TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) confirmed Friday (Oct. 3) that Taiwan monitors China's tripled Zhurihe (朱日和) training base expansion in Inner Mongolia. Japan revealed the facility includes mock-ups of critical Taiwanese sites, suggesting preparations for potential decapitation strikes against Taiwan's leadership. Taiwan's national security agencies maintain vigilant surveillance of Chinese military developments.
Koo assured the public that the Ministry of National Defense (國防部), Taiwan's defense ministry, has developed contingency plans to counteract potential threats. National security units have anticipated and prepared for Chinese military maneuvers. Taiwan's defense establishment maintains comprehensive readiness against potential military scenarios.
Taiwan's military continues monitoring Chinese activities as National Day approaches, collecting intelligence to ensure readiness. The Ministry of National Defense confirmed a day earlier the deployment of new Tien-Kung III (天弓三型) missiles in Penghu, Taiwan's strategic island chain. Koo confirmed the missile deployment but declined to disclose further operational details.
Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) legislator Ma Wen-chun (馬文君) from Taiwan's main opposition party urged clarity on testing issues before allocating the NT$11.95 billion (around US$393 million) budget for subsequent Hai Kun-class (海鯤號) submarines. Koo reiterated that the prototype must pass sea trials before further budget allocations. ◼