Key facts
- Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo stated that military cooperation with the U.S. is closer than widely perceived.
- Koo emphasized that these exchanges with the U.S. Pacific Command are enhancing Taiwan's defensive combat capabilities.
- He described Taiwan as occupying a key position in the first island chain, vital for regional security.
- Koo suggested that a Chinese maritime blockade of Taiwan would present greater challenges for China than for Taiwan.
- The minister indicated that such a blockade would severely impact China's economy and likely trigger international sanctions.
Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo stated on Friday that the island's cooperation with the United States may be closer than many people imagine, as Taiwan works to deepen military exchanges with the U.S. Pacific Command to bolster its defense capabilities.
Koo expressed gratitude for Washington's support, noting that the U.S. Pacific Command views Taiwan as occupying a key position in the first island chain, which stretches from Japan through Taiwan and the Philippines and helps maintain peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. He added that Taiwan continues to enhance its defensive combat capabilities through military exchanges and cooperation with the Pacific Command at all levels.