Taiwan Lawmakers Block Drone Bill Amid US Visit

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan has blocked the Executive Yuan's "Special Ordinance for National Defense Autonomous Unmanned Vehicle Procurement" from being listed for review, preventing even a first reading. This obstruction occurred just as Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu led a cross-party delegation to the United States, where drone cooperation was a key topic of discussion with American officials.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Wang Ting-yu strongly criticized the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) for their actions. He accused KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen, KMT caucus whip Fu Kun-chi, and TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang of deliberately obstructing the bill to embarrass Han Kuo-yu. Wang warned that this apparent contradiction between actions abroad and at home could make Han appear untrustworthy to international allies.

Wang highlighted the significant potential for Taiwan-US cooperation in drone development, citing the vast military, commercial, and civilian applications. He argued that such collaboration could build a global non-red supply chain, boost economic ties through Taiwan's manufacturing and technological prowess combined with US advanced technology and battlefield data, and enhance Taiwan's self-sufficient asymmetric warfare capabilities.

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KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen, KMT caucus whip Fu Kun-chi, and TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang are deliberately obstructing the bill to embarrass Han Kuo-yu.

He urged Han Kuo-yu to use his influence to prevent the opposition parties from blocking the development of Taiwan's drone industry, emphasizing its importance for both the economy and national security. Wang cautioned that if Taiwan appears inconsistent in its actions, it could severely damage its reputation among international allies, suggesting that a perceived lack of determination to defend itself would have far-reaching consequences.

Wang also stated that if the opposition parties have alternative proposals, they should submit them for joint review, aligning with constitutional principles that grant the legislature budgetary authority. He stressed that the review of the special ordinance, whether it's a special or annual budget, falls under the executive branch's purview according to the constitution.

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If we show inconsistency in our words and actions, it will make Han Kuo-yu appear untrustworthy to international allies.