President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) urged opposition parties to stop stalling the defense spending bill, quoting the American saying “freedom isn’t free” and saying the United States shouldn’t support a nonautonomous partner. 

The government’s NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.5 billion) defense budget has been stalled in the Legislature since December 2nd, with the opposition parties blocking it for the eighth time since its proposal.

The president stated Friday that Taiwan faces a very real threat from China and must support its armed forces. The strongest support, he said, would be to pass the proposed spending bill. 

Speaking to the media on Friday, he mentioned the American saying from the U.S. Korean War Veterans Memorial that “Freedom is not free,” a stark reminder in the United States that sacrifices are inevitable in times of crisis. Relating this to a local proverb meaning “a skilled craftsman must first sharpen his tools,” Lai compared passing the defense spending bill to a show of love and support for the country, which would allow the military to continue their duties “without fear.” 

At the same event, DPP Secretary-General Hsu Kuo-yung (徐國勇) said Taiwanese people should also relate to the American phrase, as it reflects Taiwan’s own fight for democracy. Hsu noted that Taiwan’s current government is also the result of countless sacrifices during Chiang Kai-shek’s (蔣介石) authoritarian rule, including many executions and unjust imprisonments.

Hsu stressed that strength is essential to protect peace and preparedness is crucial to avoid war. Although the defense spending bill is high, he noted that as it applies over the span of eight years, it will be money well spent as he also urged opposition to expedite the proposal’s review.