Taiwan People's Party denies its drone bill has no budget
Taiwan's opposition is pushing a rival drone and defense bill through parliament, and a fight over whether it actually funds anything is holding up the vote.
- The Taiwan People's Party says its drone industry bill leaves the spending amount open on purpose, not at zero.
- The idea is to let the Cabinet set budgets year by year based on defense and industry needs.
- The bill would create a strategic committee of outside experts to write a national drone development plan.
- It also sets rewards and penalties aimed at building a supply chain that avoids Chinese parts.
- A separate clash is brewing over referendum rules, with the party favoring flexible wording ahead of local elections now under 100 days away.
Outlook: The opposition bloc is trying to pass the bill in a fast-tracked session, so the funding dispute will likely be settled on the floor rather than in negotiation.