2020/10/18
The Ministry of National Defense issued a press release to clarify reports that "182 officers of the Ministry of National Defense were cited with a first-level demerit after they were forced to bear responsibility for the US military withholding NT$2
In response to media reports that "182 officers of the Ministry of National Defense were cited with a first-level demerit after they were forced to bear responsibility for the US military withholding NT$200 billion from our military purchases", the Ministry of National Defense (MND) today, 18th, refuted this report and stated that it was inconsistent with the facts of the matter. There indeed was no incident whatsoever that led to "182 officers of the Ministry of National Defense being cited with a first-level demerit for military procurement," and clarified the situation as follows:
1. The MND has always adhered to clear and rigorous financial management operating procedures for military purchases from the US, and submitted the balance of an arms purchase to the national treasury according to the relevant regulations. As for the amount stated in the report, the payment was furnished by the MND in accordance with the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA), whereas the US had not yet completed the shipment of goods, hence it is not an "arms purchase balance". The media reports are believed to be a misunderstanding.
2. The US will, periodically, provide statements of the amount in the military purchase account for us to review, which is sent to the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, Executive Yuan ROC, and the National Audit Office ROC, for approval and filing in-line with dual supervision purposes.
3. In terms of arms purchases that the US agrees to offer for sale, the MND has always followed case establishment procedures in compliance with budgeting regulations; the process of which is then reviewed and approved by Legislative Yuan before the MND may sign a LOA with the United States.
4. Media reports stating that "182 officers were cited with a first-level demerit due to a balance of military purchases" are untrue. In fact, the figures are statistical data of concealed and unreported military disciplinary cases, such as drink-driving and other incidents, from the year 2015 to 2018, and not punishment due to financial breaches. The general public is requested not to speculate or encourage rumors.
5. False information can mislead the general public, and the MND therefore clarifies inaccurate reports. The false reports at hand and their timing could be quite damaging given the current climate, and the MND would like to call upon all nationals to continue their support for the military in developing the Armed Forces to safeguard national security.