Taiwan to Slash Troops Level in Favour of Advanced Weaponry

Taiwan is planning to reduce the number of its troops by 9,200 this year, but the cut will be offset by more advanced weaponry, an official said. The reduction is part of a five-year plan aimed at cutting the size of Taiwan's armed forces by 60,000 from the present level of 275,000 troops

Taiwan is planning to reduce the number of its troops by 9,200 this year, but the cut will be offset by more advanced weaponry, an official said.

The reduction is part of a five-year plan aimed at cutting the size of Taiwan’s armed forces by 60,000 from the present level of 275,000 troops, according to Agence France Presse.

Taiwan Defence Ministry acting spokesman Lo Shau-ho said the defence capability of the region would not be undermined as it seeks more high-tech and powerful weapons.

“The era of maintaining a huge number of forces has gone. Defence capability is no longer determined by the number of troops,” he added.

In January 2010, the US Government had announced a weapons package for Taiwan that includes Patriot missiles, Black Hawk helicopters and equipment for Taiwan’s F-16 fleet.