Taipei: Taiwan’s defense minister announced that the nation’s military has not planned to deploy troops to aid in the defense of the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently obstructed by Iranian forces. This statement comes after international appeals for Taiwan to participate in securing the critical waterway.
According to Focus Taiwan, the situation arose after Iranian forces initiated military actions against fuel tankers traversing the strait following an attack by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital corridor, as it facilitates the transit of approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), and the conflict has led to a spike in global oil and LNG prices.
In reaction to these developments, U.S. President Donald Trump has urged allies to dispatch ships to help secure the strait. A joint statement from Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan expressed their willingness to support efforts ensuring the safe passage of vessels through this strategic channel.
During a legislative session, Kuomintang Legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin queried Defense Minister Wellington Koo about Taiwan’s potential response should President Trump request assistance in defending the strait. Hsu referenced recommendations from Indo-Pacific Strategy Thinktank CEO Yaita Akio and former Pentagon official Tony Hu, who suggested that Taiwan should proactively express its readiness to send troops to the strait to bolster bilateral relations with the U.S.
In response, Minister Koo affirmed that the ministry has not contemplated such a mission. He emphasized that the primary responsibility of Taiwan’s armed forces is the defense of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. Koo highlighted the ongoing concern of escalating gray zone harassment and potential military threats in the region.
Koo also pointed out that China has been engaging in “high-intensity gray zone harassment” against Taiwan, with at least five Chinese ships frequently approaching its vicinity. The military’s focus remains on prioritizing the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region while continuing intelligence operations to monitor adversary movements.