KMT Divided on Defense Budget; Hung Hsiu-chu: NT$380 Billion + N Is a 'Learned' Statement
The Kuomintang (KMT) is divided on the national defense special budget. The party central insists on NT$380 billion + N, while some KMT legislators support NT$800 billion. Former KMT chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu explained that the "+N" is a 'learned' statement, signifying flexibility based on actual arms purchase items.
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- 📰 Published: May 3, 2026 at 14:29
- 🔍 Collected: May 3, 2026 at 15:01 (32 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 3, 2026 at 15:05 (3 min after Collected)
Central News Agency (Taipei, May 3rd) — Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu will reconvene cross-party negotiations on the national defense special act draft on May 6th. However, the Kuomintang (KMT) internally has yet to reach a consensus on the allocated amount. The party central insists on NT$380 billion + N, while some KMT legislators support NT$800 billion. Former KMT chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu stated today that the party central's version is a 'learned' statement.
Han Kuo-yu will reconvene cross-party negotiations on the national defense special act draft on May 6th, but the KMT internally has not yet reached a consensus on the allocated amount. The KMT Legislative Caucus is scheduled to hold a meeting on May 5th, where further discussion to build consensus is not ruled out.
Hung Hsiu-chu stated in an interview before attending Taipei City Councilor Hou Han-ting's new book launch today that the NT$380 billion + N, with attention to the '+N' at the end, is a very 'learned' statement. She explained that without a price list or specific items from the United States regarding what they will sell to Taiwan, but with NT$380 billion already allocated, this is very clear. The '+N' is very 'learned' because the figure is undetermined; after specific items are listed and discussed by the Legislative Yuan, it could be NT$800 billion or even NT$900 billion.
Hung Hsiu-chu believes that something should be presented. Currently, money has been paid, but many weapons have not yet been delivered to Taiwan. Is there any business in the world that operates this way? She feels this is bullying, allowing others to demand whatever they want, and it strikes at national dignity. Taiwan is not a colony of the United States.
Regarding KMT Vice Chairman Chi Lin-lien's criticism of Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu at the Central Standing Committee meeting, Hung Hsiu-chu said that Chi Lin-lien, being from a military background, might sometimes speak a bit passionately. Chi Lin-lien might not have had malicious intent or aimed to target anyone specifically; he just spoke more impulsively.
Commenting on KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen's recent performance, Hung Hsiu-chu said that Cheng Li-wen, having just taken office, is very anxious both internally and externally with various party affairs. Internally, there are issues like unity and election arrangements, while externally, she hopes the international community can better understand the KMT. Therefore, Cheng Li-wen's actions have their own considerations, and perhaps everyone has different understandings.
Hung Hsiu-chu concluded that as KMT Chairwoman, Cheng Li-wen naturally has her own ideas, and everyone respects them. Of course, suggestions can be made when necessary, and everyone in the party should have a good discussion, always hoping that the KMT can improve. (Edited by Tsai Su-jung) 1150503
Han Kuo-yu will reconvene cross-party negotiations on the national defense special act draft on May 6th, but the KMT internally has not yet reached a consensus on the allocated amount. The KMT Legislative Caucus is scheduled to hold a meeting on May 5th, where further discussion to build consensus is not ruled out.
Hung Hsiu-chu stated in an interview before attending Taipei City Councilor Hou Han-ting's new book launch today that the NT$380 billion + N, with attention to the '+N' at the end, is a very 'learned' statement. She explained that without a price list or specific items from the United States regarding what they will sell to Taiwan, but with NT$380 billion already allocated, this is very clear. The '+N' is very 'learned' because the figure is undetermined; after specific items are listed and discussed by the Legislative Yuan, it could be NT$800 billion or even NT$900 billion.
Hung Hsiu-chu believes that something should be presented. Currently, money has been paid, but many weapons have not yet been delivered to Taiwan. Is there any business in the world that operates this way? She feels this is bullying, allowing others to demand whatever they want, and it strikes at national dignity. Taiwan is not a colony of the United States.
Regarding KMT Vice Chairman Chi Lin-lien's criticism of Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu at the Central Standing Committee meeting, Hung Hsiu-chu said that Chi Lin-lien, being from a military background, might sometimes speak a bit passionately. Chi Lin-lien might not have had malicious intent or aimed to target anyone specifically; he just spoke more impulsively.
Commenting on KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen's recent performance, Hung Hsiu-chu said that Cheng Li-wen, having just taken office, is very anxious both internally and externally with various party affairs. Internally, there are issues like unity and election arrangements, while externally, she hopes the international community can better understand the KMT. Therefore, Cheng Li-wen's actions have their own considerations, and perhaps everyone has different understandings.
Hung Hsiu-chu concluded that as KMT Chairwoman, Cheng Li-wen naturally has her own ideas, and everyone respects them. Of course, suggestions can be made when necessary, and everyone in the party should have a good discussion, always hoping that the KMT can improve. (Edited by Tsai Su-jung) 1150503