Ministry of Defense 結果共143筆

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.

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.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported the tracking of two Chinese balloons, one of which directly crossed over Taiwan’s main island. The balloons were detected at different times, with one located approximately 55 nautical miles northwest of Chiayi and the other about 71 nautical miles northwest of Keelung. Both balloons reached altitudes of around 30,000 and 32,000 feet before disappearing. In addition, the MND observed four Chinese military aircraft and three naval vessels in the Taiwan Strait over a 24-hour period, including one military plane that breached the southwest air zone. The MND also detected a Shaanxi KJ-500 early warning aircraft entering Taiwan’s southwest Air Defense Identification Zone from the Chinese coastal area. The Taiwanese MND assured that they are closely monitoring and responding to the situation using mission aircraft, naval vessels, and shoreline missile systems.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) has clarified that the presence of Chinese aerial balloons in Taiwanese airspace this year is not related to any election activities. The MND spokesperson, Major General Sun Li-fang, explained that the frequency of these balloons is due to the prevailing northeast monsoon winds from October through February. The MND views the increasing number of balloons as potential reconnaissance tools and will respond accordingly to their encroachment within 24 nautical miles of Taiwanese airspace. The MND maintains administrative neutrality regarding elections and is coordinating with national security teams to counter Chinese misinformation efforts. Any potentially misleading Chinese activities will be publicized by the MND to safeguard citizen morale.

The Ministry of National Defense detected eight People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and five PLA vessels operating around the Taiwan Strait from Dec. 25 to Dec. 26. Three aircraft, including a Y-8 anti-submarine warfare aircraft, a Y-8 tactical reconnaissance aircraft, and a KJ-500 airborne early warning & control aircraft, entered Taiwan’s southwestern air defense identification zone. Additionally, a PLA balloon was detected crossing the strait median line and reaching northwest of Keelung before vanishing. The ministry utilized CAP Aircraft, navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to monitor and respond to these activities.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense expresses optimism for stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait region, emphasizing its global significance. The ministry views all measures conducive to peace and stability positively. This follows a video conference between the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman and his Chinese counterpart, discussing global and regional security issues.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense confirms that two rescuers have fallen overboard while assisting a Hai Hu submarine incident. One is still missing, while the other has been rescued by a navy vessel. The incident occurred when the wooden cover of the rear rescue buoy fell off, causing unusual noise and pulling the connected steel cable. Initially, four people were sent to retrieve the items, but the narrow track caused them to be swept off by surge waves. Three people fell overboard, with two still missing. The weapon’s chief also fell into the sea but was later rescued. A total of six rescuers have been dispatched, with 11 people involved in the mission. The three rescued and four injured have been treated at Zuoying Armed Forces General Hospital. Search and rescue operations continue beyond the 72-hour golden rescue period, with the search area expanding based on ocean currents. The Chief of Naval Staff emphasizes that they will not abandon the search and that all soldiers are like family.

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.

Kuomintang’s vice presidential candidate, Jaw Shaw-kong, proposes that AI should be considered Taiwan’s next ＂guardian mountain god＂ in a bid to position Taiwan as a leader in artificial intelligence. He advocates for the creation of an ＂AI Minister＂ position within various ministries, including the Ministry of National Defense and the Executive Yuan. Jaw questions the government’s plans for AI legislation and calls for a foundational AI law to address future challenges. He highlights the rapid advancements in AI technology and their ethical implications, praising the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company for its contributions. Jaw emphasizes the importance of supporting academic research and corporate AI initiatives, arguing that integrating AI technologies could enhance military efficiency, a crucial consideration given Taiwan’s limited armed forces personnel.

Taiwan’s Armed Forces (ROCA) are planning to increase alertness before and after the 2024 general elections, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND). The military will closely monitor enemy activities in coordination with joint intelligence and reconnaissance. Troop deployments will be adjusted promptly in response to gray zone tactics, while ensuring readiness exercises and communication structures are implemented. The military remains vigilant towards the People’s Liberation Army’s activities, using surveillance and reconnaissance means to monitor the situation in the seas and airspace surrounding Taiwan. The PLA continues combat readiness patrols and the ROCA is tracking and responding appropriately.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced that three drug-sniffing dogs have completed their service, one continuing under the Customs Administration’s evaluation and the other two retiring in October. The MND deployed 18 additional detection dogs across various regions in December 2022. Major General Chen Heng-wei stated that the detection squads conducted 467 assigned smell duties through educational recalls and base applications. Throughout the year, operational areas designated 211 smell duties, with 145 requests from military bases. The government mandates a service limit of four years for these canines, but dogs in good condition may serve up to seven years. The establishment of drug-sniffing dog units began in 2020 as part of efforts to deter military personnel from bringing drugs into the barracks, showcasing the ministry’s commitment to maintaining zero tolerance for drugs within military facilities.

The Ministry of National Defense in Taipei showcased its drug prevention program’s accomplishments, emphasizing the effectiveness of its narcotics detection dog teams. Since December last year, 18 additional dogs have been added to these teams, allowing regions across Taiwan to request their services for drug-sniffing operations within military camps. According to government regulations, these service dogs typically serve for four years, with the possibility of an extension to seven years. Since 2020, three narcotics-detection canines have completed their service term, with replacements already trained and deployed. The defense ministry conducted 467 drug-sniffing missions within military bases this year through mobilization, camp applications, and operational zone assignments. Additionally, over 1.13 million urine screenings have been conducted among military personnel, with positive results leading to prosecutions and the removal of implicated individuals from service.

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’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has announced that conscripted soldiers who fail to pass their basic training will receive a base salary of approximately NT$10,000, without eligibility for professional bonuses or honor leave. The new one-year mandatory service, starting in January 2024, requires conscripts to undergo 8 weeks of basic training followed by 44 weeks of unit training. The basic training curriculum includes combat instruction, tactical marching, and battlefield medical aid courses. Only those who pass the basic training and obtain the ＂Completion of Training Specialty Certificate＂ will qualify for an additional monthly professional bonus of NT$10,190, bringing their total monthly salary to NT$20,320. To ensure training effectiveness, the MND has also issued guidelines for supplementary training and re-tests for conscripts who fail to meet the standards.

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.

President Tsai Ing-wen attended the Ministry of National Defense’s semi-annual promotion ceremony for military officers, where she commended their contributions to national security and defense reforms. She highlighted the achievements of the indigenous warship-building program, including the launch of the ＂Hai Kun＂ (Narwhal) sub and the keel-laying ceremony for a prototype air-defense patrol ship. The ceremony saw the promotion of 26 officers, with seven elevated to lieutenant general and 19 to major general. President Tsai expressed gratitude to the promoted officers and their families for their commitment to the nation’s safety and emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in troop training and talent development.

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.

Taiwan’s National Armed Forces (RDRC) detected the ballistic motion and trajectory of a Chinese satellite rocket through its Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems. The rocket was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Sichuan Province and passed over the southwestern airspace of Taiwan. The Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) conducted several satellite launch missions in recent days, but they posed no threat to Taiwan as they occurred outside the Earth’s atmosphere.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) has stated that a satellite launch conducted in Gansu Province, China on December 9 posed no threat to Taiwan. The launch, which took place at 7:35 a.m., involved a carrier rocket carrying a satellite that traveled beyond Earth’s atmosphere towards the Indian Ocean. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry confirmed that they tracked the rocket launch using their joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance system, and took appropriate measures in response to the event.

Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan has passed a bill appointing an additional deputy director to the Ministry of Justice’s Investigation Bureau (MJIB) to enhance its capacity in handling surveillance technology and combating cybercrime. The new position will focus on managing technological development, detecting computer and internet-related crimes, ensuring information security, conducting forensic science, and overseeing communication surveillance. The move comes in response to the increasing demand for expertise in these specialized areas. Currently, the MJIB operates under the guidance of two deputy directors, but the rise in sophisticated crime has led to a significant workload increase in judicial forensic investigations. By expanding the number of deputy director positions from two to three, the MJIB aims to improve the professional handling of surveillance technology and strengthen national defense mechanisms. This legislative revision demonstrates Taiwan’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing security landscape and elevating the nation’s defense against cyber threats.

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.

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.