Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Huang Jian-hao (黃健豪), a close ally of Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕), said that Lu favors an NT$810 billion (US$25.29 billion) version of a special defense procurement plan over the KMT’s NT$380 billion “plus additional items” proposal.
Huang said that a visit Lu made to the US was intended to assuage concerns over the KMT’s pro-China and US-skeptic leanings.
If Lu holds such firm stances on critical issues such as national security and Taiwan-US relations, and wants the public to know about them, she should clarify her position directly instead relying on proxies to do it for her.
This is not the first time that Lu has faltered under pressure. During last year’s KMT chair election, she enjoyed strong support within the party and would have likely won had she run. Ultimately she did not enter the race, allowing KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文), initially considered an underdog, to win.
Lu tends to prioritize self-preservation in the face of risks and struggles in high-stakes situations. The defense procurement budget is a prime example: She has refrained from clearly asserting her position within the party or with her constituents, but has let her allies speak on her behalf during foreign visits. This cautious, hesitant style of leadership calls into question her capacity to handle weighty responsibilities.
Huang Wei-ping works in public service.
Translated by Gilda Knox Streader
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