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Troops reduction number remains open to discussion: Ma

ROC Central News Agency

By Sofia Wu

Taipei, Sept. 19 (CNA) President Ma Ying-jeou said Friday that the number of troops to be cut is open to discuss as the main goal of trimming is to establish an elite deterrent force and enhance overall combat capabilities.

"We will not trim our armed forces simply for sake of trimming and our ultimate goal is to establish a 'lean and mean' force capable of safeguarding national security, " Ma was quoted as having told a group of ruling Kuomintang lawmakers during a seminar held in the evening.

According to Presidential Office spokesman Wang Yu-chi, Ma made the remarks after Legislator Shuai Hua-ming expressed concern about the Ministry of National Defense's plan to cut 70,000 soldiers in the next four years in line with Ma's campaign promise to establish an all voluntary military service system.

During the meeting, the president also reaffirmed the government's determination of continuing military buildup and combat preparedness plans despite its efforts to seek reconciliation with China. "Protecting Taiwan's security, stability and prosperity is a common goal of all quarters of local society," he added.