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China may conduct drills around Taiwan anytime, Koo says
Taiwan’s defense minister warns of potential Chinese military exercises around Taiwan, citing unpredictable justifications. Taiwan remains vigilant, using joint intelligence to monitor threats.
2024/10/17 11:07
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President Lai leads inaugural resilience committee meeting
President Lai Ching-te led the inaugural meeting of Taiwan’s Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee. The committee aims to enhance national resilience and disaster preparedness through phased goals and community-level actions.
2024/09/27 10:15
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President Lai stresses civil defense in Nantou speech
President Lai Ching-te emphasized the importance of civilian efforts in civil defense during his speech on Sept. 24. He highlighted Taiwan’s reduced investment in China and the establishment of a defense resilience committee.
2024/09/25 16:32
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Taiwan to launch defense resilience committee this Thursday
Discover how Taiwan’s Presidential Office is enhancing national defense through the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, focusing on civil training, strategic materials, infrastructure, medical preparedness, and cybersecurity.
2024/09/23 22:00
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Taiwan’s military chief makes historic committee appearance
Explore the significance of Chief of the General Staff Mei Chia-shu’s appearance at the Legislative Yuan, a first in 25 years, and the planning of the 40th Han Kuang military exercise.
2024/06/26 17:54
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Taiwan develops new drone defense system
Discover the latest developments in Taiwan’s defense technology as the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology successfully tests a new stationary drone defense system. Amidst budget freezes and legislative scrutiny, the system’s future hangs in the balance, with calls for transparency and detailed operational status from the military. Explore the intricate debate over national security and budget allocations in Taiwan’s legislative chambers.
2024/05/08 18:37
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Taiwan and US address delays in US$19 billion arms sales
Explore the concerns over delayed U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, highlighting the establishment of a "Tiger team" to address delivery issues, discussions in the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, and the involvement of Taiwan’s National Security Council Secretary-General Wellington Koo in military matters.
2024/05/06 17:34
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MND vows to fix military mental health hotline issue
Taiwan’s Minister of National Defense, Chiu Kuo-cheng, addresses management issues in the Matsu region’s mental health center during a Foreign and National Defense Committee meeting. The non-operational hotline and recent self-harm incidents among military personnel prompt a comprehensive review and system strengthening. Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Wang Ting-yu highlights concerns over non-working numbers and the need for more certified mental health support staff in the military. The Ministry of National Defense reports progress in certifying mental health support staff since 2018.
2024/03/27 15:34
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U.S. House backs Taiwan military training in defense bill
The U.S. House Armed Services Committee has agreed to include provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24 NDAA) to assist in the training of Taiwan’s armed forces. The bill, with a budget of USUS$876.8 billion, requires the U.S. Department of Defense to develop a comprehensive training and advisory program for Taiwan’s military. The program will only proceed with the consent of the Secretary of State and after consultations with Taiwanese officials. The legislation aims to enhance Taiwan’s multilayered defense capabilities, including asymmetric defense strategies and interoperability with U.S. forces. It also promotes cybersecurity cooperation and the protection of military networks. The NDAA mandates biannual reporting on China’s military developments in Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the South China Sea. Additionally, a classified report will evaluate the absorption of U.S.-provided military capabilities by Taiwan’s armed forces. After approval by Congress, President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill into law, strengthening U.S.-Taiwan defense relations.
2023/12/08 17:19
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Unauthorized photography around military bases prohibited
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.
2023/11/20 19:09
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Officers to be held accountable for leaked equipment: MND
Taiwan’s Minister of Defense, Chiu Kuo-cheng, has taken action in response to reports of leaked military equipment from Taiwan’s Marine Corps. He held high-ranking military officers accountable and emphasized that lower-ranking personnel should not bear the brunt of the fallout. Chiu was summoned to report to the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign and National Defense Committee, where he admitted problems within troop management but also pointed out that blame should not solely rest on lower-ranking officers. The Ministry of National Defense has traced the problems to the brigade and command levels, indicating a weakness in senior management. Chiu stressed that senior officials should accept responsibility for training and not pass off their problems to subordinates. Commanding officers are also being held accountable in these cases.
2023/10/30 16:27
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More conscripts to outlying islands possible: Taiwan MND
Taiwan Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng announced that the nation’s mandatory military service may require some conscripts to serve on outlying islands. Chiu clarified that not all outlying islands have sufficient military resources, which may result in individuals being assigned there. During a special report by the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign and National Defense Committee, Chiu emphasized the need for firearms to be used silently to avoid detection amidst cross-strait tensions. He also addressed the possibility of extending the service period for mandatory service, indicating that this would require careful consideration and that willing and qualified individuals might serve in specific combat units. Chiu noted that obliging recruitment for combat units is a multidimensional process involving several steps and insurance issues. The military will continue to monitor different scenarios and work towards the most efficient conscription system.
2023/10/30 14:00
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Contentious legislators excluded from Defense Committee: Ko
Amid controversy over legislative nominations, Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Ko Wen-je assures contentious legislators won’t join the Foreign and National Defense Committee. Concerns center on Xu Chunying, alleged TPP nominee and CCP member. Ko emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law in Taiwan’s political participation.
2023/10/29 17:39
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MND to raise food allowance for armed forces personnel
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) plans to increase the monthly food allowance for Republic of China Armed Forces personnel. The goal is to set a minimum of NT$3,388 by 2025, with higher allowances for those serving in high-cost regions like Nansha Taiping Island. The adjustment will require an additional NT$1.3 billion annually and will take effect in 2025.
2023/10/23 15:36