Wellington Li-Hsiung Koo

Wellington Li-Hsiung Koo currently serves as the Minister of National Defense for the Republic of China (Taiwan). He assumed office on May 20, 2024, following his tenure as Secretary-General of the National Security Council where he spent four years coordinating the interagency process and advising the President on all matters pertaining to national security policies.

As Minister of National Defense, Mr. Koo is dedicated to the modernization of Taiwan's Armed Forces. His key priorities include enhancing realistic training, investing in asymmetric capabilities, sustaining operational resilience, reforming the reserve force, expediting the adoption of mature technologies, and reinforcing strategic partnerships to bolster deterrence.

Mr. Koo served from 2017 to 2020 as the Chairperson of the Financial Supervisory Commission, where he promoted FinTech innovation, improved corporate governance structure and strengthened customer protection. From 2016 to 2017, Mr. Koo served as the Chairperson of the Ill-gotten Party Assets Settlement Committee and in 2016 Mr. Koo served as Legislator in the Judiciary Committee.

Before entering public service, Mr. Koo practiced law for more than 30 years as a litigation attorney, specializing in criminal law. During his legal career, he served as President of the Taipei Bar Association from 2003 to 2005, and as President of the Taiwan Bar Association from 2008 to 2009. Mr. Koo is also deeply committed to human rights and judicial reform. He served as President of the Judicial Reform Foundation in 2010 and led the Taiwan Association for Human Rights as President in 2013.

Mr. Koo received his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from National Taiwan University. He earned his Master of Laws (LL.M.) from New York University.