1

Contents
Minister's Foreword

4

Introduction

8

Chapter 1 Strategic Environment

13

Section 1 Asia-Pacific Security Environment

14

Section 2 Military Situation in the Taiwan Strait

17

Section 3 Defense and Security Challenges

25

Chapter 2 Strategic Guidance

29

Section 1 National Defense Strategy

30

Section 2 Military Strategy

38

Section 3 Development Strategy for Defense Industries

39

Chapter 3 Force Buildup243

Section 1 Force Establishment Planning

44

Section 2 Force Integration

47

Section 3 Enhancing Weapons Acquisition

54

Section 4 Budgetary Planning

55

Chapter 1
Strategic EnvironmentChapter 4 National Defense Reform

59

Section 1 Enhancing our Recruitment System

60

Section 2 Optimizing Personnel Quality

62

Section 3 Enhancing the Image of Service Members

64

Section 4 Caring for Service Members

66

Section 5 Refining the Defense Legal System

68

Section 6 Simplifying Administrative Procedures

70

Chapter 5 Defense Industries

73

Section 1 Research and Development for Defense Technologies

74

Section 2 Developing and Producing Weapons Indigenously

75

Section 3 Development of Defense Industries

77

Chapter 6 Civil Protection Operations

81

Section 1 Executing Disaster Prevention and Relief

82

Section 2 Safeguarding Maritime Rights

83

Section 3 Supporting Emergency Rescue

85

Chapter 7 Cooperation with Partners

87

Section 1 Military Exchanges

88

Section 2 International Humanitarian Assistance89

Section 3 International Cooperation on Anti-terrorism

90

Conclusion

92

3

Minister's Foreword
The Ministry of National Defense (MND), in compliancewith Article 31 of the National Defense Act, releases the 2017
Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), the third edition after
the first one in 2009. This edition is aimed at materializing
the President's concept of national defense as strategies andpolicies, and systemically illustrating the directions andperspectives of defense policy implementation for the next
four years. It does not only satisfy the people's right to know
but also help the international community to understand our
defense policy and military strategy.
During the compiling process of the 2017 QDR, the strategic
dynamic in the Asia-Pacific region may be shifting with thechange of government and Asia-Pacific policy of the UnitedStates. Mainland China has been increasing its defense
expenditures annually, speeding up its defense and militarymodernization, and dramatically strengthening its power
projection capabilities. Its acts have raised concerns amongneighboring countries. Especially, Mainland China’s recent
intimidating moves by sending flotilla with aircraft carrier
Liaoning and military aircraft passing though the Taiwan
Strait have posed a serious threat to our national security.
Facing a complex regional strategic environment andmultiple security challenges, the MND has stipulated five4

fundamentally defensive strategic goals and corresponding
approaches to achieve them, to safeguard our national
security. Furthermore, guided by the military strategy of“resolute defense, multi-domain deterrence” the MND is
shaping a military force capable of delivering deterrence anddefense to keep the enemy at bay.
Additionally, the MND has adopted innovative thinking tosimplify the process to acquire weapons and equipment thatbest meet the operational requirements. A new category of“specialists in defense affairs” in personnel system has beenplanned to extend the career tracks of service members.
To realize the policy of “self-reliant defense,” the MND issetting up a “defense technology development mechanism”
to incorporate private sector capabilities into indigenous
weapons development programs. Aerospace, shipbuilding,and information security are identified as the core ofdevelopment to promote integration of our R&D in defense
technologies and relevant industries, and to achieve the goalof “mutual support between defense industries and economic
development.”
In the next four years, the MND will actively reconstruct
military barracks, upgrade individual combat gears, redesign
military uniform and badges, and improve living facilities and5welfare. In addition, the MND will enhance the efficiency
of disaster prevention and relief operations, strengthen theefforts in fishery escort missions, and protect the safety andproperties of our people. Based on our own capacities andexperience, the MND will also make efforts to participate inforeign humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR)
missions to fulfill our international obligations as a global
citizen.
In closing, I wish to thank the members of the QDR
consultation committee and the participating colleagues
and staff for their full dedication and contribution, and lookforward to the support and recommendations from the generalpublic. The ROC Armed Forces always keep an open mind
to different opinions, which can be good reference for future
policy making and force buildup, and keep our military
moving towards an elite and strong defense force.

Kent Feng

Minister of National Defense
March, 20176

Intentionally Blank

7

Introduction
The Ministry of National Defense (MND), in compliancewith Article 31 of the National Defense Act, is required tosubmit a Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) within ten
months after each presidential inauguration. In addition
to this introduction, the 2017 QDR consists of sevenchapters: Strategic Environment, Strategic Guidance, Force

Structure of the 2017 Quadrennial Defense Review
Chapter 1

Strategic
Environment

Chapter 2

Strategic Guidance

Chapter 3

Force Buildup

Chapter 4

National Defense
ReformChapter 5

Defense Industries

Chapter 6

Civil Protection
Operations

Chapter 7

Cooperation
with Partners

8

Section 1
Asia-Pacific
SecurityEnvironment

Section 2
Military Situationin the Taiwan Strait

Section 3
Defense andSecurity Challenges

Section 1
National Defense
Strategy

Section 2
Military Strategy

Section 3
Development Strategy
for Defense Industries

Section 1
Force Establishment
Planning

Section 2
Force
Integration

Section 3
Enhancing Weapons
Acquisition

Section 4
Budgetary
Planning

Section 1
Enhancing our
Recruitment System

Section 2
Optimizing Personnel
Quality

Section 3
Enhancing the Image ofService Members

Section 4
Caring forService Members

Section 5
Refining the
Defense Legal System

Section 6
Simplifying
Administrative Procedures

Section 1
Section 2
Research and Development Developing and Producing
for Defense Technologies
Weapons Indigenously
Section 1
Executing Disaster
Prevention and Relief
Section 1
Military Exchanges

Section 2
Safeguarding
Maritime Rights

Section 3
Developmentof Defense Industries
Section 3
Supporting
Emergency Rescue

Section 2
Section 3
International Humanitarian International Cooperation
Assistanceon Anti-terrorism

Buildup, National Defense Reform, Defense Industries,
Civil Protection Operations, and Cooperation with partners,
structured as the figure below.
Chapter 1 Strategic Environment
The United States and Mainland China continue to be theprimary influences in the current Asia-Pacific strategic
situation with a “co-opetition relationship” existing
between the two powers. Unresolved territorial disputes
over islands and waters in the East China Sea (ECS) andthe South China Sea (SCS), instability on the Korean
Peninsula, arms competition among East Asian countries,
growing non-traditional security threats, and potentialchanges in U.S. Asia-Pacific policy are major factors
shaping the strategic balance in the Asia-Pacific region,and present challenges to our national security.
Mainland China continues to invest heavily in militarymodernization, vigorously undertaking military force
transformation and reforming into theater commands, andis gradually acquiring force projection capability westof the Second Island Chain, adding uncertainties to thesecurity environment in the region. In recent years, ourcountry has faced constrains in defense financial resources
and manpower, difficulty in acquiring advanced weapons

9systems, increasing threats to cyber security, decreasing
defense awareness in the public, and increasing incidentsof complex emergencies, all of which require a serious andcareful response.
Chapter 2 Strategic Guidance
In order to counter the military threats and challenges
to our national security, ensure our national survival
and development, and safeguard our people's lives andproperties, the Ministry of National Defense has developed
five strategic goals: “Safeguard the Nation,” “Cultivate a
Professional Military,” “Realize Defense Self-Reliance,”“Protect People's Wellbeing,” and “Strengthen Regional
Stability,” along with approaches to achieve those goals.
MND has adopted military strategic concepts of “resolutedefense, multi-domain deterrence” to lead our directionof force buildup and establish a credible defense force.
Additionally, the Ministry has established a “development
strategy for defense industries” to develop advanced
technologies, establish capacities to research and produce
weapons systems and equipment indigenously, and spur thedevelopment of national defense capabilities and economic
growth.

10Chapter 3 Force BuildUp
With a focus on integrating joint operational capabilities,
the ROC Armed Forces continues to improve its joint
operational training, establish precise logistic capabilities,
enact policy reforms for mobilizing reservists, andgenerate a warrior spirit in the force, in order to ensure
successful accomplishment of defense missions for our
nation. Moreover, the MND established force development
priorities, and will achieve force development goals
through effective integration, allocation, and employment
of defense resources, and by revising weapons system
acquisition processes.
Chapter 4 National Defense Reform
The MND is dedicated to all reform efforts, including
perfecting its military recruitment system, optimizing
personnel quality and enhancing the image of service
members, caring for their wellbeing, refining the national
defense legal system, and streamlining administrative
functions, in order to enhance service members
professionalism and organizational efficiency.
Chapter 5 Defense Industries
Envisioning future trends and requirements for joint
operations, the MND has been pooling interagency

11

resources to push for indigenous development andproduction of weapon systems in three core fields ofaerospace, shipbuilding and information security in orderto promote integration of our R&D in defense technologies
and relevant industries, and to achieve the goal of“mutual support between national defense and economic
development.”
Chapter 6 Civil Protection Operations
For improving efficiency of disaster relief operations
and providing concerted assistance efforts, the MND has
cooperated closely with the Coast Guard Administration(CGA) to protect our fishermen in our territorial waters.
Furthermore, the MND will assign its naval and air assets
to assist in emergency assistance and transport operations.
Chapter 7 Cooperation with Partners
Through military exchanges, international humanitarianassistance operations, and cooperation on anti-terrorism
with our partners and friendly countries, the MND has
taken part in bilateral and multilateral dialogue mechanisms
for security and cooperation in order to contribute to peaceand stability in the region.

12

Chapter 1
Strategic EnvironmentT

he current global security environment is marked bycomplexities and uncertainties. Coupled with regional
strategic security alliances and competitions among
powers, regional situations have been facing increasing
uncertainties. In particular, the Asia-Pacific strategy
adopted by the new U.S. administration, foreign policies
adopted by countries in the vicinity of the Taiwan Strait,
political and economic arrangements of Mainland China
and its rapid military development, and security issues weare facing – such as economic development, demographicalstructure, and composite disasters – all impact our national
security and sustainable development.

13
13

Section 1 Asia-Pacific Security Environment
The security environment of the Asia-Pacific Region ismarked by the coexistence of competition and cooperation.
The direction of U.S. Asia-Pacific strategy and force
deployment remains to be seen while the rise of China has atremendous impact on the surrounding regions. Meanwhile,facing traditional and non-traditional security threats, suchas strategic competition among regional powers, disputes ofmaritime rights, and proliferation of terrorism, the majorityof Southeast Asian countries have begun to acquire advanced
weapons and expand their security alliances in response.
Challenges to our national security have emerged from these
relevant developments.
I. Regional Strategic Posture

The U.S. has been maintaining military cooperation withtraditional allies, such as Japan and South Korea, and has
established strategic security cooperation relationships with
Southeast Asian countries. Mainland China, on the other
hand, has been vigorously strengthening security relations
with Russia and Central Asian countries, expanding the scaleand scope of its joint exercises, and increasing its leverageon regional affairs by touting grand political and economic
strategies, such as the “Regional Comprehensive Economic

14

Chapter 1
Strategic Environment

Partnership” (RCEP) and “One Belt, One Road” (OBOR). In
addition, the situation in the Korean Peninsula is precarious.
North Korea has persisted in test-firing ballistic missiles andconducting nuclear weapon tests, raising serious concerns
internationally. Its actions have been triggering shifts inrelations among involved countries such as the U.S., Japan,
Russia, Mainland China, and have indirectly influenced the
security situation in the Taiwan Strait.
In terms of regional cooperation, Asia-Pacific countries havebeen enhancing strategic dialogues through venues such as
the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum andEast Asia Summit (EAS) to foster security and prosperityin the Asia-Pacific via these multilateral negotiations andcooperation.
II. Maritime and Island Disputes

The Asia-Pacific region contains numerous islands surroundedby abundant maritime resources. Several of those islands
are embroiled in sovereignty disputes and controversial
demarcation of economic waters. Regional states have been
investing ever more resources to secure their respective
interests and benefits.
I n t h e E a s t C h i n a S e a ( E C S ) , f o l l o w i n g J a p a n ’s
nationalization of the Diaoyutai Islands, Mainland China

15

announced an East China Sea Air Defense Identification
Zone (ADIZ). It has since maintained regular naval andair patrols in the ECS. Mainland China has also conducted
frequent training exercises in the West Pacific and beyond
the First Island Chain. Japan has established a shore-based
surveillance network on Yonaguni Island and increased troop
levels on Ishigaki Island. The confrontational posture between
Mainland China and Japan has heightened uncertainties in the
security and stability in East Asia.
In the South China Sea (SCS), the findings of the international
arbitration tribunal in the case filed by the Philippines
were not commonly accepted by the claimants. Mainland
China continues its island construction and militarization of
those artificial islands. The U.S. advocates for “freedom ofnavigation and overflight” in the region. Developments in
the region could escalate sovereign disputes and strategiccompetition, and potentially lead to regional conflicts.
III. Non-traditional Security Threats

Following rapid changes in globalization, technologicaladvancement and information flow, non-traditional threats
have become ever more complex. Their security implications
and scope are increasing, as are their importance. Many
challenges such as the proliferation of terrorist ideologies,
incidence of complex emergencies, spread of contagious

16

Chapter 1
Strategic Environment

diseases, cyber attacks, threats to information security,competition for energy resources, and rise of food and water
resource crises, are all transnational and regional issues thatcannot be resolved by a single country alone. Only throughinternational and regional security cooperation mechanisms
can these issues be properly managed to ensure regional
security and stability.

Section 2 Military Situation in the Taiwan Strait
Dynamic military development, arms proliferation, andtraining exercises of regional countries impact the AsiaPacific regional situation and pose challenges to security
in the Taiwan Strait. Among them, Mainland China's
obvious improvement in military operational capabilities byexpediting military organizational reform and maintaining
R&D on advanced arms and their conversions is the major
factor that affects security in the Taiwan Strait.
I. Military Environment in the Vicinity of Taiwan
1. Rapid Growth of Mainland China's Force Projection
Capabilities
According to its military strategy of “active defense” andguidance of military preparation of “winning local wars
under informatized conditions,” Mainland China has been17

increasingly developing its naval, air, and rocket forces,and vigorously refining their organizations, tactics,
and operational methods, in order to enhance its joint
operational capabilities. Moreover, its military strength
has been growing rapidly in the Asia-Pacific region
by extending its force projection and strategic strikecapabilities through conducting cross-regional longdistance training, escort missions in the Gulf of Aden,and naval and air force exercises penetrating through theFirst Island Chain and in the SCS.
2 . T h e U . S . R e v i e w s I t s F o rc e D e p l o y m e n t i n t h e
Asia-Pacific
To maintain its interests and ability to swiftly respondto potential contingencies in the Asia-Pacific, the U.S.
sustained its forward military presence in the region.
Additionally, the U.S. military continues to modernize,
strengthen its key capabilities for future operations,enhance its equipment and training, and conduct routine
combined exercises with allies aimed at improving its
joint capabilities, in order to maintain strategic advantage
in the Asia-Pacific.

18

Chapter 1
Strategic Environment

3. Japan Strengthens its Military Forces and Lifts
Restrictions on Overseas Deployments
In line with its 2014 National Security Strategy, Japan
lifted its ban on the “execution of collective defense.”
Japan also adopted legislation for peace and security,
expanding the operational area of the Japan SelfDe f e n s e F o r c e s . F u r t her mor e, by adopting a newversion of the “three principles on transfer of defense
equipment and technology,” Japan has been expediting
R&D on advanced defense technologies and selling
defense technology overseas. These changes profoundly
influence the security situation in the Asia-Pacific and the
Taiwan Strait.
4. Military Confrontation on the Korean Peninsula
North Korea has continued its strategy of brinkmanship,and has carried out nuclear tests and missile test launches
in order to increase its international bargaining leverage.
In response to the military threats from the north, theRepublic of Korea has been enhancing its alliance with
the U.S., deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area
Defense (THAAD) system, improving intelligenceand command and control systems, extending radar
detection range, and enhancing its early warning anddefense capabilities. But these activities have triggered19

objections from Mainland China and Russia, created amore complicated military confrontational posture on
the Korean Peninsula and increased uncertainties in theregional security environment.
5. Arms Upgrades among Southeast Asian Countries
Southeast Asian countries have been investing resourcesin accelerating their military modernization actively
acquiring advanced weapons from the U.S., Europe,
Russia, and Mainland China to improve their operational
capabilities. The risk of military confrontations in theregion has persisted.
II. Current Military Threats in the Taiwan Strait

Mainland China has never renounced its use of force against
Taiwan, and preparing to conduct a military invasion of
Taiwan is one of its primary goals. With a budget increasing
year by year, the PLA has rapidly modernized its militaryequipment, pursuing military reform under the principleof “Central Military Committee (CMC) managing overall
military affairs, theater commands focusing on warfighting,and services focusing on force-building.” Relevant efforts
have been made to reorganize its CMC general departments,
restructure military regions (MR) into theater commands,

20

Chapter 1
Strategic Environmentcreate an army headquarters in the People's Liberation
Army (PLA), and establish a strategic support force androcket force. In addition, the PLA in recent years has
institutionalized all its military exercises. The PLA now
possesses the capability to impose a blockade on Taiwan andconduct multi-dimensional operations to seize our offshoreislands. The comprehensive operational capabilities it hasdeveloped pose threats to Taiwan including the following:
1. Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
Capabilities
The PLA has been developing capabilities of command,
control, communications, intelligence, surveillance,
reconnaissance, navigation, targeting, and digital datalink
capabilities, and can now cover areas west of the Second
Island Chain. With a focus on improving surveillance andidentification capabilities on targets in the Asia-Pacificin support a range of military operations in the region,
posing a tremendous threat to our national security.
2. Strike Capabilities of the PLA Rocket Force
All medium (and short) range tactical ballistic andcruise missiles deployed by the PLA Rocket Force canreach the entire main island of Taiwan. With continuous

21

i m p r o v e m e n t s o n m a n e u v e r a b i l i t y, a c c u r a c y, a n dlethality, they can be used to conduct precision strikes on
our political, military, and economic high-value targets(HVT). Moreover, it has accelerated R&D, production,and deployment of long-range anti-ship ballistic missiles
to enhance its capabilities to invade Taiwan and deny theintervention of foreign forces.
3. Integrated Air Operational Capabilities
The PLA Air Force has been accelerating R&D andconversion programs for its fighter fleet. Its main
operational aircraft have undertaken aerial refuelingdrills, and multiple types of its aircraft have flown
across the First Island Chain, demonstrating a significant
improvement in its long range operational capabilities.
Moreover, coupled with new unmanned combat aerial
vehicles (UCAV) and advanced long-range precision
munitions, it has acquired capabilities to achieve
multi-layered firepower, joint air defense, anti-missile
operations, and even achieve air supremacy west of theFirst Island Chain, while further threatening our efforts toobtain regional air superiority.

22

Chapter 1
Strategic Environment

4. Integrated Maritime Operational Capabilities
The PLA Navy has been developing its main combatantships and accelerating deployment of auxiliary ships,
such as new amphibious transport docks and fast combat
support ships, to enhance its replenishment capabilities
for maritime operations. In addition, its submarinelaunched intercontinental ballistic missiles onboard its
nuclear submarine and shore-based supersonic antiship missiles under development and deployment havestrengthened its strategic deterrence and counterattack
capabilities. With the assistance of its indigenous aircraft
carrier and capability to form a blue water carrier battlegroup, the PLA Navy has demonstrated that it has
increased capability to conduct nuclear counterstrike,deny access of foreign forces, and blockade Taiwan andits surrounding waters.
5. Integrated Ground Operational Capabilities
The PLA Ground Force has been developing in the
direction of three-dimensional operations, rapid
maneuverability, long-range power projection, precision
strike, and special operations capabilities. The army
aviation units are equipped with various types ofindigenous helicopters, and have increased training

23

with special operations forces in order to improve its
air-land battle, rapid assault, and air assault operations
capabilities. Furthermore, it has deployed transport
vessels along Mainland China's southeastern coastand conducted joint landing drills to fulfill its future
operational requirements against Taiwan. It is believed
Mainland China has acquired the capability to initiate
triphibious landing operations to seize our offshoreislands.
6. Strategic Support Capabilities
The PLA Strategic Support Force was formed to integrate
space, technical reconnaissance, cyber warfare, electronic
countermeasures, and psychological operations units.
Notably, the world's first Chinese-made quantum
communications satellite, which can transmit classified
military operational data, was successfully launched into
orbit. Its electronic countermeasures force can simulate arealistic electronic operations environment in the Taiwan
Strait, and construct electronic interfering and paralyzing
capabilities. In addition, it has absorbed civilian resources
and recruited information warfare talent to expand civilmilitary integration. Thus, it has established a cyberattack
capability to collect our electro-magnetic parameters, andto monitor, cut off, and interfere with our surveillance,

24

Chapter 1
Strategic Environment

reconnaissance, command and control systems.
7. Unconventional Logistical Support Capabilities
In order to overcome inadequate transport capabilities
and ensure the prioritization of military operations, alltransportation infrastructure such as roads, railroads,
waterways, air routes, and civilian transportation means
were constructed to meet the PLA's defense needs. In
recent years, the PLA has requisitioned civil airliners
and large ferries to join its exercises, and mobilized large
units by train. All these reveal that its unconventional
support capabilities have been dramatically enhanced. In
an invasion of Taiwan, it can accelerate the movementof troops and reduce our preparation time for defensive
operations.

Section 3 Defense and Security Challenges
In maintaining national security and conducting defense
preparation, not only do the threats and challenges in our
external strategic environment have to be evaluated anddealt with, but social, economic, demographic, resources,
technological, and psychological factors in our domestic
environment have to be given serious consideration.

25

I. Limited Growth of Defense Financial Resources

In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, global economic
growth has suffered greatly. The economic development ofour country has also been affected by this recession, andour overall finances have been constrained － limiting the
growth of our defense spending. The major issue at present
is to make the best of limited defense resources to strengthen
comprehensive military capabilities and ensure sustainable
force buildup and operational readiness. We will seek toobtain a reasonable and adequate defense budget appropriate
to national budget allocations and, allocate and manage theseresources appropriately.
II. Constrained Manpower Resources

The impact of our social and economic environment, alongwith a low birth rate, has been to reduce available manpower,
negatively impacting our troop replenishment and operational
strength. We will to continue to revise our recruitment
system, and concurrently review our operational concepts andcorresponding force structure in order to maintain a small but
elite military to meet our future defense needs.
III. Difficulty in Acquisition and R&D for Advanced Weapons
In the face of the military threats from Mainland China,
the ROC Armed Forces need to acquire advanced weapons
to meet our defense needs. Bounded by diplomatic and26

Chapter 1
Strategic Environment

financial realities, our country faces difficulties in acquiring
advanced weapons which cannot be produced domestically.
Although we are capable of developing some defense
articles, we cannot fully build sophisticated weapons andequipment on our own. Some key components and parts mustbe purchased from foreign sources. To adapt to the futurehigh-tech operational environment, we must map out a longterm, comprehensive technology development strategy andestablish indigenous R&D and production capabilities.
IV. Serious Threats to Cyber Security

With the continuously expanding development and applicationof information technologies, risks to cyberspace andinformation security are growing relentlessly. Government
agencies, corporate enterprises, and critical infrastructures
are potential cyber attack targets. In particular, the PLA has
drastically increased its information and electronic warfare,and cyber operations capabilities, threatening our military andcivilian networks. The ROC Armed Forces have to enhance
information security and protection mechanisms, strengthen
information, communications, and electronic warfare (ICE)capabilities, and help construct a comprehensive national
cyber and electronic-magnetic security protection mechanism.

27

V. Waning Defense AwarenessDue to ongoing economic, social, and cultural exchanges
across the Taiwan Strait, many of our fellow citizens have
gradually lost awareness that the two sides of the Strait remain
military adversaries, and that the risk of war still exists. Somehave ignored the widening gap of military capabilities andincreasing menaces from Mainland China, undermining theirsupport for defense affairs. The ROC Armed Forces have tosystematically integrate all relevant resources to raise defense
awareness among the general public as well as encourage
public participation in and support for defense affairs in orderto strengthen national security.
VI. Increasing Threats from Complex Emergencies

Climate change has caused a rising number of complex
emergencies with natural disaster conditions increasingly
urgent and severe. Requiring coordinated interagency relief
and recovery efforts. Our country is located within thewestern Pacific typhoon zone and Pacific Ring of Fire seismic
zone, and is categorized as a highly hazardous area withfrequent typhoons and earthquakes. In recent years, the ROC
Armed Forces have effectively supported HA/DR operations.
In the future, the Armed Forces will continue to cooperatewith central and local governments to provide disaster relief
assistance, and shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding
people's lives and properties.
28

Chapter 1
Strategic EnvironmentChapter 2
Strategic GuidanceIn response to hostile threats and challenges to ournational security, as well as to fulfill the need to ensure
the survival and development of the nation and protect the
lives and property of our people, the MND has formulated
a “national defense strategy, military strategy, and defense
industrial development strategy” to guide our defense
policy implementation and force development. Throughthe implementation of those strategies, MND can best
combine both opportunities and advantages, apply limited
defense resources to build a credible defense force, andachieve its strategic goals.

29Section 1 National Defense Strategy
In keeping with the President's national security concept andthe Executive Yuan's defense policy guidance, the MND has
evaluated the domestic and foreign strategic environment
and trends, reviewed the status of threats and challenges toour national security, established defense strategic goals andlaid out visionary approaches to achieve them. The strategic
defense goals and approaches are driving the ROC Armed
Forces to consolidate their defense preparations, develop
future joint operational capabilities and enact relevant defense
reforms to create a robust and strong defense force capable ofenuring our national security.
I. Objectives of the National Defense Strategy

In light of current and future strategic environment andsecurity challenges, we must think innovatively, promote
pragmatic reform and utilize resources effectively in order toformulate the optimal plan for force buildup and operational
readiness. Our current national defense strategy is as follows:
1. Safeguard National Security
The first priority of our national defense is to deterand defend against any hostile military action. In theparticular case of a military invasion, we will mobilize
all defense assets to safeguard territorial integrity and30

Chapter 2
Strategic Guidancesovereignty and protect the people and their property
from devastation.
2. Cultivate a Professional Military
The employment of operational capabilities relies onhighly professional personnel and efficient organizations.
Facing dynamic changes in domestic and external
environments, and the need to build a military force
with high-tech and innovative capabilities, we must
pragmatically carry out various refinement and reforms
on the defense programs to improve overall personnel
quality and organizational efficiency, and develop
professional, smart, and strong Armed Forces to meet
future challenges.
3. Implement Defense Self-Reliance
The development of defense requires the full support ofa nation's economy. We must use the national economy
to develop defense, and use defense to spur the economy,
thus laying a solid foundation for a defense self-reliance.
The ROC Armed Forces must combine resources fromrelevant government agencies and industrial capacities
from private sectors to strengthen the development andapplication of defense technologies, and conduct researchand produce weapons and equipment domestically.

31

Doing so achieves a win-win result, fulfilling the nation's
defense needs while generating economic gains.
4. Protecting the Well-being of the People
To contend with the non-traditional security threats thathave emerged in recent years, the ROC Armed Forcesmust serve on the frontline in conducting disaster relief
and promoting social stability. The nation's maritime
rights are also our important interests vital to its people's
well-being, and the ROC Armed Forces must continue to
implement government policies to safeguard the nation's
maritime rights.
5. Strengthen Regional Stability
In the age of globalization, national security isintertwined with international politics and regional
affairs, and cannot be managed unilaterally. Aside frombuilding a robust defense force to meet self-defense goals,
the ROC Armed Forces must be a “staunch peacekeeper”
in the international community, dedicating themselves tostrengthening peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait andsecurity in the Asia-Pacific.
II. Approaches to Achieve the Objectives

MND will achieve its defense strategic goals throughsubstantive policy planning and viable implementation
32

Chapter 2
Strategic Guidanceefforts, and by seeking adequate budgeting. The approaches
to achieve objectives are as follows:
1. Strengthen Force Buildup
In order to achieve the strategic goals of “safeguarding
national security,” the ROC Armed Forces must develop
necessary capabilities to accomplish all their missions.
The pragmatic actions are as follows:(1) Carefully review defense needs and pragmatically plan
force buildup in order to establish comprehensive force
development objectives.
(2) Build a defense force that deters military threats anddenies invasions by consolidating joint capabilities,
improving joint operations training, establishing precise
logistics, refining the reserve system, and strengthening
morale for all its personnel.
(3) Fine-tune the weapons acquisition processes toaccelerate the procurement of necessary weaponsand equipment for defense.
(4) Pragmatically allocate and apply limited defense
financial resources to support force planning andbuildup, and create reasonable and appropriate planfor the defense budget to maximize the effectivenessof all resources.
33

2. Promote Defense Reform
In order to reach the strategic objective of “cultivating aprofessional military,” promote a series of defense affairs
reforms. Practical measures are as follows:(1) Design a comprehensive career package fromrecruitment to retirement to steadily achieve goals
for a volunteer force.
(2) Improve the professionalism of military and civil
personnel and refine manpower management anddeployment mechanisms to cultivate and retain
talented personnel who will continue serving thenation.
(3) Promote a culture of integrity and honesty to uphold
military discipline, shape a highly esteemed image forservice members, elevate their social status, and regain
their honor and respect from the people.
(4) Plan for the care and welfare of personnel toensure they have no worries about their families
and can focus on their missions.
(5) R e f i n e t h e n a t i o n a l d e f e n s e l e g a l s y s t e m t o
improve legal literacy for service members, andrealize the goal of administration by law. A specific

34

Chapter 2
Strategic Guidanceact for the rights of service members is being studied
and drafted to protect their legal rights and interests.
(6) Streamline administrative functions to improvethe efficiency of implementation.
3. Develop Defense Industries
To achieve the strategic goals of “realizing a selfreliant defense,” the MND must combine governmental
resources with those of private sector to improve thecapacities of defense industries. The pragmatic actions
are as follows:(1) Complete a layout of short, medium, and longterm defense technology development to integrate
domestic resources and capacities in industrial,academic, and research sectors in order to improve
our capabilities of technological R&D.
( 2 ) We a r e e n h a n c i n g f u t u r e - o r i e n t e d s t u d i e s o ndefense technologies and developments in weaponssystems, and increasing self-reliant capacities in
key technologies, to gradually achieve the goalsof developing and producing weapon systems
domestically.
(3) Develop defense industries with a focus on aerospace,shipbuilding, and information security, and enhance35their development through cooperation with industrial
sectors and academia, incorporating R&D results
and managing the process through security clearance
mechanisms.
4. Enhance Civilian Protection Operations
In order to achieve the stategic goals of “protecting thewell-being of the people” the ROC Armed Forces mustenhance their capabilities to conduct military operations
other than war. The pragmatic actions are as follows:(1) Improve the disaster prevention and relief capabilitiesof the ROC Armed Forces and strengthen
coordination and communication with governments
at all levels in order to effectively support disasterprevention and relief operations.
(2) Secure our sea lines of communication (SLOC),
maritime transportation activities, missions toescort our fishing vessels, and maritime surveys byemploying our naval and air forces to maintain our
maritime rights and interests.
(3) Provide medical evacuation and emergency
transportation in special contingencies.

36

Chapter 2
Strategic Guidance5. Expand Cooperation with Partners
In order to achieve the strategic goals of “promoting
regional stability,” the ROC Armed Forces will vigorously
expand military exchanges and security cooperation with
our partners. The pragmatic actions are as follows:(1) Following comprehensive diplomatic policies of
the government, the ROC Armed Forces have beenpromoting international cooperation and enhancing
multilateral understanding and international
cooperation through strategic dialogues, military
cooperation, and think tank exchanges.
(2) T h e R O C A r m e d F o r c e s h a v e p a r t i c i p a t e d i ninternational HA/DR operations and expanded
relevant exchanges, sharing disaster relief
experiences and dedicating efforts to preserve peaceand share international responsibilities.
(3) The ROC Armed Forces have been strengthening theirsupport to anti-terrorism rapid reaction capabilities
and improving exchanges and cooperation on antiterrorism with international community in order tomaintain regional security.

37Section 2 Military Strategy
Following the guidance of the ROC National Defense
Strategy, the ROC Military Strategy will defend against
threats to our national security. We will develop joint
capabilities to ensure our ability to conduct resolute defense.
We will create advantageous defensive postures through theconcept of all-out defense. Meanwhile, we will implement
measures to achieve multi-domain deterrence to increasestrategic endurance and protect the homeland.
I. Secure territory with resolute defense

To support a posture of resolute defense, we continue toenhance ICE and operational C2 capabilities, secure critical/
information infrastructure, and improve force preservation
efficiency so as to enhance joint countermeasures anddefensive combat capabilities. All-out defense strength andthe natural buffer of the Taiwan Strait will also be exploitedto achieve multi-layered defense and support sustainable
operations to achieve strategic endurance.
II. Multi-domain deterrence by joint capabilities

To achieve resolute defense through multi-domain deterrence,
we are adopting innovative / asymmetric means anddeveloping joint capabilities to present multiple dilemmas

38

Chapter 2
Strategic Guidanceto the enemy and deter aggression. When enemy aggressions
persist, our guiding principle is to “resist the enemy on theother shore, attack the enemy on the sea, destroy the enemy in
the littoral area, and annihilate the enemy on the beachhead,”and impose multiple interdictions and joint fire strikes todegrade enemy capabilities, disrupt its offensive and preventthe enemy from landing.

Section 3 Development Strategy for Defense
Industries
The development of defense industries is focused on thethree core fields of aerospace, shipbuilding, and information
security. We are expanding defense needs, incorporating
capacities in the private sector supervised by a technology
management mechanism and pursuing solid fundamentals t u d i e s t o u p g r a d e o u r d e f e n s e t e c h n o l o g y, p u s h f o r
developing indigenous weapon systems and their lifecycle
support with critical and advanced technologies, and leadthe development of relevant industries, with the purposeof attaining “mutual support between national defense andeconomic development.”39

I. Guidance for Development Strategy for Defense Industries
1. Envisioning trends in defense technologies and following our
joint operational requirements, we will complete a thoroughplanning for defense technologies to ensure our R&D
programs matching with our operational requirements.
2. We will invest in the three core fields of aerospace,shipbuilding, and information security in order toreinvigorate the defense industries and generate energies forour economic growth.
3. We will establish a defense technology development
mechanism to incorporate multiple high-tech capacities fromindustries, academic and research communities to develop
advanced defense technologies.
4. We will seek breakthroughs in key military technologies, andestablish self-reliant capacities from design to production
and with integrated logistic support, in order to graduallyachieve the goal of total indigenous production of weapon
systems.
5. We will hold out the prospect of upgraded industrial design
or manufacturing capacities to incentivize and attract
contractors to participate in defense industries. Theirconnections with international market will assist them in
upgrading and transforming themselves. Additionally, part of40

Chapter 2
Strategic Guidancethe budget shall be earmarked for associated programs andoutsourcing shall be considered to create a win-win result
for national defense and relevant industries.
6. Bills for development of defense industries are to be
proposed to encourage and finance domestic industries tojoin R&D in defense technologies, so as to improve thetechnical capacities of defense industries.
7. We will improve interagency coordination and cooperation
mechanisms to help transfer defense technologies to defense
industries and generate add-on results for them.
8. We will establish a security control mechanism for defense
contractors to prevent theft or improper transfer of research
results of key defense technologies.
II. Planning for Development Strategy for Defense Industries
1. Aerospace Industries
Beginning with the new indigenous Advanced Trainer Jet
program, we continue to engage in R&D on various aerial
vehicles and develop key aerospace technologies. The
matured technologies will be transferred to the private
sector in order to step-by-step establish an optimal
supply-chain in aerospace industries and bolster theiroverall development.

41

2. Shipbuilding Industries
Applying our current expertise on shipbuilding, we
continue to build naval vessels indigenously and elevate
our self-production rate of shipborne equipment throughdomestic R&D efforts and verification processes.
Moreover, key technologies in building advanced
vessels will be deeply rooted in shipbuilding industries,
the industrial capacities will be upgraded through theexperiences and lessons learned during the shipbuilding
process.
3. Information Security Industries
We continue to push for R&D on information security
technologies of a new generation and assist in setting up
a strategic alliance with information security industries.
Teaming up with the government to establish national
information security test and training facilities, we
continue to strengthen cooperation with industries,
academic and research sectors to help the information
security industries to upgrade and transform.

42

Chapter 2
Strategic GuidanceChapter 3
Force Buildup

Defense establishment is centered on force buildup andpreparation, which incorporate elements of tangible
and intangible strengths, such as force scale, personnel
quality, weapons and equipment, resolve against theenemy and logistical support capacities. Facing potential
threats, the ROC Armed Forces carefully assess necessary
capabilities, and make plans for force buildup requirements
and priorities. Furthermore, we carefully review theweapon acquisition process and make the best of ourmilitary expenditures to support our force development
in order to reach goals outlined in our National Defense
Strategy and Military Strategy.

43Section 1 Force Establishment Planning
Envisioning changes in the regional security environment,
potential hostile threats, and availability of defense resources
and requirements, the MND has formulated the following
major items of force development in order to establish
necessary defense capabilities and deal with possible militaryconfrontations and non-traditional security challenges.
I. Establish Superior Next Generation Capabilities
1. The ROC Armed Forces have been strengthening information,communications and electronic warfare capabilities, such as
offensive and defensive information and electronic warfare,and protection of critical infrastructures. Civilian information
security expertise will be enlisted as a force multiplier.
2. The ROC Armed Forces have been planning to acquire newfighters capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) and having stealth characteristics. Moreover, we haveactivated upgrade programs for our main operational vessels,
strengthening air-defense missile capabilities, and enhancing
our long-distance strike firepower and rapid reaction
capabilities on the ground in order to maintain fundamental
capabilities of defense operations.
3. The ROC Armed Forces have been pursuing domesticallyproduced submarines and constructing asymmetric assets,

44

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Force Buildup

such as high speed stealth vessels, shore-based mobile
missiles, rapid mining and minesweeping measures, antiparatroops means, and unmanned aerial systems, in orderto create multi-layer and multi-dimension defensive andprotection networks.
4. In order to improve “force preservation” of our assets,minimize damages in wartime, and exert joint operational
effectiveness to conduct a sustainable defense, we havebeen enhancing concealment and camouflage for military
installations, strengthening hardened aircraft shelters andrapid repair capacities, and fine-tuning C4ISR and relevant
backup systems, in order to establish a highly survivable
military force.
5. We have created disaster reporting, emergency rescue, andmedical care capacities in order to enhance our professional
HA/DR capabilities.
II. Refine Force Structure
1. After reviewing organizational development trends of major
militaries in the world, we continue to develop an optimalforce structure and scale for operational effectiveness in the
direction of forming a military force with “organizational
flexibility, flattened command and control, full jointness
across services.”45

2. In accordance with designated missions, functions, and flowof operations, we continue to refine the structures of ourorganization and forces in order to improve efficiencies andmaintain a lean and strong defense organization.
3. We have adopted integrated command and control
mechanisms for our air defense with a single chain ofcommand that is more responsive to threats.
4. We are integrating manpower from all our information,communications, electronic warfare, and information
security domains to improve our ICE capabilities.
5. We have adjusted the organizational structure of thearmament production system to improve R&D on key
defense technologies and indigenous production capacities
for weapons and equipment.
III. R&D Investment Driven by Operational Requirements

The MND continues to invest in upgrades for our missile andradar systems, and use advanced technologies, such as cloudcomputing, microminiaturization, to advance R&D programs
such as anti-jamming, unmanned stealth vehicles, precision
strike munitions.
IV. Increase Effectiveness of Resources Application

In order to support force buildup, defense transformation,and military modernization, the ROC Armed Forces have46

Chapter 3
Force Buildup

developed a comprehensive plan to phase out all theirobsolete equipment to alleviate logistical burdens. We havealso planned to apply automation to replace manpower inorder to cut personnel costs. Furthermore, we have carefully
calculated our financial requirements for foreign military
sales, and decreased the amount of funds remitted to foreigncountries for such sales. We have reinvigorated relevant
industries via our defense needs, and created a benign
interaction between our defense and economy, in order tomaximize the effectiveness of all resources.

Section 2 Force Integration
Facing changes in regional security environment, developmentof military technologies, defense needs, and available budget,the ROC Armed Forces have been integrating available
hardware and software resources, such as integrating joint
capabilities, refining joint operational training and logisticalcapabilities, revising mobilization policies, and boosting theirmorale, in order to gradually transform themselves into elite
joint forces capable of long distance precision operations andsynchronized joint engagement.

47

I. Integrate Highly Effective Joint Capabilities
1. Enhance Joint Operational Command Mechanism
The ROC Armed Forces have completed a joint
operational command mechanism that features “simplified
command of deploying forces,” “flattened command
hierarchy,” and “acceleration of command tempo.” We
have combined realignment of organizations with thecorresponding acquisitions of weapon and equipment,
and effectively integrate C4ISR assets with all weapon
platforms, in order to establish a battle management
system that can achieve jointness and increase
effectiveness of joint operational command and control,and exert our comprehensive military power.
2. Improve Joint ISR Capability
We have been integrating our major command andcontrol as well as ISR systems, developing capabilities
of employing satellites, enhancing the performance of
our ISR assets, and expanding channels to exchange
information, in order to achieve the goal of “sharing
information, and expediting command and control.”3. Improve Effectiveness of Contingency Response
We have been applying joint ISR measures to monitor
activities in our adjacent waters and airspace, and by48

Chapter 3
Force Buildup

following “The ROC Armed Forces Regulations on
Peacetime Contingencies Response” guiding all theservices to initiate contingency reaction procedures.
Furthermore, through local coordination with law
enforcement, coast guard and civil defense units, we
can maintain the security of critical infrastructures andimportant installations.
II. Enhance Effectiveness of Joint Operational Training
1. Introducing Fundamentals of Joint Operations
Through basic and advanced courses for officers andnon-commissioned officers as well as specific scheduledtraining courses for joint operations, we have been
introducing fundamental functions of joint operations toall our cadre members.
2. Strengthen Joint Operational Training
According to “The ROC Armed Forces Defense
Operational Concept” and “The ROC Armed Forces Joint
Operational Guidance,” we have been carefully planningand conducting joint operational exercises with allservices. In order to improve exchanges among services,
we have increased responsibilities for our Theaters of
Operations to conduct operational readiness mission49

training so as to establish their understanding of joint
operations.
3. Enhance Training and Doctrine for Joint Operations
In accordance with rearrangement of force structure andupgrades of weapons and equipment, we have revised
the ROC Armed Forces Joint Operations Guidelines anddoctrines for joint operations at all levels are undergoingnecessary revisions to promulgate standard guidance forthe respective functions.
4. Improve Joint Operational Training System
Our joint operational training has three levels: basic joint
operational training, service operational training andexercise, and military-wide joint operational training.
The Joint Operational Training System and Action Items
of Joint Operations are applied to accumulate training
results at all levels, in order to closely combine training,
exercise, and operational preparation together to further
enhance the effectiveness of joint operational training.
III. Establish Precise Logistic Capabilities
1. Integrate Maintenance Capacities
Our maintenance resources and capabilities of all special
and general military equipment are integrated and we

50

Chapter 3
Force Buildup

have created a common logistics information sharing
platform across services for the purpose of saving
maintenance costs through technical exchanges, personnel
training, and informatization. In addition, maintenanceand support capacities are also enhanced to improvereadiness of military equipment and operational forces.
2. Enhance Effectiveness of Logistics Information
Management
We have established a common operational platform tointegrate maintenance capacities and supplies of military
outfits. The development of the Logistics Management
System for Deploying Forces is underway, and all thelogistical data of the ROC Armed Forces are being
integrated to simplify workflow and achieve the goal ofproviding convenient and swift logistical support.
IV. Revise Reservists Mobilization Policy
1. Promote Short-term Enlistment
After reviewing overall situation of our country, we arepromoting a policy for reservists to voluntarily serve
short-term in active duty. Priority will be granted toreservists having high-demand military occupational
specialties (MOS), technical skills and combat skill.
They will be provided with reorientation courses so they51

can be quickly mobilized and combat ready in wartime.
2. Establish Reservist Units of Retired Volunteer Service
Members
In order to improve the reserve combat capabilities,
former volunteer service members will have priority forservice in reserve forces. We will tap into their skilled
MOSs and combat skills to enhance the strike, mobile,and command and control capabilities of current reserve
forces which will be combined with regular forces in
defense operations for our country.
3. Introduce Mobilization Information System
We are planning to set up a personnel mobilization
messaging system with upgraded materiel management
functions in order to disseminate recall messages in atimely manner through information means and quickly
assemble our reservist forces.
V. Generate Comprehensive Intangible Combat Capabilities
1. Raise Awareness of All-out Defense
In accordance with the All-out Defense Education
Act, we have been instilling patriotic awareness to thegeneral public through institutional education, on-thejob training sessions offered by governmental agencies,

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Force Buildup

and educational sessions provided by local societies. In
addition, we have been hosting recall training sessions
for reservists, and disaster relief (Min'an) drills and air
raid (Wan'an) drills to improve public awareness of AllOut Defense and patriotism so as to strengthen theirrecognition and support for defense affairs.
2. Solidify Will to Fight
Through patriotic education, political warfare training,
resisting-stress training, and mental health education,
we have been improving the mental status of service
members. A mental status database was establishedto provide information on necessary psychologicaltreatment and prevention measures for service members
in operations so as to eliminate their fears in combat andsolidify their will to fight.
3. Strengthen Counter-espionage Operations
In order to counter infiltration and espionage activities
from Mainland China and effectively prevent any
information leakage, we have been hosting counterespionage seminars and training sessions, strengthening
protection for classified programs, and enhancing security
awareness among service members and their dependents.

53

4. Improve Strategic Communication Mechanism
We are following the features of modern warfare andtrends in information dissemination, and tactfullyusing media to enhance our strategic communication
mechanism. Furthermore, we are attentive to focal issues
in society, and combine them with our elaborations on
policies, in order to win the support and trust from thepeople.

Section 3 Enhancing Weapons Acquisition
The ROC Armed Forces have been applying innovative
concepts to revise the weapon acquisition process andeffectively integrate, allocate, and apply defense resources,in order to achieve the goals of force buildup. The weapon
acquisition strategy is prioritized towards indigenous
production, and when procuring from foreign sources is
considered, relevant technology transfer shall be realized inorder to maximize the effectiveness of the defense budget andachieve the goals of our force buildup.
I. Improve Management for Defense Investment Programs

To refine the efficiency and quality of military investment
programs, and acquire optimal weapons to meet ouroperational requirements and demands for cost-effectiveness,

54

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Force Buildup

the ROC Armed Forces have been combining weapon
acquisition processes, carefully reviewing all documents,
and applying professional personnel with more flexibility
in operations, in order to make well-rounded programs forweapon acquisition, and achieve our goals of force buildup
and a self-reliant defense.
II. Realize Cost-effectiveness Review on Defense Resources

The ROC Armed Forces have been using scientific andquantifiable means, such as modulated simulation system
and models of cost-effectiveness analysis, to construct amechanism for analyzing the efficiency of our joint operations
and their cost-effectiveness. By doing so, our goal is to findan optimal combination of capabilities which can satisfy
our requirements for joint operations and limited defense
resources, and the results will guide our force buildup.

Section 4 Budgetary Planning
Considering multiple factors of overall national economic
development, financial burdens of the government, national
security, and current hostile threats and national defense
policy, we continue to strive for a higher defense budget andproperly allocate the acquired amount. In addition, we areusing various financial tools and management methods to cut

55expenditures in order to maximize the effectiveness of ourdefense resources.
I. Pragmatically Strive for Defense Budget Increase

The scale of the defense budget is vital to the force buildup
for the ROC Armed Forces, whose modernization is highly
dependent on a stable growing defense budget. We willcontinue to pragmatically strive for higher defense budget
in accordance with our defense needs in order to effectively
implement our defense policies.
II. Reasonably Allocate Defense Resources

Wi t h i n t h e a c q u i r e d b u d g e t , w e w i l l a d e q u a t e l y a n dreasonably allocate defense financial resources. Priorityof financing will placed on the following defense policy
categories: defense R&D, indigenous production capacities
for weapons and equipment, acquisition of advanced weapon
systems, maintaining availability of major operational assets,
and improving living facilities for service members.
III. Strict Budgetary Implementation OversightBy establishing a budgetary management and control
mechanism, restructuring budgetary process, conducting
on-site inspection tours, and doing statistical analyses, we
may improve our budgetary oversight efforts, cut expenses,

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strengthen internal auditing, and maximize the effectivenessof our defense budget.
IV. Integrate Special Funds on Defense

All special funds will be managed by enterprise management
methods and will be mutually supportive to each other withthe defense budget. In other words, the special funds and thedefense budget will be financially interoperable in order tofulfill the budgetary needs of force buildup.

57

Intentionally Blank

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Force Buildup

Chapter 4
National Defense ReformC

ontemplating future development in defense affairs,
the MND has to continue refining itself and makeprogress in line with advances over time. Therefore,
the MND is dedicated to all reform activities, in orderto lead the ROC Armed Forces to a new era by making
sound policy planning and realistic implementation, andstrengthening administrative efficiency.

59Section 1 Enhancing our Recruitment System
In order to achieve the goals of recruitment, the ROC Armed
Forces have been improving recruiting efforts by enhancing
forces training, providing well-rounded care to dependents,
realizing career plans for service members after retirement,
offering complete supporting measures for recruitment
and policy incentives to enhance personnel quality andorganizational efficiency and create an elite defense force.
I. Recruitment Management in Transition to Volunteer
SystemUnder the current recruitment system, regular forces aremainly composed of volunteer service members, who willbe the backbone for shouldering responsibilities to conduct
defense and operational preparation missions. Conscripts
undergo four months of military training to learn basic
combat and MOS skills and will be listed in the pool ofreservists once the training is completed. They can be recalled
to receive reorientation training in peacetime, and will bemobilized to join the order of battle with regular forces tosafeguard the nation.
II. Complete Supporting Measures for Volunteer System

In order to steadily recruit personnel and retain them topreserve military professions and strengthen combat readiness
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Chapter 4
National Defense Reform

for our forces, we have been maintaining a complete set of
supporting measures for recruitment. We have been hosting
All-Out Defense Education Sessions, Military Summer Camp
activities, and Military Career Track meetings, refining
recruiting advertisements, and revising selecting processes
in order to recruit highly qualified personnel. In addition,
we have increased combined training for key capabilities
and realistic training, in order to strengthen the capabilitiesof our forces. Furthermore, we have been reviewing our
military pay and renovating military installations and living
quarters to offer service member more impetus to stay inthe service and care for their dependents. Service members
are also encouraged to pursue advanced studies, and acquire
skill certificates off duty, in order to cultivate their secondary
specialties other than their primary MOS, and help them join
the work force after retirement.
III. Improve Career Planning for Veterans

The Veterans Affairs Council (VAC) has completed a retiree
assistance program, which provides categorized assistanceand consultation services to retirees according to theirindividual MOS and rank. The areas of assistance include:
schooling, career training, discounted cost medical treatment
and home care. In addition, the MND will discuss careerplanning programs for retiring members with the VAC and the61Ministry of Labor to create better conditions for job-seeking
retiring members.

Section 2 Optimizing Personnel Quality
Abiding by the principle of “educated for purposes,
and nurtured by plans,” the MND has been instilling
professionalism in its entire military and civilian members,
and fine-tuning its personnel management mechanism
in order to retain talented personnel. In addition, we
have been conducting exchanges between our militaryeducational institutions and those of friendly countries inorder to cultivate elite members and increase the quality andeffectiveness of defense policy implementation.
I. Strengthen Military Professionalism

Envisioning the trends in defense transformation, aside
from improving its military educational system, the MND
has established the Graduate Institute of Chinese Military
Affairs Studies and Leadership Excellence Course, while alsoplanning to set up a PhD course for Strategic Security and
Defense Management to nurture more talented personnel inmilitary strategies.

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National Defense Reform

II. Enhance Defense Civilian Personnel System

We are adopting measures for civilian personnel suchas deepening on-the-job defense education, expanding
participation in military affairs, improving personnel
exchanges and establishing a career path system for civilian
officials in order to construct a well-designed defense civilian
personnel system.
III. Introduce “Specialists in Defense Affairs”

Referencing the “defense civilian personnel” system inforeign countries, former service members can be employed
to serve as civilian “specialists in defense affairs,” in order toextend their career track by this means of flexible manpower
management, enable them to contribute their military
expertise over a longer period.
IV. Exchanges between Military and Civilian Educational
Institutions

The MND has been expanding academic exchanges among
foreign and domestic universities, our service academies andNational Defense University to instill in our trainees moreinnovative and skillful thinking through studying together andabsorbing multidisciplinary ideas. During winter and summer
breaks, selected cadets can join exchange activities in foreigncountries to broaden their international perspectives.
63Section 3 Enhancing the Image of Service
Members
Aside from focusing on operational and training missions,
the ROC Armed Forces shall join hands with society, andutilize diverse publicity channels to cultivate martial virtues
among our service members. In addition, interaction between
military and civil society will be strengthened, and the ROC
Armed Forces will show their dedication, professionalism,
and ironclad discipline to win the respect and trust from thepeople.
I. Winning Respect and Honor

By nurturing military disciplines and virtues, all service
members will be imbued with the energetic spirit of “sacrifice,unity, and responsibility,” and have firm dedication tofighting for our national survival and the people's wellbeing.
The MND has been cooperating with the media to portray a
professional image for the ROC Armed Forces so as to win
the recognition and trust from the people.
II. Increase Interaction between Military and Civilian
Communities

The MND has set up communication and coordination
channels with local governments and legislative institutions

64

Chapter 4
National Defense Reformand designated areas of responsibilities for civil affairs
to integrate local resources and create a sound interaction
mechanism between military and civilian circles. We havealso been promoting community work to care for people inneed in order to exhibit the ROC Armed Forces' tradition ofembracing the people wholeheartedly.
III. Firmly Stringent Military Discipline

The MND has been improving its culture of leadership, using
justifiable means of maintaining discipline, and maintaining
highly accessible communication channels in order to createa harmonious working environment. In addition, we haveincorporated the use of mobile internet devices to distributetimely reminders of discipline demands in order to improve
our duplicate oversight mechanism on and off duty anduphold a high standard of military discipline.
IV. Foster a Clean and Honest Culture

The MND will participate in Transparency International's
Government Defense Anti-Corruption Index (GDAI) in order
to exhibit our results in anti-corruption and transparent policy
implementation and increase dialogue and cooperation withpublic civil groups, all of which can assist us in evaluating
risks to our clean and honest culture.

65Section 4 Caring for Service Members
In order to provide a well-rounded care for active members
and their families, the ROC Armed Forces have been offeringa variety of benefits and caring measures concerning theirliving quarters, environment, clothing, gear, food, andother factors. In this way, their worries of livelihood can bealleviated, and they can be more focused on their duties in
dedication to the nation.
I. Refurbish Military Barracks and Living Quarters

After considerations of integral planning, accumulated budget,
focal investment, and exertion of operational capabilities, the
MND has been reconstructing large scale and congregatedmilitary installations, and constructing multi-service facilities
for administration, leisure activities, and housing. Moreover,
we have been effectively using financial resources to expand
the portion of budget for construction in order to expedite theprogress of renovations for old living quarters and improvemilitary members’ quality of life.
II. Improve Quality of Life and Environment

The MND strives to improve quality of life and environment
for service members. The acquired budget will be allocatedaccording to the level of urgency in areas such as security,
water leaks and overall living environment, and the priority
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National Defense Reform

of locations, such as units on mountainous or rural areas, andunits on offshore islands.
III. Introduce New Personal Combat Gear

In accordance with actual production capacities andearmarked budget for new personal protective gear, the MND
has been acquiring funding for improving battle protection
for service members. The sequence of renewal phases is asfollows: combat forces, combat-support forces, then servicesupport forces.
IV. Improve Quality of Military Uniforms

After considering characteristics of individual service andrespective mission requirements, and international militaryuniforms acts and costs, the MND has been combining
resources from domestic garment industries to research andimprove our military outfits and their qualities, emphasizing
on showcasing glorious military traditions and recognitionof unity. In addition, we have set up military clothing supply
stations and issued prepaid cards to provide more convenient
ways to meet the needs of service members.
V. Review and Improve Disaster Relief Gear

After reviewing recent experiences in HA/DR operations
and relevant mission demands, the MND has been gradually67renewing, in accordance with our operational requirements,
personal gear for our disaster relief personnel. We have beenredesigning specialized outfits, and researching new fieldrations for them to cope with difficulties in those missions
and ensure their safety.
VI. Upgrade Food Supplies and Services

The MND has adopted flexible ways to purchase foodsupplies and increased outsourcing for them in order toimprove the quality of meals for service members. We havealso expanded the range of our non-staple food supplies toalleviate the burdens of food preparations at all levels. In
addition, we have offered more convenient food and daily
supplies to provide higher quality services for our personnel.

Section 5 Refining the Defense Legal System
In order to implement a legal system for defense affairs
following the principle of “Legal System First,” the MND has
been drafting a specific protection act for service members
along with rules of engagement for the ROC Armed Forces,and has established a reporting mechanism with judicial
agencies concerning active service members involved inlegal cases. In addition, the services of judge advocates will
be flexibly applied so as to strengthen the effectiveness of“administration by law.”
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I. Stipulate Specific Protection Act for Service Members

Referencing to the Public Officials Protection Act, the MND
has been drafting a system of remedies for rights of service
members to guarantee the protection of service members’
rights.
II. Construct Comprehensive Legal Systems

The MND has been drafting rules of engagement for the ROC
Armed Forces which meets the standards of international laws
and our national conditions. This act will link our militaryand political goals through law, and establish a legal modus
operandi for our operations and command in armed conflicts.
III. Establish Civil-Military Judiciary Liaison Mechanism

After revising the Code of Court Martial Procedures, legal
cases involving active service members are submitted togovernmental judicial organizations. In order to allow
them to recognize the unique nature of military service
and management, the MND has been drafting a reporting
mechanism for those cases to maintain a smooth channel
to liaise with one another. Furthermore, the MND has beenplanning to establish exchanges between our judge advocatesand judicial officials to share case handling experiences.

69

IV. Improve Legal Awareness of Service Members

The MND has revised “Court Martial Education” to “Legal
Education,” focusing on concepts of human rights and“administration by law.” In addition, we have flexibly
assigned our judge advocates to impart legal knowledge
with real case examples to improve legal awareness and law
abiding attitudes in our personnel.

Section 6 Simplifying Administrative Procedures
Envisioning future trends of development for defense
organizations, the MND has been employing information
technologies and modern management concepts to simplify
administrative functions at all levels in order to improve theflow of operations and enhance the quality and effectivenessof policy implementation in defense affairs.
I. Streamline Administrative Works

After reviewing the status of current organization, division oflabor, general functions, and non-operational related missions
and activities, the MND has been streamlining administrative
works according to the principle of “being horizontally
combined and vertically integrated with distinctive authorities
and accountabilities,” in order to improve our organizational
efficiency.

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National Defense Reform

II. Improve Operational Procedures

The MND has been using performance evaluation methods
and tools and employing workforce inventory to review
current flow of administrative operations, in order to “simplify
the process, shorten the time-span, decrease repetitions, andsave costs.”71

Intentionally Blank

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National Defense Reform

Chapter 5
Defense Industries

Developing defense industries is a major means toconsolidate national resources and fulfill the goals set
forth by Article 22 of the National Defense Act for Selfreliant Defense. Envisioning future trends and requirementsof joint operations, the MND has been planning R&D
for defense technologies, establishing management
mechanisms, consolidating resources from governmental
agencies, and promoting indigenously-developed weapon
systems. Furthermore, we have been focusing our defense
technological R&D in three core fields of aerospace,shipbuilding, and information security. Integration ofthese fields with relevant industries will support our force
buildup and achieve the goal of “mutual support between
national defense and economic development.”
73Section 1 Research and Development for Defense
Technologies
Envisioning trends in technologies and requirements offuture joint operations, the MND has been strengthening
fundamental studies, and striving for breakthroughs in hardearned key technologies in order to increase the capacities ofdefense technologies.
I. Envisioning Requirements of Defense Technologies

Following the requirements of future joint operations, wehave stipulated R&D policy goals and core fields for defense
technologies in order to meet our operational demands, guide
our R&D programs in a forward-looking and sustainable
manner, and ensure our technological superiority in these core
fields.
II. Strengthen Fundamental Research

The MND has been outsourcing forward-looking, potentialdriven and research-worthy programs to civilian academic orscientific research institutions through academic cooperation.
The MND has also established a control, evaluation, andapplication mechanism for those programs, in order tostrengthen our foundation in technological development.

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Defense Industries

III. Formulate Technology Developmental Mechanism

To expedite development of defense technologies andapplication of the R&D results, we are going to establish a
specific unit in charge to pool resources together to focus
on the prospective of “developing innovative technologies,
accelerating their defense applications, and ratcheting up
industrial development” in order to leverage technicalcapacities in the private sector to develop advanced
technologies.

Section 2 Developing and Producing Weapons
Indigenously
The goal of a self-reliant defense is to domestically develop
and produce weapons. We have to master technical capacities
in R&D, design, manufacture, testing, and integrated
logistical support to gradually lift indigenous capabilities. The
MND has carefully evaluated its technical levels and R&D
risks and designated budget resources to shorten the gaps inits technical capacities for technical breakthroughs. This isin order to lay a sound and solid foundation to domesticallydevelop and produce weapons and equipment.

75

I. Evaluate Levels of Technical Capacities

In order to reduce risks in R&D, the MND has been
evaluating and making and inventory of necessary key
technologies and requirements for system development andlocating alternative sources to fill gaps in capacities.
II. Seek Breakthroughs in Key Technologies

The MND has been investing in R&D in key technologies it
currently lacks in order to develop and produce future weapon
systems, enhance the feasibility of developing and producing
such weapon systems, lower risks in developing them, andmeet military application needs.
III. Realize Domestic Development and Production of
Weapons
According to the requirements in defense and force buildup,
the MND has planned an advanced and comprehensive
path for developing and producing weapons, incentivizing
contractors to join defense industries. With programs ofindigenous aircraft and vessels, we have been improving ourdomestic capacities in R&D, design, manufacture, test, andintegrated logistical support.

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Defense Industries

Section 3 Development of Defense Industries
We have been using defense needs to promote development
in defense industries, transferring results of matured defense
technologies into their hands, and incorporate capacities
in the private sector to advance themselves. Aerospace,shipbuilding, and information security are prioritized as
three core industries to develop in this regard. We are using
policy incentives and substantive ways to upgrade defense
industries, expand their scale of business, and generate
economic revenues and potential growth for them.
I. Develop Three Core Industries: Aerospace, Shipbuilding,and Information Security

Focusing on three core industries of aerospace, shipbuilding,and information security, the MND has been combining
resources from governmental agencies and industrial
capacities in the private sector, in order to promote thedevelopment of defense industries. In the future, the MND
will continue to earmark portions of the budget for relevant
programs and outsource some of its requirements in order toeffectively combine capacities in civilian industries, support
the development of defense industries and realize a selfreliant defense and reinvigoration of defense industries.

77II. Promote Cooperation with Industrial and Academic
Sectors to Improve Quality

Through cooperation with industries and academia, the
MND will offer training for inspection personnel in defense
industries, and will establish criteria and mechanisms ofinspection for defense industries and a standardized systemof defense products, in order to achieve the goals of defense
industrialization. In addition, the MND will promote
innovative management for defense industries, quality control
and risk management, project management, and products
inspection capacities, while assisting domestic industries toimprove their development and production capabilities toshorten the R&D time span for defense products.
III. Upgrade Industries with R&D Achievements

We have been expanding civil participation in defense
industries through various mechanisms, such as outsourcing
military articles, releasing military resources, developing
dual-use technologies, etc., aiming at transferring ourcapacities of defense R&D into civilian applications. The
profits of R&D shall be invested in defense technologies.

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Defense Industries

IV. Assist in Certification for Exports

The MND plans to engage in verification, classification,and integration of domestic contractors concerning theirreputation, financial status, manpower, facilities, technicalexpertise, and management. Furthermore, the MND
will establish criteria of qualification for development,
manufacture, and maintenance, set up standards of acceptancefor end products, and will provide assistance for domestic
contractors to acquire foreign original certification or
military specification certification. This will increase theirinternational competitiveness, expand their overseas markets,and promote the development of defense industries.
V. Promote Industrial Development through Interagency
Cooperation

Through cooperation with the Ministry of Economic
Affairs and Ministry of Technology, the MND has beenpromoting policies of producing indigenous aircraft andvessels, doing research on aerial, maritime, and underwater
unmanned vehicles, and creating a two-way mechanism
and an operational platform for “the military transferring(technologies) to the industries, which provide feedback
to the military,” in order to transform capacities of defense
technologies and generate more interest in defense industries.

79VI. Establish Security Clearance Mechanism for Defense
Contractors

The MND has been establishing a security clearance
mechanism to implement strict contractual specificationand control of classified information, in accordance withsecurity clearance levels of contractors involved in defense
acquisition and procurement programs. This is to prevent
theft or improper transfer of research results of key defense
technologies and increase opportunities of international
cooperation and acquisition of advanced technologies.

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Defense Industries

Chapter 6
Civil Protection Operations

In order to maintain the safety of our people's lives
and property and ensure our maritime rights, the ROC
Armed Forces continue to enhance the efficiency of HA/
DR efforts as well as provide required assistance. The ROC
Armed Forces cooperate with the CGA closely to protect
our fishing rights and secure our SLOCs. In addition, we
will deploy naval and aerial assets to assist in emergency
rescue (transport) operations.

81Section 1 Executing Disaster Prevention and Relief
Taiwan is frequently devastated by typhoons, torrential
rains, and earthquakes. Following their legal obligation toassist in disaster prevention and relief operations, the ROC
Armed Forces need to assign subordinate units, which canbe dually deployed in HA/DR operations, in support of local
governments and employed to conduct relevant combat
missions.
I. Integrate HA/DR Resources
When a disaster strikes, an “Emergency Operations Center” isestablished by authorities in charge of HA/DR operations andthe MND to integrate all relief resources from governmental
agencies to conduct HA/DR operations.
II. Forward Force Deployment
In peacetime, the MND monitors hazardous potentials in
the affected region and organizes relief resources. Once thealarm is triggered, we adhere to the principle of “HA/DR
is equivalent to operations” and the direction of “forward
deployment, preposition of forces, and timely prevention andrescue,” to complete all disaster prevention preparedness.
When an unexpected disaster strikes, the MND continues tocommand all forces to assist local governments which havethe lead in disaster relief operations.
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Chapter 6
Civil Protection Operations

III. Refine Coordination Mechanism
The MND has established coordination and communication
channels with related governmental agencies and local
governments to conduct disaster prevention drills before
the annual flooding season so as to enhance the tempo ofcooperation in disaster relief efforts, and overall efficienciesof our national disaster prevention and relief efforts.
IV. Joint HA/DR Exercises
The MND has been conducting HA/DR drills with the
Executive Yuan and local governments to sharpen our disasterprevention practices. In addition, we have been participating
in international humanitarian assistance programs to observe
relevant drills, exchange experiences, and accumulate HA/
DR experiences in order to multiply our capacities in disasterprevention.

Section 2 Safeguarding Maritime Rights
Taiwan is surrounded by water, and the vast ocean is theimportant lifeline to our national survival. One of thepriorities of the ROC Armed Forces is to maintain sovereignty
over our islands and rights in our territorial waters andexclusive economic zones (EEZ) and secure our SLOCs. The
MND continues to follow the government policy guidance of83

“shelving territorial disputes and sharing resources through joint
development” while abiding by the spirit of international law,and joins hands with all governmental agencies to safeguard
our maritime rights. In addition, we have been strengthening
the defense on Taiping Island and patrolling over its adjacentwaters to demonstrate our determination to maintain our
territorial sovereignty.
I. Maintain Navigation Safety

The MND has integrated ISR capabilities to closely monitor
activities of aircraft and vessels in the vicinity of our country,
and improved early warning capabilities. We have planned toassign assets of our navy, coast guard and air force to conductroutine joint exercises. Furthermore, our capabilities in blue
water command and control, long-range mobile operations,escort missions, and maritime contingency response are also
strengthened.
II. Protect Fishery Rights

According to the government policy of “navy escorting coast
guard, which protects legally operating fishing vessels and theircrews,” the MND has been assigning naval and aerial assets,joined by CGA vessels to escort our national fishing vessels
in our EEZs, in order to demonstrate our capabilities anddetermination in maintaining our fishing rights and sovereignty.

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Civil Protection Operations

III. Assist in Oceanic Survey

The MND has been utilizing naval assets in collecting
atmospheric data (barometric pressure, wind field,
temperature, and precipitation), maritime data (depth,
coastline, and tide) and underwater data (oceanic current,
salinity, temperature, and marine geology) environments indesignated waters, and establishing capabilities to draw chartsof territorial waters. In addition, we have been assisting ingovernmental scientific research activities and establishmentof basic database on our adjacent waters.

Section 3 Supporting Emergency Rescue
According to the Manual of Operations for the National
Rescue Command Center of the Executive Yuan and theRegulations of Rescue Operations of the ROC Armed Forces,
we have been providing various assets, including resourcesfrom military medical service, to assist in emergency rescue/
medical efforts with premise that no operational missions
are affected. In addition, we have been improving relevant
professional training and equipment so as to enhance ourcomprehensive rescue capabilities.

85

I. Enhance Overall Rescue Capacities

The MND has revised the Regulations of Rescue Operationsof the ROC Armed Forces based on experiences from past
rescue operations and the features of new equipment. We
have been combining our rescue resources with those ofgovernmental and civilian institutions, and improving theircooperation by sharing our practical experiences in order toensure the success of various rescue missions.
II. Provide Disaster Medical Support

The MND has integrated medical forces with local medical
assets and enhanced exchange and cooperation with public
and private hospitals for the purpose of forming a regularpool of medical resources for disaster relief. When a disasterstrikes, they can be mobilized instantly to devastated areas toassist in medical care and evacuation for victims, and ensure
the success of emergency medical missions.
III. Support Emergency Transportation for Offshore Islands

On the condition of no influence to our operational missions,
the MND, based on the spirit of “being empathetic withthe people in need,” coordinates with the Ministry ofTransportation to timely assign military transport planes
or vessels to assist in contingent transport missions foroffshore islands and exhibit ROC Armed Forces' tradition ofembracing the people wholeheartedly.
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Chapter 6
Civil Protection Operations

Chapter 7
Cooperation with Partners

International cooperation is necessary to provide
solutions to transnational issues, such as threats ofterrorism, potential conflicts in the region, and major
natural disasters. The MND has been conducting
military exchanges with friendly countries and partners,
international humanitarian assistance activities, antiterrorism cooperation, and dialogue mechanisms forbilateral and multilateral security and cooperation tomaintain security in the Taiwan Strait and strengthen
regional peace and stability.

87Section 1 Military Exchanges
Following the government's comprehensive diplomatic
policies, we have been promoting military exchanges andcooperation with our partners and friendly countries. On
a reciprocal basis, by military diplomatic exchanges andcooperation, we are hoping to deepen the relations andsolidify the friendship with them, participate in international
cooperation activities, and ultimately maintain the peace andstability in the Taiwan Strait and the Asia-Pacific.
I. Security Dialogues and Military Exchanges

We continue to push for establishing a regular security
dialogue and communication mechanism with partners andfriendly countries. We are hoping to absorb new concepts to
expand our visions for force buildup and strengthening ouroperational capabilities through exchange activities, such as
information sharing, training opportunities, R&D cooperation,
information security, anti-terrorism, HA/DR, seminars orworkshops on military subjects.
II. Exchanges with Defense Think Tanks

We have established interactions with foreign influential thinktanks as Track Two platforms of exchanges and expanded
contact and dialogue with international strategic researchcommunities. By so doing, we are showing our strong
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Chapter 7
Cooperation with Partners

willingness to play a role in activities concerning regional
security and shoulder more responsibilities in maintaining
the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific in order to win
the support to our national security from the international
community.

Section 2 International Humanitarian AssistanceFacing non-traditional threats, such as major natural disasters,
the MND has been promoting exchanges and cooperation oninternational humanitarian assistance and sharing the disaster
relief capabilities and experiences of the ROC Armed Forces.
I. Integrate Military HA/DR Capacities

Abiding by the national policies, the MND has continuallyenhanced HA/DR capacities to foreign countries, and is readyto assign naval and aerial assets to assist in transporting HA/
DR personnel and materials.
II. Conduct International HA/DR Operations

Following the guidance of government policies, the MND
has been striving to join relevant international humanitarianassistance organizations in order to establish HA/DR related
mechanism and procedures.

89III. Expand Exchanges on International Humanitarian
Assistance

By taking part in relevant activities hosted by international
non-governmental organizations, the MND is able to share its
experience in HA/DR operations. Counterparts from friendly
countries and partners have been invited to observe our
HA/DR drills, aiming to establish a cooperation model forinternational HA/DR operations.

Section 3 International Cooperation on Antiterrorism
The ROC Armed Forces have been improving overall antiterrorism and counter contingency capabilities by enhancing
professional training, acquiring new equipment, andstrengthening international exchanges and cooperation inorder to maintain our homeland security.
I. Improve Training on Anti-terrorism Capabilities

The anti-terrorism capabilities of the Special Service Units of
the ROC Armed Forces have been improved by absorbing real
combat experiences through anti-terrorism training provided
by partners and friendly nations. We continue to set up avariety of simulated training grounds with realistic scenarios
to sharpen the capabilities of our units in rapid response,
counter contingency, and anti-terrorism.
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Chapter 7
Cooperation with Partners

II. Strengthening Exchanges and Cooperation on Antiterrorism

By participating in the annual conference of International
Special Operations Forces, the ROC Armed Forces can absorb
anti-terrorism experiences from participating countries.
Furthermore, a task force for exchanges on special operations
has been activated to promote regional anti-terrorism (special
operations) exchanges and cooperation.

91

Conclusion
In accordance with the President's vision and concept ofnational defense, the MND publishes the QDR to lay out
a policy implementation blueprint for national defense to
guide its commitment towards strengthening the military's
capacities to defend the nation and maintain regional peaceand stability.
Due to Mainland China's refusal to renounce the use of force
against Taiwan, the grave difficulties in the Taiwan Strait
have persisted. The ROC government stands firm in Taiwan,
and its robust defense capability remains the pillar of thepeople’s self-esteem and national security. Mainland China's
increasing military threats, as displayed by recent exercises
in which PLA aircraft and vessels circled Taiwan, have once
again revealed the paramount importance of the ROC Armed
Forces’ role in “holding the shields and arms to safeguard thenation.”Facing the challenges of uncertain situations and elevatedthreat levels, the MND hopes to generate, through the 2017
QDR, discussions on strategic and policy issues, review
the status of defense policy implementation and force
buildup planning, and establish a linkage among all military
strategic documents. Beginning with an analysis of our92

strategic environment, the 2017 QDR clearly maps out thegoals of our national defense strategy and in corresponding
chapters elaborates approaches and means to achieve them.
In addition, this edition has highlighted important goals inour defense affairs, such as strengthening ICE capabilities,
improving weapons acquisition, enhancing the image ofservice members, and developing defense industries.
The completion of the 2017 QDR marks the start of a seriesof efforts to refine our national defense reform. In the future,through our strategic guidance and integrated planning,
continued defense investment, thorough defense preparations
and force planning, and strict oversight, we will devote ourutmost efforts to realize the goals presented in this edition
The development of the ROC Armed Forces is closelyintertwined with the freedom and prosperity of our nation,and the people's support is our motivation to continue
forging ahead. The MND will spare no efforts, acting withdetermination and complete dedication to shape the ROC
Armed Forces as an elite military force. MND will steadfastly
reform in order to sustain a peaceful and secure environment
for the sustainable development of our nation and the people's
livelihood.

93

National Library Cataloging in Publication (CIP) Information2017 Quadrennial Defense Review/Ministry of National Defense,
Republic of China, Quadrennial Defense Review Editing Committee--First Edition--Taipei City：Ministry of National Defense, March 2017
pages； cm.-ISBN：978-986-05-2059-0 (Paperback)1. National Defense

2.Republic of China

Book Title：2017 Quadrennial Defense Review
Author：Quadrennial Defense Review Editing Committee, Ministry of National Defense
Publisher：Ministry of National Defense
Contact Address：No. 409 Bei-an Rd, Taipei City 10104 R.O.C.(Taiwan)(Taipei P.O. Box 91197)
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Publisher：401st plant, Materiel Production Center, Armaments Bureau, Ministry of National Defense
Publishing Date：March 2017 (First Edition)
Version：First Edition
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