TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Defense Minister Koo Li-hsiung (顧立雄) emphasized vigilance against Chinese threats Tuesday (Oct. 7) while discussing the popular Taiwanese drama "Zero Day Attack" (零日攻擊) released in July ahead of a key recall election. Koo deliberately avoided commenting on the show's specific military portrayal but stressed Taiwan's urgent need for enhanced defense resilience capabilities. The minister strategically used the drama's themes as a platform to highlight Taiwan's ongoing national security concerns.
The drama's final episode aired last Saturday, depicting Taiwanese forces defending Dadan Island (大膽島), a strategic military outpost, with only basic rifles against overwhelming odds. International political analyst Ross Feingold described the scenario of Taiwanese forces using light weapons to defend the vulnerable island as "a miracle in military history." Koo noted the series serves as a crucial reminder for Taiwan to remain alert to Chinese threats and bolster defense capabilities.
Koo addressed circulating rumors about returned national budget funds, clarifying that the Ministry of National Defense (國防部) continues systematically enhancing military personnel benefits across all branches. Since April, the ministry has implemented comprehensive adjustments to allowances for regional, combat, cyber reconnaissance, and electronic reconnaissance units nationwide. Koo assured that any budgetary concerns would be managed strictly according to guidance from the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet.
Koo refuted recent claims about navy purchases of vertical take-off and landing drones from the United States, explaining the navy maintains highly specific operational requirements for such advanced equipment. Any future drone procurement would strictly follow transparent public tender processes to ensure fair competition, he emphasized. Koo dismissed persistent allegations about inflated prices and guaranteed complete transparency once all technical specifications are properly satisfied. ◼
