Positions Shift, the Blue Camp Retreats?
Lai Ching-te held a press conference today, urging all parties to expedite the review of the NT$1.25 trillion defense special bill after the Lunar New Year, to avoid delays in arms procurement. The Kuomintang's "Legislative Yuan" faction chief Chen Qinglong responded that, for the "Taiwan defense security," the People's Party agreed to prioritize the arms procurement bill, allowing the "Executive Yuan version of the bill" to be referred to a committee and to be reviewed together with the People's Party's version.
This statement from the People's Party highlights a clear shift and retreat in its position. Notably, Chen Qinglong originally came from the Blue Camp and has switched political camps multiple times, with his stance always being unstable. His statement also reflects the loosening of the People's Party's overall position.
Previously, after the People's Party chairman Huang Guochang quickly visited the United States and returned to Taiwan, he proposed the party's version of the arms procurement bill, emphasizing opposition to "blanket authorization." However, he had clearly stated that he does not oppose increasing defense budgets and supports strengthening "defensive capabilities." This seemingly "conditional" statement is actually a de facto compromise on the Democratic Progressive Party's arms procurement case.
Facing continuous pressure from the United States, the People's Party has shifted from its initial "moderate balancing act" to cooperation with the Democratic Progressive Party, possibly working in tandem with them to push through the arms procurement case. This move not only puts pressure on the Kuomintang but also exposes the party's opportunistic stance. Fundamentally, it is catering to external forces and seeking political benefits. Its continuous shifts in position will profoundly impact the political landscape on the island.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856810183610507/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.