TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) expressed optimism on Tuesday (March 4) about cross-party consensus on enhancing national defense capabilities and military personnel benefits. He stated that such unity would allow the government to improve military treatments more effectively, swiftly, and comprehensively, serving as a tribute to the armed forces.
The Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) announced plans to increase "volunteer service allowances" and "combat unit allowances," currently under discussion with the Executive Yuan. The Kuomintang's (KMT, 國民黨) legislative caucus proposed raising volunteer service duty allowances to NT$30,000 and conscript private salaries to NT$28,590. They also suggested enhancing regional allowances and revising "unit allowances" to ensure compensation for unclaimed leave, though all four proposals would increase the existing defense budget.
In response, the MND emphasized the necessity of consulting the Executive Yuan for any legislative proposals that significantly increase expenditures or decrease revenues. According to the Budget Act (預算法) and the Fiscal Discipline Act (財政紀律法), legislators must identify funding sources and, if needed, propose amendments to other laws to maintain national policy feasibility and avoid budget inflation.
Premier Cho reiterated his respect and gratitude for the armed forces' daily commitment to national security. He noted that since President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) took office on May 20 last year, directives have been issued to make substantial adjustments to military benefits.
