Taipei: The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) on Wednesday announced its 21 "priority" legislative bills, including its own version of a national defense special act, which caps arms spending at NT$400 billion (US$12.66 billion) through 2033, and requires that funding be allotted on a yearly basis.

According to Focus Taiwan, the opposition party's caucus "absolutely supports" strengthening the military's self-defense and joint operational capabilities through arms procurement, Wang An-hsiang, a deputy caucus whip, said at a press conference unveiling 21 priority bills for the new legislative session, which will formally begin on Feb. 24. Wang added, however, that the party opposes opaque practices that "evade oversight" and "grant blanket authorizations," citing these concerns as reasons it has stalled the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government's proposed NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget for 2026-2033.

The TPP's defense act, titled "special act on national security and asymmetric warfare procurement," is awaiting committee review, after the party, backed by the larger opposition Kuomintang (KMT), pushed the bill forward last Friday before the Legislature began its winter recess. At the same plenary session, the opposition again blocked the government's defense spending proposal, extending the stalemate that has existed since November last year.

In response to the standoff over Taiwan's military budget, U.S. officials and lawmakers have expressed concerns recently, with some viewing the opposition-backed reduction in defense spending as a blow to Taiwan's self-defense credibility. The TPP's proposal funds 82 HIMARS multiple rocket systems and 60 M109A7 self-propelled howitzers (including 4,080 rounds of precision munitions). It also covers anti-armor loitering munitions, 70 Javelin launchers with 1,050 missiles, and 24 TOW 2B launchers with 1,545 missiles -- all of which have received U.S. government approval.

However, the proposal omits several preapproved U.S. sales for tactical software and fleet maintenance, while also scrapping funding for local arms industry partnership, the procurement of 200,000 drones, and the construction of the multilayered air defense system, known as T-dome, included in the Cabinet's special budget. When asked about U.S. concerns on Wednesday in a separate event, former TPP Chairman Ko Wen-je suggested amending the draft to state that future weapons sales approved by the U.S. State Department could also be reviewed and passed by the Legislative Yuan, thereby "making the legislation more comprehensive."

Ko dismissed the DPP's criticism against his party by asserting that "Taiwan is not the DPP's monopoly," a phrase suggesting that the DPP should not act as though it holds the exclusive right to propose legislation or define what national interest is. "The U.S. is not the DPP's excuse. Whatever issues arise, we will communicate directly with Washington -- so stop using the U.S. to threaten us. We will also remain in close contact with the AIT (American Institute in Taiwan)," Ko said.

The TPP's 21 priority bills span multiple policy areas, including a proposal to set up "Taiwan Future Accounts," government-funded investment accounts that grow until a child turns 18, to provide a starting fund for his or her future, and to combat the falling birth rate.

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Starlux Airlines to Launch First European Route with Direct Flights to Prague

Prague: Starlux Airlines, Taiwan's newest international carrier, is set to commence direct flights between Taipei and Prague starting August 1. This marks Starlux's first European destination, as announced by Prague Airport on Wednesday. The initial plan includes three weekly round-trip flights from Prague every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

According to Focus Taiwan, the number of weekly flights will increase to four starting in October. Starlux Airlines had previously indicated plans to expand its routes to Europe, with Prague being its inaugural European destination this year. The airline confirmed these plans with CNA, expressing its commitment to enhancing connectivity between the two regions.

Jir­ Pos, Chairman of the Prague Airport Board of Directors, expressed optimism about the new route, anticipating it will boost tourism between the Czech Republic and Taiwan. The Prague Airport estimates that the route could attract over 95,000 passengers in its first year of operation.

The route will be serviced by the Airbus A350-900, which features 306 seats across four classes: first, business, premium economy, and economy. Starlux Airlines CEO Glenn Chai highlighted Prague as a favored destination for Taiwanese travelers, citing growing semiconductor industry ties as a potential driver for increased demand.

Chai emphasized Taiwan's strategic position as a hub in Asia, offering travelers seamless connections to major cities across the region. The airline's fleet of next-generation Airbus aircraft promises a premium travel experience.

In addition to Prague, Starlux Airlines plans to enhance its fleet and expand its global flight network, with 14 new aircraft deliveries expected this year, boosting its fleet to 43. The airline received Taiwan's first wide-body A300-1000 in January, with more A350-1000s anticipated by 2026.

Starlux Airlines' entry into the European market follows China Airlines, which became the first Taiwanese international carrier to offer direct flights to Prague in 2023.