In a recent interview, Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo expressed confidence in U.S. commitment to deter Chinese threats, while urging Taiwan to enhance its own defense capabilities for asymmetric warfare.
Taiwan’s Defense Strategy: Ensuring Security Amidst Growing Tensions with China

Taiwan’s Defense Strategy: Ensuring Security Amidst Growing Tensions with China
Taiwan's defense minister emphasizes the importance of self-reliance while counting on U.S. support against Chinese aggression.
Taiwan remains steadfast in its belief that the United States will wield major influence in the Asia-Pacific region, thus acting as a deterrent against potential Chinese military aggression. In a comprehensive interview, Wellington Koo, Taiwan's defense minister, highlighted the need for the island nation to bolster its own defense systems despite its reliance on U.S. support.
Koo's statements come at a time of heightened concern regarding U.S.-China relations, particularly under the administration of President Trump. While the Trump administration's policies may have raised apprehensions about U.S. intervention in the face of Chinese hostility, Koo maintains that a strong U.S. military presence in Asia, coupled with regional alliances, is crucial to prevent a possible conflict. He emphasized the significance of conveying to Beijing the severe economic consequences of aggression towards Taiwan—a sentiment he believes is shared by the U.S. government.
"If China can be made to understand that the potential costs would be extremely, extremely high, then that will make it extremely hard for it to make a decision,” Koo asserted. The defense minister also acknowledged that while the Trump administration champions an 'America first' agenda, there's a mutual interest in maintaining the stability of the Indo-Pacific region.
Taiwan has taken steps to strengthen its military capabilities, demonstrating its commitment to national defense. Koo pointed to the importance of preparing for asymmetric warfare, which could involve unconventional strategies aimed at countering larger adversaries. This approach would allow Taiwan to maximize its defensive effectiveness without relying entirely on conventional military might.
Amidst ongoing military exercises and increased defense budgets, Taiwan is poised to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, aiming to secure its democracy and safeguard its sovereignty against the backdrop of escalating tensions with China.