Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) convened the third round of cross-party negotiations regarding the special defense budget this Monday. During the talks, KMT Legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin (徐巧芯) introduced a new proposal totaling NT$800 billion (US$25.4 billion), marking the first time an alternative amount has been formally raised in negotiations.

Han coordinated with party representatives privately, then announced that negotiations would reconvene next Wednesday, May 6, to allow caucuses to reach internal consensus before proceeding.

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said the Cabinet’s proposed NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.6 billion) defense package was formulated based on in-depth assessments of Taiwan’s requirements, its fiscal capacity, and cooperation with partner countries.

According to local media reports, if the KMT and TPP reach a consensus, the bill could be put to a vote as early as next Friday, May 8. If divisions persist within the KMT, deliberations could be delayed further, possibly until after the Trump-Xi meeting.

Responding to the potential delay, Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said, “Previously, they said it would only be passed after the KMT returned from their trip to China. But they already left and came back. Now, they say it will be discussed after the Trump-Xi meeting. What will be the next excuse, the next reason?”

Kuo stressed the importance of strengthening Taiwan’s defense capabilities, noting concerns over China’s continued harassment and the international community’s concern regarding Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. She argued that nearly 70% of the public supports strengthening national defense and called on lawmakers to expedite passing the legislation.