Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan says that he does not support Taiwan independence and that Taiwan’s military should be managed on the basis of impartiality. He was speaking at the legislature on Monday, his first day in office following a transition of political party rule in Taiwan.
“I will not support Taiwan independence, and I have never heard President Tsai Ing-wen bring up the subject. It will not be an important issue if I resign from the position of defense minister. The key issue is whether Taiwan’s military is managed on the basis of [impartiality]," said Feng.
The newly inaugurated President Tsai Ing-wen’s Democratic Progressive Party has traditionally had pro-independence leanings. That’s in sharp contrast to the outgoing administration, which ushered in closer ties with China.
The defense minister also spoke at the legislature about a US report on Mainland China’s military power. When asked about the potential threat that China’s military can pose to Taiwan, Feng said the defense ministry will continue to work on preparedness and reconnaissance.
Meanwhile, Feng also responded to questions about President Tsai’s proposed fourth military branch specifically tasked with handling cyberwarfare. Feng that the defense ministry is unlikely to be the main government agency overseeing the project. He said the ministry is likely to play a supporting role instead.