Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) today urged lawmakers to quickly pass a proposed amendment expanding restrictions on retired military officers making pro-China remarks, after a former navy commander sparked controversy by praising the Chinese navy to state-run media.
Former navy lieutenant commander Lu Li-shih (呂禮詩) on Thursday last week made pro-China remarks while touring Chinese warships in Qingdao City during an event marking the 77th anniversary of the Chinese navy.
During an interview with Chinese state-run media aboard one of the ships, Lu said: “Because both sides of the Strait are one family, the motherland’s strength also represents Taiwan’s security.”
Photo: Chen Yi-kuan, Taipei Times
The Veterans Affairs Council yesterday condemned Lu’s comments and advocated for amending the law to safeguard national dignity.
The Mainland Affairs Council said it had proposed amendments to the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area (臺灣地區與大陸地區人民關係條例) to impose penalties on retired officers at the rank of lieutenant commander and above.
Speaking to reporters prior to a meeting at the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Council today, Koo said the draft amendment has already been sent to the Legislative Yuan.
Current regulations penalize retired officers at the rank of major general and above who receive monthly pensions and damage national dignity, but the proposed amendment would lower the threshold to include those at the rank of lieutenant commander and above, Koo said.
Since Lu retired at the rank of lieutenant commander, he is not covered by the current regulations, meaning his pension or other benefits cannot be suspended and he cannot be punished under the law.
In addition, Koo urged lawmakers to pass the Executive Yuan’s NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.75 billion) special defense budget, as the proposal is based on the overall requirements for developing the armed forces.
American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene also expressed hope that the budget would receive support from both ruling and opposition parties, he added.
Additional reporting by Chen Yu-fu
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