ISTANBUL
Taiwan’s Kuomintang legislative caucus on Friday discussed plans for the Legislature to propose a referendum on reinstating military tribunals after Taiwan’s leader, Lai Ching-te, designated China as a "foreign hostile force," Focus Taiwan reported.
Kuomintang sources indicated that the proposed referendum could undergo a legislative plenary review as early as April 21. Kuomintang is a major political party in Taiwan.
The referendum would ask voters: "Do you support following Ukraine's example by implementing martial law and reinstating military tribunals?"
Under Taiwan's Referendum Act, lawmakers can propose a referendum on significant policy issues, which must be submitted to the relevant authorities within 10 days of receiving legislative approval.
The development came after Lai Ching-te convened a national security meeting, highlighting security threats from China and suggesting countermeasures, including the reinstatement of military tribunals, which were abolished in 2013.
The plan faced criticism from opposition parties, including the Kuomintang, which accused the ruling Democratic Progressive Party of engaging in political maneuvering.
Kuomintang Chairman Eric Chu condemned the proposal, claiming that it unfairly targets military personnel and tarnishes the reputation of the armed forces, calling on Ching-te to apologize.