Taichung Mayor Lu Xiu Yan is walking the partisan line on the special defense
budget.

Lu, of the KMT, says today that she thinks a suitable amount for the budget
would be between 800 billion and 1 trillion NT.

Her comments come as several different versions of a special defense budget
are pending at the legislature, with the KMT's version expected to cost at
least 380 billion NT...

and the DPP's set at 1.25 trillion.

Lu also downplayed reports of internal strife within the KMT, saying what she
wants isn't too different from the KMT's version, as she emphasized their
budget sits at at least 380 billion and does not set an upper limit.

Noting that the Executive Yuan's version currently has the cash set aside for
8 submarines and 200-thousand drones, she says the budget should include less
money for the subs and more for drones.

Meanwhile DPP caucus whip Cai Qi Chang says that he hopes Lu will use her
influence within the blue camp to expedite the passage of the special defense
bill.

(AH)