Taipei stresses need for deterrenceBy Ben Blanchard / ReutersChina poses a pressing threat, as its military buildup continues unabated, and effective deterrence is needed to make sure any attack would be very risky for Beijing, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said yesterday. Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo, center, speaks to reporters in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Chen I-kuan, Taipei TimesAsked about the US report, Koo said China has neither given up the option of using force against Taiwan nor slowed military spending. “On the other hand, if our defense capabilities continue to improve and our deterrence grows stronger, then its calculation regarding an attack on Taiwan will decrease. That would have the effect of pushing back such a date [for invasion] again and again,” he said.

Source: Taipei Times March 20, 2026 17:14 UTC