Taiwan security 結果共209筆

Taipei’s top five reports from Monday include the indictment of an army officer on charges of defection and espionage, an investigation into a professor for engaging in technological collaboration with China, the draw for presidential and vice presidential candidate ballots, railway reforms following a train derailment, and intense debate on the Minimum Wage Act in the Legislative Yuan.

Former Senior Director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council and CEO of the United States Studies Centre, Michael Jonathan Green, emphasizes that Taiwan’s recent extension of military service to one year is a significant indication of its commitment to defense. Green warns that any reversal of this decision would raise concerns in both the United States and Japan. As tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait, the main concern for the U.S. is Taiwan’s vulnerability to Chinese pressure or military action. By extending military conscription, Taiwan is demonstrating its political will to counter Beijing’s intimidation. The United States, Japan, and Australia believe that Taiwan’s efforts to stabilize the situation and prevent war are commendable. Green highlights that any threat posed by China to Taiwan could jeopardize security across the entire First Island Chain, impacting nations like the US, Canada, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand. Green, who has served in the Bush Administration and was part of the U.S. bipartisan delegation that visited Taiwan in March, stresses the critical importance of Taiwan’s resolve for self-defense.

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.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih proposes a pro-US and China diplomatic stance, diverging from incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen’s approach. Hou criticizes Tsai’s foreign affairs and cross-strait policies, blaming the Tsai administration for Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation, failure to join regional economic bodies, and lack of communication with China. Hou emphasizes adhering to the Constitution of the Republic of China, affirming the nation’s sovereignty, and proposing a balanced stance between fostering solid ties with the United States and engaging with Mainland China. He also highlights the importance of Taiwan being prepared and realistic about its defense, suggesting that the island’s security should not rely solely on promises from the US but on its efforts and pragmatic relations with democratic allies. Political commentator Jaw Shau-kong fiercely criticizes the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for being pro-US and anti-China, deeming Tsai’s policies on cross-strait relations and international diplomacy a complete failure. Jaw points out that despite Taiwan’s willingness to import American pork, the support has yet to translate into the U.S. helping with Taiwan’s entry into international organizations.

The Minister of the Interior in Taiwan warns of the prevalence of ＂cognitive warfare＂ tactics ahead of the upcoming election, describing the misleading information as a mixture of truth and falsehoods that are difficult to distinguish. He urges the public to exercise discernment and caution, emphasizing the importance of smooth elections. The warning follows reports that surveillance data from Taiwanese intelligence agencies is being sold on the dark web, potentially compromising the privacy of political figures and foreign personnel in Taiwan. The Minister assures that relevant departments are addressing the breach in surveillance data.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je has unveiled a series of policy proposals to revolutionize Taiwan’s agricultural sector. These proposals include employing artificial intelligence (AI) to create a comprehensive agricultural database. Ko’s five-pronged approach aims to address challenges faced by Taiwanese farmers, such as fragmented landholdings and an oversaturated domestic market. He also highlights the need to modernize traditional poultry houses and the agricultural marketing system. One focal point of Ko’s agricultural policy is the establishment of a strategic food security plan with AI, aiming to enhance planning in agricultural production and ensure transparency in the sale of farm products through data analytics. Ko also emphasizes the importance of resilient infrastructure to protect the farming sector from extreme weather events and the formation of an agricultural carbon sink platform to promote sustainable and low-carbon development. By drawing on international models, Ko aims to transform rural architecture and farming practices for a more sustainable future in Taiwanese agriculture.

The Group of Seven (G7) leaders convened via video conference to discuss the Taiwan Strait, affirming its importance for international security and prosperity. They reiterated their commitment to the One China policy and called for a peaceful resolution to cross-strait issues. The G7 also expressed readiness to establish a stable relationship with China and voiced opposition to China’s militarization activities in the South China Sea. Human rights concerns in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong were also discussed. The G7 condemned North Korea’s missile testing activities and addressed various other topics such as nuclear safety in Japan, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, and climate change. The discussions highlighted the G7’s attention to urgent global crises, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the Gaza crisis.

The Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, stated that the release of the list of key national technologies will not impact businesses as they have been consulted beforehand. The focus is on enhancing the protection of critical technologies. The National Science and Technology Council revealed a list of 22 core national key technologies across defense, agriculture, semiconductors, space, and cyber-security, including two semiconductor technologies. Personnel involved with key technologies receiving over 50% subsidies from the government must seek permission before traveling to China, as per the National Security Act and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. The two semiconductor technologies listed are IC fabrication technology for processes smaller than 14 nanometers and heterogeneous integration packaging technology. Wang emphasized the importance of protecting key technologies to prevent confidential business information leakage and enhance national security standards. The next steps involve reviewing and providing lists of personnel meeting certain subsidy thresholds and involved with sensitive technologies to relevant entities for management purposes.

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.

Hsiao Bi-khim, the Democratic Progressive Party’s vice-presidential candidate, warned against complacency during her campaign stop in Taichung, Taiwan, emphasizing the intense electoral competition across the country. She embarked on her first-ever campaign sweep in a specialized vehicle provided by the National Security Bureau and joined forces with Legislator Lin Ching-yi of Taichung’s 2nd electoral district. Hsiao visited Lin’s campaign headquarters in Wuri District and held a press conference with the legislator. She then boarded a high-security campaign vehicle, complete with bulletproof glass and guarded by national security personnel. Hsiao’s campaign received presidential-level support, including a motorcade of ten vehicles and police motorcycles dedicated to her protection. Reflecting on the challenges of the campaign trail, Hsiao acknowledged the contrast to her past electoral experiences in Hualien. This visit to Taichung was significant for Hsiao, as she expressed her honor in supporting Lin, a colleague known for her strong sense of justice and camaraderie. Hsiao and Lin have long championed foreign affairs and gender equality issues together. Today’s itinerary will take Hsiao through four electoral districts in Taichung, underscoring the importance of each district in her campaign tour.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim returned to Taiwan from New York with her four beloved cats, arriving at Taoyuan International Airport. Accompanied by security officers, Hsiao handled her immigration procedures while waving to reporters and travelers. She then proceeded to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency to take care of the entry quarantine procedures for her cats. As her feline friends meowed from within their carriers, Hsiao comforted them and fed them treats. She personally confirmed the purchase of canned food and dry kibble for her pets before leaving the airport under the escort of security personnel. Hsiao had returned to Taiwan on Nov. 20 to report for duty and submit her resignation, registered for the elections the following day, and rallied support in Hualien. She then returned to the United States on Nov. 26 to finalize her resignation and pack her belongings before making her journey back to Taiwan with her cats.

Taiwan’s Minister of Digital Affairs, Audrey Tang, has announced that the cyber security breach at LY Corporation, the parent company of popular messaging app LINE, is currently under investigation by the National Development Council (NDC). The breach potentially exposed the personal data of approximately 440,000 users, including information from 100 Taiwanese accounts. The incident, which follows a hack on South Korean IT giant Naver, a major shareholder in LY Corporation, has prompted the ongoing investigation in Taiwan. The leaked data primarily includes names, affiliated institutions, and email addresses of LY Corporation’s employees and business partners, as well as potentially leaked ages, genders, and purchase histories for stickers. However, no users’ messages, bank account numbers, or credit card information were compromised. Taiwan’s Digital Ministry has requested relevant entities to provide information and report the breach in accordance with the law. The affected user data includes hashed mobile phone numbers, email addresses, and LINE account details. Whether sanctions will be imposed under Taiwan’s new Personal Data Protection Act will depend on the outcome of the NDC’s investigation. Minister Tang assured the public that messages sent between LINE users are end-to-end encrypted and the server does not store message content, indicating that no message content was compromised in this breach. She emphasized the importance of having servers located in Taiwan for apps like LINE, particularly for maintaining communications during disasters. Discussions are underway with various international messaging providers, including LINE and the Signal Foundation, regarding the potential establishment of servers in Taiwan.

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.

The spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), Chen Binhua, denied allegations of Beijing interfering in Taiwan’s elections during a press conference. Chen dismissed the claims made by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as baseless rumors and accused the ruling party in Taiwan of misleading the electorate. Taiwan’s national security agencies have repeatedly warned about interference from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as the country prepares for the 2024 presidential election. In recent investigations, members of the ＂Union of Chinese Nationalists＂ in Kaohsiung were accused of accepting funds from the TAO for political activities in mainland China. The association is suspected of promoting specific political views and pan-blue support during their travels. The Ciaotou District Prosecutors Office has summoned 22 members for investigation, including individuals named Cheng and Ye, who are accused of violating Taiwan’s Anti-Infiltration Act and Public Officials Election and Recall Act. They have been released on bail with travel restrictions pending further investigation.

Taipei City Councilor Chen Yi-chun has expressed concerns about stealthy trips organized by local community leaders to China, questioning whether they could be instances of ＂red infiltration.＂ Chen highlighted a heavily subsidized trip advertised as a ＂Wuxi Community Exchange Study,＂ which cost participants just NT＄15,000 and included flights, hospitality, and lodging. She suggested that the trip seemed imbued with Chinese propaganda, as it included visits to historical towns, canal boat tours, and a Belt and Road Initiative silk factory, with a guide from the National People’s Congress Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. Chen raised concerns about potential organized red infiltration, as local leaders covertly rallied groups and secretly canvassed like-minded community members to join the trip. She also questioned whether the Chinese Communist Party could be using these excursions to influence the votes of Taiwanese local residents in anticipation of Taiwan’s 2024 Presidential Election. Chen argued that the CCP could be engaging in a multifaceted campaign, including cognitive warfare and expansive propaganda, with the latest strategy involving ground-level infiltration to sway Taiwan’s electorate. She called for Taiwan’s national security agencies to remain vigilant and advised citizens to foster security awareness to guard against possible election meddling strategies by the CCP.

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.

Hsiao Bi-khim, a former lawmaker, is set to launch her first campaign rally in Hualien, reigniting her political efforts in the region. Despite facing setbacks in the past, Hsiao has spent a decade building strong ties in Hualien. In 2016, she made history for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) by capturing more than half of the votes, defeating the former Kuomintang legislator Wang Ting-son. However, her 2020 bid for re-election ended in defeat. Nevertheless, Hsiao’s passion for local engagement, campaign experience, and oratory skills are highly regarded within the DPP. As she prepares for the joint rally with Lai Ching-te, there is a renewed sense of vigor and unity within the party. Hsiao’s exceptional achievements in international diplomacy make her an ideal candidate to lead Taiwan forward and ensure national security and stability.

Hsiao Bi-khim, the vice-presidential candidate for Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party, expressed her opposition to using war as a solution to cross-strait issues. She emphasized the necessity of dialogue as the only viable method for resolution. Hsiao voiced her support for the four pillars of peace proposed by DPP’s presidential candidate, Lai Ching-te. These pillars include strengthening Taiwan’s deterrence capabilities, ensuring economic security, establishing partnerships with global democratic nations, and maintaining a stable, principled cross-strait relationship. Hsiao has been blacklisted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) due to her support for Taiwanese independence, but she highlighted that other international advocates for democracy and human rights have faced similar sanctions from the CCP. Despite this, Hsiao remains committed to protecting Taiwan’s democracy and maintaining an open attitude towards cross-strait dialogue. She emphasized the importance of preserving the status quo and seeking global support to uphold peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih vows to assemble a strong team for the 2024 elections, including 15 mayors, legislators, and village chiefs. The KMT aims to restore stability and prosperity amid concerns over national security and public demands for change. A meeting between Hou, Terry Gou, and Ko Wen-je to discuss opposition consolidation ends without agreement. KMT chairman Eric Chu shows support as the party’s at-large legislative candidates register with the Central Election Commission. Former Kaohsiung mayor Han Kuo-yu calls for KMT legislators to address the nation’s needs, question policies, and fight against corruption.

Executive Yuan Premier Chen Chien-jen stresses the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and announces a new data protection committee during his visit to local banks amid increasing cyber attacks in Taiwan.

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.

DPP’s Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim have officially registered for the 2024 presidential election at Taiwan’s Central Election Commission. Get the latest updates on their campaign.

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.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is facing criticism from non-ruling parties for its failures in improving cross-strait relations, with accusations that the DPP has pushed Taiwan towards the risk of war. DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-tei has responded by outlining a four-pillar approach to maintaining cross-strait peace, which includes strengthening national defense and security, boosting Taiwan’s key industries, standing with democratic camps, and engaging in cooperative relationships with China. Lai emphasizes that the upcoming election represents a battle between democracy and autocracy and highlights Taiwan’s ongoing fight for democracy. He asserts his determination to safeguard Taiwan’s democracy and protect the nation’s security and interests.