Lawmakers from the K-M-T and the Taiwan People's Party have blocked the
government's 1.25 trillion N-T special defense budget bill from being placed
on the agenda for Friday's Legislative plenary session.

It's fifth time the bill has been blocked from moving forward for review.

The K-M-T and T-P-P blocked the D-P-P's proposal to include the budget in the
agenda of session during a meeting of the Legislature's Procedure Committee
with a 10 to 8 vote.

The blocking of the special budget came as China was conducted a second day
of military drills around Taiwan.

Referencing the drills, K-M-T Legislative caucus Secretary-General Lo
Chih-chiang argued that the D-P-P bore responsibility for the military
exercises and that his party's position remains focused on investing in both
combat readiness and peace.

Lo also accused President Lai Ching-te of blocking the special defense budget
by refusing to address the Legislature and take questions, as his party and
the T-P-P have demanded.

Lai has said he's open to delivering a state-of-the-nation address in the
Legislature, but argues that his being questioned by lawmakers would violate
the principle of separation of powers set out in the Constitution.

The special defense budget was approved by the Cabinet on November 27.