TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Oceans Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) said Wednesday that the opposition budget cut passed in January would significantly impact operations.

In January, KMT and TPP lawmakers approved a central government budget that slashed NT$207.5 billion (US$6.3 billion) from the Cabinet’s original proposal. The OAC and its affiliated agencies saw more than NT$1.2 billion cut and frozen, per CNA.

Kuan noted that while the overall budget is higher than last year, some medium- to long-term projects require payments later. This delay has already affected the delivery of two large ships.

Kuan highlighted the challenges posed by threats from China's coast guard and the potential severing of undersea cables. With Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration facing a shortage of law enforcement vessels, she called for additional funding, or successful negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties to address the issue.

Kuan explained that while previous budget freezes were a procedural formality, this year's freeze raised concerns about proceeding with tenders at only 70% of the budget. This could affect suppliers' willingness to sign contracts.

She gave the example of a project to purchase interception ropes for the Coast Guard to enhance safety, which was already reserved for bidding last year. However, it must now be funded through the shipbuilding budget.

Though some items can be adjusted, Kuan stressed that others cannot. For instance, reductions in domestic travel expenses limit the ability to hold key meetings.  

Kuan also pointed out that China's research vessels have become a new threat, with 74 vessels under OAC monitoring and 65 research articles found. She suggested that these activities may serve strategic purposes beyond scientific research.

Kuan added that the passage of 17 military vessels from 10 countries through the Taiwan Strait last year underscores Taiwan's importance in the international arena, further highlighting the need for vigilance.