TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The KMT failed to reach a consensus on a proposed special defense budget after a caucus meeting Wednesday, highlighting internal divisions within the party.
Lawmakers are weighing two competing proposals: an NT$800 billion package and a smaller NT$380 billion plan that would cover any future Letters of Offer and Acceptance from the US, per Tai Sounds.
The larger proposal is backed by former Chair Eric Chu (朱立倫), Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) and most KMT lawmakers. Meanwhile, the NT$380 billion version is supported by party Chair Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) and caucus convener Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁).
Speaking after the meeting, Fu said discussions were “very democratic” and denied that lawmakers had been lobbied in advance, per SETN. However, KMT Legislator Chen Yu-jen (陳玉珍) said she had received calls regarding the proposals, adding they did not affect her position as a supporter of the NT$380 billion plan, per ETtoday.
Fu said the caucus still has time to resolve differences, noting that a legislative vote is expected after May 8.
KMT Legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin (徐巧芯), who proposed the NT$800 billion plan, said whether the bill reaches the floor on May 8 will depend on cross-party negotiations scheduled for May 6, led by Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜). She said the KMT supports military procurement and is working to produce a plan that meets defense needs.
Fu also faced allegations that he supports the NT$380 billion plan in exchange for political backing from Cheng in a potential bid for deputy speaker, should current Deputy Speaker Johnny Chiang (江啟臣) win the Taichung mayoral race, per SETN. Fu denied the claim and accused the DPP of spreading rumors.
KMT insiders said the NT$800 billion proposal is partly aimed at easing pressure on municipal candidates, including KMT Legislator Ko Chih-en (柯志恩), who has cited the defense budget as a key voter concern ahead of the 2026 elections, per Liberty Times. They said the party has left candidates out in the cold by pushing the NT$380 billion proposal.
Hsu has also reportedly arranged meetings between US arms manufacturers and KMT lawmakers with assistance from the American Institute in Taiwan, per UDN. While she said the special budget was not discussed, some within the party have expressed concern over the meetings.
DPP Legislative Caucus Secretary-General Chuang Jui-hsiung (莊瑞雄) criticized the KMT’s internal divisions, accusing Cheng of allowing Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s influence to override the party’s decision-making, per Tai Sounds. He urged the KMT to act independently rather than, in his words, “being kidnapped” by its leadership.
