Huang Kuo-chang calls on government to demand clarification from US on arms sales

Central News Agency, Taoyuan, May 23. Following reports by US media that acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated the US is suspending a 14 billion USD arms sale to Taiwan, Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Huang Kuo-chang called on the government today to demand a clear explanation from the US, expressing hope that US-Taiwan relations remain 'as solid as a rock.' Presidential Office spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui stated yesterday that there is currently no information regarding any adjustments to this arms sale, and expressed hope that the special budget for military procurement in the legislature will be reviewed as scheduled without complications. Huang attended the 'Taoyuan People's Disaster Prevention Guardian Team' ceremony in Taoyuan this afternoon and told the media that during his visit to the US earlier this year, he clearly expressed the TPP's support for necessary arms sales to Taiwan. He said he hoped for an early announcement of a second batch of arms sales, but received no public declaration from the US, only private assurances that there were no issues and hopes that it would be included in the special military procurement ordinance. Huang stated that the TPP legislative caucus designed practical provisions to include the second batch of arms sales in the special ordinance, requiring a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) to verify budget allocation, which passed its third reading on May 8. Huang expressed regret over the recent US remarks, calling on the government to demand a clear explanation, as the US was confident when initially proposing the sales. He emphasized that defending Taiwan's freedom, democracy, and rule of law is a bottom line that cannot be compromised. Regarding allegations by media personality Huang Kuang-chin that Huang met with former Taichung County Magistrate Liao Liao-yi and offered to use his party's eight seats to support KMT legislator Yang Chiung-ying for Legislative Yuan Vice President, Huang denied the claims. He said there was no direct contact with Liao, and the discussion was merely about potential candidates for Vice President if Johnny Chiang were elected Mayor of Taichung during the KMT primary. Regarding the Taoyuan election, Huang said that while there were issues with the nomination process, the party has handled them, and he believes the four TPP candidates in Taoyuan will serve the public well.