Cheng Li-wun, Chairperson of the Kuomintang (KMT), explained during today’s Central Standing Committee meeting that public discussion surrounding the second round of defense procurement proposals has become filled with conflicting versions and inconsistent figures. Cheng stressed that “not every NT$800 billion proposal contains the same items,” adding that “this is not simply a question of numbers, but a matter of principle and logic.”

 

Cheng further clarified that any “+N” additions attached to defense procurement budget proposals must satisfy three conditions. First, the procurement must be an official Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case with the United States. Second, a formal Letter of Offer and Acceptance must exist. Third, the budget review process must genuinely function to prevent inflated spending. As for unclear commercial procurement arrangements and vaguely defined expenditures, Cheng stated that “it is impossible to even begin discussing them without sufficient clarity.”

 

Cheng also addressed public attention surrounding remarks and discussions made during last week’s Central Standing Committee meeting on the defense procurement issue, which she said had caused inconvenience and distress to Han Kuo-yu. She revealed that she met with Speaker Han earlier today “to personally apologize.” According to Cheng, Han responded warmly and graciously by saying, “It has already passed. It is not worth dwelling on.”

 

Cheng therefore urged KMT supporters not to worry about divisions within the party, emphasizing that Han remains one of the KMT’s most important leaders and continues to enjoy the party’s full support.

 

Referring to the cross-party negotiations on defense procurement scheduled for this afternoon in the Legislative Yuan, Cheng said the occasion provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions with Speaker Han and KMT caucus whip Fu Kun-chi.

 

She criticized the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for insisting on a proposed NT$1.25 trillion defense procurement package while failing to provide lawmakers with a full explanation of the contents. According to Cheng, the public currently only knows that the package is divided into three broad categories, including U.S. arms procurement and investment in Taiwan’s domestic defense industry, while the remaining details remain vague.

 

She warned that if the KMT were to grant blanket authorization to the DPP, it would amount to handing over “a massive blank check,” potentially creating opportunities for corruption rather than genuinely strengthening Taiwan’s defense capabilities.

 

Cheng further disclosed that she held extensive and detailed discussions yesterday with Huang Kuo-chang, Chair of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), regarding the defense procurement issue.

 

Following consultations with Fu Kun-chi, Huang Kuo-chang, Speaker Han, and other relevant figures, Cheng stated that the currently confirmed amount for U.S. arms procurement supported by formal Letters of Offer and Acceptance is approximately NT$300 billion, not the previously anticipated NT$350 billion. She said this demonstrates precisely why official documentation is necessary before any final figure can be confirmed.

 

Cheng explained that the proposed “+N” framework reflects the KMT’s constructive and responsible attitude toward U.S. arms procurement, adding that “the KMT is the truly responsible party when it comes to supporting Taiwan’s armed forces and national defense capabilities.”

 

She noted that recent discussions involving KMT legislators Ma Wen-chun and Lo Ming-tsai, as well as Huang Kuo-chang, focused on whether the “+N” mechanism is sufficiently clear, specific, and complete, and whether legislative drafting techniques could be improved to avoid misunderstandings or deliberate mischaracterizations. Cheng pledged that any provisions raising concerns would be rewritten in a clearer and more comprehensive manner.

 

Cheng stated that prioritizing “the U.S. arms procurement component first” is an area where consensus already exists among opposition parties, while disputed items unrelated to defense procurement should be excluded.

 

She added that these discussions have already involved professional and constructive exchanges with Huang Kuo-chang and the legislative caucus, and that today’s meeting with Speaker Han further reinforced the goal of moving in the same direction while avoiding unnecessary misunderstandings and controversy.

 

Cheng thanked Speaker Han for his patience and dedication, noting that his institutional role as Speaker differs from that of the legislative caucus because he must preside impartially rather than advocate specific budget figures or legislative provisions.

 

She emphasized that the KMT will firmly uphold its principles and take the greatest responsibility for Taiwan’s national defense capabilities, while rejecting what she described as unfair political attacks and labeling by the DPP.

 

Turning to local politics, Cheng also congratulated Wu Tsung-hsien on securing the joint Blue-White opposition nomination for the upcoming Yilan County magistrate election. She thanked Chen Wan-hui for her role in facilitating cooperation and expressed hope that Wu would successfully win the election and maintain KMT governance in Yilan County.

 

Finally, with Mother’s Day approaching later this week, Cheng extended early holiday wishes to mothers everywhere, saying, “Happy Mother’s Day.”