U.S.-China-Taiwan 結果共128筆

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) detected four Chinese military aircraft and three naval vessels operating near the Taiwan Strait, days before the presidential election. Two Chinese balloons were also tracked, with one entering Taiwan’s western airspace northwest of Chiayi, and another spotted northwest of Keelung. The balloons disappeared from radar after crossing the median line. The MND’s flight track map shows that one balloon floated over Taiwan from west to east before disappearing over the Pacific Ocean. The other balloon, named ＂Air Police 500,＂ flew into Taiwan’s southwestern air defense identification zone (ADIZ) from China’s coastal airspace. These balloons were likely used for collecting meteorological data and were different from the Chinese spy balloons that flew over the U.S. last year. It is inferred that these floating balloons might have been released by an unknown Chinese entity, as Taiwan has previously found balloons released by China for weather research. Promptly disclosing the movements of Chinese balloons is emphasized to raise public awareness regarding safety measures and counter potential preemptive messaging from China. The national military is currently monitoring the situation and has developed a responsive plan, according to the MND.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticizes President Joe Biden’s soft response to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s threats against Taiwan. Trump questions Biden’s decision to vacation during this tense period. Xi’s New Year’s message emphasized the inevitability of unifying with Taiwan, drawing international attention. Trump’s team accuses Biden of insufficient response while vacationing in St. Croix. Despite the U.S.’s ＂strategic ambiguity＂ on defending Taiwan, Biden has made clear statements indicating support for Taiwan if China invades.

Taiwan’s investment in China has reached its lowest point in a decade, making up just over 10% of the island’s total overseas direct investment, according to a report by Nikkei Asia. Recent official data from Taiwan reveals that foreign direct investments surged by 87% to reach $257 billion through November this year. However, investments in China plummeted by 34% to only $29 billion, representing a mere 12% of the total. Since 2010, Taiwanese investments in China have been steadily declining and are projected to drop below the lowest point recorded since 1999. In contrast, investments in the United States have increased ninefold to $96 billion, accounting for around 37% of the total outbound direct investment. Additionally, Taiwan’s direct investment in Germany has soared 25-fold to $39 billion, largely driven by the operations of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Sun Ming-te, Director of the Business Development and Research Center at the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER), predicts that if tensions between the United States and China persist, Taiwan’s investment in China will continue to decline.

The story is about Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate, declaring that Taiwan is aligning with global democratic allies and will not follow the old path of the Kuomintang (KMT). Lai made this statement during a presidential candidate debate when questioned about Taiwan’s ability to remain neutral amid U.S.-China competition. He emphasized President Tsai’s diplomatic strategy and his own role in garnering international support for Taiwan. Lai also responded to criticism from KMT’s presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, regarding his assistance during the pandemic. Lai argued that Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je lacks real achievements compared to President Tsai’s performance.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has stated that Beijing is working to isolate Taiwan globally in response to criticisms made by Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih regarding Taiwan’s stagnant free trade agreements (FTA). During a presidential policy presentation, Hou criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for its unsatisfactory economic performance and the lack of progress in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. MOFA emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to global economic integration and bilateral economic cooperation, but highlighted the interference from China. MOFA believes that Taiwan’s ability to participate effectively in economic integration depends on its strength and global connections, especially as countries like the U.S. and European nations reassess their economic risks with China. MOFA urges all Taiwanese, regardless of political affiliation, to unite and enhance cooperation with like-minded nations in the face of external challenges.

In this story, Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih expresses disapproval of foreign influence in Taiwan’s elections during a presidential debate. Hou criticizes the Anti-Infiltration Act and the potential politicization of the judiciary. He accuses Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Chao Tien-lin of pro-China bias without legal consequences and hints at undisclosed reception from Chinese authorities during Lai Ching-te’s visit to mainland China in 2017. Hou questions the DPP’s double standards and openly scrutinizes Lai, demanding their stance on U.S. disapproval of Taiwan’s independence. He labels Lai as a ＂pragmatic worker of Taiwan independence.＂

Presidential candidate Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) expresses support for President Tsai Ing-wen’s foreign policy but rejects her domestic policy agenda. During a televised debate, Ko emphasizes the need for Taiwan to establish its own position amid the U.S.-China confrontation. He cites former U.S. President Trump’s efforts to distance from China and quotes U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s stance on China. Ko, accompanied by his spouse Chen Pei-chi, appears in a black suit with a purple polka dot tie, wearing a Republic of China national emblem and KP badge.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih challenges the effectiveness of President Tsai Ing-wen’s foreign policy, questioning its impact on Taiwan-China communication, severed relations with former allies, extended military service, and increased risk of Chinese fighter jets breaching Taiwan’s airspace. The three presidential contenders, including Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je, discuss U.S.-Taiwan relations and their stance on President Tsai’s policy. Hou questions DPP’s handling of tainted politics during their time in power and highlights his support for the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA). He also addresses concerns over cross-strait flight operations and employment difficulties for Chinese students in Taiwan. Hou pledges to follow the Constitution of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and maintain administrative neutrality without relying on any side.

U.S. President Joe Biden has signed the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (FY2024 NDAA), which includes a comprehensive training program for Taiwan’s military. The program aims to enhance Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and will be overseen by the U.S. Secretary of Defense. The legislation, which has received approval from both houses of the U.S. Congress, allocates a total of US＄886 billion for this purpose. The training program will focus on layered defense, asymmetric defense strategies, cross-communication between the U.S. and Taiwan’s military, information sharing, and the improvement of professional military education and civilian control over the military. Additionally, the act emphasizes collaboration between the U.S. and Taiwan on military cyber security and requires regular updates on Taiwan arm sales proceedings. It also mandates the Secretary of Defense to submit biannual reports to Congress on the military developments of the People’s Republic of China, particularly in areas such as Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the South China Sea, covering topics such as weapon upgrades, procurement, and military operations.

DPP vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim emphasized the importance of strength in maintaining Taiwan’s status quo and preventing bullying. She highlighted the current state and prospects of U.S.-Taiwan relations, noting that U.S. policy has consistently supported maintaining the status quo and opposing the use of force. Hsiao mentioned that under Xi Jinping’s leadership, the U.S. has shifted to view China competitively but does not seek a new Cold War. She emphasized critical issues of peace, security, and economic cooperation in Taiwan-U.S. ties, including the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. Hsiao underscored Taiwan’s determination to defend itself, citing the national defense budget and military modernization reforms. She referred to herself as a ＂cat warrior＂ and advocated for government reform and a balanced international stance. Hsiao urged that Taiwan not become a divisive issue between American political parties and emphasized the need for a proper balance amidst U.S.-China competition to ensure Taiwan’s safe and steady progression.

Taiwan’s investments in New Southbound countries in the first 11 months of 2023 have surpassed investments in Mainland China, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA). Investments in the New Southbound countries reached US＄5.13 billion, a 7.26% year-on-year increase, outstripping investments in Mainland China, which stood at US＄2.96 billion. This trend is driven by the supply chain diversification, accelerated by the U.S.-China trade war and major manufacturers’ strategies to decentralize operations. Investments in New Southbound countries now account for around 20% of Taiwan’s total overseas investments, whereas China accounts for approximately 11.5%. From January to November 2023, there were 2,102 approved cases of overseas-focused investments by Taiwanese and foreign entities, a decrease of 8.89% compared to last year. The amount invested reached about US＄10.8 billion (approximately NT＄323.7 billion), the second-highest for the period in the last 15 years but still representing a 13.04% decline from the previous year. Investments from New Southbound countries into Taiwan saw 609 approved cases within the same timeframe, an annual increase of 41.30%. The investment totaled approximately US＄2.5 billion (about NT＄75.7 billion), up 25.20% from the previous year, with the most significant inflows originating from Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. On a broader scale, the 504 approved cases of outbound investments from Taiwan marked a 2.44% annual increase, surging by 145.61% financially to roughly US＄22.8 billion (approximately NT＄684.4 billion). Investments in New Southbound countries revealed 195 approved cases, rising by 35.42% year-on-year, totaling around US＄5.1 billion (approximately NT＄ 154.1 billion) and constituting 20% of Taiwan’s total foreign investments. Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand were the leading recipients. Conversely, approved investments in Mainland China amounted to 305 cases, down by 7.58%, with the approved investment sum decreasing by 33.91% to approximately US＄2.96 billion (about NT＄88.9 billion). Mainland Chinese investments in Taiwan experienced a 45.45% decline in approved cases to 24, with the investment figure falling 21.65% to about US＄27.4 million (approximately NT＄821.6 million).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) spokesperson expressed gratitude for the concern shown by friends in the U.S. Congress regarding Taiwan’s security. The U.S. military has observed increased provocative actions by China around the Taiwan Strait ahead of the Taiwanese presidential election. Admiral John Aquilino, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, has called for restraint from China, perceiving these actions as pressure tactics. U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher urged the Pentagon to provide a classified briefing on assisting Taiwan in deterring China. Taiwan is committed to bolstering its self-defense capabilities and pursuing peace through dialogue with Beijing authorities. Despite pressure, Taiwan will maintain a non-provocative stance while defending national sovereignty and democratic freedom. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry expressed regret over China’s threats of countermeasures against U.S. firms involved in arms sales to Taiwan and emphasized the need for the U.S. to fulfill its security promises.

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 People’s Party presidential candidate Ko Wen-je criticizes the housing loan policies proposed by Kuomintang candidate Hou Yu-ih and Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Ching-te, deeming their focuses misplaced. Ko mocks Hou’s no-down-payment plan as a deferred payment scheme and questions Lai’s policy of extending the maximum loan period. He also dismisses Lai’s implications of corruption issues and counters with a list of Democratic Progressive Party corruption cases. Ko takes a dig at Lai over an illegal structure in his hometown, which has become a popular check-in spot online. In response to President Tsai Ing-wen’s sarcastic retort about stability, Ko acknowledges Tsai’s success in maintaining strong Taiwan-U.S. relations but disagrees with her domestic policies on cross-strait relations. Recently, Ko was seen replacing his original KP pin with the flag of the Republic of China, interpreted as an attempt to court the deep-blue vote. Ko clarifies that he simply received a batch of national flag pins and put one on, emphasizing that Taiwan is not owned by the Democratic Progressive Party and the national flag is not exclusive to the Kuomintang.

Taiwan stock market opens the week with a slight decline as TAIEX falls by 36.01 points to 17,637.86 on Monday (Dec. 18). Shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) drop by NT$6 to NT$579 upon market opening. Traditional industrial stocks, particularly the steel sector, show resilience with Hsin Kuang Steel and Sheng Yu Steel Co., Ltd seeing shares rise over 2% in early trading. China Steel Corporation’s shares climb more than 1.8%, opening at NT$26.95. Analysts highlight the importance of the incoming U.S. November Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, a key inflation indicator for the Fed, and the impact of recent ETF rebalancing with stock replacements on individual stocks.

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.

Explore the insights from the ＂Taiwan Goes to The Polls＂ roundtable organized by ICRT and TVBS World Taiwan, discussing the dynamics of Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election, the role of polls, China’s influence, and international implications.

Discover America Committee in Taiwan President Brenda Tang revealed that the U.S. travel market from Taiwan has rebounded to 84% of pre-pandemic levels, according to data from the Tourism Administration. Taiwanese travelers heading to the United States surged by 185% from January to October this year, reaching 396,913, as reported by the National Travel and Tourism Office. Flights to the U.S. during the peak summer season had load factors of over 90%, while the off-peak months of September and October maintained load factors of at least 85%. China Airlines and EVA Airways have nearly returned to pre-pandemic flight levels, and Starlux Airlines is set to launch its San Francisco route. United Airlines plans to double its Taipei to San Francisco flights, and Delta Air Lines is preparing to commence a Taipei to Seattle route. Tour package prices to the U.S. for the first quarter of next year and the Lunar New Year peak season are expected to increase by no more than 25%, offering travelers some price assurance amid growing demand.

Kuomintang presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih and running mate Chao Shao-kang reaffirmed that Beijing has not renounced the use of force against Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of Taiwan’s democracy in countering Chinese pressure. In an interview with NBC, Hou stated that Taiwan’s future should be determined by its 23 million inhabitants, asserting that Taiwan is an independent sovereign country. Hou advocated for preparedness without provocation and maintaining a deterrence capability amid growing tensions. Chao stressed the necessity of peace for cross-strait development, with strength as a crucial support. He emphasized the importance of U.S. support for Taiwan’s defense measures. Hou also highlighted the critical role of the U.S. in Taiwan’s self-defense efforts and expressed confidence in the deepening of the Taiwan-U.S. relationship. Chao argued that Taiwan’s democracy will inevitably influence mainland China, challenging the Chinese government to explain why democracy cannot thrive in a place with a shared heritage and culture across the Strait.

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.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih proposes a pro-US and China diplomatic stance, diverging from incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen’s approach. Hou criticizes Tsai’s foreign affairs and cross-strait policies, blaming the Tsai administration for Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation, failure to join regional economic bodies, and lack of communication with China. Hou emphasizes adhering to the Constitution of the Republic of China, affirming the nation’s sovereignty, and proposing a balanced stance between fostering solid ties with the United States and engaging with Mainland China. He also highlights the importance of Taiwan being prepared and realistic about its defense, suggesting that the island’s security should not rely solely on promises from the US but on its efforts and pragmatic relations with democratic allies. Political commentator Jaw Shau-kong fiercely criticizes the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for being pro-US and anti-China, deeming Tsai’s policies on cross-strait relations and international diplomacy a complete failure. Jaw points out that despite Taiwan’s willingness to import American pork, the support has yet to translate into the U.S. helping with Taiwan’s entry into international organizations.

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.

Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election countdown has begun, and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim has become the target of disinformation campaigns from China, where she is being portrayed as an ＂American agent.＂ Hsiao, who has a European mother, previously held dual citizenship with both Taiwan and the United States, which has attracted significant attention. Chinese social media platforms are echoing voices questioning Hsiao’s ethnic background and citizenship, aiming to shape the perception of her and the presidential candidate as being too friendly to the U.S. and betraying Taiwan. However, these narratives are based on false information. Hsiao clarified that she does not hold dual citizenship and reaffirmed her commitment to Taiwan, having renounced her American citizenship in 2002 to emphasize her allegiance to the Republic of China, Taiwan.