We sincerely appreciate the support expressed by members of the U.S. Senate for Taiwan and their continued interest in Taiwan’s defense and cross-strait stability. These remarks reflect the strong commitment within the U.S. Congress to Taiwan’s security, and KMT takes these views very seriously. In response, we would like to offer the following clarifications:
1.KMT has consistently supported strengthening defense power, including ensuring that the defense budget is both reasonable and efficient. We regret that some recent information may not have been fully conveyed, and we welcome the opportunity to clarify the relevant facts. At the same time, we emphasize that responsible defense spending must be accompanied by transparency, fiscal discipline, and appropriate legislative oversight, in order to avoid inefficiencies, misallocation of resources, and the recurrence of past corruption incidents under the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.
2.Following amendments to the Military Personnel Pay Act, monthly allowances for voluntary service members in the R.O.C. Armed Forces could be raised from approximately NT$13,000–15,000 to NT$30,000. This adjustment represents a substantial improvement in the treatment of military personnel and will result in an estimated annual budget increase of approximately NT$30 billion.
3.These amendments were supported and advanced by KMT legislators with the objective of improving morale, strengthening recruitment and retention, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the volunteer force. However, it is a matter of public record that the DPP did not support this amendment and the government did not incorporate the corresponding funding into the general budget after it has been passed into law.
4. In comparative perspective, U.S. military personnel operate under a more comprehensive compensation framework, combining base pay with allowances and benefits designed to sustain a professional force over long-term service. This comparison highlights the importance of continued efforts to improve the welfare and treatment of ROC’s service members in a manner commensurate with their responsibilities and the increasing demands placed upon them.
5.Finally, KMT emphasizes that legislative oversight and fiscal responsibility are essential to long-term defense planning. While multi-year defense budgets may support strategic continuity, they must be accompanied by detailed planning, clear allocations, and effective oversight to prevent waste and inefficiency. In addition, ongoing delays in the delivery of critical military equipment underscore the need for realistic planning and accountability.
Once again, we thank members of the U.S. Senate for their valuable input. KMT remains fully committed to safeguarding Taiwan’s security, strengthening our defense capabilities, and also engaging constructively through dialogue to advance peace and stability across the strait.