Defense News

2025/07/06

Ministry of National Defense Statement on Minister Wellington Koo Presiding Over the Disaster Response Center Coordination Meeting for Typhoon Danas

Ministry of National Defense Press Release
Time: 1830 hours, July 6, 2025

   Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo today (July 6) presided over the Ministry of National Defense’s coordination meeting for the Typhoon Danas disaster response center, receiving reports on disaster preparedness from each operational zone and directing all levels to cooperate with the Central Disaster Response Center and local governments, under the premise of ensuring personnel safety, to collectively safeguard the lives and property of the public.

   Minister Koo stated that he expresses gratitude to the personnel for steadfastly fulfilling their duties and implementing combat readiness and disaster response tasks, demonstrating a high sense of responsibility and action. Each unit should closely monitor the needs of local governments, provide timely assistance, and integrate resources to enhance response effectiveness.

   Minister Koo also expressed particular concern for the training status of reserve forces, directing all units to dynamically adjust training subjects and methods based on typhoon developments, ensuring training continues without compromising safety.

   Minister Koo further noted that the First Operational Zone is the key area for this disaster response, requiring strengthened disaster preparedness in terms of personnel and equipment. It should closely coordinate with local governments, constantly monitor weather and disaster conditions, and ensure immediate response capabilities.

   Minister Koo concluded by encouraging all units, while fully preparing for the Han Kuang 41 Exercise, to simultaneously address the potential challenges posed by the typhoon, urging personnel to collectively exert their utmost efforts, demonstrating the ROC Armed Forces’ resolute determination and action in protecting the homeland.

2025/07/05

Ministry of National Defense Statement on Preparations for Typhoon Danas and Disaster Response

Ministry of National Defense Press Release
Time: 2230 hours, July 5, 2025

   In response to the potential impact of Typhoon Danas, the Ministry of National Defense convened a disaster response center coordination meeting today, directing all levels of the Republic of China (ROC) Armed Forces to closely monitor the typhoon's movements and the conditions of potential disaster areas, ensuring the most thorough preparations to minimize damage.

   The Ministry of National Defense stated that it has completed the establishment of a Level 1 disaster response center in coordination with the Central Disaster Response Center. Other operational zones will align with local governments to elevate their response levels and assist in executing various disaster prevention tasks.

   The Ministry of National Defense further stated that the ROC Armed Forces currently have approximately 10,000 personnel on standby for disaster response, with 34 types of disaster response equipment, including AAV7 amphibious assault vehicles and rubber boats, totaling over 3,000 units, fully prepared. Forces and equipment have been pre-positioned in potential disaster areas and low-lying regions for immediate rescue operations. Additionally, military hospitals have organized medical rescue teams ready to provide medical support at any time.

   The Ministry of National Defense emphasized that it will continue to monitor the path of Typhoon Danas, ensuring the safety of personnel while making comprehensive preparations for typhoon defense and disaster response, working together to protect the homeland and safeguard the lives and property of the nation's citizens.

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.

Military News