The People First Party (PFP) caucus, which has bitterly opposed the government's arms procurement package, appeared to relax its stance on the matter yesterday, stating its support for a proposal by one of its members to purchase diesel submarines and P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft.
The suggestion, put forth by PFP Legislator Nelson Ku (顧崇廉), a former naval chief, has already gained the signatures of most members of the legislature's National Defense Committee, including members of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT).
The PFP caucus' endorsement of the proposal moved the long-stalled arms procurement a step nearer a debate on the legislature floor.
"What the PFP is against is buying weapons at a high price rather than national defense," said PFP caucus whip Lu Hsueh-chang (
The KMT and PFP have boycotted the government-sponsored arms bill -- which would fund the purchase of three PAC-3 missile batteries, 12 P-3C maritime patrol aircraft and eight diesel-powered submarines -- 54 times in the legislature's Procedure Committee since the beginning of the session last February.
Ku's proposal supports the purchase of the P-3C aircraft, and it allows a supplementary budget for the defense ministry to cover the cost of selecting shipbuilding firms, bidding and development of a suitable submarine design.
"As we believe Ku's suggestions reflect our position, which takes a stand against buying expensive weapons, we are prepared to accept this bill as it enhances the nation's defense capability," Lu said, noting that the caucus' decision had also received the approval of PFP Chairman James Soong (
Lu then demanded the government withdraw its bill, which was to be financed using a special budget as soon as possible and come up with a new version based on the military's annual budget, as suggested in Ku's suggestion.
The KMT caucus has yet to express its opinion on Ku's proposal.
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