issuing time:
Taiwan’s Defense Minister Qiu Guozheng wrote to the Wall Street Journal that we serve the country with the most loyal attitude, defend freedom and democracy, and enable the people of Taiwan to maintain their way of life and political system. He said: Taiwan will not surrender to China.
Taiwan’s Defense Minister Qiu Guozheng published an article in the Wall Street Journal on November 4, saying that the Taiwan Strait is attracting a lot of global attention, mainly because the international community is shocked by China’s rise. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army continues to expand its force projection capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, and its activities in the East China Sea and the South China Sea have made many people feel uneasy. China is harassing Taiwan through activities in the “grey area” around the Taiwan Strait.
Qiu Guozheng said that I am the defender of the Republic of China, also known as Taiwan, and an experienced fighter who resists military threats from the People’s Liberation Army. During the 1996 Taiwan Strait Missile Crisis, I was a head of the division headquarters. The current situation is the most challenging since I joined the army 40 years ago. China has never given up its ambition to annex Taiwan. Preparing to counter all possible military actions by China has become the daily work of the armed forces of the Republic of China. I can proudly say that our armed forces have never failed to defend the country. We serve the country with the most loyal attitude, defend freedom and democracy, and enable the people of Taiwan to maintain their way of life and political system.
Qiu Guozheng said that there is no guarantee that peace will last forever. The harsh reality is that Taiwan cannot compare with China in terms of resources, manpower, and military technology.
He said that China’s intention is to quickly occupy Taiwan and prevent third parties from getting involved. And our military is using the natural buffer zone of the Taiwan Strait to develop an asymmetric defense strategy. Taiwan is increasing its defense spending to build mobile, long-range, and precision strike capabilities. The weapon system that the Taiwan military is developing will help Taiwan build multi-level and multi-domain combat capabilities.
Qiu Guozheng said that since Taiwan first began its transition from a conscription system to a professional combat force in 2012, the military has transformed into an elite operation.
Professional soldiers operate complex weapon systems. High-quality manpower and regular combat exercises have strengthened Taiwan’s combat capabilities. The basic maintenance of military bases is outsourced, allowing combat units to focus on training and preparation. As a result of these changes, the proficiency of annual live ammunition training assessments and military exercises has been improved.
Another priority is to reform the reserve. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense will establish an agency designated to manage comprehensive national defense mobilization in 2022. The agency will coordinate within the government and mobilize human and material resources across the country. Through peacetime planning and exercises, reserve forces will be able to support military operations in war.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense also plans to strengthen the training of reserve personnel and improve the organization, equipment, and tasks of the reserve force to enhance Taiwan’s overall defense capabilities.
Qiu Guozheng said that Taiwan military personnel know that peace must be won by themselves. We will not surrender to China. We have the determination and ability to overcome challenges. We always bear in mind peace and regional security, and are determined to fight for the survival and prosperity of the Republic of China, and for the safety and well-being of all Taiwanese people.
.