Press release of the Ministry of National Defense

Time: 1600, March 18, 2022

In response to media reports that "the arms purchase of Sea Hawk III by the Navy was rejected by the US because it does not conform to the principle of asymmetric combat power," the Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated today (18) that the case has already furnished the domestic arm-up process and listed it in the annual budget. However, whether the US agrees to the sale or not involves the final evaluation and negotiation results by both parties. The MND pointed out that the United States will continue to supply and sell the weapons and equipment we need based on the "Taiwan Relations Act" and the "Six Assurances," which shows that the US attaches great importance and commitment to our national defense and security as an important force in maintaining regional stability.

In light of the rapid growth from CCP's military power and the intensifying threat to our country, the Armed Forces will, without getting into an arms race, make use of an innovative/asymmetrical mindset to actively plan and build up weapons and equipment in accordance with the concept of defense operations to effectively implement the military strategy of "defense for sturdy safeguard, deterrence by multiple layers." Starting this year, the Armed Forces will begin implementing a special budget for improving naval and air combat capabilities, which is considered the best example of its determination to build up asymmetric combat capabilities.

   The MND emphasized that it has continuously paid attention to research and analysis of recent “Russo-Ukrainian War events and learned much from related experiences and lessons so that it can cite references from it for the construction of arms build-up. In addition to considering an extended period for compulsory military service and recall training of reserves, as well as the reform of national defense mobilization, the MND has also, via priority of military investment, adopted model simulation to carry out comprehensive and omni-bearing check-up. Since the preparation of national defense forces is closely related to the stability of the Taiwan Strait and regional security, the Armed Forces will maximize the effectiveness of national defense resources and continue to negotiate with the US to prepare purchasing the latest weapons and equipment that meet current and future situations in order to improve the military interoperability between Taiwan and the United States and ensure national security.

Army Command Spokesperson

Lieutenant General Yang An, 0965-295908