Jin Ling-lien Denies Han Kuo-yu Supports Large Military Procurement

Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers held a caucus meeting in Taipei to discuss the special military procurement budget. He said full support for such purchases provided a US request is made to Taiwan. The Kuomintang (KMT) central standing committee indicated that military procurement processes may proceed after August 8. Vice Chairperson Chi Ling-lien called for party-wide support for the 380 billion TWD arms procurement plan during a central standing committee meeting. Party members expressed understanding of the party's basic position during caucus discussions regarding military procurement. The Kuomintang's cultural and industrial affairs committee stated that the party central committee will not pre-screen speeches regarding military procurement. Committee chairman Ying Nai-ching noted that while they are aware of upcoming remarks on the procurement case, the party will not review the content beforehand. This follows discussions regarding Chi's upcoming remarks on military procurement. The clarification follows media inquiries into whether the remarks reflected the Kuomintang central leadership. Ying clarified that the remarks made by Vice Chairman Ji were personal expressions of emotion rather than a formal party decision. Jin described Han as a close colleague of forty years and urged the public not to misinterpret his emotional remarks. He asserted that he would not believe Han would make such a move.