TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — KMT Vice Chair Chi Lin-lien (季麟連) said Wednesday that Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) should be expelled from the party if reports of his support for the NT$800 billion (US$25.31 billion) special defense budget proposal are accurate.
The KMT is divided over whether to back its official NT$380 billion proposal, which would also cover future Letters of Offer and Acceptance from the US, or the larger NT$800 billion package.
At a party central committee meeting, Chi expressed confidence and camaraderie with Han but said that if Han had betrayed the party, expulsion would be warranted, per Mirror Media. He also urged KMT Legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin (徐巧芯), who proposed the larger package, to adhere to the party line.
As Chi continued his remarks, Legislative Caucus Convener Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁) attempted to intervene and stop him, but was unsuccessful. Party Chair Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) later said Chi’s comments may have been overly harsh, while reaffirming confidence in Han, per Liberty Times.
Cheng said the party’s official NT$380 billion proposal is the most suitable option for Taiwan’s security and fiscal needs.
KMT Spokesperson Yin Nai-ching (尹乃菁) said Chi’s remarks do not represent the party, per CNA. She added that while the party knew he would speak at the meeting, it was unaware of the content of his remarks.
The KMT later issued a statement emphasizing Chi's confidence in Han’s character and his ability to oversee legislative negotiations, per Liberty Times.
Han responded on Facebook, saying he had done nothing to betray the nation, the public or the party, per UDN. Hsu, meanwhile, said she would abide by the caucus’ final decision.
Chi’s remarks drew backlash within the KMT. Former vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong (趙少康) called on Chi to clarify his accusation or resign as vice chair, per Liberty Times. Jaw also questioned why the legislative caucus did not hold a vote between the two proposals during Wednesday’s meeting, saying lawmakers supporting the NT$800 billion plan outnumber those backing the smaller proposal by roughly 3 to 1.
Jaw added that because Han is an at-large legislator, expelling him from the party would also cost him the speakership.
Taichung Deputy Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin (鄭照新) criticized Chi’s comments as undermining Han at a time when he faces pressure over the defense budget debate, per CNA. He added that Chi should apologize.
