Taichung: Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) stated on Monday that Taiwan's special defense budget should focus more on drones rather than submarines, suggesting a budget ranging from NT$800 billion (US$25 billion) to NT$1 trillion.

According to Focus Taiwan, Lu made her remarks to reporters before a routine Taichung City Council meeting, highlighting that her proposal diverges from the Cabinet's existing plan, which allocates NT$1.25 trillion for defense, including the acquisition of eight submarines and 200,000 drones. Lu's proposal suggests reducing the number of submarines while increasing investments in drone technology.

Lu also contrasted her proposal with the KMT's plan, which allocates NT$380 billion for defense. She mentioned that these figures are not directly comparable, as additional funding could be negotiated between the Cabinet and the Legislature. Lu, who is seen as a potential KMT contender in the 2028 presidential race, stressed the importance of maintaining balanced relations with both China and the United States, arguing that extreme opposition to either side is not necessary for ensuring peace and security.

She clarified that her perspective is personal, deriving from her experience on the Legislature's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, where she served for 13 legislative sessions from 1999 to 2018.

In response to Lu's differing views from the KMT legislative caucus, KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wun stated that there were no communication issues between them. Cheng noted that they had discussed various topics, including the defense bill, before Lu embarked on an 11-day trip to the U.S. in mid-March. She expressed gratitude for Lu's clear communication of the KMT's position during her visit to the U.S.