Taichung mayor proposes defense shiftStaff writer, with CNAAn alternative to the Executive Yuan’s special defense budget should prioritize drones over submarines and range from NT$800 billion to NT$1 trillion (US$25 billion to US$31.25 billion), Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) said yesterday. Speaking to reporters ahead of a Taichung City Council meeting, Lu said her proposal differs from the Cabinet’s NT$1.25 trillion proposal, which includes the purchase of eight submarines and 200,000 drones. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, center, speaks to reporters in Taichung yesterday. She emphasized that her views are personal and based on her experience serving on the legislature’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee. Cheng said they discussed many issues, including the defense bill, before Lu set off on an 11-day trip to the US earlier this month.

Source: Taipei Times March 30, 2026 17:12 UTC