Taiwan legislator slams opposition over 'military secrets' during drone bill debate

Taiwan's legislature encountered significant procedural issues during the review of a special bill for the procurement of unmanned vehicles. While the committee session was intended to deliberate on proposals, including one from legislator Chung Chia-pin, the process was marred by what he described as chaotic behavior from opposition members.

Chung Chia-pin, a legislator from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), specifically criticized members of the Kuomintang (KMT) for their conduct during the meeting. He alleged that some KMT legislators asked about military secrets and proposed measures without adequate preparation or understanding of the subject matter. Chung also noted instances where KMT members requested joint military-civilian testing grounds without providing necessary supporting plans.

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The KMT only treats major national policies as the political spoils of their party.

The DPP legislator argued that such actions demonstrated the KMT's tendency to treat crucial national defense policies as political bargaining chips rather than engaging in serious, professional deliberation. He accused the KMT of proposing "empty shell" bills that could undermine Taiwan's self-defense capabilities and prioritize partisan interests over national security.

Furthermore, Chung Chia-pin revealed that KMT caucus whip Fu Kun-chi had previously assured an official from the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) that the unmanned vehicle bill would pass the committee stage. Chung implied this commitment was made without proper legislative process, suggesting a disregard for substantive debate and a focus on political maneuvering.

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The KMT's rough handling of their own 'empty shell' bill not only drags down Taiwan's self-defense capabilities but also treats major national policies as the political spoils of their party, which is truly detestable.