Seventh Defense Policy Paper Released
Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party is pleased to announce the publication of its seventh defense policy blue paper, titled ‘Bolstering Taiwan’s Core Defense Industries.’ The DPP views the revitalization of the domestic defense industry as the starting point for building Taiwan’s capacity for a self-reliant national defense — and to sustain that capacity far into the future — as well as a potential engine for economic growth at home.
Defense Policy Blue Paper No. 7 reaffirms the party’s commitment to restore defense spending levels to 3% of GDP, with significantly increased investment in defense-related research and development (R&D). Under the DPP’s vision, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) would take on greater responsibilities to play the multiple roles of planner, regulator, investor, supporter, and end user in relation to the domestic industry, in order to raise the technological and productive capabilities of Taiwan’s defense contractors through a demand-driven competitive market in combination with international industrial cooperation.
DPP also advocates that Taiwan begins working immediately toward the indigenous production of submarines and advanced fighter jets. The report identifies key priorities for near-term implementation, while outlining the long-term roadmaps for reaching these goals.
In preparation for realizing these ambitious plans, the DPP legislative caucus is tasked with leading the way by initiating the required legislation or amendments to existing laws to build the necessary legal framework for implementing the concept of self-reliance in national defense.
The DPP will also seek to forge connections between domestic and international defense industry actors and facilitate preparatory discussions about moving beyond arms sales to build a new model of cross-border defense industrial cooperation.
To that end, DPP’s Representative to the United States, Dr. Joseph Wu, and York Chen, Convener of DPP’s Defense Policy Advisory Committee, will travel to the U.S. between October 5 and 7 to present the findings of the new paper at the upcoming U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference in Williamsburg, VA.
Download: DPP Defense Policy Blue Paper No. 7
About the DPP Defense Blue Paper Series
The DPP Defense Policy Advisory Committee launched a series of defense policy blue papers in June 2013. There were many Taiwanese and American experts, as well as several retired Taiwanese generals and admirals, who offered their valuable advice and insight during the process. The DPP is a responsible political party which values Taiwan’s national security and will continue publishing the Defense Policy Blue Papers on issues such as force planning, budget, and service personnel throughout this year.
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