TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Deputy Minister of National Defense General Hsu Yen-pu said Monday (May 6) that both Taiwan and the United States are taking seriously the delay in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, which has been affected by the U.S. military industrial chain. A "Tiger team" has been established to control the progress of delivery operations.
The U.S. House Armed Services Committee held a hearing on the defense budget for the fiscal year 2025 on April 30. Representatives Don Bacon, Mark Alford, and Rich McCormick questioned the delay in arms sales to Taiwan, which has accumulated to US$19 billion (approximately NT$619.9 billion). U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin said progress has been accelerated and the focus will be on reducing backlogged orders in the future.
The Foreign and National Defense Committee and the Judiciary and Legal Committee of the Legislative Yuan held a public hearing on the "Amendment to the Punishment Law of the Army, Navy, and Air Force and the Law on the Handling of Military Personnel Rights and Interests" on Monday. Both Taiwan and the U.S. take seriously the delay in some arms sales deliveries. The U.S. will provide various aid through presidential appointments and free military financing.
Hsu pointed out that National Security Council Secretary-General Wellington Koo has a considerable understanding of military work. After Koo takes office as the Minister of National Defense, Hsu will report to him in detail about the current work situation.
When asked by the media whether he will remain as the Deputy Minister of Military Affairs after May 20, Hsu said that the mission of a soldier is to implement and achieve orders, and he will do his duty.
