Protecting Taiwan benefits the U.S.: defense minister

ROC Central News Agency

2018/10/03 18:47:53

Taipei, Oct. 3 (CNA) Protecting Taiwan is in the national interest of the United States because Taiwan plays a role in maintaining regional peace, Taiwan's Minister of National Defense Yen Teh-fa (嚴德發) said Wednesday.

Yen made the remarks during a legislative session when asked to comment on U.S. veteran journalist Bob Woodward's new book, "Fear: Trump in the White House," in which U.S. President Donald Trump is quoted as asking the National Security Council: "What do we get from protecting Taiwan?"

Asked why Deputy Defense Minister Chang Guan-chung (張冠群) will attend the U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference 2018 from Oct. 28-30, in Annapolis, Maryland, Yen said the decision was made after taking into account the rank of participating officers and the topics to be discussed at the meeting.

Yen said that given the frequent military exchanges between the two countries, he will have many opportunities to interact with the U.S. military in the future.

He also said that Taiwan's plan to acquire M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks from the United States is proceeding smoothly.

Addressing China's military movements in the region, Yen said that although the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has suspended long-distance combat training exercises at sea since June 20, it has continued to hold short-distance marine patrols and carry out military drills targeting certain countries and areas in the region.

Noting that Taiwan's military closely observes actions by the PLA, the minister said the armed forces will continue their efforts to maintain regional peace and security.

(By Yiu Kai-hsiang and Evelyn Kao)
Enditem/AW