-tungCommentator Wen Lang-tung criticizing the KMT's proposed drone budget.

Commentator Wen Lang-tung strongly criticized the KMT's proposal, labeling it a "fake game" and a "scam." He argued that the KMT's move to block the special budget, which had a NT$210 billion allocation, and substitute it with a general budget, demonstrates a lack of genuine commitment to developing the drone industry. Wen asserted that politicians like KMT legislator Fu Kun-chi and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, despite public statements, do not truly support the sector.

Wen further highlighted potential issues, noting that annual budget deliberations could lead to significant delays, citing the recent slashing and freezing of the Coast Guard's budget as an example of how the KMT and other parties could impede defense spending. He suggested that political maneuvering, including Taichung Mayor Lu's push for the drone budget, is aimed at internal party politics and securing electoral support rather than fostering the industry.

Regardless of Lu Shiow-yen, Chen Chih-chung, or Fu Kun-chi, none of them truly support the drone industry.

— Wen Lang-tungWen Lang-tung asserting that key political figures lack genuine support for Taiwan's drone industry.
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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