TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) on Monday defended the party’s special defense budget proposal, which would allocate NT$380 billion (US$12 billion) plus additional funding tied to future Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs), while criticizing an alternative NT$800 billion plan.
Cheng argued that Taiwan does not need to allocate funds before the US authorizes arms sales, saying that doing so could leave funds vulnerable to misuse by the ruling DPP, per ETtoday. She said requiring LOAs reflects the KMT’s acceptance, not rejection, of US arms deals.
Cheng added that the party has not seen any new LOAs that would justify increasing the budget, per Liberty Times. If a rumored US$120 billion LOA materializes, she said, the KMT would initiate a review.
Recent reports indicate the TPP may be leaning toward raising its proposal to NT$800 billion, per NOWNews. Responding to the reports, TPP legislative caucus convener Chen Ching-lung (陳清龍) said the party’s NT$400 billion proposal is based on information provided by the US and that it would adjust its proposal if a new round of arms sales is announced, per UDN.
Cheng also said most KMT lawmakers support the NT$380 billion proposal. However, KMT Legislator Lai Shyh-bao (賴士葆) disputed that claim, saying lawmakers who spoke at a recent caucus meeting showed stronger support for the larger proposal.
Lai suggested Cheng may have been misinformed, per Mirror Media.
The KMT remains divided over the special defense budget, per Liberty Times. Reports indicate party leaders have been lobbying lawmakers to back the smaller proposal.
KMT Legislator Yeh Yuan-chih (葉元之) said he had received calls explaining why the lower figure is preferable, per UDN.
On whether a vote is necessary to resolve internal differences, KMT Legislator Ma Wen-chun (馬文君) said consensus might still be reached without one. She added that questions over whether a special budget is needed and whether the weapons are suitable for Taiwan are more important than the total amount.
Former KMT Chair Hung Hsiu-chu (洪秀柱) also weighed in, criticizing the US for delays in delivering weapons already purchased. She said, “satisfying every need and desire of another nation deals a heavy blow to Taiwan’s national dignity.”
Commenting on the party’s internal divide, New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) said swift review and passage of the special budget are critical to Taiwan’s security, per UDN. He has previously said defense spending should exceed 3% of GDP and indicated his position on the special defense budget aligns more closely with the Defense Ministry.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) also addressed the issue, reiterating his long-standing support for strengthening Taiwan’s defense, per NOWNews. He said the KMT caucus’ next priority is to build consensus and reach a decision.
