MND releases 2015 National Defense Report

2015/10/28

The 2015 National Defense Report was published Oct. 26 by the ROC Ministry of National Defense, spotlighting Taiwan’s security situation, defense strategies, combat readiness and the status of relevant services.

Adopting the same framework as the previous edition released in 2013, the report sets out MND policies and efforts in such areas as changes to the conscription system, development of the armed forces, human rights in the military, and disaster prevention and relief.

MND spokesman Maj. Gen. David Lo said the ministry expects the report to boost public understanding of the challenges Taiwan is facing and garner support for the government’s efforts to implement national defense reforms.

Divided into four parts, the report begins with an outline of contemporary global and Asia-Pacific strategic situations, as well as an analysis of the impact of mainland China’s military power expansion in the region.

According to the MND, due to continuous efforts in recent years to ramp up its data link, early warning, navigation and reconnaissance systems, Beijing is now capable of monitoring the waters and airspace west of Asia’s first island chain, which extends from Japan to the Philippines.

Furthermore, the report projects that the mainland Chinese military will be able to pose a serious threat to Taiwan by 2020.

Concerning the emerging risk to ROC national security, the report explores an array of military strategies, including strengthening defensive and counterattacking capabilities, transforming Taiwan’s national defense mechanism, as well as enhancing joint combat effectiveness among the branches of the armed forces.

With regard to upholding sovereignty in the East and South China Seas, the report outlines various facilities, equipment and strategies for safeguarding homeland security and the interests and rights of vessels operating in ROC territorial waters.

Published in book form, the 2015 National Defense Report includes a section commemorating the 70th anniversary of the ROC’s victory in the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945), as well as detailed plans for establishing a national military museum in Taipei City.

Another new feature in this edition is a board game simulating the security situation across the Taiwan Strait. The MND said it expects the strategy game to raise awareness among young people about the government’s efforts to maintain regional peace and stability.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=238241&ctNode=2194&mp=9)