Taiwan's DPP Welcomes KMT's Drone Regulation Proposal, Calls for Rational Debate

TAIPEI, June 18 — Regarding the manufacturing of indigenous defense industries such as drones, KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wen stated she is considering proposing an opposition version of the drone special regulation. This follows the Executive Yuan's proposal for a draft special regulation on unmanned vehicles. DPP legislative caucus whip Chuang Jui-hsiung today expressed a warm welcome to this development, noting that Cheng emphasized the importance of the drone industry and defense autonomy upon her return from the United States.

At a press conference on the 17th, Cheng mentioned that American think tank experts had sincerely recommended that the KMT should propose its own version regarding indigenous defense manufacturing, particularly drones. Chuang, alongside secretary-general Fan Yun, responded today by pointing out that while the KMT previously cut 335 billion TWD from the drone systems in the 1.25 trillion TWD defense bill, it is positive that Cheng now recognizes their importance.

Chuang emphasized that the defense bill was developed over two years of coordination between the Ministry of National Defense and the U.S., based on Indo-Pacific strategic considerations. It is not a partisan version but a version for Taiwan's national security. He noted that processing through a special budget is preferable to avoid crowding out other departmental budgets in the annual cycle. DPP legislator Chung Chia-pin also noted that defense autonomy and industrial upgrades transcend party lines and welcomed the discussion to drive progress.