Taiwan Legislature Approves First Phase of US Arms Budget, Urges Action on $14 Billion Sale

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan has approved the first phase of a special budget for arms procurement from the United States, totaling more than NT$8.8 billion. The move comes after significant debate and scrutiny, with the ruling Kuomintang (KMT) party emphasizing its support for national defense while maintaining a stance of responsible oversight over taxpayer funds.

KMT legislator Hsu Chih-chieh highlighted that the budget's passage proves the party does not oppose defense construction but rather ensures efficiency and necessity in national security spending. She refuted claims that the KMT's review process would delay arms purchases, pointing to the timely approval of the budget before the May 31 deadline for the first installment of the HIMARS rocket system.

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The completion of the first phase of budget review fully demonstrates that the KMT does not oppose national defense construction, but is responsibly supervising every penny of taxpayer money to ensure that the country's security construction can be done more efficiently and meet actual needs.

Hsu expressed concern over the lack of updates regarding a second, larger arms sale package valued at $14 billion. She called on President Lai Ching-te and Premier Cho Jung-tai to actively engage with the U.S. to ascertain the status of this significant military acquisition. Hsu stressed that national security requires more than rhetoric and urged the government to be transparent with the public about any potential delays or changes to the arms deal.

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For this important arms procurement plan, the government cannot just passively wait. Therefore, I call on President Lai Ching-te and Premier Cho Jung-tai to actively grasp the latest progress and proactively understand the progress of the relevant arms sales with the US.