Taiwan's cabinet has signed off on a new drone and defense self-reliance law, but opposition lawmakers say the government is treating a basic constitutional duty as a favor.

• The cabinet countersigned the drone and defense industry bill passed by parliament, citing the urgency of defense readiness.
• The Taiwan People's Party called the move a normal constitutional obligation, not a concession, and accused Premier Cho Jung-tai of overreach.
• The opposition argues the premier is acting as a gatekeeper deciding which laws get enforced, sidelining parliament and the courts.
• The ruling party had warned the opposition's version would raise spending and break the constitution, yet signed it anyway.
• A dispute remains over funding: opposition lawmakers say a long-term special budget does not fit drone tech that changes fast.

Outlook: Expect continued fights over how the drone program is funded and whether it actually builds up Taiwan's own defense industry.