KMT discusses possible referendum on military tribunal revival

Taipei, March 14 (CNA) The Kuomintang (KMT) legislative caucus discussed plans on Friday for the Legislature to propose a referendum on President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) stated goal of reinstating military tribunals, a day after Lai designated China a "foreign hostile force."

KMT sources told CNA that a referendum proposal could be subject to legislative plenary review as early as April 21.

Voters would be asked: "Given that President Lai has designated China a foreign hostile force, placing cross-strait relations in a quasi-war state, do you support following Ukraine's example by implementing martial law and reinstating military tribunals?"

According to Taiwan's Referendum Act, lawmakers can propose a referendum on major policy issues, which must be submitted to the relevant authorities within 10 days of legislative approval.

On Thursday, Lai convened a high-level national security meeting, citing five major security and infiltration threats from China and proposing 17 countermeasures, including the revival of military tribunals, which were abolished in 2013.

The plan drew criticism from opposition parties including the KMT, which accused the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of political maneuvering.

KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) condemned the proposal, arguing that it unfairly targets military personnel and stigmatizes the armed forces, for which he demanded Lai apologize.

While reaffirming the KMT's support for military judicial reform, Chu said the party opposes portraying the military as a security threat.

Meanwhile, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said that government agencies are working to finalize an amendment plan within a month.

He emphasized that the revised system would apply only to active-duty military personnel believed to have engaged in treason, espionage, or dereliction of duty, ensuring national security without infringing on civil rights.

The proposed referendum follows a series of legislative battles between ruling and opposition parties, with the KMT also discussing a separate referendum on capital punishment.