Defense News

2025/07/03

Ministry of National Defense Statement on the PLA’s Launch of a Satellite-Bearing Carrier Rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center

Time: 1915 hours, July 3, 2025

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated today (July 3) that at 1735 hours, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducted a launch of a satellite-bearing carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan. The rocket’s flight path passed through the southwestern part of Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) toward the Western Pacific, at an altitude outside the atmosphere, posing no threat to Taiwan. The Republic of China (ROC) Armed Forces closely monitored the situation using integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems and responded with appropriate vigilance and measures.

2025/07/03

Ministry of National Defense Statement on the Inclusion of “Homeland Security Resilience” in a Special Budget

Time: 1320 hours, July 3, 2025

Regarding the inclusion of “homeland security resilience” in a special budget, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) provided the following statement today (July 3):

1.To strengthen homeland security resilience, the Republic of China (ROC) Armed Forces, adhering to the principles of “protection and redundancy,” plan to allocate NTD 115.1 billion to first establish a mobile, redundant, dual-use military-civilian ICT architecture. This encompasses enhancing ICT networks by establishing cloud and mobile operational environments, expanding satellite leasing, upgrading servers, and strengthening cybersecurity defenses. Additionally, mobile command posts and microwave systems will be established in various operational zones and the Wuqiu region. By integrating radar intelligence from the Coast Guard, Army, and Navy, a common operational picture platform will be developed. Furthermore, the capability to repair fiber-optic networks across Taiwan will be enhanced to ensure immediate restoration and maintain uninterrupted communications.

2.To enhance combat readiness, the reserve levels of high-consumption spare parts, fuel, and potable water will be increased, while aging storage facilities will be upgraded and engineering equipment prepared. These measures aim to counter grey-zone provocations by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and enhance operational sustainability. Additionally, to meet the demands of newly commissioned equipment, reserve forces, and realistic training, training facilities will be renovated to align with the ROC Armed Forces’ actual training needs.

The Ministry of National Defense stated that, in response to regional instability and evolving threats, relying solely on annual budgets would be insufficient to keep pace with changing threats. Only through a special budget, with concentrated resources, prioritized infrastructure upgrades, and rapid procurement, can the ROC Armed Forces maintain combat readiness at critical moments. This approach also stimulates domestic economic demand, building a nation with robust security resilience.

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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