Academics speak out against arms purchases - TW

[dArKeR]

CNA , Taipei
Tuesday, Jun 15, 2004,Page 4

A group of academics spoke out yesterday against the government's plan to purchase NT$610.8 billion (US$18.23 billion) in arms from the US.

Lin Shen-ching (???), executive director of the Democracy Action Alliance, said the huge price tag for the arms would certainly squeeze out other budget items.

He added that the money could be better used elsewhere.

Lin said that his group would support the armed forces' request to maintain a significant capability to wage war.

But he said his group would not agree to finance the purchases with a special budget that was not subject to restrictions on raising the money via loans.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2004/06/15/2003175117