TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) warned on Wednesday (Feb. 4) that opposition parties are delaying critical defense spending, potentially undermining Taiwan's military preparedness. Speaking at the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨), Taiwan's ruling party, Central Executive Committee (中執會), Lai criticized obstruction of the Executive Yuan's, Taiwan's cabinet, defense budget version. The Special Budget for Enhancing Defense Resilience and Asymmetric Capabilities (強化防衛韌性及不對稱戰力計畫採購特別條例) has received public support from the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), the de facto U.S. embassy, seven times.
The Legislative Yuan (立法院), Taiwan's parliament, recently passed the Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) version of the national defense special act. Lai criticized this version, stating it severely restricts the scope of arms purchases and infringes on executive authority. The parliament concluded its 11th session's fourth meeting on Thursday (Jan. 30) without reviewing the central government general budget or the national defense special budget draft. Legislators also passed several controversial bills during the session.
Lai stressed the potential economic impact if the government budget remains unapproved, warning that Taiwan might miss development opportunities during the AI wave. He urged all political parties to prioritize the livelihood economy and national security when the new session opens. The president called for completing the review of the general budget and the national defense special act swiftly. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.58)