Taiwan People's Party denies its drone bill has no budget

Aug 26, 2026

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.

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