TPP defense budget sent to review, Cabinet version blockedBy Chung Li-hua and Sam Garcia / Staff reporter, with staff writer and CNAThe Legislative Yuan sent the Taiwan People’s Party’s (TPP) defense bill to committee for review today, after continuing to block the Executive Yuan’s NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.52 billion) special defense budget. Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker hold up signs in the legislature in Taipei today protesting the opposition parties' refusal to discuss the Cabinet's version of a special defense budget. Photo: Tu Chien-jung, Taipei TimesThe Democratic Progressive Party caucus proposed adding a review of the Executive Yuan’s special defense budget, but the opposition parties blocked it with their majority. Repeatedly blocking the Executive Yuan’s special defense budget ignores the nation’s true needs, delaying national defense development and hindering joint operations, Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) said. As the TPP’s proposal lacks these elements, the Executive Yuan’s budget must be sent to committee review to truly build Taiwan’s national defense, she said.

Source: Taipei Times January 30, 2026 08:33 UTC