Taiwan Military 結果共310筆

China criticizes a US arms sale to Taiwan worth $300 million, demanding an immediate halt to US military aid. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced the sale includes secure communications systems for Taiwan’s defense. China argues that the sale violates the One-China policy and the three joint communiques, particularly emphasizing the one from 1982. The spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense warns that any attempts to ＂use Taiwan to control China＂ will fail. China’s Foreign Ministry also launches a formal protest with the US and takes punitive measures against the involved companies.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has reported six instances of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and two Chinese naval vessels near the Taiwan Strait between 6 a.m. on Sunday and 6 a.m. on Monday. In response, Taiwan’s military has deployed aircraft, ships, and missile systems for monitoring and appropriate response. The MND has also disclosed the sighting of two suspected Chinese weather balloons crossing the Taiwan Strait median line at the northern end. The balloons were approximately 110 nautical miles northwest of Keelung, flying below an altitude of about 27,000 feet, and drifting eastward. These developments occur amidst increased Chinese military activities around Taiwan, as Beijing considers the island a renegade province to be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has received formal notification from the U.S. government about the sale of tactical information systems worth approximately US＄300 million. This arms deal, the twelfth from the Biden administration to Taiwan since 2021, demonstrates the U.S.’s commitment to Taiwan’s defense needs. MOFA expressed gratitude for the U.S.’s continued fulfillment of its security commitments in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. The sale includes equipment, training, and technical support, which will enhance Taiwan’s national defense and deterrence capabilities. MOFA reiterated Taiwan’s determination to strengthen its self-defense capabilities, safeguard its territory, and preserve its democratic and free way of life in the face of China’s military expansion and provocation. The foreign ministry also emphasized the deepening security partnerships with the U.S. to uphold a rules-based international order and ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns urges parties to refrain from interfering in Taiwan’s upcoming elections and emphasizes the U.S.’s desire for a free and fair electoral process. He quotes President Biden in reaffirming unchanged U.S. policy towards Taiwan. Burns describes U.S.-China relations as ＂hopeful＂ and ＂realistic,＂ highlighting Beijing’s commitment to tackling the fentanyl crisis and the eagerness to restore military communication. He advocates for a realistic and hopeful approach to U.S.-China ties, aiming to mitigate risks rather than decoupling.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen addressed criticism about her government’s spending and accusations of burdening future generations with debt. She claimed to be the best debt-repaying president and announced that her administration had repaid over NT$800 billion of debt. Tsai highlighted the increases in national spending under her leadership, including a significant hike in the national defense budget to NT$600 billion and a raise in the budget for elderly care from NT$5 billion to NT$80 billion. She also mentioned the expansion of the national child-rearing policy and the progress of the indigenous defense aircraft program. Tsai viewed the construction of a prototype submarine as a milestone that strengthens the island’s defensive capabilities.

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.

Taipei’s military, national defense, and aerospace stocks experienced notable performances in early trading as Taiwan’s presidential election approaches. AirAsia, Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), and Thunder Tiger stood out, attracting investor attention. With the United States reporting a slowdown in inflation growth, the market anticipates a lower probability of further interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve (Fed). AirAsia reported a net zero profit for the first ten months of the year, with optimism in the commercial maintenance market. AIDC exceeded last year’s total revenue in the first ten months, aiming for its highest annual profit since listing. AIDC Chairman Hu Kai-hung is working towards enhancing Taiwan’s aerospace industry through the A-Team 4.0 alliance. Thunder Tiger is planning collaborations with domestic electric vehicle supply chains and aiming to introduce innovative solutions in the defense sector.

The story discusses the defense of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te by his campaign director, Yao Li-ming. Yao defends Lai as a victim of the system, using Lai’s family home in Wanli District as an example. This defense comes in response to criticisms from Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) legislator-at-large candidate Huang Kuo-chang, who suggested that Lai should empathize with the hardships faced by the people. Yao criticizes Huang for hypocrisy, questioning his sincerity in displaying emotions. Yao highlights the struggles of residents living in mining areas and compares their situation to the limited residential rights of military dependents’ villages in the past. He argues that seeing distressed individuals as privileged is an unsupportive stance for voters. Yao expresses hope that if Lai becomes president, he will focus on improving miners’ housing rights and interests through legal and institutional reforms, similar to past government efforts to address the housing rights of military village residents.

Former Senior Director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council and CEO of the United States Studies Centre, Michael Jonathan Green, emphasizes that Taiwan’s recent extension of military service to one year is a significant indication of its commitment to defense. Green warns that any reversal of this decision would raise concerns in both the United States and Japan. As tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait, the main concern for the U.S. is Taiwan’s vulnerability to Chinese pressure or military action. By extending military conscription, Taiwan is demonstrating its political will to counter Beijing’s intimidation. The United States, Japan, and Australia believe that Taiwan’s efforts to stabilize the situation and prevent war are commendable. Green highlights that any threat posed by China to Taiwan could jeopardize security across the entire First Island Chain, impacting nations like the US, Canada, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand. Green, who has served in the Bush Administration and was part of the U.S. bipartisan delegation that visited Taiwan in March, stresses the critical importance of Taiwan’s resolve for self-defense.

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.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan welcomes and expresses gratitude for the joint statement made by G7 member countries, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The G7 urged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues and opposed any attempts to change the status quo through force or coercion. MOFA highlighted China’s military expansion in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, which poses a significant threat to security in the Indo-Pacific region. Throughout the year, various international statements have reiterated the centrality of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. MOFA emphasizes Taiwan’s key role in the Indo-Pacific and commits to continuing cooperation with the G7 to strengthen global democratic alliances against authoritarianism.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je expresses his commitment to maintaining President Tsai Ing-wen’s foreign policy trajectory in an exclusive interview. Ko advocates for friendly communication across the Taiwan Strait and emphasizes Taiwan’s opportunity to normalize its country status on the world stage. While Ko criticizes the Democratic Progressive Party’s mindset towards China, he believes Taiwan should not consider China an enemy. He emphasizes the need for Taiwan to maintain its self-defense capabilities and proposes a pragmatic approach to military strategy and international challenges. Ko compares his neutrality to his experience in emergency medicine and prioritizes care over political affiliations. He asserts the necessity for balance among the outcomes acceptable to the U.S. and China in navigating Taiwan’s international relations.

KMT campaign office spokesman, Chen Po-han, criticizes DPP’s Lai Ching-te for vague and inconsistent responses on key issues including a kindergarten drug administration case, ＂Trojan Horse＂ military exercises, and opening Taiwan’s labor market to Indian workers. Chen accuses Lai of spreading false information about Chinese students working in Taiwan and highlights the Ministry of National Defense’s military exercises simulating attacks by Chinese military aircraft hiding among civilian planes. The Taiwan FactCheck Center has debunked the rumor of opening up to 100,000 Indian workers. Chen defends Hou Yu-ih’s opposition to the ＂one country, two systems＂ framework and emphasizes his clear plans for various policy areas. This critique occurs in a politically charged atmosphere focused on misinformation and policy debates.

Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Wu, warns of China’s increasing interference and cognitive warfare tactics as Taiwan’s elections approach. China is using a ＂hybrid warfare＂ strategy involving military actions, economic pressure, disinformation campaigns, and unlawful financial flows to influence the election results. Taiwan’s government is actively countering these tactics by strengthening communication with the public, enhancing media literacy, and collaborating with public and private sectors. Wu calls for a united front among international allies to enhance democratic resilience and increase awareness of China’s unfriendly actions. This reflects Taiwan’s efforts to preserve its sovereignty and democratic values amid rising tensions with China.

The story discusses the response of the Kuomintang (KMT) party’s International Affairs Department to the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) allegations regarding the KMT’s cross-strait policy. The KMT defended its stance and accused the DPP of manipulating international opinion to hide its own lack of expertise in national security. The DPP’s allegations were made in an article by Vincent Chao, the head of the DPP’s International Affairs Department, in The Diplomat. Chao questioned the clarity of the KMT’s position on relations with China and claimed that a KMT presidency under Hou Yu-ih would lead to a more isolated Taiwan that is overly reliant on China. The KMT argued that Chao deliberately misconstrued their position on military conscription and reiterated the importance of national defense and conscription reforms for the security of the Republic of China (R.O.C.). They expressed regret over the DPP’s misleading claims and highlighted Hou’s commitment to bolstering national defense during his visit to the United States in September 2023. The KMT also criticized Chao for distorting their stance despite their envoy’s detailed explanation of the party’s defense policies at the US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference in October. The KMT emphasized the significance of the next president’s term overlapping with Xi Jinping’s third term as the leader of China’s Communist Party and warned against relying on the DPP’s diplomatic strategies or self-proclaimed experts.

In an interview, Yao Li-ming, the campaign chief for the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, stated that if Lai were to win the presidency, the likelihood of a military attack from mainland China is low and the probability of cross-strait warfare is at its lowest. Yao analyzed that China may employ specific strategies in the last two weeks of the election to make Taiwanese voters perceive choosing Lai as ＂very dangerous,＂ but the DPP has prepared for such scenarios. Yao drew an analogy, stating that if a bully knows that a person will resist to the death, they might not attack at all. Yao also noted that mainland China’s leader Xi Jinping did not mention a timetable for an attack on Taiwan during the recent Xi-Biden meeting, suggesting that Beijing would not rashly initiate conflict. The DPP is willing to interact with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) but cannot accept the preconditions of the ＂One China＂ principle set by Beijing. A re-elected DPP administration would send a clear message to China, emphasizing that any resolution to the Taiwan issue must involve the DPP. Yao also contended that a successive DPP administration would reflect the support of Taiwan’s younger generation and mainstream public opinion, revealing to Beijing the necessity of recognizing the DPP’s status. Regarding mainland China’s interference in the elections, Yao disclosed that the DPP is ready to confront any unusual situations that may arise, but specific suspicions cannot be made public at this time.

Taiwanese companies have raised fixed monthly salaries in an attempt to address labor shortages, but the annual salary increase rate has declined to 2.5% from last year’s 3.1%. Despite this, the average annual salary in Taiwan reached a new eight-year high at NT$694,000 in 2023. The semiconductor industry remains the highest-paying sector for the eighth consecutive year, surpassing NT$1 million in average salary. Following the semiconductor industry, the computer and consumer electronics manufacturing, electronic components manufacturing, telecommunications and communication services, and software and internet industries are the next highest-paying sectors. In terms of engineering roles, IC design engineers earn the highest yearly earnings, while auditors, computer systems analysts, and network security analysts lead non-engineering jobs. Year-end bonuses in 2023 decreased to an average of 1.08 months’ worth of salary, the lowest in a decade. Financial institutions are expected to provide the highest average year-end bonuses, followed by the semiconductor and construction industries. Looking ahead to 2024, civil servants, educators, and military personnel will receive a 4% pay increase, while private companies anticipate an average increase of 3.2% in salaries, with the accommodation and food services industry having the highest proportion of enterprises raising pay.

Explore how Lee Hsi-min, Taiwan’s former military chief, advocates for stronger civil defense and innovation in response to potential threats from China, emphasizing the need for social consensus and unity ahead of the presidential election.

Explore the insights of Enoch Wu, founder of the Forward Alliance, on the emerging civil defense movement in Taiwan. Amid increasing tensions and challenges, Wu highlights the critical role of community resilience and preparation in national defense.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen inspects the new military conscription training program at Taichung’s military center, Cheng Kung Lingg. The Ministry of National Defense confirms the first batch of one-year conscripts will begin service on Jan. 25. The initial training for new recruits has been extended to eight weeks, with a focus on battlefield conditions. The training includes battlefield medical aid, advancing under simulated enemy fire, and rigorous final evaluations. The program also features shooting with night vision goggles and a live grenade-throwing exercise. President Tsai observes machine gun training and notes an increase in rounds fired. After basic training, soldiers will be assigned to units based on their interests and expertise. Approximately 9,127 individuals are expected to be drafted next year. The first group of conscripts can report for duty before the Lunar New Year and spend time with their families.

Amid growing tensions between the U.S. and China, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen revealed that there is a significant divide between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the global status of Taiwan. Despite the U.S. officially recognizing the Chinese Communist Party as the sole government of China, it maintains that Taiwan is an autonomous territory. The deadlock between Biden and Xi on the ＂Taiwan issue＂ could have severe military consequences, as China has deployed warships, drones, and bombers near Taiwan. Concerns are rising that this intimidating activity could lead to a head-on confrontation and spark a full-scale conflict. To address the risks, Biden proposed a $105 billion assistance package, including nearly $2 billion for security measures in Taiwan and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has condemned North Korea for launching a military reconnaissance satellite, marking the 22nd instance in 2023 of North Korea deploying missiles or satellites. MOFA expressed grave concerns over this provocation, stating that it undermines regional peace and security. The ministry called on North Korea to comply with UN Security Council resolutions and engage in dialogue to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the surrounding area. North Korea’s state media outlet, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), reported the successful placement of the satellite into Earth’s orbit and plans for future launches.

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.

Taiwan’s Defense Minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, has announced that the Ministry of National Defense (MND) is preparing to strengthen its military in order to prevent war. This comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed dissatisfaction with U.S. arms sales to Taiwan during his meeting with President Joe Biden. Chiu stated that Taiwanese military officers will continue to visit and learn from their U.S. counterparts, regardless of the circumstances. He downplayed concerns about the sale of ammunition, emphasizing that Taiwan is not intentionally arming itself but rather engaging in normal operations. Despite Xi’s denial of plans for military action against Taiwan in 2027 or 2035, Chiu emphasized that the Taiwanese military will not set a target year solely based on Xi’s statements. The MND will maintain a vigilant stance and be prepared for any situation without anticipating military conflicts in specific years.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso warned of the possibility of China occupying Kinmen, one of Taiwan’s off-shore islands, instead of launching a full-scale invasion. Aso emphasized the need for Japan and Australia to align with the United States in the face of China’s growing intentions to forcefully take Taiwan. He urged Japan to join the AUKUS, a trilateral security partnership formed by Australia, the U.K., and the U.S., to ensure an open and safe Indo-Pacific region. Aso believed that this strengthened partnership would contribute to stronger security politics in the region. The security cooperation between Japan and Australia aims to deter Chinese hegemonism. Aso expressed confidence that the envisioned Indo-Pacific security partnership would exert pressure on China’s military advancements.