Panel criticizes military spending - TW

[dArKeR]

DANGEROUS STEP: Academics and social activists say that Cabinet's plan to spend billions on further arming Taiwan might only have been hatched to please the US
By Caroline Hong
STAFF REPORTER

Academics and social activists spoke out yesterday at a forum held by the Democracy Advancement Alliance (DAA) in Taipei, saying that the Cabinet's plan to spend NT$610.8 billion (US$18.23 billion) on arms from the US is a dangerous step towards a debilitating arms race with China.

The special budget of NT$610.8 billion (US$18.25 billion) was approved by the Cabinet earlier this month for the purchase of arms from the US.

The bill, due for review in the legislature, says that the money will be spent over 15 years.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2004/06/21/2003175920