DPP's Tsai Chi-chang Offers 'Goodwill Response' to Opposition's Defense Budget Proposal

(CNA, Taipei, 20th, by reporter Yeh Su-ping) The Legislative Yuan recently passed the third reading of a special defense ordinance, which notably excluded commercial purchases and contracted manufacturing cases. The blue camp (KMT) has suggested incorporating these into next year's general budget. According to sources, DPP Caucus Whip Tsai Chi-chang mentioned today at the DPP's Central Standing Committee meeting that the caucus would respond with goodwill to the opposition's suggestion. He stated that what can be included in the annual budget will be, but any shortfall will still require a supplementary budget or a new special ordinance. The exclusion of commercial purchases and contracted manufacturing from the recently passed special defense ordinance has drawn considerable attention. KMT Caucus Whip Fu Kun-chi said that the KMT caucus suggests the Executive Yuan expand the defense budget within the central government's total budget for fiscal year 116 (2027). He affirmed that as long as it benefits national defense development and allows the military to have better weapons to defend Taiwan, the KMT will fully support it. The DPP held its Central Standing Committee meeting today. According to an attendee, Tsai Chi-chang pointed out that the opposition has proposed including the commercial purchase and contracted manufacturing portions in the annual budget. He believes they "can respond with goodwill" to this suggestion. Items that can fit into the annual budget will be scheduled, but since the annual budget is constrained by the overall budget ceiling, any insufficient amount will still require a supplementary budget or a special ordinance. Additionally, according to the source, Central Standing Committee member Wang Ting-yu mentioned during the meeting that CSBC Corporation, Taiwan will also be communicating with the Legislative Yuan regarding the obstruction of the defense budget. He noted that Kaohsiung has a shipbuilding industry, while Taichung, Taipei, and New Taipei have drone industries. As of today, the annual general budget has not yet passed, and voices from the industry are growing louder. According to the source, Wang believes this aspect should be highlighted more, as it is crucial for the continued development of Taiwan's private sector industries into the next stage. President Lai Ching-te, who also serves as the DPP chairman, expressed his agreement. (Editor: Lin Hsing-meng)