Military 結果共300筆

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.

President Tsai Ing-wen attended the inauguration ceremony for the National Defense Medical Center’s new Tactical Combat Casualty Care and Disaster Medical Assistance Training Building, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving military capabilities. The state-of-the-art facility integrates virtual and augmented reality technologies for realistic battlefield medical scenarios and has trained nearly 3,800 medical personnel this year. The building also aims to enhance medical skills and advance national defense education through collaborations with various institutions.

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.

The National Communications Commission (NCC) is investigating whether the newly announced vice-presidential candidate of the Kuomintang (KMT), Jaw Shaw-kong, has violated non-partisanship regulations. Jaw, who is the chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of China (BCC) and also hosts programs on BCC and TVBS, holds shares in BCC. The NCC will review Jaw’s commitments made during the 2007 acquisition of shares in BCC to ensure that his management is not influenced by party politics or military affairs. The commission will also examine the amendment clauses related to this year’s changes in the board of directors and supervisors. Additionally, NCC intends to inspect whether TVBS’s self-regulatory mechanisms are being followed, particularly with regard to political show hosts holding party or public office positions. TVBS has announced that they will replace Jaw as the host of related programs in order to uphold media neutrality, objectivity, and fairness.

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.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden met in San Francisco, where Xi denied plans for military action against Taiwan in 2027 or 2035. The leaders discussed the significance of Taiwan in U.S.-China relations, with Biden emphasizing the U.S.’s commitment to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Xi stated the importance of seeking broader solutions while dispelling speculations of military action, asserting that there is no such plan.

Pegatron Corp. Chairman Tung Tzu-hsien expressed optimism about the easing of U.S.-China tensions and the possibility of reestablishing communication mechanisms. He believes this development is significant for global political and military tensions. Tung also commented on the uncertain state of the world economy and the status of orders, but remains hopeful about the U.S. finishing its interest rate hike and inventory destocking. He mentioned the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) meeting in San Francisco, highlighting the attendance of important leaders and their arrangements to meet and communicate. Tung emphasized the efficient inventory clearance in the past year and stated that the industry’s outlook depends on the absence of unexpected war and global turmoil. He also mentioned the need for patience regarding Pegatron’s orders and indicated uncertain visibility for orders in 2024.

The Navy’s 2023 National Defense Intellectual Tour began at Xinbin Camp in Gushan District, Kaohsiung City. Visitors had the opportunity to view naval ships, including the Yushan class, the ROCS Ta Chiang, and the Min Jiang-class minelayer, showcasing Taiwan’s maritime defense capabilities. The event featured a captivating performance by the R.O.C. Naval Academy Band and the 256th Battle Division Drum Team, receiving enthusiastic applause from the crowd. Attendees also had the chance to take photos with naval personnel. The annual tour aims to increase public understanding of the nation’s military capabilities and foster national pride and community support for the military.

The ＂Pension Contribution During Mandatory Military Service Act＂ was passed by Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, requiring a 6% monthly pension deduction from servicemen’s salaries starting January 1, 2024. The law mandates that the hosting organization deducts this percentage from each serviceman’s wages and allowances, with the funds being deposited into personal pension accounts established by the Labor Insurance Bureau of the Ministry of Labor. Upon retirement from the military, individuals can participate in pension systems across various sectors. The Executive Yuan also approved a plan to strengthen and recalibrate the national defense force structure in 2022, including lengthening the military service term for men born after 2005 to one year starting from January 1, 2023. The Ministry of National Defense sees this act as treating military service as part of one’s personal career.

Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang exercises, the country’s largest war games since 1984, aim to ensure combat readiness in the event of a Chinese invasion. Recent exercises have led the military to speculate that the northern areas of Taiwan could be a targeted point for a Chinese attack. The Tamsui River is analyzed as a potential point of entry for the People’s Liberation Army, as it provides access to critical regions like Hsinchu, Taoyuan, and Taipei. Public officials have demanded live-fire drills at the river mouth to inspect defense capabilities. However, conducting such drills poses challenges due to the densely populated area and existing operations of a nearby port. The use of explosives in the river could leave sediments that are difficult to track. Defense strategies require a comprehensive understanding of their effects, and alternative strategies are being considered to bolster defense in northern Taiwan.

The Navy’s 2023 National Defense Intellectual Tour began at Xinbin Camp in Kaohsiung City’s Gushan District, showcasing Taiwan’s defense capabilities. The Yushan-class ship, with a displacement of 10,000 tons, demonstrated its ability to carry fully armed Marines and featured a spacious command center and medical facilities. The ROCS Ta Chiang, a 732-ton vessel, displayed impressive stealth characteristics and a powerful arsenal. The Min Jiang-class minelayer showcased its accurate navigation and mine-laying capabilities. This event provided insight into Taiwan’s contemporary naval capabilities and its commitment to strengthening national defense.

The ＂2+2＂ meeting in Tokyo between the U.K. and Japan focused on maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Both parties expressed opposition to any attempt to alter the status quo by force or coercion and called for peaceful solutions to the long-running dispute between Taiwan and China. They also expressed concerns over tensions in the South China Sea and East China Sea. The ministers urged China to act responsibly and cease aiding Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. The political situations in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong were also discussed, with a commitment to establishing stable and constructive relations through dialogue. The joint statement supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, advocating for official membership where statehood is not required and observer status where it is. The U.K. and Japan reaffirmed their strong position and called for international support as the situation with Taiwan and China appears to worsen.

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.