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U.S. destroyer, Canadian frigate sail through Taiwan Strait
The story reports that the U.S. destroyer USS Rafael Peralta and the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Ottawa sailed through the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense stated that the country’s armed forces maintained control of the maritime and aerial dynamics during the transit. The ministry also revealed that it detected 13 Chinese aircraft and eight mainland ships conducting activities around Taiwanese waters. Five Chinese aircraft entered the southwest Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), prompting a response from Taiwan’s armed forces using combat air patrol aircraft, navy vessels, and land-based missile systems.
2023/11/03 21:17
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Taiwan to draft 9,100 men for military service in 2024
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has announced plans to conscript around 9,100 men for one-year compulsory military service in 2024. The MND, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, has completed preliminary plans for monthly conscription. The enlisted men will be assigned to various locations across the island, including eastern defense units, rescue teams, and other guard units. Additionally, conscripts will have the option to serve in offshore islands or scheduled military units based on their specific civilian skills.
2023/10/31 17:55
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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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Taiwan ramps up defenses against Chinese infiltration
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has reported to the Legislative Yuan on four methods of infiltration by China: "compatriot’s affection," "familial love," "organized crime," and "online communication." The National Army is taking measures to counter these infiltration tactics, including domain safety checks on military computer networks and careful examination of file transfer procedures. China’s state security agency has been actively penetrating Taiwan’s defenses with espionage activities, targeting classified information on underground organizations. The MJIB plans to strengthen reconnaissance-based technologies and the agile use of computing to ensure effective case investigations.
2023/10/30 14:50
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MND reports 23 Chinese aircraft entering Taiwan’s airspace
The Ministry of National Defense (MND) reports that 23 Chinese aircraft violated Taiwan’s airspace, with a BZK-005 drone crossing the Taiwan Strait median line and a Harbin Z-9 anti-submarine helicopter conducting drills in the eastern sea. The MND will closely monitor maritime and air dynamics using joint intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance.
2023/10/27 14:48
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MND to raise food allowance for armed forces personnel
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) plans to increase the monthly food allowance for Republic of China Armed Forces personnel. The goal is to set a minimum of NT$3,388 by 2025, with higher allowances for those serving in high-cost regions like Nansha Taiping Island. The adjustment will require an additional NT$1.3 billion annually and will take effect in 2025.
2023/10/23 15:36
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Reviving ROTC: Taiwan’s new approach to military recruitment
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has revived the ROTC program to enhance its military capabilities amid growing cross-strait tensions. Students receive full government subsidies, with five years of army service upon graduation. This development aims to address the pressing need for more military personnel.
2023/10/19 02:00
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MND refutes claims of lacking soldiers for main combat units
The Ministry of National Defense (MND) has denied a report suggesting a shortage of soldiers may lead to new conscripts joining main combat troops. The MND clarified that their main combat units still have over 80% of the required personnel, indicating sufficient manpower.
2023/10/16 21:45
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MND reports 9 Chinese aircraft, 5 warships in Taiwan Strait
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported that nine Chinese aircraft and five warships were detected operating around the Taiwan Strait. Two SU-30 jets entered Taiwan’s north ADIZ. The Armed Forces are closely monitoring and responding to the situation using mission aircraft, ships, and missile systems.
2023/10/15 16:27
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MND confirms plans underway for conscripts’ 6% pension fund
The Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan plans to deposit 6% of conscripts’ monthly wages for their pension, with the policy set to be enacted as scheduled. Mandatory service of one year will be reintroduced next year for those born after 2005.
2023/10/14 08:23
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Taiwan military holds live-fire drills in Lien Yung exercise
Taiwan’s military showcased its firepower during a three-day exercise at the Pingtung Tri-Service Joint Training Base, featuring Apache helicopters firing 30-caliber rounds and Indigenous Defense Fighters (IDF) dropping practice bombs and flares.
2023/09/21 19:13
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MND reports record Chinese presence over the Taiwan Strait
The MND reports a record-high incursion of 103 Chinese aircraft into the Taiwan Strait, with 40 crossing the median line. Taiwan responds by deploying forces to monitor and counter the threat. The situation raises concerns about regional security and stability.
2023/09/18 19:58
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NGO criticized for suggesting segmented military training
A non-governmental organization in Taiwan recently received criticism as it suggested conscripts can complete their one-year mandatory military training in "installments."
2023/09/13 17:02
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MND faces scrutiny for drone procurement details
The National Defense Report released by the MND on Sept. 12, was criticized for being unclear about the preparation and procurement of domestic drones.
2023/09/12 18:55
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MND releases defense report focused on regional threats
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) released its biennial defense report on Tuesday (Sept. 12), focusing on regional threats and combat readiness and featuring China’s aircraft carrier, Fujian, expected to be commissioned in 2025.
2023/09/12 16:24
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Taiwan MND lowers 2024 voluntary service quota by 5,187
The Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan has announced a decrease in the planned 2024 voluntary service "personnel quota" by 5,187 from the previous year.
2023/09/11 14:02
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MND apologizes to family of deceased lieutenant
The mysterious death of a 23-year-old navy lieutenant at a Taiwanese marine camp has raised suspicions of foul play.
2023/09/07 17:56
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MND: 700 conscripts set for stationing on offshore islands
The Ministry of National Defense (MND) recently revealed that around 700 conscripts will be dispatched to Taiwan’s offshore islands next year.
2023/09/04 22:18
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Taiwan detects 13 Chinese military aircraft entering ADIZ
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported on Friday (Aug. 25) that a total of 22 Chinese military aircraft were detected since 7 a.m., with 13 entering Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
2023/08/25 14:34
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F-16V bombing mishap: Pilot inaccuracy sparks probe
Discover how an F-16V training exercise went awry due to pilot error. Ministry of National Defense acknowledges the mishap and discusses its implications for future training. Accountability and investigation details here.
2023/08/15 21:11
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Taiwan MND investigates suspected info leak to China
The Ministry of National Defense (MND) in Taiwan announced plans to increase their efforts in counter-intelligence on Wednesday (Aug. 2). This decision came in response to an ongoing investigation involving six naval and air force officers currently serving and a retired air force officer with the surname Liu.
2023/08/02 18:58
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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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Investigation continues into leaked military ballistic plate
The Ministry of National Defense released test videos of ballistic plates for proof of their defensive capabilities on Tuesday (July 11) at a press conference.
2023/07/11 18:44
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Taiwan military adjusts restrictions to meet manpower needs
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced on Wednesday (July 5) future significant revisions to the selection and training guidelines for volunteer soldiers and military police.
2023/07/06 14:55