TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) on Tuesday (Jan. 27) voiced strong opposition to the Taiwan People's Party's (TPP, 民眾黨) proposed special military procurement bill, Taiwan's third-largest political party. Officials warned that omitting any items listed by the ministry could severely impact combat forces and joint operations, stressing that they prefer the Executive Yuan's version of the bill.
The TPP introduced the bill a day earlier, specifying purchases such as M109A7 self-propelled howitzers, HIMARS rocket systems, and anti-armor drone missiles, with a budget cap at NT$400 billion (around US$12.74 billion). The ministry expressed concerns that if the Legislative Yuan (立法院), Taiwan's parliament, forces the passage of the TPP version, it will face significant obstacles. Taiwan's cabinet version outlines an eight-year plan with a budget of NT$1.25 trillion (around US$39.81 billion).
Lieutenant General Huang Wen-chi (黃文啟), director of the Department of Strategic Planning (戰略規劃司), highlighted the lack of domestic supporting funds in the TPP's proposal. He noted that facilities such as shelters and garages are necessary to protect the HIMARS system from damage. The ministry emphasized that it has already confirmed preliminary quantities, delivery timelines, and budget requirements for U.S. weapon procurement after a year of negotiations, planning to sign a letter of offer and acceptance with the U.S. to finalize prices and delivery.
The ministry pointed out that the draft proposal, titled "Special Budget for Enhancing Defense Resilience and Asymmetric Capabilities" (強化防衛韌性及不對稱戰力特別條例草案), has received public endorsements from the U.S. Congress, the State Department, and the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). The ministry contrasted this support with those who replace professional reviews with political declarations. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.4)