Close ties with US Pacific Command boost Taiwan’s defense readiness: Koo

Taiwan’s cooperation with the US may be closer than many imagine, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said on Friday, as the nation strives ?to deepen military exchanges with the US Pacific Command to boost defense capabilities.The command helps maintain peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, and it views Taiwan as occupying a key position in the First Island Chain that stretches from Japan through Taiwan and ?the Philippines, Koo said.“Our cooperation with the US may be far closer than ?many people imagine,” Koo said in an interview with a small group of reporters, as he voiced gratitude for Washington’s support. Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo is pictured in an undated photograph. Photo courtesy of Military News Agency via CNA “We continue to enhance our