Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo announced Tuesday that American officials have not contacted his government regarding potential weapons transfers to support Middle East operations, even as similar conversations are reportedly underway with South Korea.
Last Friday, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun revealed that American and South Korean military officials are discussing the potential relocation of US Patriot missile defense systems currently stationed in South Korea for use in the conflict with Iran.
During a press briefing at Taiwan’s parliament, Koo explained that any redeployment of American-manufactured weapons from Taiwan would only occur following a formal US request. He noted that if such a request were made, the United States would handle all transportation logistics.
“But so far, because of the U.S.–Iran war, they have not approached us about making use of any of our related equipment,” Koo stated.
Taiwan maintains Patriot missiles as part of its defense arsenal, with the United States serving as the island’s primary weapons supplier. The democratically-run nation continues to face mounting military threats from China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory. Taiwan’s leadership firmly disputes Beijing’s territorial claims.
According to South Korean media reports citing government sources, Patriot systems are being prepared for Middle East deployment, with large American military cargo aircraft arriving at Osan Air Base to facilitate the transfer.
