In the last session of the legislature, when the bill for P-3C maritime patrol aircraft was put to the vote for inclusion in the general annual budget, a legislator from the People First Party (PFP) supported the bill. Gu Chong-lien (
In the first round, the bill almost passed, with a vote of 107 versus 106. On the second vote, although some independent legislators turned back to join the pan-blue alliance and vetoed the bill, Gu stuck to his stance of objecting to the deletion of the maritime patrol aircraft bill.
What made Gu decide to support the special arms procurement bill and risk being expelled from the PFP and damaging his political career? I believe that it was his concern for national security and the ties of comradeship.
As a former commander-in-chief of the navy, Gu clearly realizes that to attain the goal of "effective deterrence" we should possess the ability to counterattack. The S-2T maritime patrol aircraft currently used by our navy are so obsolete that pilots will suffer in any enemy attack if a war occurs. Therefore, he persisted in supporting the bill despite the objections of his caucus.
Gu said he couldn't let the armed forces down since he has dedicated most of his career to the navy. I admire his decision to choose what is good and hold fast to it. What he showed to us, I think, is the character of our servicemen and the righteous spirit of the navy.
Finally, let's hope the ruling and opposition parties can work together to work out the arms purchase in the new session. Delays in approving the budget leave Taiwan defenseless and will only encourage China's aggression. National defense is, in fact, everyone's responsibility.
Zhang Wen-guang
Taichung
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