TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Kuomintang (KMT) announced Monday that it will launch referendums opposing the abolition of capital punishment and the imposition of martial law, urging the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to avoid escalating cross-strait tensions.

KMT Chair Eric Chu (朱立倫) unveiled the two referendums at the Legislative Yuan alongside other KMT officials, CNA reported. Chu urged the public to support the initiatives, describing them as essential for upholding justice in Taiwan’s judicial system and maintaining peace.

On the capital punishment issue, KMT Legislator Wu Tsung-hsien (吳宗憲) argued that while the Constitutional Court did not rule the death penalty unconstitutional, its decision has effectively rendered it obsolete. He said the anti-abolition referendum would allow the KMT to advocate for crime victims.

Regarding martial law, KMT Legislator Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強) criticized President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) designation of China as a hostile foreign force, claiming his 17-point strategy has placed Taiwan in a "semi-martial-law status," Liberty Times reported. Lo proposed the anti-martial-law referendum to allow the public to decide on national security matters.

In response, DPP spokesperson Wu Cheng (吳崢) suggested the KMT’s referendum push reflects Chu’s inability to address ongoing recall efforts, UDN reported. Wu also criticized Chu for allowing KMT Legislative Caucus Convener Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁)—whom he described as Taiwan’s most pro-China politician—to focus on policies that favor China.

DPP Legislative Caucus Convener Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘) argued that the Constitutional Court’s ruling last year, along with a recent execution, shows the government does not intend to abolish capital punishment, CNA reported. On the martial law issue, Ker reiterated that after Lai stated Taiwan would not return to martial law, there is little chance of backsliding.

Meanwhile, Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Legislator Chang Chi-kai (張啓楷) called on the government to provide more details on Lai’s 17-point strategy, PTS reported. When asked whether his party supported the KMT’s referendums, Chang expressed support for the capital punishment referendum but voiced reservations about the anti-martial-law referendum.