TPP Caucus Criticizes Lack of Disclosure in Drone Industry Development Plan

Central News Agency, Taipei, June 2. The TPP caucus in the Legislative Yuan questioned the Executive Yuan's 'Drone Industry Development Integrated Plan,' which estimates spending NT$44.2 billion over six years, noting that the approved plan has not been published online. The caucus also alleged that the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) delayed their requests for information, comparing the top-down budget allocation to the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program. The MOEA responded that it provided a 141-page plan on the 21st after receiving the request on the 14th, stating that budget documents have limited space and cannot detail all information, but they will provide data within legal limits upon request. According to Executive Yuan data, the plan aims to expand domestic demand and strengthen the drone supply chain between 2025 and 2030, with an expected output value exceeding NT$40 billion by 2030. TPP caucus convener Chen Ching-lung stated that they had requested details on execution, progress, and subsidy recipients three times since May 14, but were obstructed by the MOEA. Legislator Hung Yu-hsiang argued that the plan involves commercial, not military, drones and is unrelated to national security, questioning the high procurement costs. Legislator Wang An-hsiang stated that while they support drone development, they prioritize fiscal discipline. Hung expressed firm opposition to the proposed special act for drone industry creation.