Yen Teh-fa: With Growing Threats, Building a Complete and Credible Combat Force is Necessary
In response to escalating cross-strait threats, Veterans Affairs Council Minister Yen Teh-fa emphasized the critical importance of establishing a complete and credible combat force to safeguard Taiwan's freedom and democracy.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 18, 2026 at 11:39
- 🔍 Collected: May 18, 2026 at 12:01 (22 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 18, 2026 at 12:21 (19 min after Collected)
(CNA, Taipei, 18th) Regarding issues such as the freezing and reduction of funds for the Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program in the special defense budget and general government budget, Veterans Affairs Council Minister Yen Teh-fa stated today that with the recent and growing cross-strait threats, which are evident to all, it is crucial to strengthen our capabilities for peace. He stressed the need to build a complete and credible combat force, quoting the saying, "Do not rely on the enemy not coming, but on our own preparedness." He asserted that building this force is essential to upholding freedom and democracy.
The Foreign and National Defense Committee of the Legislative Yuan reviewed the 2026 budget for the Veterans Affairs Council this morning and held a Q&A session.
On the topic of frozen or reduced budgets for the Hai Kun submarine and other projects, Yen, speaking to the media before the meeting, pointed out that the Republic of China has always safeguarded regional peace, security, freedom, and democracy. Peace relies on strength, he said, and with the palpable increase in cross-strait threats, strengthening this strength is vital. He reiterated the need to establish a complete and credible combat force, stating, "Do not rely on the enemy not coming, but on our own preparedness," to maintain freedom and democracy.
Regarding potential U.S. arms sales to Taiwan following a potential Trump-Xi meeting, Yen stated that the Veterans Affairs Council is not the governing body for this matter and that the Ministry of National Defense would provide any official statements. (Editor: Yang Kai-hsiang) 1150518
The Foreign and National Defense Committee of the Legislative Yuan reviewed the 2026 budget for the Veterans Affairs Council this morning and held a Q&A session.
On the topic of frozen or reduced budgets for the Hai Kun submarine and other projects, Yen, speaking to the media before the meeting, pointed out that the Republic of China has always safeguarded regional peace, security, freedom, and democracy. Peace relies on strength, he said, and with the palpable increase in cross-strait threats, strengthening this strength is vital. He reiterated the need to establish a complete and credible combat force, stating, "Do not rely on the enemy not coming, but on our own preparedness," to maintain freedom and democracy.
Regarding potential U.S. arms sales to Taiwan following a potential Trump-Xi meeting, Yen stated that the Veterans Affairs Council is not the governing body for this matter and that the Ministry of National Defense would provide any official statements. (Editor: Yang Kai-hsiang) 1150518