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President Lai stresses importance of peace in Taiwan Strait
Discover how President Lai Ching-te emphasizes peace in the Taiwan Strait and Taiwan’s commitment to democracy and sovereignty during Armed Forces Day. Learn about Taiwan’s defense strategies and budget plans for a stronger military.
2024/08/30 20:00
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MND responds to concerns over China’s military threats
Discover the conditions under which China might use force against Taiwan, as outlined by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense in response to concerns over economic pressures leading to military action.
2024/08/26 16:31
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Chiayi Air Force Base draws 100,000 to military showcase
Discover the highlights from the Chiayi Air Force Base open house, where over 100,000 witnessed F-16V jets and a UH-60M Black Hawk in action, emphasizing Taiwan’s defense readiness amid regional tensions.
2024/08/10 16:07
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Taiwan’s defense minister addresses temple ammo storage plan
Minister Koo Li-Hsiung addresses the use of temple spaces for ammunition storage, adherence to laws during the Han Kuang Exercise, and the establishment of a Defense Innovation Unit.
2024/07/10 16:43
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Taiwan to hold Han Kuang No. 40 military exercise in July
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense is enhancing wartime legitimacy with ROE Cards during the Han Kuang No. 40 Exercise from July 22-26. Learn about the initiative aimed at clarifying combat principles and integrating international humanitarian laws.
2024/07/10 16:17
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Military enthusiasts gather for AT-3’s final flight show
Witness the thrilling final showcase of Taiwan’s AT-3 jet trainers during the annual air force training session, as the nation prepares to transition to the more advanced Brave Eagle jets.
2024/06/27 16:29
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Taiwan mulls aerial refueling, early warning aircraft deals
Discover how Taiwan is exploring aerial refueling and early warning aircraft procurement with the U.S. and France to enhance its military capabilities amid increasing airspace intrusions.
2024/06/14 16:33
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Taiwan boosts cybersecurity, defense against CCP threats
Explore how Taiwan is enhancing its cybersecurity and defense capabilities amid rising threats from the CCP, with a focus on the recent visit by Minister Wellington Koo to the Information, Communication and Electronic Force Command.
2024/06/06 09:38
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US, Japan establish joint command, deepen military ties
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, pledged to uphold international order, and signed approximately 70 cooperation agreements spanning defense, space, economic security, AI, nuclear fusion energy, and disaster relief during a bilateral summit at the White House.
2024/04/11 17:52
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Taiwan’s Air Force resumes overnight flight training
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.
2024/03/14 18:25
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MND affirms the right to self-defense
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense emphasizes the right of self-defense under International Law in response to potential foreign threats. The MND outlines protocols for handling airspace and territorial breaches, highlighting the importance of protecting national security and territorial integrity. The statement also addresses recent reports on military self-defense adjustments, underscoring the universal right of nations to use force for self-protection.
2024/03/08 18:44
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Black Eagles wow fans at Kaohsiung Airport stopover
The South Korean Air Force Black Eagles Aerobatic Team captivated aviation enthusiasts with a stopover at Kaohsiung International Airport, showcasing their precision flying and promoting military aircraft technology.
2024/03/07 17:23
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New marine recruits embark on rigorous journey in Pingtung
Taiwan’s Marine Corps welcomes new recruits at Pingtung’s Longchuan Camp, marking the start of an extensive yearlong task force under the revamped conscription system. The overhaul introduces extended training and enhanced support and aims to better integrate recruits transitioning from civilian life.
2024/03/05 17:48
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President Tsai pledges support for R.O.C. armed forces
President Tsai Ing-wen visits forces stationed at Penghu and pledges continued support for the Republic of China Armed Forces. She also inaugurates the renovated Wude Barracks and emphasizes the government’s dedication to revitalizing military dormitories nationwide. The defense budget for 2024 reaches a record high of NT$600.7 billion, and Tsai inspects military demonstrations by the mechanized infantry battalion of the Penghu Defense Command. The president highlights ongoing defense reforms to establish a leaner and more modern military force and acknowledges the strategic importance of the Penghu force. With the Lunar New Year approaching, she advises officers to stay connected with their families and encourages quality time with loved ones for those on leave.
2024/01/30 16:02
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Hsinchu camp welcomes recruits under extended service plan
The first batch of recruits in Taiwan reported to Hsinchu County’s Litoushan Camp in Xinpu Township on Thursday (Jan. 25). The 206 Brigade’s Battalion 4 received 304 new recruits from the northern region, who will undergo an eight-week training program. The military restored its previous one-year conscription in line with the "Strengthening National Defense Force Structure Adjustment Plan." The training curriculum is divided into four stages, focusing on core values, fitness, rifle shooting, combat coaching, and weapon handling. All new soldiers underwent health screening and inspections upon arrival, including drug-sniffer dogs. Additionally, the recruits had their heads shaved after receiving their uniforms.
2024/01/25 16:41
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CSIS survey predicts potential Taiwan Strait crisis in 2024
A survey conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) suggests that a crisis similar to the large-scale military exercises China conducted near Taiwan in 1995-96 is likely to occur in 2024. The survey, conducted in late 2023, revealed that about 67% of American and 57% of Taiwanese scholars anticipate such a crisis. However, experts believe that China is currently unable to successfully invade Taiwan. Instead, they suggest that China may pursue actions of isolation or blockade against Taiwan within the next five years. The survey defines a "Taiwan Strait crisis" as a significant escalation of tensions accompanied by major People’s Liberation Army exercises aimed at intimidating Taiwan and reaffirming China’s threats of force. Factors contributing to these views include China’s reaction to Taiwan’s election results, negative assessments of U.S.-China relations, and the belief that the November meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping did not sufficiently stabilize relations to reduce the potential for a crisis.
2024/01/24 12:41
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DPP urges Beijing to reassess cross-strait relations
The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) China Affairs Department has called on Beijing to realistically confront cross-strait relations. This plea comes in response to a recent statement by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), which claimed that the Taiwan election results do not represent the majority’s views and reiterated that "Taiwan is China’s Taiwan." Following Taiwan’s elections, Nauru, a Pacific island nation, severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The DPP criticized the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for exploiting Nauru’s financial difficulties and coaxing the country into establishing diplomatic relations with China. The DPP’s China Affairs Department reaffirmed that its chairman, Lai Ching-te, has consistently stated his commitment to maintaining the status quo under the constitutional system of the Republic of China (R.O.C.). Lai advocated for dialogue and cooperation with China based on parity and dignity. The DPP’s China Affairs Department condemned the CCP’s suppressive measures against Taiwan and urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to publicly pledge not to unilaterally alter the status quo across the Taiwan Strait using military force. Despite Lai Ching-te’s stance on dialogue and cooperation, Beijing has continued to disregard Taiwan.
2024/01/18 10:39
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U.S. backs Taiwan amid Chinese balloons incursion
U.S. National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications, John Kirby, affirms American support for Taiwan’s democracy and urges parties outside Taiwan not to interfere with its democratic process. This comes after Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported detecting three balloons from the Chinese Communist Party crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait. Following the incident, there were multiple incursions by Chinese aircraft and vessels observed in the area. The Taiwanese military will take appropriate measures based on the nature and potential hazard of the balloons. Although Kirby couldn’t verify the balloon reports, he reiterates U.S. support for Taiwan’s democracy and looks forward to free, fair, and transparent elections. He also warns against any external force attempting to interfere with the Taiwanese elections and urges parties outside Taiwan not to meddle with its democratic process.
2024/01/05 17:44
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Defense Ministry to boost security ahead of Taiwan elections
The Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan is preparing for the upcoming presidential and legislative elections on Jan. 13, 2024, by upgrading its security readiness for 40 hours. This will take place from 5 p.m. on Jan. 12 until 8 a.m. on Jan. 14. Around 5,000 military personnel may not be able to cast their votes, similar to the 2020 general elections. However, the number of naval and air force personnel, 24-hour on-call missile units, and air force operations management on standby is expected to exceed that of 2020. The ministry has ordered its forces to compile rosters for Election Day and implement rotation measures for combat readiness to ensure the voting rights of military personnel. Due to tense military situations caused by periodic crossings of the median line of the strait by People’s Liberation Army vessels and aircraft since August last year, there may be more naval and air force personnel on standby compared to the 2020 presidential election. Typically, soldiers stationed far from their registered residences vote in the morning and then return to their camps before noon to switch with standby soldiers who then go out to vote.
2023/12/25 17:43
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Pentagon expedites F-16 sales to Taiwan: Hunter
The U.S. Air Force is actively exploring options to expedite the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan, with 136 upgraded aircraft already delivered and the final three on the way. An additional 66 new jets are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2026. Concerns were raised by over 20 Republican members of Congress that the promised deliveries to Taiwan might be delayed due to commitments to Ukraine, Israel, and global security issues. Taiwan’s existing F-16 upgrade program has already faced significant delays due to a lack of crucial parts, and the delivery of the new jets has been postponed by over 15 months due to software development complexities. Lawmakers are committed to collaborating with the Pentagon to ensure the timely delivery of the jets, especially in light of China’s frequent military drills near Taiwan.
2023/12/22 18:08
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Hsiao Bi-khim stresses strength for Taiwan’s status quo
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.
2023/12/20 21:21
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Military Police process 415 drug cases, arrest 27 in 2023
The Military Police Command (MP) in Taipei processed 415 drug cases in 2023, resulting in the apprehension of 27 suspects and the seizure of 50.2 kilograms of drugs. The MP, in close collaboration with law enforcement agencies, carried out specialized drug interdiction operations as part of the government’s anti-drug strategy. Unannounced inspections by military police teams, accompanied by drug-sniffing dogs, led to the confiscation of over 50 kilograms of narcotics. More than 400 individuals were referred to judicial authorities for prosecution. The MP serves as judicial police officers and plays an integral role in the anti-drug task force, with a commitment to combat drug trafficking. The MP’s Forensic Science Center supports these efforts by analyzing controlled substances and urine samples collected during operations. These measures aim to protect the living environment and security of the nation’s people.
2023/12/20 14:46
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Taiwan monitors 6 PLA aircraft, 2 vessels near island
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.
2023/12/18 14:22
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MOFA thanks G7 for backing peace across Taiwan Strait
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.
2023/12/07 20:59
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Taiwan denounces N. Korea’s satellite launch as threat
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.
2023/11/22 18:02