military bases 結果共6筆

Amid a series of self-harm incidents in Taiwan’s military, Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng emphasizes ongoing mental health support for personnel. Investigations into these cases consider various factors, including emotional well-being and job stress, without differentiating between incidents inside or outside military bases. Chiu stresses the importance of assessing individuals’ mental state and other contributing factors, while cautioning against hasty conclusions in ongoing investigations.

The Chinese Coast Guard claims regulation of Filipino vessels near the Second Thomas Shoal in the Nansha Islands. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warns of retaliation if South China Sea sovereignty is disregarded. Tensions rise as Marcos accuses China of aggressive actions in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China questions the Philippines’ stance on the South China Sea issue, criticizing Manila for manipulating international opinion and disrupting regional stability.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced that three drug-sniffing dogs have completed their service, one continuing under the Customs Administration’s evaluation and the other two retiring in October. The MND deployed 18 additional detection dogs across various regions in December 2022. Major General Chen Heng-wei stated that the detection squads conducted 467 assigned smell duties through educational recalls and base applications. Throughout the year, operational areas designated 211 smell duties, with 145 requests from military bases. The government mandates a service limit of four years for these canines, but dogs in good condition may serve up to seven years. The establishment of drug-sniffing dog units began in 2020 as part of efforts to deter military personnel from bringing drugs into the barracks, showcasing the ministry’s commitment to maintaining zero tolerance for drugs within military facilities.

The Ministry of National Defense in Taipei showcased its drug prevention program’s accomplishments, emphasizing the effectiveness of its narcotics detection dog teams. Since December last year, 18 additional dogs have been added to these teams, allowing regions across Taiwan to request their services for drug-sniffing operations within military camps. According to government regulations, these service dogs typically serve for four years, with the possibility of an extension to seven years. Since 2020, three narcotics-detection canines have completed their service term, with replacements already trained and deployed. The defense ministry conducted 467 drug-sniffing missions within military bases this year through mobilization, camp applications, and operational zone assignments. Additionally, over 1.13 million urine screenings have been conducted among military personnel, with positive results leading to prosecutions and the removal of implicated individuals from service.

Taiwan’s Minister of National Defense, Chiu Kuo-cheng, stated that the Ministry will not interfere with general aviation enthusiasts taking photographs, but any behavior involving scaling walls to capture military installations will be considered reconnaissance activities. This announcement was made during a review of the draft ＂Military Base Security Maintenance Regulations＂ bill at the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign and National Defense Committee. According to the draft bill, unauthorized reconnaissance activities directed at military camp areas, such as measurement, filming, photography, depiction, or description, can result in fines ranging from NT＄30,000 to NT＄150,000 if they compromise national security. The committee discussed potential issues related to dash cameras unintentionally filming the area or residents of high-rise buildings next to a base. Deputy Chief of Combat Planning, Chen Wen-Hsing, clarified that the draft bill mainly targets harmful reconnaissance activities, while general photography activities remain unaffected. Minister Chiu emphasized that unauthorized photography in restricted areas is considered reconnaissance. Kuomintang legislator Chen I-hsin raised concerns about possible conflicts between existing ＂Vital Area Regulations＂ and the proposed new law, suggesting the incorporation of maintaining military base security into existing regulations as a specific chapter.

A potential war between the United States and Beijing over Taiwan could result in crippling losses for both sides, warns the Stimson Center. The article, titled ＂Is a Chinese Invasion of Taiwan the Most Likely Scenario?＂ highlights that a unilateral declaration of independence by Taiwan might trigger ground and aerial assaults from Beijing. A military simulation by the Center for Strategic and International Studies showed that a joint defense effort from the U.S., Japan, and Taiwan could repel a Chinese invasion but at devastating costs, including the loss of ships, aircraft, and troops. The war would also impact the U.S.’s global standing, hurt Taiwan’s economy, and potentially destabilize the Chinese Communist Party’s rule. China’s aerial superiority, with a ratio of 1900 to Taiwan’s 300, could result in airstrikes, missile and cyber attacks aimed at decimating Taiwan’s defenses and critical infrastructure. Simulations predict a rapid escalation of war, including potential bombing of U.S. military bases and a reciprocal U.S. attack on Chinese bases and navy. Any concrete steps taken towards official independence by Taiwan could serve as a catalyst prompting Beijing’s decision for forceful unification.