Minister of National Defense of the Republic of China, Gu Li Xiong, pointed out that the Indo-Pacific region is absolutely vital to the core interests of the United States, and the U.S. cannot withdraw from the Indo-Pacific. There are common core interests between Taiwan and the United States, aiming to maintain regional peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. “We are willing to adopt a deterrence approach and use our strength to prevent the outbreak of war.”
This morning (4th), Minister of National Defense of the Republic of China, Gu Li Xiong, gave a joint interview to the media before attending inquiries at the Legislative Yuan. When asked by the media about TSMC’s announcement on the 3rd to increase investment in the United States by at least $100 billion, President Trump stated that if Taiwan were to encounter issues, it would have a significant impact on the United States as well. Do you believe that Trump indirectly promised to jointly defend Taiwan?
Gu Li Xiong stated that Trump’s remarks reflect the United States’ presence in the Indo-Pacific region, which is a major core interest for the U.S. Once the U.S. retreats from the Indo-Pacific region, it would have enormous implications for its economic security, military security, and from a geopolitical strategic perspective.
Gu Li Xiong emphasized that the United States’ greatest core interest is to maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific region, including the current peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait region, in order to foster global economic development and prosperity, which is particularly important for the United States.
He stressed, “Taiwan and the United States have common core interests, and we also hope to maintain the current peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait region. Since Taiwan and the U.S. share the common goal of maintaining the status quo, we are willing to use deterrence measures and our strength to prevent the outbreak of war. If Taiwan and the U.S. have such a consensus, we can engage in relevant exchanges and cooperation.”
In addition, when asked about the Kuomintang Legislative Yuan Caucus proposing to increase military personnel salaries by amending laws, Gu Li Xiong stated that since President Lai Ching-te took office, he has instructed to study the adjustment of military personnel benefits. After multiple discussions within the Ministry of National Defense, relevant benefit adjustment proposals were put forward and are actively communicating with the Executive Yuan, where preliminary consensus has been reached. As for legislators proposing related amendments, he believes that political bargaining and competing for higher bids should not be used, as this goes against the spirit of the budget law. The legislature should respect the executive power and consult with them in advance, rather than arbitrarily bidding, which is not a favorable situation.
Regarding the Kuomintang Caucus suggesting to first raise benefits before engaging in military procurements, Gu Li Xiong expressed that the two seem to have no direct correlation. The current defense expenditure, including personnel, operational maintenance costs, and military investments, are all areas that the Ministry of National Defense needs to focus on, thus the order of priority is not an issue. “Based on the necessary key combat capabilities of the military, the Ministry of National Defense will conduct thorough evaluations.”