Taipei: The leaders of Taiwan's two main opposition parties, the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP), have announced their decision not to attend a national security briefing hosted by President Lai Ching-te. The meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, was intended to address "major threats facing the nation" and would include reports from the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mainland Affairs Council, and National Security Bureau.

According to Focus Taiwan, KMT Chairman Eric Chu expressed at a press conference that dialogue between ruling and opposition parties should address public concerns, such as industry and energy, which were not included in the briefing agenda. KMT Secretary-General Justin Huang further stated that the party declined the invitation because their demands were not met. Huang also highlighted concerns about the confidentiality of the process and expressed a desire for transparency before and after the president's address.

The TPP, led by Huang Kuo-chang, issued a statement criticizing the briefing as "hasty and politically calculated." The party emphasized the need for a more inclusive discussion on national affairs beyond national security. TPP Chairman Huang noted a lack of communication with KMT's leadership regarding the decision to skip the meeting.

In response, Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo stated that the government remains open to dialogue with the opposition. She defended the closed-door nature of the meeting, citing international practices, and expressed appreciation for the KMT's constructive communication efforts. The spokesperson acknowledged the KMT's frequent communication via phone, contrasting it with the TPP's reliance on press conferences.

The Presidential Office reiterated its commitment to maintaining open lines of communication with all parties involved.