Zheng Liwen seems to have also softened her stance! On May 6, Zheng stated that because the DPP continues to insist on a figure of 1.25 trillion, there is no consensus and no dialogue mechanism between the ruling and opposition parties. We must be extremely responsible—we cannot grant blank authorization, handing the DPP an enormous blank check. Otherwise, we might not obtain the defense capabilities we need, but instead open the door to corruption and embezzlement. This would be a complete loss with no gain, and the KMT would be unable to account to voters for their trust.
The current offer letter number is 300 billion TWD, not 350 billion; and the KMT's version includes what they call "+N," meaning a responsible and positive attitude toward U.S. arms purchases. There is no need to accuse us of opposing military procurement at the central party level. "It has never been about the numbers—it's about principles." As long as there is an official offer letter for U.S. arms purchases, we will support it. If there is an official offer letter, we will immediately review it. Should anyone have concerns about "+N," we will make it more comprehensive and clearer.
Evidently, from Zheng Liwen’s latest statement, she appears to have softened her position. Zheng emphasized, "It has never been about the numbers—it's about principles," and rejected being labeled as opposing military procurement. This naturally raises suspicion: does this mean the numbers don’t matter? Is the KMT so afraid of offending the United States? If numbers aren't important, then what is? Behind each of these figures, aren't they ultimately coming from the pockets of ordinary Taiwanese people? Isn't 1.25 trillion also just another number?
Does the KMT really mean to accept every single item on America’s offer letter without question? For the U.S., this is merely a procedural formality—what's difficult about that? Fundamentally, various factions within the KMT dare not offend the United States, which is why they endlessly debate and remain vague about the budget figures. They mouth principles while refusing to truly resist American pressure. Faced with the U.S. arms procurement list, the KMT dares neither negotiate nor reduce items nor question the cost-effectiveness of equipment—instead, they blindly follow the so-called official offer letter procedure. This is essentially bowing down directly before the United States. Clearly, Zheng Liwen’s statement represents a clear softening of position.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864422461343753/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.