Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo appeared today before the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee to deliver a report entitled “Measures to Improve Procurement Strategies in Response to Contract Performance Disputes, Contractor Defaults, and Resulting Delays in the Delivery of Military Equipment” and answer legislators’ questions. Before presenting the special report, Minister Koo spoke to the media about mobile network throttling tests, Armed Forces staffing levels, Taiwan-US military exchanges, and the possibility of a maritime blockade. He said that the Armed Forces continue to strengthen backup command-and-control communications and develop response measures for a range of potential scenarios to ensure the overall effectiveness of defense operations.
Regarding the National Communications Commission’s (NCC) plan to conduct a mobile network throttling test during the Han Kuang Exercise, Minister Koo said that this would be the first such test. Mobile network services would be throttled in selected areas, while fixed-line communications would remain unaffected. The test is intended to validate the Armed Forces’ backup command-and-control communications capabilities under simulated conditions. The test will cover 14 cities and counties. Its results will subsequently be reviewed to further refine the relevant plans.
Responding to questions about Armed Forces staffing levels, Minister Koo said that overall personnel strength currently remains at approximately 80% of authorized staffing levels. Given the staffing disparities among units, the Ministry continues to review management measures involving duty adjustments, the consolidation of duties, and workloads to maintain unit operations and protect the rights and interests of service members.
Regarding Taiwan-US military exchanges, Minister Koo said that the two sides continue to enhance their joint operational capabilities through established military exchanges, professional training, and cooperation. Such cooperation will continue in the future.
Asked about the possibility of China imposing a maritime blockade on Taiwan, Minister Koo said that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific are vital to global economic development. The Armed Forces have response plans for a range of potential contingencies, and a maritime blockade is among the scenarios for which they have prepared.