TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) urged Taiwan's parliament to expedite review of the central government's budget and a special defense act on Wednesday (Jan. 28). Speaking at the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP, 民進黨) Central Executive Committee (中執會) meeting, Lai warned that the legislative session ends Friday with critical proposals still stalled by opposition parties. The president called on legislators to advance governance and promote Taiwan's development before the deadline passes.
President Lai noted that the Executive Yuan, Taiwan's cabinet, submitted the Central Government General Budget Proposal (中央政府總預算) over five months ago. He emphasized that the budget has languished without committee review for 152 days, while the special defense act has been rejected 10 times since its submission on Nov. 27, 2025. Lai stressed the central budget's importance, covering AI industry development and disaster prevention, warning of potential economic impacts and missed opportunities if legislators leave it unapproved.
Highlighting Taiwan's strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region, President Lai called for enhanced defense capabilities to maintain regional stability amid rising tensions with China. He stated the necessity of strengthening Taiwan's defense against China's threats, asserting that Taiwan must demonstrate its resolve to safeguard democracy and freedom to gain international support. The proposed special defense budget aims to bolster asymmetric warfare capabilities, which military strategists consider essential for Taiwan's national security against a larger adversary.
President Lai urged unity among Taiwan's political parties, emphasizing that national security and public welfare should transcend partisan interests. He concluded by affirming that freedom isn't free and Taiwan, as a democratic nation, must prioritize the country's development over party interests. The president called on all legislators to set aside partisan differences and approve the critical budget and defense proposals before the legislative session concludes. ◼