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Taiwan monitors citizens in Middle East as tensions rise
Taiwan’s foreign minister warns that a Strait of Hormuz blockade could spike global oil prices amid Iran-Israel tensions. Taiwan monitors U.S. and China actions.
2025/06/19 12:00
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Taiwan unveils sea drone with dual peacetime-wartime roles
YILAN (TVBS News) — Carbon-Based Technology Inc. (碳基科技) recently unveiled its unmanned surface vehicle (USV) in the waters off Suao (蘇澳), northern Taiwan. The sea drone aims to support an asymmetric warfare strategy currently being developed by Taiwan. Despite encountering a remote control power system issue that rendered it inoperable during performance tests, conducted under the escort of a National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST, 中科院) workboat, this incident highlights ongoing challenges for Taiwan in accelerating the development of unmanned vehicles for military use as it seeks to enhance its innovative and powerful aid forces. Professor Lin Wei-chi (林威志) from Taipei University of Marine Technology (TUMT, 台北海洋科技大學) emphasized the vessel’s innovative design, which allows it to transition between peacetime and wartime roles. The ship can transport resources to remote islands or conduct patrols in Taiwan’s waters, including port detection and environmental oversight. Regarding military applications, such a USV can deter and attack enemies and be commissioned for various missions. However, Taiwan still needs to address several issues, including geographical references in the Taiwan Strait and technical limitations. Lin noted that large waves caused water leakage during the demonstration, which may have affected electronic components on board. Vice President Li Kang-si (李康嗣) of Carbon-Based Technology confirmed that although communication power remained stable, the wave conditions hindered the vessel’s activation, leading to a delay in further tests. According to reports, the island-nation has approximately 1,000 UAVs in service, which is significantly smaller than China’s fleet, especially considering that Beijing is a leading producer of unmanned drones. The scale of the UAV industry is also restricted in Taiwan. According to the Wall Street Journal, Taiwan plans to purchase 3,200 USVs, most of which are small. On one hand, Taiwan’s civilian company is expected to deliver 3,000 drones to the authorities by the end of 2025; however, it is essential to involve larger companies in the supply chain. Amid these challenges, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) plans to enhance its asymmetric warfare capabilities by proposing a special budget later this year. Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (顧立雄) underscored the significance of unmanned vehicles, including drones and vessels, in bolstering defense resilience. He also announced that the ministry will suggest a special budget to reinforce asymmetric warfare forces, following the so-called “Hellscape” coined by the Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Samuel Paparo. Uncrewed vehicles have become a prominent trend among nations, with their efficiency particularly evident during the Ukraine-Russia War. In October 2022, Ukraine deployed at least seven naval drones to attack the port of Sevastopol, where Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is stationed in its protected harbor. The assault resulted in damage to one frigate and several other vessels, though no warships were sunk. A month ago, Ukraine successfully employed a USV to shoot down a Russian Su-30 aircraft. This effectiveness has encouraged various nations to invest in the development of unmanned vehicles. Currently, the U.S. has over 10,000 UAVs in service, while its navy plans to expand the integration of a hybrid fleet with USVs. Regarding Taiwan, the authorities are fully committed to the effort of keeping pace in this race against time by all means. Earlier this month, Taiwan unveiled its domestically produced suicide drone developed by Thunder Tiger Group, a civilian company; another firm presented a remotely operated underwater vehicle in collaboration with the military; and Taiwan CSBC Corporation (台船) showcased its USVs capable of withstanding harsh conditions in Taiwanese waters, equipped with combat capabilities, back in March. Additionally, the Taiwan government has acquired 680 Switchblade 300 drones, 291 ALTIUS 600 M-V units from the U.S., and 4 MQ-9B drones, which are expected to arrive in 2026 and 2027, respectively. The global landscape of unmanned military vehicles has seen significant advancements, as evidenced by Ukraine’s deployment of unmanned ships during its conflict with Russia. In response to China’s military pressure, Taiwan must address the dual challenge posed by its geography and technical limitations while enhancing its development speed to achieve a flexible asymmetric warfare strategy.
2025/06/13 19:06
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Civilian-led wargame examines future Taiwan Strait conflict
The Taipei School of Economics and Political Science Foundation launched the Taiwan Defense TTX, a wargame with retired generals from Taiwan, the U.S., and Japan. The event, organized by Chair Huang Huang-hsiung and retired admiral Lee Hsi-min, aims to address Taiwan’s defense issues amid China’s military threats. Participants include former U.S. military leaders, and the exercise evaluates Taiwan’s 2030 military strategies.
2025/06/10 16:50
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Military experts to analyze China threat in Taipei exercise
The Taipei School of Economics and Political Science Foundation will host a Taiwan Strait defense war game on June 10-11 at National Chengchi University. The event, led by Huang Huang-hsiung and Lee Hsi-ming, will feature high-ranking military officials to explore conflict scenarios and security strategies.
2025/06/09 12:00
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Taiwan evaluates command resilience amid Chinese threats
Taiwan’s Han Kuang 41 exercise ended April 18, highlighting urban warfare readiness amid CCP threats. Experts urge diverse defense strategies for Taipei’s security.
2025/04/23 18:36
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Taiwan conducts major live-fire drills on Kinmen islands
The Kinmen Defense Command conducted the Taiwu Exercise to enhance defense against aerial and maritime threats. The drill, led by the Lienyu Garrison Battalion, focused on improving combat readiness amid rising cross-strait tensions.
2025/03/28 12:00
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U.S. admiral warns of China using drills as Taiwan cover
U.S. Navy Adm. Samuel Paparo warns China may use military drills as a cover for an attack on Taiwan. He highlights China’s maneuvers and calls for U.S. action.
2025/02/14 10:01
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Survey shows Taiwanese shifting views amid China concerns
Explore Taiwanese views on cross-strait relations, defense, and ties with the U.S. in the latest Global Views Monthly survey.
2025/01/08 12:00
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Expert suggests U.S. jets refuel in Taiwan to deter China
The U.S. may use its logistics pact with Taiwan to counter China’s military threats. Experts suggest refueling U.S. jets in Taiwan to show resolve but warn of potential misinterpretations by China.
2024/12/25 18:07
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Ma emphasizes cross-strait friendships to prevent conflict
Former President Ma Ying-jeou leads Taiwanese students to China, promoting youth exchanges to foster cross-strait friendships and reduce conflict risks.
2024/12/20 10:50
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Survey: 70% expect U.S. aid if China invades Taiwan
A survey by the Institute for National Defense and Security Research reveals over 70% of Taiwanese believe the U.S. would indirectly aid Taiwan if China invades.
2024/10/09 21:00
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Interior minister clarifies role of 400K-strong civil force
Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang clarified that Taiwan’s new civil force will not train 400,000 militia members but will focus on maintaining social and governmental operations.
2024/09/30 14:34
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Biden delivers final UN speech, stresses Taiwan Strait peace
President Joe Biden delivered his final speech at the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing peace in the Taiwan Strait, U.S.-China cooperation, and support for Ukraine.
2024/09/25 10:23
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German minister backs naval passage through Taiwan Strait
Discover how Germany’s planned naval transit through the Taiwan Strait in September 2024 challenges China’s protests and supports Taiwan’s international standing, as stated by Michael Roth.
2024/09/10 10:54
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US House passes bill to deter China from Taiwan invasion
Discover the key details of the "Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act of 2023" passed by the U.S. House to deter China from invading Taiwan by targeting the global assets of Chinese leaders.
2024/09/10 09:50
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American scholar weighs in on ’Zero Day’ drama
Explore the impact of "Zero Day," a new Taiwanese drama that delves into a potential Taiwan Strait conflict and its broader implications. Learn how it sparks dialogue on defense strategies and Chinese aggression.
2024/08/26 17:50
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Pottinger touts deterrence over combat in China tensions
Explore the strategic insights of Matt Pottinger’s new book, "The Boiling Moat," on defending Taiwan against Chinese aggression through deterrence, highlighting the importance of regional stability and international cooperation.
2024/06/14 14:52
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NSB: China’s recent drills challenge US commitment to Taiwan
Discover the latest on Taiwan’s security as NSB Director-General Tsai Ming-yen addresses China’s military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, highlighting concerns and defense strategies.
2024/05/29 17:04
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Former President Ma questions US support amid divisions
Former President Ma Ying-jeou questions U.S. support for Taiwan amid cross-strait tensions, highlighting internal U.S. divisions over Israel-Palestine conflict. Advocates for Taiwan’s defense preparedness, peace talks, and cross-strait dialogue to avoid war and rejects Taiwan’s involvement in global power politics, emphasizing shared Chinese heritage for peaceful resolution.
2024/04/24 14:54
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Jaw Shaw-Kong sees Ma Ying-jeou as bridge for peace
Jaw Shaw-Kong highlights former President Ma Ying-jeou’s meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping as a crucial moment in Ma’s visit to China, emphasizing its potential to enhance cross-strait communication for the Kuomintang. The Democratic Progressive Party, Taiwanese citizens, and the U.S. closely monitor Ma’s visit for its implications on peace and stability in the region. Jaw stresses the significance of face-to-face exchanges to prevent conflict and advocates for peaceful cross-strait relations. Ma’s trip is framed as a peace mission, with hopes of easing tensions and fostering friendship between Taiwan and the mainland.
2024/04/02 14:47
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US builds floating pier in Gaza, eyes Taiwan Strait strategy
The U.S. military’s floating pier in Gaza could have implications for Taiwan Strait conflict scenarios, as analyzed by The Daily Telegraph. Taiwan’s military responds to Chinese Communist Party aircraft with Joint Civil Military Air-Raid Exercise and plans to expand political warfare units in the navy. The Tien-Kung III missile, developed domestically, strengthens defense capabilities against aerial threats. New missile sites and integrated defense operations demonstrate Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing combat effectiveness.
2024/03/27 10:08
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Former president Ma Ying-jeou’s visit to China sparks debate
Former President Ma Ying-jeou’s upcoming second visit to China ignites debate among scholars on its implications for cross-strait relations. Some view it as a potential easing of tensions, while others interpret it as part of China’s united front strategy. Ma’s visit, scheduled from April 1 to 11, aims to engage with Chinese culture and students. The trip, in response to a mainland China invitation, is seen as an opportunity to bridge political divides and showcase diverse Taiwanese perspectives on cross-strait relations. However, critics like Taiwan Thinktank researcher Wu Se-chih perceive the visit as aligning with the Chinese Communist Party’s agenda to promote Chinese culture and influence Taiwanese society before the new president’s inauguration.
2024/03/26 17:28
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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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China’s Coast Guard inspection sparks panic on Taiwan boat
Tensions escalate as China’s Coast Guard inspects "King Xia Cruise" near Kinmen, causing panic on board. Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council Minister, Kuan Bi-ling, condemns the incident, highlighting the strain on cross-strait relations. The recent clash follows a series of events, including a deadly confrontation between Taiwan and Chinese fishermen. China criticizes Taiwan’s response, blaming the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration works to manage the aftermath, coordinating funeral arrangements and supporting survivors.
2024/02/20 10:26
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Wang Yi urges US action against Taiwan independence
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi urges the U.S. to take concrete action against Taiwan’s independence during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Munich Security Conference. Wang emphasizes that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory and attributes any attempt to alter this status quo to Taiwan separatist activities and external forces. He calls for the U.S. to lift unilateral sanctions on Chinese companies and individuals and cease baseless harassment of Chinese citizens. Both parties agree to retain dialogue and communication and explore further exchanges between the two nations. Discussions also cover geopolitical flashpoints such as the Ukraine crisis, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and issues on the Korean Peninsula.
2024/02/17 12:01