A key financial supporter of the Chinese Nationalist Party openly challenged a major arms budget. Yang Chien-kang raised serious concerns about soaring defense spending during a Friday meeting. Consequently, this intervention highlights deep internal debate over Taiwan’s security policy. The prominent backer specifically urged KMT lawmakers to hold a firm party line. Therefore, his remarks spotlight the political tensions surrounding military procurement plans.
Yang Chien-kang chairs the Yi Kang association and supports the KMT financially. He gathered with party legislators at the KMT headquarters in Taipei. During this event, he presented detailed calculations about long-term military costs. For instance, he cited a proposed special procurement budget of NT$1.25 trillion. Furthermore, he warned that maintenance could cost an additional NT$2.5 to NT$3 trillion.
These figures lead to a critical question about national budget allocation. According to Yang, annual defense spending could reach NT$1.4 trillion soon. This substantial sum would represent nearly half of the total annual national budget. Consequently, such high defense spending might divert funds from other vital sectors. Yang explicitly asked what would remain for economic development or public welfare.
The KMT caucus secretary-general later clarified the backer’s intent. Lo Chi-chiang stated Yang advocated for firmer legislative oversight instead. Essentially, the party should more rigorously monitor the government’s budgetary decisions. Moreover, this oversight should defend public funds and safeguard Taiwan’s interests. Therefore, the message emphasized balanced governance over outright opposition to procurement.
Another KMT official elaborated on this perspective for balanced development. Wu Tsung-hsien said the goal is not blocking necessary military purchases. Instead, the focus should be ensuring prosperous tourism and industrial sectors. Ultimately, a strong economy also contributes significantly to national safety. This viewpoint directly connects economic vitality with long-term security.
Opposition lawmakers from the Democratic Progressive Party offered a sharp rebuttal. DPP caucus chief Rosalia Wu accused Yang of spreading erroneous information. She asserted the national defense budget follows the NATO spending standard. Specifically, it equals about three percent of the nation’s annual GDP. This clarification directly contests the claim about half the national budget.
A national security analyst provided a broader interpretation of the event. Ho Cheng-hui suggested Yang’s move constitutes substantive political interference. While no evidence links him to direct instructions from Beijing, his actions align with certain political narratives. Under standards in countries like Australia, such activity might prompt a specific classification. This situation underscores the complex cross-strait dynamics influencing domestic debate.
Yang Chien-kang himself is an eighty-year-old retired military officer. He maintains a long history of support for the KMT without formal membership. Additionally, rumors linked him to backing a recent party chairperson election candidate. His vocal criticism now places him at the forefront of a major policy discussion. This development signals ongoing contention over Taiwan’s strategic fiscal planning.
The controversy will likely influence future legislative review of the budget. KMT lawmakers may apply increased scrutiny to the procurement proposal’s details. This process will test the party’s cohesion on national security and economic issues. Furthermore, public debate will continue weighing security needs against developmental goals. The outcome will significantly shape Taiwan’s budgetary and strategic direction for years.
