"Defense buildup is still necessary, because it is the basic (action we must take) to brace for possible wars," Chen said.

Chen said that if Beijing agrees not to launch missiles, the military would see that as a goodwill gesture, and would welcome it, but would not take it to mean lasting peace.

Asked by KMT legislator Fu Kun-chi how Taiwan will respond if Beijing withdrew its hundreds of missiles deployed on its coastal provinces aimed at Taiwan, Chen said that if China indeed withdrew the missiles, then "the ministry will make adjustments on military procurement and research and development based on the actual situation."