Wellington Koo
TaiwanpoliticianMaleb. 19706.7Global Dominance: 0.02%Wellington Koo is the Minister of National Defense in Taiwan, notable for being only the third civilian to hold this position in the nation's history. He has been pivotal in reforming Taiwan's military command and control structures, advocating for an asymmetric defense strategy, and enhancing training for both conscripts and professional soldiers. Under his leadership, Taiwan's defense budget has significantly increased, reflecting a commitment to modernizing the military amidst rising tensions in the region.
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Wellington Koo is the Minister of National Defense who stated that the drills were introduced to counter the possibility of an escalation of threats by the Chinese military.
Combat readiness exercises launched - Taipei TimesTaiwan· 2026-06-22
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo stated that the drills were introduced to counter the possibility of escalating threats by the Chinese military.
Military begins five-day exercise against possible Chinese invasionTaiwan· 2026-06-22
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo told lawmakers earlier this year that the first aircraft is expected to arrive in Taiwan during the third quarter.
First F-16V for Taiwan spotted in TexasTaiwan· 2026-06-19
Wellington Koo instructed the air force to assist the pilots’ families after the crash.
T-34 trainer aircraft crash kills 2 experienced air force pilotsTaiwan· 2026-06-02
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo reiterated that testing would proceed according to established procedures.
‘Hai Kun’ sea trials to include deep diving testsTaiwan· 2026-06-01
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo reiterated that testing would proceed according to established procedures.
‘Hai Kun’ departs for 15th sea trialTaiwan· 2026-06-01
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo said Taiwan would work to uphold peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region through strength.
Lai vows to bolster defense, resilienceTaiwan· 2026-05-30
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo said planning to counter a blockade is standard practice in Taipei.
If the lights are off, Taiwan losesTaiwan· 2026-05-28
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo thanked the US’ two major political parties for their support.
US thanked for US$2bn defense billTaiwan· 2026-05-27
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo told reporters after the meeting that the ministry would continue to negotiate with lawmakers to build a consensus.
Arms bill moves for approvalTaiwan· 2026-05-27Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo speaks as Premier Cho Jung-tai looks on at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei yesterday.
Opposition, Cabinet special budgets finally advanceTaiwan· 2026-03-06
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo has urged the Legislative Yuan to grant prior authorization to ensure the deals remain on track.
TPP proposes authorizing US arms deals before budgetTaiwan· 2026-03-06
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo said that letters of offer and acceptance from the US for three major arms purchases are set to expire on March 15.
Legislature sets defense budget reviewTaiwan· 2026-02-24
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo said that letters of offer and acceptance from the US for three major arms purchases are set to expire on March 15.
Legislature to review special defense budget next weekTaiwan· 2026-02-24Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo said the government had had intensive talks with the US on what weapons Taiwan needed.
TPP open to special defense budgetTaiwan· 2026-02-11
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo said that the delay in passing the budget risks a 'rupture' in the joint line of defense against China.
Passage of defense budget ‘cannot wait,’ president tells nationTaiwan· 2026-02-11
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo said the Han Kuang military drills would maintain last year’s 10-day, nine-night schedule.
Han Kuang drill to maintain 10-day scheduleTaiwan· 2026-02-06Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo said Taiwanese are at risk of becoming 'numb' to China’s daily pressure tactics aimed at wearing down the nation.
MND seeks US arms delivery extensionTaiwan· 2026-02-06Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo said this year’s Han Kuang military drills would maintain last year’s 10-day, nine-night schedule.
Han Kuang drills to again last 10 days: defense ministerTaiwan· 2026-02-06Wellington Koo is Taiwan's Defence Minister who emphasized the importance of military preparedness.
Will Xi Jinping annexe Taiwan this soon, or not?
Australia· 2026-01-29
Wellington Koo, Taiwan’s Defence Minister, stated that Taiwan continues to monitor changes in China's military leadership.
What could Xi’s latest military purge mean for China’s Taiwan plans?
Canada· 2026-01-27Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo said Taiwan is monitoring abnormal changes to China's military leadership.
Taiwan monitoring ‘abnormal’ China military leadership changesTaiwan· 2026-01-27Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo said that the delay in the defense budget could raise serious doubts among democratic allies about Taiwan’s commitment to self-defense.
Defense budget delay could stall upgrades: KooTaiwan· 2026-01-26
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo answers questions during a meeting of the legislature’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee in Taipei today.
Defense budget delay could stall upgrades over eight months: MNDTaiwan· 2026-01-26
Wellington Koo is the Minister of National Defense who provided details of the special defense budget.
EDITORIAL: A history of unreliabilityTaiwan· 2026-01-25
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo reaffirmed the importance of the military reserves to national resilience.
Han Kuang drills to start in spring, may be extendedTaiwan· 2026-01-23
Wellington Koo reported on the special defense budget during a confidential meeting.
TPP’s Huang accused of confidentiality rule breachTaiwan· 2026-01-19
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo delivered a classified briefing to the legislature’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee.
Weapons systems in budget unveiledTaiwan· 2026-01-19Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo is to give lawmakers a confidential briefing on defense spending.
More US arms sales are in the pipeline: officialTaiwan· 2026-01-15
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo would give lawmakers a confidential briefing on Monday next week.
More US arms sales in the pipeline, vice defense minister saysTaiwan· 2026-01-15