Opposition-Controlled Legislature Rejects Cabinet's NT$210B Special Drone Budget, Passes Own NT$240B Plan Instead

Taiwan's opposition-controlled Legislative Yuan voted on August 27, 2026 to reject the Cabinet's proposed NT$210 billion (~US$6.6 billion) special budget to procure roughly 210,000 military drones by 2031, and instead passed an alternative bill put forward by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP). The opposition version funds drone procurement through the regular annual budget rather than a special appropriation, totaling NT$240 billion (~US$7.6 billion) over six years with NT$40 billion budgeted annually in principle (increases allowed if needed), and adds oversight mechanisms including a special committee with legislative caucus recommendations and mandatory six-month reporting. President Lai Ching-te had urged lawmakers on August 26 to pass the special budget, arguing Taiwan 'must demonstrate its resolve to defend itself' and that the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East underscore the urgency of uncrewed weapons. Defense Minister Wellington Koo warned the NT$40 billion annual cap is insufficient, noting the ministry alone had planned NT$42.1 billion in drone spending for next year. Premier Cho Jung-tai said the passed bill 'needs to be carefully reviewed' before he decides whether to countersign it, weighing whether it meets defense self-reliance and drone-industry development needs.