Defense News

2025/09/24

Ministry of National Defense: Minister Li-Hsiung Koo Chaired the “ROC Armed Forces Disaster Response Center” Control Meeting

Ministry of National Defense Press Release
Time: 1940 hours, September 24, 2025

   The Ministry of National Defense held a control meeting of the “ROC Armed Forces Disaster Response Center” this evening (September 24), chaired by Minister Li-Hsiung Koo, who listened to briefings from various operational zones and relevant units, inquired into disaster relief mission planning, and directed that, under the premise of ensuring personnel safety, proactive support be provided to local governments to assist affected citizens in resuming normal life as soon as possible.

   The Disaster Response Center control meeting was convened at the Ministry of National Defense in the evening. The task teams and forward disaster relief command posts reported on typhoon damage and rescue operations. During the meeting, Minister Koo commended the units for their timely completion of preparedness and deployment and their swift engagement in rescue efforts following the disaster; he also directed relevant units to proactively communicate with local governments, explaining that, in addition to the personnel and equipment already deployed, the remaining available forces can be dispatched immediately upon local request to enhance overall rescue efficiency.

   Minister Koo noted that the Fourth Theater of Operations and the Marine Corps Command have already deployed engineering equipment and operators for cross-regional support, and all units should prioritize transportation safety and personnel necessity; furthermore, commanders at all levels should continue to care for service members whose families have been affected by the disaster, assess the damage sustained, provide counseling, and ensure comprehensive support. Minister Koo emphasized that the ROC Armed Forces will uphold the spirit of empathy, concentrating forces to act in the shortest possible time and enable citizens to restore normal life as quickly as possible.

2025/09/19

Ministry of National Defense Issues Press Release Regarding Media Reports on “U.S. Military Aid to Taiwan”

Ministry of National Defense Press Release
Time: 1415 hours, September 19, 2025

   Regarding foreign media reports on the “U.S. military aid to Taiwan,” the Ministry of National Defense stated today (September 19) that Taiwan and the United States maintain a close security cooperation mechanism, with all exchange programs being executed according to schedule to build a comprehensive defense system.

   The Ministry of National Defense noted that U.S. military sales and aid to Taiwan enhanced Taiwan’s defense capabilities and demonstrated U.S. commitment to maintaining Taiwan Strait security. The Ministry of National Defense, as a matter of policy, does not comment on plans for sales or aid to Taiwan that have not been officially announced by both governments.

   The Ministry of National Defense reiterated gratitude for the long-standing support from the United States in strengthening Taiwan’s defense capabilities. As a responsible member of the region, Taiwan is determined and will continue to enhance its self-defense capabilities, cooperating with the United States and other friends and allies to jointly deter aggression and ensure regional peace and stability.

About MND

The ROC Constitution stipulates that the ROC national defense aims to defend the nation's security and safeguard world peace. Under this, the nation's defense concepts, military strategies, military buildup, and objectives are formulated to prevent conflict. The current international situation and changes to the possible threat to the ROC are also taken into consideration in the making of defense policies at the current stage. The basic objectives are "preventing war," "defending the homeland," and "countering terrorism and responding to contingencies." The higher strategic goal is "effective deterrence, resolute defense" with the establishment of a quality self-defensive force capable of counterattack. China, though calling for reunification, has never renounced the use of force against Taiwan. It has not only deployed an increasing number of ballistic missiles aimed at Taiwan but also staged large-scale military exercises with an overt saber-rattling intent to destabilize Taiwan politically and economically. Moreover, its robust economic expansion in recent years has fueled its defense spending for greater military muscle. In order to maintain Cross-Strait stability and avoid a military imbalance in the Taiwan Strait, the ROC government is calling for the establishment of confidence-building measures (CBMs) and a code of conduct on the one hand, and, on the other hand, has been constructing basic defense forces and counterattack capability to safeguard the territory without engaging in an arms race with the other side.

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