Military Procurement Act Passes Third Reading, Ministry of National Defense: Actively Deliberating Countermeasures and Communicating with Legislative Yuan
The Legislative Yuan passed the third reading of the military procurement special act, but the budget ceiling was reduced significantly. The Ministry of National Defense announced it would actively formulate countermeasures and communicate with the Legislative Yuan to ensure combat readiness. The United States continues to urge Taiwan to strengthen its defense investments.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 9, 2026 at 19:28
- 🔍 Collected: May 9, 2026 at 19:31 (3 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 9, 2026 at 19:34 (2 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporters Wu Shu-Wei, Wen Gui-Xiang, Taipei, 9th) The Legislative Yuan yesterday passed the third reading of the "Special Act on Procurement for Safeguarding National Security and Strengthening Asymmetric Combat Capabilities," which concerns military procurement from the United States, but the budget ceiling was reduced from the original NT$1.25 trillion to NT$780 billion, and additional budget review checkpoints were added; President Lai Ching-Te stated today that payment for Himars missile procurement might be too late, hoping that national security will not be compromised in any way, and wishing that all political parties can continue to work hard.
The Ministry of National Defense spokesperson posted on Facebook today, stating that the military, in its duty to defend national security, will actively deliberate on countermeasures and communicate with the Legislative Yuan to provide soldiers with more complete combat capabilities and protect national security.
In addition, Jeanne Shaheen, the lead Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Republican Senator John Curtis also issued a statement saying that this vote demonstrates that Taiwan is seriously addressing the urgent need to strengthen its defense in the face of Beijing's increasing military coercion and pressure. "We also expect Taiwan's leaders to take further steps to strengthen investment in asymmetric combat capabilities and indigenous defense production, which remain crucial for long-term deterrence."
Defense sources said today that from the relevant statements of the State Department and U.S. congressmen, the U.S. is urging Taiwan, regardless of political party, to continue strengthening its defense investments, especially paying close attention to the investment in "asymmetric combat capabilities" that was excluded this time, and believes that delays in these projects will amount to concessions to China. The message is quite strong.
Defense sources pointed out that although the U.S. positively views the NT$780 billion that has been passed, the original comprehensive military plan is insufficient after the budget was cut by NT$470 billion. Therefore, the U.S. believes that the remaining gap urgently needs to be filled to ensure the completeness of the entire defense system, without omitting any key combat capabilities, in order to confront China's increasing military coercion and pressure. Only by establishing long-term, stable deterrence can the status quo across the Taiwan Strait be maintained. (Editors: Lin Ke-Lun, Yang Kai-Hsiang) 1150509
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(Central News Agency reporters Wu Shu-Wei, Wen Gui-Xiang, Taipei, 9th) The Legislative Yuan yesterday passed the third reading of the "Special Act on Procurement for Safeguarding National Security and Strengthening Asymmetric Combat Capabilities," which concerns military procurement from the United States, but the budget ceiling was reduced from the original NT$1.25 trillion to NT$780 billion, and additional budget review checkpoints were added; President Lai Ching-Te stated today that payment for Himars missile procurement might be too late, hoping that national security will not be compromised in any way, and wishing that all political parties can continue to work hard.
The Ministry of National Defense spokesperson posted on Facebook today, stating that the military, in its duty to defend national security, will actively deliberate on countermeasures and communicate with the Legislative Yuan to provide soldiers with more complete combat capabilities and protect national security.
In addition, Jeanne Shaheen, the lead Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Republican Senator John Curtis also issued a statement saying that this vote demonstrates that Taiwan is seriously addressing the urgent need to strengthen its defense in the face of Beijing's increasing military coercion and pressure. "We also expect Taiwan's leaders to take further steps to strengthen investment in asymmetric combat capabilities and indigenous defense production, which remain crucial for long-term deterrence."
Defense sources said today that from the relevant statements of the State Department and U.S. congressmen, the U.S. is urging Taiwan, regardless of political party, to continue strengthening its defense investments, especially paying close attention to the investment in "asymmetric combat capabilities" that was excluded this time, and believes that delays in these projects will amount to concessions to China. The message is quite strong.
Defense sources pointed out that although the U.S. positively views the NT$780 billion that has been passed, the original comprehensive military plan is insufficient after the budget was cut by NT$470 billion. Therefore, the U.S. believes that the remaining gap urgently needs to be filled to ensure the completeness of the entire defense system, without omitting any key combat capabilities, in order to confront China's increasing military coercion and pressure. Only by establishing long-term, stable deterrence can the status quo across the Taiwan Strait be maintained. (Editors: Lin Ke-Lun, Yang Kai-Hsiang) 1150509
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The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or used without authorization.