Press release of the Ministry of National Defense

Time: February 26, 2024 at 15:00

     With respect to media reports that "the political commitment of US military aid is, in essence, far more significant than practical," the Ministry of National Defense (MND) pointed out the Presidential Authorization Act (PDA) is another important instrument in support of Taiwan as well as US foreign arms sales. Relevant assistance is being carefully discussed by both Taiwan and the US based on combat operation needs in defending Taiwan and Penghu to help us quickly improve our defense capabilities. Reports that some of the so-called categories are "second-hand" provisions and "do not meet actual needs" are simply untrue, and the MND clarifies as follows.

        The MND has explained that the military security assistance of the US to Taiwan is never limited to hardware and equipment; it also includes the revision of various norms and standards, as well as other matters designed to comprehensively utilize relevant security means in the most efficient way to help us achieve our objective of enhancing our military strength. Such untrue reports not only deter the build-up of our national defense, but also misleads our nationals. Such reports could also unreasonably jeopardize the cooperation and mutual trust between Taiwan and the US as well as allied nations. As such, the MND urges the media to verify the facts before issuing reports to avoid confusion.