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PFP lawmaker challenges defense ministry budget

An opposition lawmaker yesterday challenged a special budget of NT$520 billion (US$15.15 billion) to acquire arms from the US, saying that political considerations were put above the defense of the nation.

"The NT$520 billion fund initiated by the Ministry of National Defense was a result of pacifying a reported US dissatisfaction against the country's planned referendum slated for next year," said PFP Legislator Lin Yu-fang (林郁方).

Lin said the budget violated the vow made by Minister of National Defense Tang Yao-ming (湯曜明) in March to work for transparent arms deals.

Lin also took issue with the proposed purchase of diesel submarines for the navy.

"The decision conflicted with a legislative resolution that the deal can be finalized only if parts of the ordered submarines are made in Taiwan by means of technological transfer from US manufacturers," he said.

Lawmakers made the resolution to develop the nation's capability to build submarines.

The PFP lawmaker also saidd that the purchase price of P-3 Orion sub-hunting surveillance aircraft is too high.

He questioned the logic of spending tens of billion dollars to buy the high-tech aircraft rather than imitating South Korea's decision of buying outmoded warplanes with enhanced equipment and updated engines.
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