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.