TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) issued a stark warning Thursday (July 3) against proposals for broad cash handouts, arguing they would compromise vital industry support programs and national security initiatives. Speaking ahead of a crucial Friday session where Taiwan's parliament, the Legislative Yuan (立法院), will deliberate a NT$410 billion (approximately US$14.2 billion) special appropriations bill, Cho emphasized the legislation's importance for strengthening economic resilience, social welfare systems, and homeland security capabilities as Taiwan navigates complex international challenges.
The comprehensive legislation, according to Cho, addresses four critical domains: industrial development, employment security, social welfare programs, and a NT$150 billion (approximately US$5.2 billion) allocation specifically earmarked for strengthening homeland security infrastructure. The security funding would be distributed among several government agencies, including the Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部), Ocean Affairs Council (OAC, 海洋委員會), Ministry of Agriculture (MOA, 農業部), and Ministry of the Interior (MOI, 內政部). Michelle Lee (李慧芝), spokesperson for the Executive Yuan (Taiwan's cabinet, 行政院), relayed Premier Cho's statement that Taiwan has been actively engaged in discussions with American officials regarding President Trump's tariff policies, noting that the government had proactively submitted both the industry support framework and special appropriations bill to parliament more than two months earlier.
Premier Cho sharply rebuked proposals from some legislators to redirect NT$150 billion (US$5.2 billion) in security funding and NT$100 billion (US$3.5 billion) earmarked for Taiwan Power Company (台電) subsidies toward direct cash payments to citizens. Such a policy shift, he argued, would inappropriately transfer governmental responsibilities to individuals while failing to address structural economic challenges. The premier emphasized that indiscriminate cash disbursements would undermine strategic initiatives designed to bolster industrial competitiveness, maintain social stability, and safeguard national security interests, cautioning that yielding to opposition demands for populist handouts risked depleting both financial reserves and Taiwan's overall national resilience.
In his closing remarks, Cho implored members of Taiwan's parliament to refrain from implementing arbitrary budget reductions or freezes during their review of the general budget, underscoring that national security funding must remain continuous and without vulnerabilities. The premier appealed to legislators across party lines to acknowledge the holistic approach embodied in the special bill and to facilitate its swift passage. He advocated for enhanced communication between government ministries and political parties to ensure the legislation would effectively address Taiwan's pressing economic and security challenges amid evolving global dynamics. ◼
(At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$28.8)