The Defense Ministry responded on Wednesday to local concerns that new missile bases across Taiwan would be disruptive to the nearby communities. In a statement, the ministry said that the establishment of missile bases and weapon systems is handled according to operational needs to secure national security. The statement comes following media reports of the ministry’s plans to set up six Harpoon missile bases across the country. The reports led to some public criticism, including from local government representatives in Yunlin County, the location of one of the proposed bases.
The ministry says that both military preparedness and civilian needs will be taken into consideration when establishing bases in order to maintain a positive relationship between civilians and the military. It says it is committed to deepening the consensus around collective responsibility, shared security, and mutual prosperity among the entire population. The ministry says it hopes that the military and civilians will work together to protect the country.
Taiwan has purchased 400 land-based Harpoon missiles from the United States, but the delivery of the missiles has seen several delays since the purchase was approved in April.