In a recent interview with Time magazine, U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated not ruling out using military force to protect Taiwan. Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) spoke to the Taiwanese media after interpellation at the Legislature on Thursday regarding Biden’s reaffirmation of support for Taiwan.
Koo said Biden’s response highlights Taiwan’s importance to global security. Koo also emphasized the importance of further strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capability and maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the main priority. According to Koo, another priority includes adopting the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy as an effective deterrent.
Regarding China’s Joint Sword-2024A military exercise that took place at the end of May, KMT Legislator Chen Yeong-kang (陳永康) added that Taiwan should also strengthen its energy, communication, and medical care systems. Koo responded by saying that military operations rely on more than just the Defense Ministry, and that all of the aforementioned require collaboration across different ministries. Koo also emphasised on cultivating societal resilience among Taiwanese citizens.
When asked about the Taiwan-U.S. Defense Industry Forum on Thursday and whether or not the attending American defense contractors would affect future arms purchases, Koo answered that exchanges between private enterprises are unrelated to Taiwan’s national defense arms purchases or construction projects.