KMT's Drone Ordinance Plan Called Absurd by DPP Legislator

The Kuomintang (KMT) party is reportedly planning to introduce its own special ordinance for drones, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Wang Ting-yu. The Executive Yuan recently approved a draft special ordinance for the procurement of unmanned vehicles, allocating 210 billion NT dollars for defense autonomy.

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The KMT's intention to propose its own drone ordinance seems to suggest they will only amend laws if they are not unconstitutional.

Wang Ting-yu stated that budget allocation is a constitutional power of the executive branch. He argued that even as the largest party in the legislature, the KMT directing the Ministry of National Defense in military development would be unconstitutional and unrealistic. Wang pointed to the KMT's past actions, including the deletion of drone industry budgets from a previous 1.25 trillion NT dollar defense special budget, which he claims drew concern from the U.S. State Department and the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). He also mentioned that Senator Dan Sullivan reportedly told KMT Chairwoman Chu Li-wen during her U.S. visit that the KMT should cooperate with the DPP on this matter.

Wang expressed that the KMT's intention to propose its own drone ordinance seems to suggest they will only amend laws if they are not unconstitutional. He emphasized that understanding military needs and international discussions falls under the executive branch. Wang urged the KMT to support the government's proposed ordinance and consider both versions together to pass legislation beneficial to Taiwan. He highlighted the drone industry as a potential "guardian mountain" (a term for a crucial national industry) with significant international demand and value, comparable to the electric vehicle sector. Developing this industry, he added, would greatly impact Taiwan's small and medium-sized enterprises and manufacturing sector, enabling self-sufficiency in wartime and contributing to the global economy as a trusted partner in non-Red supply chains.

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Even as the largest party in the legislature, the KMT directing the Ministry of National Defense in military development would be unconstitutional and unrealistic.

Wang concluded by calling for cross-party support for the Executive Yuan's new drone ordinance, urging lawmakers to prioritize national defense and security over partisan interests and to focus on Taiwan's needs rather than external influences. He hopes for the swift passage of the relevant budget.

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The drone industry is another 'guardian mountain,' its international demand and output value are comparable to the electric vehicle industry.