On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Defense released its 2024 annual report about China’s military and security developments. The report highlighted uneven progress in the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) military modernization goals for 2027 and emphasized China’s escalating diplomatic, political, and military pressure on Taiwan, including increased naval deployments and high-profile military operations around the island.
In response, Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) stated on Thursday that the U.S. assessment examines China’s military expansion from a global strategic perspective. He says that China’s military buildup has significantly disrupted regional peace and stability, prompting increased international concern and cooperation on regional security matters.
Koo emphasized that Taiwan is increasing its defensive capabilities as more countries recognize the threat posed by China and show a willingness to deter potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region. The minister also addressed recent concerns about widespread infiltration attempts and pledged to enhance counter-intelligence measures within the military.