The Defense Ministry has denied the reports that Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) approved a proposal to freeze NT$1.8 billion (US$54.5 million) of the Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) Program budget. The clarification was provided on Wednesday as the Legislature starts its 2025 budget negotiations, particularly regarding the original allocation of NT$2 billion (US$60.5 million) for the submarine program, which is under scrutiny.

Initial reports revealed that Kuomintang (KMT) legislators modified their proposal to eliminate the submarine program's budget, opting instead to freeze NT$1.8 billion while retaining NT$200 million (US$6.05 million). The frozen funds would only be released after the prototype submarine "Hai Kun" passes its sea trials. The ministry, however, stated that the minister had not approved this arrangement.

Military officials highlighted the importance of Taiwan's indigenous submarine program for defense. They confirmed that the "Hai Kun" prototype is on schedule with no testing delays. Navy Vice Chief of Staff He Hong-feng (賀紘璿) stated that all tests will be conducted safely before budget allocations are made.

As negotiations begin, the overall defense budget is expected to face a 3% cut. The ministry has allocated approximately NT$170.1 billion (US$5.1 billion) for military equipment and facilities in 2025, emphasizing that these funds are essential for enhancing defense capabilities through the procurement of military equipment, ammunition, and spare parts.