By RK Shih/Staff
KAOHSIUNG — Kuomintang (KMT) legislator and Kaohsiung 2026 mayoral candidate Ko Chih-en (柯志恩) has expressed support for a proposed defense procurement budget range of NT$800 billion to NT$1 trillion, calling the approach “pragmatic” and broadly consistent with the party’s position.
The United Daily News reports that Ko’s comments followed remarks by Taichung City Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) in an interview with Liberty Times, in which Lu said a special defense budget should fall within that range. Ko said the proposal clarifies the KMT’s previously stated “NT$380 billion plus additional funding” framework, making the scale of spending more explicit.
Ko said defense procurement should be guided by strategic priorities and fiscal discipline, adding that spending related to domestic production and industrial support should be incorporated into regular annual budgets to ensure legislative oversight.
Separately, Ko commented on reports of a potential meeting between KMT figures and Beijing, saying peace remains the mainstream view in Taiwan and expressing confidence that party representatives would convey public opinion.
