Taiwan's drone procurement bill heads for a floor vote as parties split over funding
Taiwan's parliament is set for a contentious vote on a drone bill, with the ruling and opposition parties at odds over how to pay for it — a fight that could slow the island's push to build up its own defense industry.
- The ruling DPP backs the cabinet's version, which puts military needs and defense ministry purchases first.
- Opposition KMT and TPP lawmakers want the money spread through the normal yearly budget — roughly NT$240 billion over six years — which the DPP says would cap spending and tie the government's hands.
- Talks led by the legislative speaker broke down without agreement, so the outcome now rests on the floor vote.
- Separately, China added more Taiwanese pomelo orchards and packing houses to its approved import list, but only in areas run by the opposition — a move Taipei calls trade used as a political weapon.
- Farmers take the hit when Beijing switches these import bans on and off at will.
Outlook: The bill likely passes in some form, but a watered-down funding mechanism would delay Taiwan's asymmetric-warfare buildup just as China keeps up the pressure.