Defense budget delay could stall upgrades over eight months: MNDBy Huang Ching-hsuan and Sam Garcia / Staff reporter, with staff writerDelays in signing the US’ arms procurement offer could force the government to restart the eight-month procurement process, slowing military upgrades and raising doubts among allies about Taiwan’s commitment to self-defense, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said today. The Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee met today, calling Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) and other defense officials to present on weapon procurements and consequences of delaying review of the NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.68 billion) special defense budget. Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo answers questions during a meeting of the legislature’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee in Taipei today. As there is growing competition for the same resources, Taiwan needs to secure the asymmetric defense equipment it needs as soon as possible, he added. Delays in signing the pricing letter could stall Taiwan’s military upgrades and make the US and democratic allies question its commitment to self-defense, Koo said.
