TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) legislators on Tuesday (Nov. 12) emphasized the nation's need to bolster defense capabilities through military purchases, citing China's authoritarian influence as the primary concern.
The Financial Times reported Taiwan's potential acquisitions from the U.S., including Ticonderoga-class cruisers, Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates, E-2D Hawkeye aircraft, additional MIM-104 Patriot missiles, and Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II jets. These purchases aim to demonstrate Taiwan's resolve against China to the incoming Trump administration.
The Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) attributed the need for military purchases to strained cross-strait relations. DPP Legislator Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) criticized this view, arguing it defends the aggressor and asserting that Taiwan's defense capabilities counter China's sovereignty threats.
When asked about potential visits to Central and South American allies, including a stopover in Hawaii, DPP Legislator Wu Szu-yao (吳思瑤) confirmed no such plans exist. Meanwhile, international reports revealed that President-elect Donald Trump invited Republican Rep. Mike Waltz, known for his strong stance on China, to serve as the White House's national security adviser on China.
Hung respected Trump's appointments, noting Taiwan's close ties with the Republican and Democratic parties. He emphasized Taiwan's role as a critical player in regional peace.