Taipei: President Lai Ching-te in his New Year's Day address on Thursday, urged the opposition parties to put national security before partisan politics and swiftly pass a NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.82 billion) special defense budget amid China's "rising expansionary ambitions."
According to Focus Taiwan, Lai emphasized his commitment to defending national sovereignty, strengthening national defense, and enhancing societal resilience. He highlighted the need to establish robust deterrence and democratic defense mechanisms. To achieve this, his administration has drafted legal revisions aimed at bolstering national security and proposed the special defense budget to enhance Taiwan's defense posture over the next eight years. This budget also aims to boost the local weapons manufacturing industry.
Lai stressed the urgency of addressing China's military ambitions, stating that Taiwan cannot afford internal strife. He emphasized the importance of strong national defense as a foundation for national debate and consensus. Despite different views on various issues, he called for a national consensus across party lines to ensure the country's safety.
The opposition, including the Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party, has blocked the review of the special budget for the fifth time. This comes as China conducts large-scale military exercises in maritime zones and airspace around Taiwan. Lai expressed concern that Taiwan-friendly countries might reconsider their support based on Taiwan's commitment to self-defense if the opposition continues to boycott the budget.
In response to a reporter's question, Lai conveyed his hope that the opposition would allow the budget to pass to better protect Taiwan and its people. He criticized the opposition parties for finding excuses for China during its military drills and urged both ruling and opposition parties to demonstrate unity. This, he asserted, is essential to prevent China from receiving the wrong message about Taiwan's vulnerability.
Source: Focus Taiwan
