TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said the nation’s armed forces are prepared and ready regardless of who wins the US presidential election.
Koo appeared before the legislature on Tuesday (Nov. 5) at the invitation of Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), who invited ministers to join him in presenting the central government’s budget proposal for 2025. Koo responded to questions about military preparedness and recent arms procurements, per UDN.
He was asked by media on the sidelines whether he would be concerned about Taiwan being abandoned should Trump win. Koo said the Ministry of National Defense's (MND) position is to continuously strengthen self-defense capabilities regardless of who wins.
According to Koo, “maintaining regional peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait will allow the world to see Taiwan's value, whether in terms of economic security or Taiwan's strategic geopolitical situation.” Koo said that no matter who is elected, the world must understand that Taiwan is determined to defend itself.
As for the legislative session, Koo was asked to elaborate on the Navy's recent unveiling of a light frigate prototype equipped with air-defense missiles. He was also asked about the rescue and salvage ship Da Wu (大武), which MND took delivery of last month, but was reported to have returned to domestic shipyards.
"There is no problem with Da Wu," said Koo. He later explained it was ordered into the shipyard as a precaution for Typhoon Kong-rey.
Koo also addressed Taiwan’s purchase of 29 mobile rocket systems (HIMARS) from the US. He said the first batch arrived in Taiwan in October, and subsequent deliveries have been progressing on schedule.
Legislators also questioned Koo about the MND’s procurement of machine guns, grenade launchers, and night vision goggles, which were ordered but have not yet been delivered.
Koo said night vision goggles and grenade launchers will be handed over before the end of the year, and other items such as T75 light machine guns are expected to be handed over to the Army and reserve forces before the end of April 2025.
