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MND head stands by IDS program amid leadership strain
Taiwan’s Minister of National Defense, Chiu Kuo-cheng, supports Huang Shu-kuang amidst his resignation due to exhaustion, emphasizing the collective effort of the Indigenous Defense Submarine program and denying rumors of its disbandment or leadership changes involving Wellington Koo.
2024/04/17 13:17
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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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Taiwan boosts military capabilities with new drone strategy
Taiwan’s Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng outlines the military’s drone strategy to the Legislative Yuan, focusing on combat differentiation and future training plans. The Defense Ministry’s report details the deployment of drones across various operational levels for reconnaissance, surveillance, and battlefield tasks. President-elect Lai Ching-te’s visit to a local UAV R&D center underscores Taiwan’s commitment to drone development.
2024/03/27 15:28
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Defense minister responds to military mental health concerns
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.
2024/03/07 18:01
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Han Kuang computer war games extended for in-depth training
Taiwan’s Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng announces the extension of the Han Kuang 40 military drills to eight days, citing evolving enemy threats and a focus on detailed simulations. U.S. military observers are invited, and ongoing U.S. arms sales are addressed.
2024/03/07 17:23
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Taiwan Defense Minister comments on Chinese rocket launch
Taiwan’s Minister of National Defense, Chiu Kuo-cheng, addresses a Chinese rocket launch, emphasizing its non-threatening trajectory. The launch from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center traversed central Taiwan towards the Western Pacific, prompting no alert in Taiwan. Chiu reaffirms the importance of the "median line" in the Taiwan Strait for regional stability amid tensions with China. Speculation on potential conflict escalation between China and Taiwan is tempered by Chiu’s call for observation of further actions or signs.
2024/03/01 16:06
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MND minister alarmed by China’s forced ship boarding
Taiwan’s Minister of National Defense, Chiu Kuo-cheng, expresses concern over China’s Coast Guard boarding of "King Xia Cruise" in Kinmen, emphasizing tranquility and avoiding escalation of hostilities.
2024/02/20 17:17
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MND vows continued search for missing officers
Taiwan’s Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng visited injured sailors at Zuoying Armed Forces General Hospital on December 22nd, following an accident on a Hai Hu submarine. The accident occurred the day before, resulting in six naval officers falling overboard, with three officers rescued and three others missing. Chiu apologized for the incident and assured that efforts to find the missing officers would continue. His main purpose for the visit was to understand the cause of the accident and offer encouragement to the navy personnel. Chiu emphasized the need to boost morale as patrol training is challenging. He also expressed concern for the hospitalized injured officers and pledged support for their physical and mental well-being.
2023/12/22 18:13
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Low interest in Taiwan’s ’3+1’ military study program
The Ministry of National Defense has confirmed that only five students have applied for the "3+1 program," which allows for three years of university study followed by one year of military service. Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng addressed concerns about the program’s administrative process and gender regulations, as only male students are currently eligible. The Ministry of Education implemented the program guidelines in June, and the military is working on improving the training aspect to increase efficiency and accessibility.
2023/12/12 13:41
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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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Chiu Kuo-cheng downplays U.S. arms sale concerns
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.
2023/11/20 18:36
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Taiwan committed to democracy and freedom: President Tsai
President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to protecting freedom, democracy, and regional peace at the 2023 Taipei Security Dialogue. The event focused on key issues including China’s challenge to the global order and democracy, the influence of the Ukrainian-Russian war on global relations, and China’s expanding global influence. Tsai discussed strengthening self-defense capabilities, restoring compulsory military service, increasing the defense budget, and highlighted Taiwan’s first domestically produced submarine prototype. She drew examples from Ukraine’s resistance against Russian invasion and conflicts in the Middle East to highlight the impact of "grey zone" activity on stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Other attendees included high-ranking officials from Taiwan’s government and diplomats and experts from various countries.
2023/11/08 20:37
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Taiwan military sets new rules to counter Chinese drones
The Taiwanese Army (ROCA) has established three principles in defense against increased military drones from China. The Minister of National Defense, Chiu Kuo-cheng, stated that any violation indicates bad intentions, regardless of whether the drones crashed into water. The three principles, as reported by the media, involve troops prioritizing firearms use but considering the range for target shooting, assessing whether shot drones fell into water, and determining if ships were within a three-kilometer radius. Minister Chiu emphasized that these regulations are in place to ensure a clear understanding of how violations should be handled. Colonel Sun Li-fang, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of National Defense (MND), emphasized the urgency for the ROCA to respond swiftly upon detecting hostile behaviors from the opposing side.
2023/10/31 15:35
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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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MND confirms legal hurdle for the Narwhal submarine project
Taiwan’s Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng comments on South Korea’s ongoing legal investigation into several marine tech firms involved in Taiwan’s navy submarine project. The probe poses questions about trade laws and raises concerns about regional security and potential economic retaliation from China.
2023/10/17 17:29
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Defense minister concerned over unusual PLA activities
Taiwan’s Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng expresses concern over recent unusual PLA activities. The country remains vigilant amid rising tensions in the region. #TaiwanMilitary #PLA #CrossStrait
2023/09/22 21:47
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Tsai visits injured soldiers after military base blast
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and Ministry of National Defense (MND) Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng paid a visit to the nine injured soldiers from Monday’s Keelung ammunition depot blast at the Tri-Service General Hospital on Tuesday (July 25).
2023/07/25 17:30
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MND announces plans to recall female military reservists
Taiwan’s Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng announced on Wednesday (Dec. 28) plans to recall female military reservists next year.
2022/12/29 19:30