Defense Minister Wellington Koo: Taiwan Must Strengthen Self-Defense Capabilities as a Hub of the First Island Chain

Defense Minister Wellington Koo stated today that Taiwan's position as a hub of the first island chain places it on the front line of defense, making the strengthening of self-defense capabilities essential. He added that military exchanges between Taiwan and the US have been frequent and will continue, as Taiwan fulfills its responsibility to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait. During a legislative session, Koo addressed comments by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth regarding China's military expansion, noting that Taiwan must contribute to the collective deterrence of the Indo-Pacific strategy. President Lai Ching-te has set a goal for defense spending to reach 5% of GDP by 2030.