Kaohsiung Mayor Criticizes Submarine Budget Freeze as "Irresponsible," Citing Impact on Industry
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai has publicly condemned the Kuomintang (KMT) legislative caucus for its move to freeze and cut budgets for national defense projects, including the indigenous submarine program. The mayor described the action as "irresponsible," warning it not only compromises national security but also directly harms Kaohsiung's industrial supply chain, particularly in shipbuilding centered around CSBC Corporation and the drone sector, effectively stunting the city's defense industry growth.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 18, 2026 at 13:42
- 🔍 Collected: May 18, 2026 at 14:01 (19 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 18, 2026 at 14:10 (8 min after Collected)
(CNA reporter Tsai Meng-yu, Kaohsiung, 18th) Regarding the freezing and cutting of the indigenous submarine project in the national defense special budget and general budget, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai stated today that for the sake of national security and Kaohsiung's industrial development, he hopes the Kuomintang (KMT) caucus in the Legislative Yuan will not make such sweeping cuts, calling it an "irresponsible approach." Regarding the issues of freezing and cutting the indigenous submarine project in the national defense special budget and general budget, Yen Teh-fa, Minister of the Veterans Affairs Council, stated today that the growing threat in the Cross-Strait situation is evident to all. He emphasized the importance of strengthening peaceful capabilities by building a complete and reliable combat force. "We do not rely on the enemy not coming, but on our own preparedness to meet them," he said, stressing the need to build combat strength to maintain freedom and democracy. In a media interview this morning, Chen Chi-mai stated that cutting or freezing the submarine budget would affect the future development and manufacturing of CSBC Corporation's submarine industry, and consequently impact Kaohsiung's industries. He noted that Kaohsiung already has a very complete supply chain in shipbuilding, so it's not just CSBC but also the surrounding supply chain manufacturers that will be affected. Chen also pointed out that the same applies to drones, as Kaohsiung has many aerospace and drone-related component suppliers. Cutting these budgets means cutting the development of Kaohsiung's defense industry. Chen stated that from the perspectives of both national security and Kaohsiung's industrial development, he hopes the KMT caucus will reconsider its stance on the relevant defense industry and Kaohsiung's industrial development. "Making such a sweeping cut without knowing why the relevant budget is being deleted is an irresponsible approach," he said. When asked about his views on the next mayoral election and succession in municipal governance, Chen said that city administration is a relay race, and the most important thing is to have the same goal and direction for a smooth transition and continued development. With some time still before the election, he hopes the two mayoral candidates will clearly state their goals for Kaohsiung's future. Chen said citizens are concerned about how the future mayor of Kaohsiung will lead the city forward. Therefore, regardless of the candidates, it is crucial that they explain during the election whether their direction for the city's development is consistent. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150518