The evaluation process must be based on a larger strategic basis, not based on the interests of this or that institution, any single service or individual.
TT: In this context, how do you see Taiwan's request to buy the advanced AEGIS-class destroyers?
MS: The AEGIS problem is particularly complicated. There are so many dimensions to it in terms of the ship's capabilities, as well as in terms of the requirements for a full use of the weapons and systems. You have also to consider whether the AEGIS is the best system for Taiwan at this time or over the next decade.
One big problem with AEGIS is that it is defined in many ways as a missile defense platform. It is evaluated in this way by Beijing, and by Taiwan to some degree. As a matter of fact, AEGIS does not have the capacity to defend against ballistic missiles. It was actually designed for command and control, systems integration, air defense, and cruise missile defense.
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