In response to the PRC’s Global Times’ criticism regarding “Taiwan increases not military budgets but abnormal propaganda budgets”, The Ministry of National Defense solemnly states today (7^th) that our nation’s military-building is based on the purpose of safeguarding the secure development of our nation as well as maintain a stable and peaceful region. The increase of 2019 national defense budget is in fact a testament of the government’s determination to strengthen national defense and to boost the public’s confidence with increased military strength.

The Ministry of National Defense points out that the armed forces develops deterrence and asymmetrical military power based on the military strategy of “defense and multi-layered deterrence” as well as the overall defense and warfare concept of “safeguarding military power, showdown at coastline, and enemy annihilation on shore”. The Ministry of National Defense will continue with such building projects and strengthen military power that satisfies with future combat needs to achieve the goal of military-building and war preparations.

The Ministry of National Defense stresses that the preparations of national defense war capacities is vital to achieve a stable regional security at the Taiwan Strait. The armed forces, with support from the Office of the President and the Executive Yuan, seeks support and encouragement from all citizens and will continue to carry out pragmatic actions to protect national security.