Taiwan opposition blocks US$40 billion defence budget, prompting protests from ruling DPP
KMT and TPP say William Lai’s government is seeking a ‘blank cheque’ and demand details of procurement plans before proposal can be reviewed
Taiwan’s opposition lawmakers have blocked a proposed NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) special defence budget from being placed on the agenda for review this week.
The legislature’s procedure committee voted down Lai’s government’s request to schedule the bill for a plenary session on Friday after the main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), and the smaller Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) joined forces to suspend its inclusion.
The move means the eight-year spending package – approved by the cabinet last week after initial consultations with the United States – cannot yet be forwarded to the relevant committees for review.
DPP lawmakers accused the opposition of helping Beijing by blocking a major air-defence investment at a time of mounting pressure from mainland China.
They surrounded the podium and shouted: “Taiwan needs security, not another Wu Sangui!”