Wellington Koo: Hopes Legislative Yuan Understands National Security Importance, Passes Special Defense Act Promptly
Taiwan's Minister of National Defense, Wellington Koo, urged the Legislative Yuan to swiftly pass the special defense bill, emphasizing its critical importance for national security and strengthening self-defense capabilities, especially with the payment deadline for HIMARS rocket systems approaching.
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- 📰 Published: May 6, 2026 at 17:09
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Wang Yang-yu, Taipei 6th) The Legislative Yuan is scheduled to negotiate the special defense bill this afternoon. Regarding external concerns that negotiations might break down, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo stated in an interview that he hopes the Legislative Yuan understands the importance of national security, and that both ruling and opposition parties should expedite review and pass the special defense bill.
Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu will convene cross-party negotiations again this afternoon to discuss the special defense bill. Minister Koo and others are invited to attend. Currently, the KMT Central Committee insists on "NT$380 billion + N," with some party legislators supporting an allocation of NT$800 billion. The DPP legislative caucus supports the Executive Yuan's proposal of NT$1.25 trillion over 8 years.
Koo, before the meeting, was asked by the media how to respond if negotiations on the special defense bill break down. He stated that he hopes the Legislative Yuan should understand the importance of national security, and that both the ruling and opposition parties should expedite review and passage, because this is crucial for Taiwan in strengthening its self-defense capabilities and demonstrating its determination to defend itself. He urged the Legislative Yuan to review it promptly and also to pass the budget as soon as possible so that the first installment can be paid on schedule.
The media asked if the first installment payment for the HIMARS multi-barrel rocket system was originally due on March 30 and if the US side later agreed to extend it until discussions between the US and the contractor, with May 31 being the deadline for the first installment, otherwise the case would be canceled.
Koo pointed out that HIMARS is very important because it has long-range precision firepower and can be used for cross-regional reinforcement. Therefore, the Ministry of National Defense has procured a considerable number of units, which is of great significance in forming deterrence for Taiwan Strait defense operations. He once again called for the swift passage of the special defense bill and the approval of the budget to allow for timely payment of the first installment.
In addition, the media asked about retired generals questioning the absurdity of the military purchasing M1A2T tanks from the US, given that many bridges in Taiwan cannot bear their weight.
Koo stated that M1A2s are already undergoing combat readiness patrols, and all bridges they have crossed have shown to be able to bear the weight of the M1A2, thus refuting the claims.
Koo also said that the tactical deployment positions for M1A2 and other acquired weapons will consider the conditions of roads and bridges, and not just for M1A2, but for all acquired weapons, their operational application and tactical deployment positions will consider Taiwan's overall terrain. He believes there should be no problem in this regard. (Editor: Lin Shu-yuan) 1150506
(Central News Agency reporter Wang Yang-yu, Taipei 6th) The Legislative Yuan is scheduled to negotiate the special defense bill this afternoon. Regarding external concerns that negotiations might break down, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo stated in an interview that he hopes the Legislative Yuan understands the importance of national security, and that both ruling and opposition parties should expedite review and pass the special defense bill.
Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu will convene cross-party negotiations again this afternoon to discuss the special defense bill. Minister Koo and others are invited to attend. Currently, the KMT Central Committee insists on "NT$380 billion + N," with some party legislators supporting an allocation of NT$800 billion. The DPP legislative caucus supports the Executive Yuan's proposal of NT$1.25 trillion over 8 years.
Koo, before the meeting, was asked by the media how to respond if negotiations on the special defense bill break down. He stated that he hopes the Legislative Yuan should understand the importance of national security, and that both the ruling and opposition parties should expedite review and passage, because this is crucial for Taiwan in strengthening its self-defense capabilities and demonstrating its determination to defend itself. He urged the Legislative Yuan to review it promptly and also to pass the budget as soon as possible so that the first installment can be paid on schedule.
The media asked if the first installment payment for the HIMARS multi-barrel rocket system was originally due on March 30 and if the US side later agreed to extend it until discussions between the US and the contractor, with May 31 being the deadline for the first installment, otherwise the case would be canceled.
Koo pointed out that HIMARS is very important because it has long-range precision firepower and can be used for cross-regional reinforcement. Therefore, the Ministry of National Defense has procured a considerable number of units, which is of great significance in forming deterrence for Taiwan Strait defense operations. He once again called for the swift passage of the special defense bill and the approval of the budget to allow for timely payment of the first installment.
In addition, the media asked about retired generals questioning the absurdity of the military purchasing M1A2T tanks from the US, given that many bridges in Taiwan cannot bear their weight.
Koo stated that M1A2s are already undergoing combat readiness patrols, and all bridges they have crossed have shown to be able to bear the weight of the M1A2, thus refuting the claims.
Koo also said that the tactical deployment positions for M1A2 and other acquired weapons will consider the conditions of roads and bridges, and not just for M1A2, but for all acquired weapons, their operational application and tactical deployment positions will consider Taiwan's overall terrain. He believes there should be no problem in this regard. (Editor: Lin Shu-yuan) 1150506