民进党当局“凯子军购”遭挞伐

Core Points - The Taiwanese government has spent significant amounts on advanced weaponry from the United States, but has faced severe delays in delivery, leading to public criticism of the government's effectiveness [1][2] - The procurement of 66 F-16V fighter jets, originally ordered during Tsai Ing-wen's administration for $8 billion, has yet to deliver any aircraft despite over 80% of the payment being made [2][4] - The Taiwanese defense department has acknowledged serious delays in delivery from the U.S., with other projects like AGM-154 missiles also experiencing similar issues [2][4] - Public sentiment in Taiwan has turned against the government, with many viewing the military purchases as a waste of taxpayer money, often receiving outdated equipment [3][4] - The Taiwanese government plans to increase its defense budget significantly, exceeding 3% of GDP, despite criticism that such spending does not improve security and primarily benefits U.S. arms manufacturers [4][6] - The military purchases are seen as a misguided strategy to seek independence through reliance on U.S. support, which many believe is unreliable [6][7] Summary by Sections Military Procurement - The Taiwanese military's procurement of F-16V jets has faced delays, with no deliveries made as of now, despite substantial payments [2][4] - Other military projects are also experiencing delays, attributed to production line issues and supply chain disruptions [2][4] Public Sentiment and Criticism - There is growing public frustration over the military spending, with many questioning the effectiveness of the purchases and labeling Taiwan as a "sucker" in these transactions [3][4] - Criticism is directed at the government for prioritizing military spending over social welfare for military personnel [4] Budget and Spending - The Taiwanese government plans to increase its defense budget to over 3% of GDP, with future goals of reaching 5% by 2030 [6] - The proposed budget includes a special allocation of 1.3 trillion NTD, which is expected to lead to further delays in weapon deliveries [6] Strategic Implications - The reliance on U.S. military support is viewed as a flawed strategy, with experts suggesting that Taiwan's military capabilities cannot match the strength of the Chinese military [7] - The notion that increased military spending can ensure security is challenged, with calls for improved cross-strait relations as a more viable path to peace [7]