MND responds to call for arming Taiwanese citizens

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The All-Out Defense Mobilization Agency has announced its partnership with Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) and the Ministry of the Interior to improve the defense capabilities of its citizens.

The move comes in response to a suggestion by Legislator Cheng Cheng-chien from the Kuomintang (KMT) to arm every citizen in Taiwan. This suggestion comes amid frequent military exercises by mainland China, which has heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

Cheng Cheng-chien proposed that every citizen in Taiwan should possess arms as a primary defensive measure, prompting the Defense Mobilization Agency to reiterate that national defense is a collective effort to safeguard the country and its people. 

The MND has considered the lawmaker's suggestion and will work with the interior ministry to enhance national defense capabilities.

Authorities have pledged to continuously review and improve supporting measures and promptly adjust civil defense teams to achieve the concept of all-out defense.