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Taiwan Defense Chief Rejects Opposition’s $12 Billion Cap and 2028 Deadline for U.S. Arms

He warns a hard 2028 cutoff with narrow procurement channels would render key programs unworkable.

Overview

  • The opposition KMT, which holds a majority with a smaller party, proposes a T$380 billion (about US$11.96 billion) ceiling focused on government‑to‑government U.S. sales with completion by end‑2028.
  • Wellington Koo says the limits would shut down projects such as precision artillery and anti‑armor unmanned systems by making delivery timelines infeasible.
  • He warns that excluding commercial procurement would create a major gap in overall defense and weaken joint combat capabilities.
  • The KMT labels President Lai Ching‑te’s eight‑year, roughly US$40 billion proposal as vague and excessive, pressing for tighter oversight and phased approvals.
  • The government cites support from the U.S. administration and Congress for its plan as rival bills head to parliamentary committee review.