President Lai: Special defense budget cannot be discounted, hopes for rational cross-party approval
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te emphasized his strong support for the full approval of the special defense budget, stating it is crucial for military morale and Taiwan's security. He urged opposition parties to respect expert opinions and approve it promptly.
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- 📰 Published: May 6, 2026 at 16:49
- 🔍 Collected: May 6, 2026 at 17:01 (12 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 6, 2026 at 17:19 (17 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Wen Kuei-hsiang, Taipei, 6th) President Lai Ching-te stated today that supporting an undiscounted special defense budget means safeguarding the armed forces and ensuring Taiwan's security and democratic daily life. He emphasized that whether the budget is discounted by 30% or 70%, it would be a heavy blow to the military officers and soldiers who are on duty 24/7. He stressed that there is no room for compromise on national security, and hopes that all political parties will uphold rationality, refer to the opinions of professional generals, and promptly pass the Executive Yuan's version of the special defense budget.
The President posted on Facebook today, stating that supporting an undiscounted special defense budget means safeguarding our military brothers and ensuring the daily life we cherish. Whether it's a 30% or 70% discount, it would be a heavy blow to the military officers and soldiers who are on the front lines every day, working tirelessly. There is absolutely no room for compromise on national security, and this should be a cross-party social consensus.
He also mentioned that Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim has clearly pointed out the necessity of this budget, which was professionally drafted by the Ministry of National Defense, praised by international allies, and supported by nearly 70% of public opinion. It comprehensively covers the long-term defense needs of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu.
The President stated that trust must be maintained through strength, defense needs and industrial upgrading benefits must be balanced, and in response to the rapid updates in AI and unmanned technologies, a special budget is needed to ensure the stability of military building plans.
He pointed out that the Ministry of National Defense has repeatedly explained the difficulties of other versions to the Legislative Yuan through public statements or confidential meetings. He once again sincerely and deeply hopes that opposition legislators can withstand pressure, uphold rationality, refer to the opinions of professional generals, substantially review the Executive Yuan's version of the special defense budget, and pass it as soon as possible.
The President stated that everyone should work together to protect sovereignty and support Taiwan's soldiers, allowing Taiwan's industries and economy to flourish without worries, and enabling Taiwan to continue to stride forward and move towards the world. (Editor: Lin Hsing-meng) 1150506
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(Central News Agency reporter Wen Kuei-hsiang, Taipei, 6th) President Lai Ching-te stated today that supporting an undiscounted special defense budget means safeguarding the armed forces and ensuring Taiwan's security and democratic daily life. He emphasized that whether the budget is discounted by 30% or 70%, it would be a heavy blow to the military officers and soldiers who are on duty 24/7. He stressed that there is no room for compromise on national security, and hopes that all political parties will uphold rationality, refer to the opinions of professional generals, and promptly pass the Executive Yuan's version of the special defense budget.
The President posted on Facebook today, stating that supporting an undiscounted special defense budget means safeguarding our military brothers and ensuring the daily life we cherish. Whether it's a 30% or 70% discount, it would be a heavy blow to the military officers and soldiers who are on the front lines every day, working tirelessly. There is absolutely no room for compromise on national security, and this should be a cross-party social consensus.
He also mentioned that Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim has clearly pointed out the necessity of this budget, which was professionally drafted by the Ministry of National Defense, praised by international allies, and supported by nearly 70% of public opinion. It comprehensively covers the long-term defense needs of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu.
The President stated that trust must be maintained through strength, defense needs and industrial upgrading benefits must be balanced, and in response to the rapid updates in AI and unmanned technologies, a special budget is needed to ensure the stability of military building plans.
He pointed out that the Ministry of National Defense has repeatedly explained the difficulties of other versions to the Legislative Yuan through public statements or confidential meetings. He once again sincerely and deeply hopes that opposition legislators can withstand pressure, uphold rationality, refer to the opinions of professional generals, substantially review the Executive Yuan's version of the special defense budget, and pass it as soon as possible.
The President stated that everyone should work together to protect sovereignty and support Taiwan's soldiers, allowing Taiwan's industries and economy to flourish without worries, and enabling Taiwan to continue to stride forward and move towards the world. (Editor: Lin Hsing-meng) 1150506
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship is the power to protect press freedom.
Download CNA's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and audio-visual content of this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.