escalating tensions 結果共14筆

The Kuomintang (KMT) has postponed a planned Taiping Island visit intended to assert Taiwan’s sovereignty in the South China Sea. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) criticized the move, warning of escalating tensions in the region.

Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, emphasizes the need to boost the nation’s natural gas storage capacity amid escalating cross-strait tensions. The call for expansion includes plans for a fourth liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and extensions in Taichung and Kaohsiung. Wang’s announcement follows an incident at the Legislative Yuan involving questions about Taiwan’s gas reserves, sparking discussions about national security and military readiness.

In response to escalating tensions and a changing geopolitical landscape, Taiwan’s Air Force has resumed overnight training to enhance pilots’ night operation skills, signaling a strategic shift in military preparedness.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reports 18 aircraft from China’s People’s Liberation Army crossed the Taiwan Strait’s median line, with a total of 26 aircraft and 10 vessels detected in the area. The MND is closely monitoring the situation and expresses serious concerns over the ongoing intrusions, signaling escalating tensions in the region.

Amid escalating tensions with China, Taiwan has launched critical military exercises in Pingtung, demonstrating its commitment to national defense. The drills come in response to increased Chinese military activities, including a breach of Taiwan’s defense perimeter by the PLA.

The spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command accuses the US military of maliciously destroying regional peace and stability through provocative actions. This comes after the US Navy destroyer John Finn sailed through the Taiwan Strait. The PLA deployed troops to closely monitor the warship’s movements and expressed discontent over US provocations. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense assures the public that the situation is normal and they were fully aware of the warship’s activities. The US Navy states that the traverse through the Taiwan Strait upholds the principle of freedom of navigation for all nations and emphasizes the importance of not surrendering rights and liberties. Tensions in the region are escalating due to increasing US naval activities and China’s claim over Taiwan.

KMT vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong claimed that he invited Taylor Swift to perform in Taiwan in 2023, but she declined due to concerns over the island’s geopolitical risks. Jaw warned that without a peaceful environment, investors would be discouraged from investing in Taiwan, potentially hindering the modernization and progress of businesses. He criticized the DPP for escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait and believed that the U.S.’s harsh rhetoric and threats could deter potential investors. However, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs disputed these claims, stating that foreign investment in Taiwan reached US＄10.7 billion by November 2023, the second-highest rate in 15 years. The MOEA emphasized that ＂war risk＂ did not deter foreign capital, citing major semiconductor companies and AI companies that have recently invested significantly in Taiwan. With the general elections approaching, the MOEA urged Jaw not to damage Taiwan’s reputation for political gain.

Taiwan’s shipping market is abuzz with news that Japan’s Ocean Network Express (ONE) plans to impose an emergency surcharge of US＄1,000 per container due to escalating tensions in the Red Sea. This, along with a US＄1,000 increase in base freight rates, could raise the total cost of shipping a large container to US＄4,000. However, this figure is still below the $6,000 being quoted in the Chinese market. Freight charges from Taiwan to Europe have been steadily increasing, with rates climbing from US＄900 to US＄1,000 per large container at the end of November to US＄2,000 by mid-December. Shipping companies are planning another rate hike, intending to raise rates to $3,000 starting from Jan. 1, 2024. The Chinese logistics platform, www.5688.cn, reported that shipping container rates from the Far East to Israel have skyrocketed to US＄6,000, a sixfold increase from the end of November.

Taroko Tears, a group for family members of those who died in the 2021 Hualien train derailment, is expressing incredulity at the Taiwan Railways Administration’s (TRA) dismissive attitude towards safety reform discussions. The TRA has repeatedly altered or canceled meetings with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ external oversight committee, raising concerns. The TRA’s upcoming transformation into a corporation on New Year’s Day has sparked skepticism and worry among Taroko Tears. The group has sought a seat on the TRA’s board to monitor safety reforms but was rejected due to a lack of professional expertise. Taroko Tears questions the ability of TRA board members to lead substantial improvements. The external oversight committee has been pushing for joint discussions on safety reforms since September 2023, but the TRA’s handling of these meetings has been criticized as capricious and disrespectful. The TRA is currently in communication with the external oversight group but has yet to respond to their concerns. As the TRA’s transformation approaches, tensions between Taroko Tears and the railway administration are escalating.

As Taiwan’s 2024 election nears, discussions intensify on the island’s future, with a focus on young voters and the impact of China’s actions. A recent forum at NTNU delved into these critical issues, highlighting the role of Taiwan’s youth in shaping a democratic future amid escalating cross-strait tensions.

Amidst escalating tensions regarding allegations of vote-buying in Taiwan’s political arena, Wang Shih-Chien, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislative candidate for Taipei City, dismissed the accusations against him as ＂boring＂ on Thursday (Dec. 7) without providing further details. The allegations surfaced when his opponent, Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Yu Shu-hui, shared a Facebook post revealing beer boxes featuring images of DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te and Wang at a local banquet. This incident adds to a series of controversial campaign tactics in Taipei, including KMT candidate Hsu Chiao-hsin’s alleged distribution of noodles as a form of vote-buying. Hsu criticized the DPP for distributing lunch boxes and beer with Lai’s campaign slogans, suggesting a double standard. In response, Wang presented photos demonstrating that Yu had also distributed campaign items such as small bags, dishwashing liquid, and snacks. This exchange underscores the ongoing debate over what constitutes inappropriate campaign gifts, as both major parties scrutinize each other’s activities leading up to the elections.

In a pivotal summit in Woodside, California, Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping discussed escalating U.S.-China tensions, focusing on Taiwan and the upcoming U.S. elections. The meeting, significant for its diplomatic communications, highlighted the ongoing complexities in U.S.-China relations and the looming concerns over Taiwan and election interference.

National Security Council Secretary-General Wellington Koo refutes claims that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is responsible for escalating tensions in Taiwan. Koo emphasizes that the real risk comes from mainland China’s refusal to abandon its military threat towards Taiwan.

Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, Lion Travel Service successfully transported a group of 29 Taiwanese tourists from Israel. Despite ongoing conflicts between Israel and Palestine, the tourists noted a surprising calmness among the Israeli locals during the war. The Tourism Bureau reported that Artisan Tour and Yung Shin Travel Service still have tourists in Israel, with plans to arrange early returns for customers. Uni Travel Services also adjusted travel plans for one group to avoid entering Israel.