TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) on Wednesday (June 25) mounted a vigorous defense of Taiwan's military training program following criticism in a recent CNN report that questioned the country's combat readiness. The international news outlet featured comments from a former U.S. Marine Corps officer who cast doubt on the practical value of Taiwan's mandatory conscription system, suggesting the current training regimen fails to prepare soldiers for actual warfare scenarios that the self-governing island might face in a potential conflict.
Responding to these allegations during a press briefing at the Ministry of National Defense, Koo firmly defended the quality of Taiwan's military preparation programs. The defense minister extended an invitation to critics to personally observe or participate in the training exercises, suggesting such firsthand experience would change their perception. Koo emphasized that practical, reality-based training scenarios not only develop essential combat skills but also significantly enhance troop morale and readiness, which he described as crucial elements for Taiwan's defense posture.
In a significant development for Taiwan's domestic defense industry, Koo also provided an update on the Haikun (海鯤號), Taiwan's first domestically produced submarine prototype. The defense minister announced that the vessel has officially begun its critical sea trials phase, representing a major achievement in the island's efforts to enhance its naval capabilities independently of foreign suppliers. Regarding funding for the submarine program, Koo indicated that decisions about future budget allocations would be determined after authorities evaluate the results of these ongoing sea trials. ◼
