Taiwan Defense Ministry Silent Over Ukraine Missile Gift Questions

Taiwan’s Minister of National Defense, Wellington Koo, remained reserved regarding reports of Taiwan’s military aid to Ukraine and a prospective major arms purchase from the U.S. According to Forbes, Taiwan allegedly donated surplus HAWK surface-to-air missile batteries to Ukraine, though Koo clarified these decommissioned missiles were no longer necessary for Taiwan’s defense. He also addressed speculation from the Financial Times that Taiwan may seek to purchase Aegis destroyers, E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, Patriot missiles, and F-35 jets from the U.S. Koo confirmed Taiwan’s openness to all viable defense options without specifying particular systems under consideration. His remarks underline Taiwan’s cautious approach to both military aid and future defense acquisitions.

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