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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Elections & Politics

On Arms Procurement Bill, Hou Yu-ih First Statement: My Opinion Similar to Executive Yuan's Version

From Liberty Times · (1h ago) Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih stated his opinion on the arms procurement bill aligns closely with the Executive Yuan's version.
  • He reiterated his stance that defense spending should not fall below 3% of GDP and urged swift legislative review.
  • Hou's position differs from some within his own party, emphasizing Taiwan's self-defense capabilities as crucial for peace.

New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih has broken his silence on the contentious arms procurement bill, offering his clearest stance to date. In a statement yesterday, Hou indicated that his views on the defense budget closely mirror those proposed by the Executive Yuan, a position that appears to diverge from certain factions within the Kuomintang (KMT). This marks a significant moment, as Hou, a prominent figure in the party, articulates his priorities for Taiwan's national security.

Defense budget should not be lower than 3% of GDP.

— Hou Yu-ihStating his long-held position on national defense expenditure.

Hou reiterated his long-held belief that Taiwan's defense spending should consistently remain at or above 3% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He stressed the importance of a swift legislative review and passage of the defense budget, emphasizing that "professional matters should be left to the Ministry of National Defense to evaluate." This call for expedited action underscores his conviction that a robust defense is not merely a matter of policy, but a prerequisite for maintaining peace in the region. His remarks implicitly support the Executive Yuan's proposed NT$1.25 trillion package, aligning his public position with the government's security objectives.

I urge the defense budget to be negotiated and reviewed as soon as possible.

— Hou Yu-ihCalling for expedited legislative action on the arms procurement bill.

Responding to internal party debates and criticisms, such as those leveled against Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu, Hou urged for internal communication and coordination. He acknowledged that different opinions exist within the KMT but stressed the need for unity and a focus on strengthening Taiwan's capabilities. "Only with national strength can we achieve peace," Hou stated, advocating for a pragmatic approach to defense that prioritizes self-reliance. His position, particularly his emphasis on the GDP percentage as a benchmark rather than adherence to a specific party-proposed figure, highlights his commitment to a strong, independent Taiwan capable of defending itself.

Professional issues should be left to the Ministry of National Defense to evaluate.

— Hou Yu-ihEmphasizing the need for expert assessment in defense matters.
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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