Chi Lin-lien's Remarks on Military Procurement Stir Controversy, Cheng Li-wen Calls for Unity to Avoid Internal Discord
Kuomintang (KMT) Vice Chairman Chi Lin-lien's comments regarding a military procurement case caused internal party ripples, prompting Chairperson Cheng Li-wen to call for unity and urge against unnecessary internal strife. She affirmed the party's commitment to deepening strategic defense cooperation with the US and opposing the opaque, massive budget for the National Defense Special Act bill.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 30, 2026 at 19:56
- 🔍 Collected: April 30, 2026 at 20:01 (5 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 30, 2026 at 20:58 (57 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Huang Hsu-sheng, New Taipei, 30th) KMT Vice Chairman Chi Lin-lien's remarks on military procurement have drawn attention. KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wen stated today that Chi Lin-lien and Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu have been old comrades for many years and will not be divided, urging against over-interpretation that leads to internal disarray. The KMT will also deepen strategic defense cooperation with the United States.
At a KMT Central Standing Committee meeting on the 29th, it was reported that Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu supported the National Defense Special Act bill, earmarking NT$800 billion. KMT Vice Chairman Chi Lin-lien reportedly stated that if true, he would recommend expelling Han Kuo-yu from the party. The statement caused a shockwave within the party.
Cheng Li-wen, speaking today at the party's "Central Labor Committee 115th Model Worker Commendation Ceremony" in the afternoon, said that Chi Lin-lien's related remarks were a moment of emotion, "a bit impulsive," but he and Han Kuo-yu are old comrades and friends of many years, and his words were heartfelt. She added that outsiders should not over-interpret or deliberately try to sow discord.
Cheng Li-wen said that Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu bears heavy responsibilities and is in a dilemma under the current pressures of cross-strait and defense issues, experiencing immense psychological pressure and torment, like a "stone grinder heart." However, most party members have expressed support and concern.
She emphasized that the KMT has always advocated for balancing cross-strait peace and national defense security. In addition to promoting stable cross-strait development, it will also deepen strategic defense cooperation with the United States. The two are not in conflict or contradiction, and the party will not fall into disarray.
Regarding the military procurement case, Cheng Li-wen stated that the KMT supports rational discussion but cannot accept the policy traps set by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), especially regarding the blank authorization of a budget as high as NT$1.25 trillion. The party's stance is explicitly against it and will never accept it. She said the KMT will responsibly scrutinize to ensure defense resources are used for truly necessary items.
Cheng Li-wen also called on the public to maintain confidence in the KMT caucus in the Legislative Yuan, emphasizing that the party will respond to challenges with unity, striving to maintain Taiwan's security and regional peace. At the same time, she also expressed support and gratitude to laborers, hoping to work hand-in-hand with grassroots efforts for future development and the year-end elections, fighting together in unity.
In addition, KMT New Taipei Mayor candidate Li Sichuan also attended the commendation event this afternoon, interacting with awardees and shouting "Frozen Garlic!" (a pun meaning "elect!"). He attended at a different time than Cheng Li-wen, and upon leaving, when confronted by a large group of media, Li Sichuan did not comment on Chi Lin-lien's remarks or the military procurement case. (Editor: Li Hen-shan) 1150430
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(Central News Agency reporter Huang Hsu-sheng, New Taipei, 30th) KMT Vice Chairman Chi Lin-lien's remarks on military procurement have drawn attention. KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wen stated today that Chi Lin-lien and Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu have been old comrades for many years and will not be divided, urging against over-interpretation that leads to internal disarray. The KMT will also deepen strategic defense cooperation with the United States.
At a KMT Central Standing Committee meeting on the 29th, it was reported that Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu supported the National Defense Special Act bill, earmarking NT$800 billion. KMT Vice Chairman Chi Lin-lien reportedly stated that if true, he would recommend expelling Han Kuo-yu from the party. The statement caused a shockwave within the party.
Cheng Li-wen, speaking today at the party's "Central Labor Committee 115th Model Worker Commendation Ceremony" in the afternoon, said that Chi Lin-lien's related remarks were a moment of emotion, "a bit impulsive," but he and Han Kuo-yu are old comrades and friends of many years, and his words were heartfelt. She added that outsiders should not over-interpret or deliberately try to sow discord.
Cheng Li-wen said that Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu bears heavy responsibilities and is in a dilemma under the current pressures of cross-strait and defense issues, experiencing immense psychological pressure and torment, like a "stone grinder heart." However, most party members have expressed support and concern.
She emphasized that the KMT has always advocated for balancing cross-strait peace and national defense security. In addition to promoting stable cross-strait development, it will also deepen strategic defense cooperation with the United States. The two are not in conflict or contradiction, and the party will not fall into disarray.
Regarding the military procurement case, Cheng Li-wen stated that the KMT supports rational discussion but cannot accept the policy traps set by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), especially regarding the blank authorization of a budget as high as NT$1.25 trillion. The party's stance is explicitly against it and will never accept it. She said the KMT will responsibly scrutinize to ensure defense resources are used for truly necessary items.
Cheng Li-wen also called on the public to maintain confidence in the KMT caucus in the Legislative Yuan, emphasizing that the party will respond to challenges with unity, striving to maintain Taiwan's security and regional peace. At the same time, she also expressed support and gratitude to laborers, hoping to work hand-in-hand with grassroots efforts for future development and the year-end elections, fighting together in unity.
In addition, KMT New Taipei Mayor candidate Li Sichuan also attended the commendation event this afternoon, interacting with awardees and shouting "Frozen Garlic!" (a pun meaning "elect!"). He attended at a different time than Cheng Li-wen, and upon leaving, when confronted by a large group of media, Li Sichuan did not comment on Chi Lin-lien's remarks or the military procurement case. (Editor: Li Hen-shan) 1150430
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force for protecting press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest information.
The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.