Kox Zhien: Never opposed Kaohsiung's defense industry, supports drone development

Kox Zhien, a candidate for Kaohsiung mayor representing the Kuomintang (KMT), has asserted his support for the defense industry in Kaohsiung, countering claims that his party opposes defense development and hinders drone advancements. Speaking at a union meeting for Aero Industry Development Corp. (AIDC) workers in Gangshan, Kox stated, "We have never opposed Kaohsiung's defense industry."

Kox emphasized that genuine defense autonomy extends beyond simply acquiring equipment. He believes it requires retaining critical technology, skilled talent, and manufacturing orders within Taiwan. "True defense autonomy is not just about procuring equipment, but also about keeping technology, talent, and orders in Taiwan," he stated.

He highlighted the KMT caucus's proposed "Defense Autonomy Unmanned Vehicle Technology Development and Procurement Act," which plans to invest NT$240 billion over six years, an increase of NT$30 billion compared to the executive branch's proposal. Kox advocates for a stable, long-term domestic production mechanism, supported by consistent budgetary allocations, to provide Taiwanese manufacturers with orders, investment opportunities, and a clear future, moving beyond one-off procurement policies.

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We have never opposed Kaohsiung's defense industry.

Furthermore, Kox proposed mandating domestic production ratios within the legislation. He aims for military and commercial drones to achieve 50% domestic production within two years, increasing to 80% within four years. Unmanned surface vessels and ground unmanned vehicles would target over 70% domestic production within four years. This initiative seeks to ensure that key technologies, core talent, and industrial capabilities remain in Taiwan, benefiting companies like AIDC and CSBC Corporation, Taiwan, along with Kaohsiung's comprehensive supply chain.

Kox also plans to actively designate testing grounds for unmanned vehicles, positioning Kaohsiung as a crucial hub for testing, verification, and demonstration of aerial, surface, underwater, and ground unmanned systems. This would foster a complete industrial cluster, enabling research, manufacturing, verification, and mass production to occur within the city. "We have never opposed Kaohsiung's defense industry," Kox reiterated, pledging full support for any initiative that benefits AIDC, Kaohsiung, and Taiwan's defense autonomy. He stressed the importance of correct policies to maximize budget efficiency, strengthening national defense and enhancing industrial competitiveness.

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True defense autonomy is not just about procuring equipment, but also about keeping technology, talent, and orders in Taiwan.