2018/08/31
The Ministry of National Defense issued press release to explain “Media concerned national defense autonomy and the budget planning of military procurement” (August 31st, 2018)
In response to media concern about national defense autonomy and the budget planning of military procurement, the Ministry of National Defense said today (31st) that national defense autonomy and arms sales from the US are both important channels of arms acquisition, and the Ministry of National Defense make all-around evaluation including acquisition schedule, revenue and additional benefits to decide the best acquisition practice, the budget has no crowding out effect.
The Ministry of National Defense pointed out that the budget of military investment is NT$95.1 million in 2019, including NT$73.6 million from domestically manufactured product, which is NT$25 million more than the 2018 budget, and the domestic proportion increased from 59.9% to 77.3%, demonstrating the determination to implement the national autonomy policy. The Ministry of National Defense further pointed out that the practice of national defense autonomy can not only obtain the combat power needed, but can also expand domestic demand and promote the development of the national defense industry and enhance employment opportunities to maximize the benefit of national defense budget and other resources.
The Ministry of National Defense emphasized that the budget of 2019 is sufficient and will purchase advanced defensive weapon from the US that meet the demand of ROC and cannot be manufactured domestically in short term to improve the national defense quickly.
The military procurement items in the media report are purely speculations, and we appeal that media should verify the authenticity of their report and avoid public misleading.