Taiwan defense minister concerned budget stalemate affects arms deals

台灣國防部長擔心預算卡關影響軍購

Lawmakers worried about funding submarine, rifle projects


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said Tuesday (Nov. 5) that he was concerned the budget stalemate would affect Taiwan’s credibility in arms deals.

The opposition has used its majority at the Legislative Yuan to block the review of the central government budget for 2025. According to the Cabinet, the move will prevent progress on funding important projects, including typhoon prevention.

Speaking at the Legislature Tuesday, Koo said the stalemate undermined Taiwan’s credibility in cooperating with other nations on defense agreements, per CNA. He added the matter needed to be taken seriously.

Koo said that if the defense budget is not approved during the current legislative session, other countries may doubt Taiwan’s readiness to defend itself. According to the minister, the key issue is that if no budget is passed, it would be impossible to fund weapons projects.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Wang Ting-yu (王定宇) mentioned an order for 25,000 rifles, asking the minister whether the manufacturer could start. Koo replied it was possible, but payment could not be forthcoming as long as the Legislative Yuan had not approved the related budget.

The minister also said the current budget impasse might affect the building of submarines and rapid mine-laying ships, the opening of a drone manufacturing park, and secret projects.