MNA

Vice Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien presided over the “2026 Urban Resilience Exercise Review Meeting” at the Armed Forces Reserve Command today. All-out Defense Mobilization Agency Director-General Lieutenant General Liao Chien-hsing, Executive Yuan Office of Disaster Management Director Wang Yi-wen, Armed Forces Reserve Command Commander Lieutenant General Yu Wen-chen, and representatives of central government ministries and agencies, local governments, and units of the ROC Armed Forces attended the meeting to review the conduct of this year’s exercise. The meeting opened with the recognition of outstanding units. On behalf of Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung, Vice Minister Hsu presented certificates of merit to the units that had performed outstandingly in the exercise, acknowledging their efforts and contributions to exercise preparations and encouraging them to continue strengthening civil-military integration mechanisms and enhancing whole-of-society defense resilience. In his remarks, Vice Minister Hsu said that this year, for the first time, severe wartime scenarios were incorporated into the Urban Resilience Exercise. Through practical drills, existing plans, response mechanisms, and preparedness efforts were examined in order to identify problems, review their causes, and translate the lessons learned into concrete improvement measures that enhance wartime response capabilities. Vice Minister Hsu noted that next year’s Urban Resilience Exercise will be further integrated with the Han Kuang Exercise. In line with operational missions and the evolving battlefield situation, it will validate local governments’ capabilities in evacuation, combat casualty care, transportation, strategic communication, and support for Armed Forces operations, thereby strengthening the joint response mechanism among the central government, local governments, and the Armed Forces. Vice Minister Hsu emphasized that in wartime, the county- and city-level Local Joint Emergency Operations Centers (LJEOCs) must operate under the command of the Central Joint Emergency Operations Center (CJEOC), giving priority to supporting Armed Forces operations while also attending to tasks such as caring for the public and maintaining the functioning of local governments. All units should clarify their responsibilities and coordination procedures to ensure that military and civilian resources can be effectively integrated in wartime. Vice Minister Hsu said that the Armed Forces Reserve Command plans to hold a demonstration of how the “Mobilization and Civilian Resources Coordination Group”operates, and that in March next year selected counties and cities will conduct demonstration drills on civil-military integration, progressively establishing standard operating procedures for coordination between the military and civilian sectors. He also reminded local governments to take a thorough inventory of the resources they would need in wartime and of their existing capacities, so as to avoid duplicating the Armed Forces’ requirements and to improve the effectiveness of civil-military coordination and resource allocation. Vice Minister Hsu further noted that operator training on the Emergency Management Information Cloud (EMIC) system and the Team Awareness Kit (TAK) should be strengthened to improve the ability of the central government, local governments, and the Armed Forces to maintain a shared picture of response information. Problems identified during the exercise should be incorporated into follow-on preparedness and improvement efforts, and the results of those improvements should be continually verified through exercises and training, so as to ensure that all wartime response mechanisms function effectively and that national security is jointly safeguarded.

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung spoke to the media at the Legislative Yuan this morning, taking questions on the recent budget unfreezing, the joint U.S.-Japan military exercise, and other issues. Asked by the media about the budget funds that have yet to be unfrozen, Minister Koo explained that with regard to last year’s defense budget and special budget, the Ministry of National Defense will continue to seek the consent of the legislators who sponsored the freeze motions and is coordinating with Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee Convener Wang Yi-chuan to place the relevant unfreezing items on the committee’s agenda for November 4. He expressed hope that the motions would win the support of committee members so that the defense budget can be executed smoothly. On the large-scale joint U.S.-Japan military exercise “Keen Sword 27” now under way, Minister Koo said that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific has become a strong consensus in the international community, which also regards it as a responsibility to be shared by all. Joint exercises and training by like-minded countries in the surrounding region demonstrate their resolve to safeguard regional peace and stability and deserve recognition, and he expressed hope that such exercises will proceed smoothly and successfully.

Asked about the relocation of Songshan Airport, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung told the media at the Legislative Yuan today that the Ministry of National Defense had already clearly stated its position in its recent special report to the Legislative Yuan: Songshan Airport is a key node in the defense of the capital region and plays a vital military role in both peacetime and wartime, and both the feasibility of any alternative facilities and their ability to ensure continuity of military operations must be carefully assessed. Minister Koo pointed out that if the plan to relocate Songshan Airport involves military considerations, it must proceed on the premise that overall defense capabilities remain unaffected. Provided that the central government undertakes careful planning, the Ministry will provide its recommendations based on its professional expertise to ensure the continued effective functioning of the nation's security and defense mechanisms. In addition, asked by the media whether Cabinet members and local government heads had clashed during discussions at the Executive Yuan Council (Cabinet) meeting, Minister Koo stressed that there had been no so-called“war of words”at the meeting. Instead, the relevant ministries and agencies had fully expressed their views based on their respective responsibilities and professional expertise.

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung attended a session of the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee today to deliver a special report and field questions from legislators on “The Relocation of Songshan Airport and the Expansion of Taichung Airport: Realigning the Military and Civil Aviation Functions of Airports Nationwide” and on the draft amendments to certain articles of the All-Out Defense Education Act. Minister Koo stated that any adjustment to the functions of joint-use military-civilian airports should give top priority to national defense resilience and military missions, while also taking into account economic development and the public’s transportation needs. Such adjustments should be deliberated carefully and jointly by the relevant central government ministries and local governments in accordance with their respective responsibilities, so as to safeguard national security while giving due consideration to overall aviation resources and regional development. Addressing legislators’ ’ concerns about the impact of airport relocation on national security, Minister Koo further noted that joint-use military-civilian airports carry out important military missions in both peacetime and wartime and are critical facilities for national defense resilience. When assessing any relocation or functional realignment, the Ministry of National Defense will provide professional assessments based on national defense considerations to ensure that overall defense capabilities are not affected. Deputy Chief of the General Staff for Operations and Planning Lieutenant General Hou Chia-lun stated that airports are critical infrastructure for national air transport, military missions, emergency response, and logistical resupply, and that decisions on airport relocation or expansion should take into account overall national air transport needs, national security, aviation safety, balanced regional development, and fiscal efficiency. The Ministry of National Defense will adhere to the principles of “overall national planning, uncompromised defense missions, and balanced consideration of both military and civilian needs” in providing professional input on military missions, coordination between military and civil aviation, and national resilience requirements. Regarding the draft amendments to certain articles of the All-Out Defense Education Act, Minister Koo emphasized that the amendments involve aligning the Act with changes in government organization and refining the mechanisms for promoting all-out defense education. As the central competent authority for all-out defense education, the Ministry of National Defense will continue its work on public outreach, program implementation, and evaluation in order to build public consensus on all-out defense and instill the concept of all-out defense throughout society. Political Warfare Bureau Director-General Lieutenant General Shih Shun-wen explained that since its enactment and implementation in 2005, the All-Out Defense Education Act has produced significant results through the concerted efforts of the competent authorities concerned. The Ministry of National Defense has prepared recommendations on the draft amendments for legislators’ reference and will, in keeping with its responsibilities, continue to deepen all-out defense education in order to strengthen citizens’ patriotism and all-out defense awareness.

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung appeared before the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee this morning to deliver a special report and field questions from legislators. Speaking to the media before the session, Minister Koo stated that any relocation of a joint-use military-civilian airport must be carefully assessed in terms of its military missions and civilian uses in both peacetime and wartime. Asked by the media about the relocation of Songshan Airport, Minister Koo said that in addition to performing military missions related to national defense and security, Songshan Airportplays vital role in domestic air transport, including flights to outlying islands, medical evacuation, and operations of the National Airborne Service Corps. Whether and how these functions could be effectively replaced requires careful assessment from multiple perspectives, and the Ministry of National Defense will provide its professional input to ensure that overall defense capabilities are not affected. On the expansion of Taichung Airport, Minister Koo responded that the area designated for expansion to meet civil aviation demand is located in the Yangxi (west) zone, whereas the military area is located in the Yangdong (east) zone. The expansion will not affect the ROC Armed Forces' training or combat readiness missions. In response to media questions about concerns that increasing the defense budget would crowd out spending on civilian needs, Minister Koo stressed that the way to ensure national security and avoid military conflict is to establish effective deterrence, and that effective deterrence depends on strength. Strengthening self-defense capabilities through an increased defense budget is key to establishing effective deterrence and maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait; this has been the long-standing and consistent position of the Ministry of National Defense.

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung told reporters at the Legislative Yuan today that the Armed Forces planto introduce a dedicated pilot officer program, allowing eligible pilots to serve until age 58 while continuing to receive aviation duty allowances. The program aims to retain experienced pilots. Regarding drone procurement, the Ministry of National Defense will require disassembly inspections for all drone procurements, including small-value purchases to prevent chips from red supply chains from entering military systems. Addressing the plan to extend pilot officers’ service to age 58, Minister Koo said all pilots must undergo annual aviation medical examinations and periodic refresher training in aviation physiology, physical fitness, and G-force tolerance. Those who fail to pass the required training may no longer perform frontline flight duties. The applicable physical fitness requirements are highly stringent. Minister Koo further explained that the Ministry’s analysis had identified service-limit issues affecting pilot officers. Lieutenant colonels face a maximum service age of 48, while colonels are also subject to limits on their years of service. Those who are not promoted or do not transition to civil aviation must retire from the military. The Ministry therefore plans to introduce a dedicated pilot officer program under which eligible personnel may serve until age 58 while continuing to receive aviation duty allowances, thereby providing stronger incentives for them to remain in service. Minister Koo emphasized that pilot officers have a strong passion for their missions and take great pride in their profession. While ensuring that pilot officers continue to meet physical fitness requirements, the Armed Forces will extend their service and maintain relevant benefits to compete more effectively with the civil aviation sector. These measures will reduce the number of experienced, seasoned pilots compelled to pursue new careers in midlife because of age or service limits. Responding to questions about the alleged use of PRC-made chips in procured drones, Minister Koo said the Ministry is aware of the situation. No such problems have been identified in larger procurement projects. The concerns primarily involve several small-value procurements of two or four drones for which no disassembly inspections were conducted. Minister Koo said that, to prevent chips from red supply chains from entering military systems, the Ministry will require thorough disassembly inspections for all drone procurements. Even small-value procurements must undergo rigorous inspection to ensure procurement quality and supply chain security.

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung appeared before the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign and National Defense Committee today to present a special report on the current status of separations, retirements, and personnel recruitment among Armed Forces’ pilots, as well as measures to improve retention. He also responded to questions from legislators. Minister Koo said that, amid threats from the adversary and competition for talent from domestic and international civil aviation companies, the Ministry of National Defense has actively enhanced benefits and compensation while continuing to improve the service environment. The Ministry has completed its plan for the employment of dedicated Air Force pilots and submitted it to the Executive Yuan for review. The plan would create additional positions and extend the service of eligible lieutenant colonels and colonels serving as flight officers, allowing them to remain on active duty voluntarily until age 58. Together with enhanced benefits and personnel training measures, the plan aims to extend pilots’ professional careers and ensure the fulfillment of combat readiness and training missions. Minister Koo noted that flight personnel have always been central to the Armed Forces’ air defense capabilities and that training them is both demanding and time-consuming. He thanked committee members for their concern regarding the current status of Armed Forces flight personnel. He expressed hope that the special report would provide legislators and the public with a clearer understanding of pilot separations and retirements, personnel replenishment, and retention measures, while garnering their guidance and support. In the special report, Deputy Chief of the General Staff for Personnel Lieutenant General Wang Chih-hui said that the Air Force had increased its authorized personnel strength in preparation for the delivery of new fighter aircraft. Flight personnel currently stand at 87.8 percent of authorized strength. All flight personnel who have separated or retired so far this year had completed their minimum legally required service. Among those who had not yet reached the maximum service limit for their ranks, decisions to pursue second careers in midlife and recruitment by commercial airlines expanding their fleets were the primary reasons for leaving upon completion of their initial service obligations or after 20 years of service. These factors have made retaining experienced flight personnel increasingly challenging. According to Lieutenant General Wang, initial training for flight personnel is conducted primarily through the regular programs at military academies and the Regular Flight Officer Program. Recruitment efforts through campus outreach and media campaigns have brought in enough flight students in recent years to meet training requirements. Since 2021, the Air Force has also systematically expanded its pilot training pipeline in preparation for the delivery of new F-16 aircraft. Regarding compensation, flight personnel receive base pay, aviation duty allowances, and supplementary increments. Those with at least 14 but fewer than 30 years of service who have completed their minimum active-duty service obligation may also apply for an active-duty retention bonus. In addition, since July 1 this year, aircrew members assigned to operational flying units have been eligible for a monthly Category I Combat Unit Allowance of NT$12,000, providing a further incentive to remain in service. Minister Koo said the Ministry continues to improve benefits, compensation, and the service environment to maintain stable flight capabilities. According to the special report, the Ministry submitted its plan for the employment of dedicated Air Force flight officers to the Executive Yuan for review on September 4. The plan seeks to retain 72 highly qualified and experienced flight officers at the ranks of lieutenant colonel and colonel who have served for at least 14 years. They would retain their ranks and could voluntarily extend their service until age 58 without being subject to the existing maximum service limits of 26 years for lieutenant colonels and 30 years for colonels. These officers would be assigned to operational squadrons, VIP Squadron and Presidential Flight Squadron, where they would continue performing combat readiness and training duties. The Ministry has also recommended that the Executive Yuan amend provisions of the Armed Forces Flight Officer Active-Duty Retention Bonus Schedule and the Armed Forces Aviation Duty Allowance Schedule. The amendments would allow these personnel to continue receiving retention bonuses, aviation duty allowances, and supplementary increments, providing a foundation for retaining experienced professionals.

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung told reporters at the Legislative Yuan today that the Ministry of National Defense is closely monitoring the PLA’s recent live-fire training. The Ministry will continue strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and safeguard national security with the determination to defend itself. Responding to questions about the PLA conducting live-fire dirlls in five maritime areas over five consecutive days, Minister Koo said the Ministry has a thorough understanding of the situation. Preliminary assessments indicate that the exercises involve firing drills by air defense artillery units stationed along China’s coast. Nevertheless, the Armed Forces continue to prepare for the full range of potential threats and closely monitor the PLA’s military training activities. Minister Koo emphasized that the PLA’s repeated exercises and military activities, which create instability across the Indo-Pacific, warrant close attention and condemnation. Asked about the deployment of anti-ship missiles on Yonaguni Island and observing of U.S.-Japan military exercises, Minister Koo said the U.S. military conducts necessary deployments in response to local threat conditions. He added that it would be inappropriate for the Ministry to comment extensively on specific details. From the Ministry’s perspective, the priority is to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and safeguard national security. Reporters also asked whether other countries would intervene in the event of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait and about the Armed Forces’ preparations to defend Taiwan on their own. Minister Koo said that, consistent with established practice, the Ministry would not comment on how other like-minded democracies might become involved. The Armed Forces’ objective is to build robust self-defense capabilities and safeguard national security with the determination to defend the nation on their own. Regarding recent discussions about relocating Taipei Songshan Airport, Minister Koo explained that its redevelopment involves numerous considerations and requires careful evaluation. The responsible authorities at both the central and local levels should conduct a comprehensive assessment. He added that when the Ministry participates in the assessment, it will provide professional input to ensure that Taiwan’s overall defense capabilities are not compromised. On the progress of the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System for Taiwan’s F-16 fleet, Minister Koo said system integration testing has been completed in the United States. Delivery and installation of the modification kits are proceeding according to established milestones.

President Lai Ching-te accompanied King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini and Inkhosikati LaZuma on a visit to the Army Aviation Flight Training Command this morning. They learned firsthand about the Armed Forces’ aviation training achievements and experienced a flight simulation system. The visit highlighted the deep friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini and their shared hope of further expanding bilateral cooperation and exchanges. Upon arrival, President Lai and King Mswati III first received a briefing on the flight simulation system and operated the simulator themselves. They then proceeded to an equipment display area to learn about the capabilities and mission profiles of various helicopters and assault vehicles. The visit provided an overview of the Army’s aviation training capacity and equipment operations. In his remarks, President Lai said that Taiwan and Eswatini have built a deep friendship over 58 years of diplomatic relations. The Army Aviation Flight Training Command is responsible for training the Armed Forces’ helicopter pilots and aviation maintenance personnel. From 2019 to 2020, in conjunction with the transfer of UH-1H helicopters, the Command helped train 11 Eswatini pilots and maintenance officers. Taiwan also dispatched instructors to Eswatini to share their flight and maintenance expertise, laying a strong foundation for closer bilateral cooperation. In his remarks, King Mswati III thanked Taiwan for its longstanding assistance in training Eswatini’s aviation professionals and providing helicopters. He emphasized that the aircraft have been used in such missions as emergency medical evacuation, playing an important role in protecting lives. The King also commended Taiwan’s achievements in aviation training and technological development, expressing hope that the two countries will continue sharing professional knowledge and experience while deepening cooperation across various fields. President Lai emphasized that King Mswati III’s 20th visit to Taiwan fully demonstrates his support for Taiwan and the strength of the friendship between the two countries. He expressed hope that the visit would further promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation and make the Taiwan-Eswatini friendship even stronger. Also attending the event were National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu Jaushieh ; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Wu Chih-chung; Vice Minister of National Defense General Chung Shu-ming; Chief of Army General Lu Kun-hsiu; and Army Aviation and Special Forces Command Commander Lieutenant General Yang Cheng-hua.

President Lai Ching-te attended the 2026 National Day Celebration of the Republic of China, held this morning at the plaza in front of the Presidential Office Building. In an address titled “Taiwan’s Future: A City upon a Hill, the Salt and Light of the World,” the President reviewed Taiwan’s democratic development, economic achievements, and international cooperation. He emphasized that, amid war and the expansion of authoritarianism, the government will continue advancing defense reforms, strengthening asymmetric capabilities, developing an autonomous defense industry, and integrating the resources of the central and local governments and the private sector to enhance whole-of-society defense resilience. Through concrete action, Taiwan will safeguard national security and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific. President Lai said that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election. Thirty years ago, despite missile threats, the people of Taiwan courageously entered polling stations and exercised their right to determine their own future through the ballot box. In doing so, they affirmed that sovereignty rests with the people and that Taiwan’s future must be decided by its people. He stated that Taiwan’s democratic transition and successive transfers of power have further demonstrated that freedom and democracy do not conflict with economic development. Only by continuing to embrace democracy and engage with the world can Taiwan create prosperity and contribute to the international community. Turning to national development, President Lai said that Taiwan had faced multiple challenges over the past year involving the global economy, energy, and supply chains, yet continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience. Taiwan achieved strong results in economic growth, stock market performance, and international competitiveness, accomplishments made possible by the sustained efforts of people across the nation and every sector of the economy. The President emphasized that national progress should not be measured solely by output and exports. Greater attention must also be given to workers’ compensation, household financial burdens, care for older adults, and the future of younger generations. Through higher wages, tax reductions, expanded benefits, and measures to ease financial burdens, the government will ensure that all citizens share in the benefits of economic development. On policies affecting people’s livelihoods, President Lai said the government will continue addressing the challenges posed by declining birthrates, an aging population, housing pressures, and labor shortages. It will improve support for childbirth, childcare, and education; advance Long-Term Care Plan 3.0 and social housing initiatives; and strengthen healthcare, the social safety net, and energy resilience to provide greater security in people’s daily lives. He stated that people’s well-being is the foundation of national development. Through pragmatic governance, the government will improve public welfare, enable every family to live with peace of mind, and create a better environment in which the next generation can thrive. President Lai said Taiwan continues to deepen cooperation with international partners by responding to their needs in areas including healthcare, agriculture, energy, technology, education, and sustainable development. Taiwan will also continue advancing key strategic industries, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, defense, security and surveillance, and next-generation communications. By integrating traditional industries with technological innovation, Taiwan will strengthen supply chain resilience and international competitiveness, transforming its industrial strengths into momentum for national development. Addressing the regional security situation, President Lai emphasized that Taiwan cherishes peace but will not relinquish freedom, and is willing to engage in exchanges but will not accept being diminished. In the face of China’s continued military and gray-zone pressure and attempts to alter the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, the government will continue advancing defense reforms, strengthening asymmetric capabilities, and developing an autonomous defense industry. Taiwan will transform its strengths in semiconductors, information and communications technology, and precision manufacturing into capabilities that safeguard the nation. The President also stated that increased defense investment is intended not to provoke conflict, but to deter war. Strengthening self-defense does not mean abandoning dialogue; rather, it ensures that dialogue can take place on the basis of equality and dignity. President Lai said whole-of-society defense resilience is an essential foundation of national security. The government will integrate the capabilities of the central and local governments and the private sector to strengthen operational continuity in such critical areas as energy, communications, transportation, finance, food supplies, and healthcare. This will ensure that society can continue functioning steadily during a crisis and that people can protect themselves and assist one another. He also thanked the members of the Armed Forces, reservists, police officers, firefighters, healthcare professionals, civil defense personnel, and citizens who have participated in exercises. He recognized their preparedness and training as a collective line of defense for Taiwan’s peace and security. President Lai emphasized that Taiwan does not seek hegemony or aim to dominate others. Instead, it regards the preservation of peace as its responsibility and seeks to serve as a trusted and stabilizing force in the international community. He welcomed dialogue between the United States and China to manage competition and reduce the risk of conflict and war. At the same time, he stressed that the history of World War II must not be distorted and that historical facts, as well as the right of Taiwan’s people to survive and prosper, must be respected. As regional conditions evolve, Taiwan will join forces with Indo-Pacific democracies to uphold regional security, peace, and stability, ensuring that force does not override rules and that powerful states cannot deprive people of the right to determine their own future. President Lai said Taiwan’s future depends on national unity. Even when people hold different views, they should respect one another, trust the nation’s institutions, and work together to safeguard the country. He emphasized that the President’s responsibility is to unite the nation’s strength and lead the country forward. He called on the people of Taiwan to work together, laying a foundation for national development through pragmatic governance, preserving peace through steadfast democracy and strong defense capabilities, and sharing Taiwan’s achievements with the world in a spirit of innovation, equality, and goodwill. Through these efforts, Taiwan’s next generation will stand on firmer ground and go even further.