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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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Ex-AIT chair warns against Trump’s stance on US alliances
Explore insights from former AIT Chairman Raymond Burghardt on U.S. alliances in Asia and their impact on Taiwan policy, contrasting views between Trump and Biden, and the potential direction under Vice President Harris.
2024/09/12 14:03
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Biden hints at possible U.S. military support for Taiwan
Discover how U.S. President Joe Biden’s recent remarks on potentially deploying troops to defend Taiwan have been received by Taiwan People’s Party’s Huang Kuo-chang, emphasizing the importance of U.S. support and the need for strategic preparedness.
2024/06/05 17:21
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Taiwan grateful for U.S. security support legislation
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanks U.S. President Joe Biden for signing the "Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024," highlighting its significance in enhancing Taiwan-U.S. security cooperation and maintaining Indo-Pacific stability. The act provides military aid to Taiwan, reinforcing its defense capabilities and the U.S.’s role in the region. The MOFA commits to defense reforms and continued cooperation with the U.S. and allies to preserve peace in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific.
2024/04/25 18:03
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US, Japan establish joint command, deepen military ties
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, pledged to uphold international order, and signed approximately 70 cooperation agreements spanning defense, space, economic security, AI, nuclear fusion energy, and disaster relief during a bilateral summit at the White House.
2024/04/11 17:52
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Blinken, Cameron unite for peace in Taiwan Strait
In a significant meeting in Washington, U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized their united stance on peace in the Taiwan Strait and addressed concerns over China’s trade practices. The discussion also covered the AUKUS security partnership’s role in the Indo-Pacific and the upcoming talks between Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and U.S. President Joe Biden, focusing on military and technological cooperation.
2024/04/10 14:14
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U.S. allocates historic US$100M in military aid for Taiwan
The White House announces a historic US$100 million military assistance allocation for Taiwan in the fiscal year 2025 budget, marking the first dedicated funding by the U.S. Department of State for the island. This move aims to enhance Taiwan’s deterrence capabilities and maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, President Joe Biden authorizes the sale of F-16 Infrared Search and Track systems to Taiwan, further reinforcing security cooperation.
2024/03/13 13:00
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Trump vows to reinstate tariffs on China if reelected
Former U.S. President Donald Trump pledges to reapply tariffs on Chinese goods, potentially exceeding 60%, if he wins the November presidential election. He offers no clear answer on whether he would assist Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. Trump plans on imposing a 60% tariff on Chinese goods, a number that may increase. He is leading in the Republican primary and is expected to face incumbent President Joe Biden in November. Trump imposed tariffs amounting to US$250 billion on Chinese imported goods during his term, sparking a trade war. Biden retained Trump’s tariff policy and banned the export of advanced semiconductors and semiconductor production equipment. Trump disputes rumors of another trade war with China, stating that he has handled all matters related to China well. He also criticizes Taiwan for taking semiconductor jobs from the U.S. and suggests imposing tariffs and trade barriers on Taiwan.
2024/02/06 17:05
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CSIS survey predicts potential Taiwan Strait crisis in 2024
A survey conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) suggests that a crisis similar to the large-scale military exercises China conducted near Taiwan in 1995-96 is likely to occur in 2024. The survey, conducted in late 2023, revealed that about 67% of American and 57% of Taiwanese scholars anticipate such a crisis. However, experts believe that China is currently unable to successfully invade Taiwan. Instead, they suggest that China may pursue actions of isolation or blockade against Taiwan within the next five years. The survey defines a "Taiwan Strait crisis" as a significant escalation of tensions accompanied by major People’s Liberation Army exercises aimed at intimidating Taiwan and reaffirming China’s threats of force. Factors contributing to these views include China’s reaction to Taiwan’s election results, negative assessments of U.S.-China relations, and the belief that the November meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping did not sufficiently stabilize relations to reduce the potential for a crisis.
2024/01/24 12:41
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Trump slams Biden’s response to Xi’s Taiwan threats
Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticizes President Joe Biden’s soft response to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s threats against Taiwan. Trump questions Biden’s decision to vacation during this tense period. Xi’s New Year’s message emphasized the inevitability of unifying with Taiwan, drawing international attention. Trump’s team accuses Biden of insufficient response while vacationing in St. Croix. Despite the U.S.’s "strategic ambiguity" on defending Taiwan, Biden has made clear statements indicating support for Taiwan if China invades.
2024/01/02 13:04
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Biden signs defense act to boost Taiwan’s self-defense
U.S. President Joe Biden has signed the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (FY2024 NDAA), which includes a comprehensive training program for Taiwan’s military. The program aims to enhance Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and will be overseen by the U.S. Secretary of Defense. The legislation, which has received approval from both houses of the U.S. Congress, allocates a total of US$886 billion for this purpose. The training program will focus on layered defense, asymmetric defense strategies, cross-communication between the U.S. and Taiwan’s military, information sharing, and the improvement of professional military education and civilian control over the military. Additionally, the act emphasizes collaboration between the U.S. and Taiwan on military cyber security and requires regular updates on Taiwan arm sales proceedings. It also mandates the Secretary of Defense to submit biannual reports to Congress on the military developments of the People’s Republic of China, particularly in areas such as Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the South China Sea, covering topics such as weapon upgrades, procurement, and military operations.
2023/12/23 12:34
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U.S. House backs Taiwan military training in defense bill
The U.S. House Armed Services Committee has agreed to include provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24 NDAA) to assist in the training of Taiwan’s armed forces. The bill, with a budget of USUS$876.8 billion, requires the U.S. Department of Defense to develop a comprehensive training and advisory program for Taiwan’s military. The program will only proceed with the consent of the Secretary of State and after consultations with Taiwanese officials. The legislation aims to enhance Taiwan’s multilayered defense capabilities, including asymmetric defense strategies and interoperability with U.S. forces. It also promotes cybersecurity cooperation and the protection of military networks. The NDAA mandates biannual reporting on China’s military developments in Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the South China Sea. Additionally, a classified report will evaluate the absorption of U.S.-provided military capabilities by Taiwan’s armed forces. After approval by Congress, President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill into law, strengthening U.S.-Taiwan defense relations.
2023/12/08 17:19
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DPP refutes KMT’s pro-U.S. allegations against Hsiao
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) responded to allegations from the Kuomintang (KMT) that DPP vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim was excessively pro-American. Chen Shi-kai, spokesperson for DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te’s campaign office, criticized the KMT for its lack of understanding of economic trade issues and Taiwan-U.S. relations. The KMT, led by legislator candidate Hsu Chiao-hsin, accused Hsiao of being subservient to the U.S. during her time in Washington, citing a classified communication log documenting a bilateral meeting discussing the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden. Chen defended Hsiao by highlighting recent milestones in Taiwan-U.S. cooperation, such as the signing of the Taiwan-U.S. 21st Century Trade Initiative and efforts to resolve double taxation issues. Chen criticized the KMT candidate for illegally disclosing classified documents for political gain and called for an explanation of the motives and authenticity of the disclosure. This defense by the DPP spokesperson reflects the tensions leading up to Taiwan’s presidential elections, with U.S.-Taiwan relations remaining a significant political issue. The political drama highlights the intensity of Taiwan’s electioneering, where U.S. ties and Taiwan’s global economic positioning are crucial issues for voters. The impact of these debates on public opinion remains to be seen as Taiwan prepares for the polls.
2023/12/06 20:33
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Yellen highlights U.S.-China divide over Taiwan status
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.
2023/11/22 20:29
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Chiu Kuo-cheng downplays U.S. arms sale concerns
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.
2023/11/20 18:36
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Trump threatens to revoke Biden’s IPEF framework if elected
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he would revoke current President Joe Biden’s Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) if he wins the 2024 presidential election. Trump argues that the IPEF could negatively impact the American manufacturing industry and lead to increased unemployment rates. The U.S. previously withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) due to similar concerns. Negotiations for Biden’s IPEF began in September 2022, with a focus on major southern powers like India and Indonesia, aiming to promote economic cooperation and exclude China. The IPEF includes countries such as Australia, Singapore, Japan, and 10 other Indo-Pacific nations, constituting about 40% of the global GDP. It emphasizes fair and resilient trade, supply chain resilience, and clean energy. Taiwan’s chief trade negotiator expressed the country’s interest in monitoring the IPEF’s development and presenting a proposal for Taiwan’s inclusion at the appropriate time. President Tsai Ing-wen has also expressed Taiwan’s desire to join the IPEF, believing it would create more business opportunities for Taiwanese and U.S. companies.
2023/11/20 12:11
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Chinese President calls for US to address ’Taiwan issue’
Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterates his stance on the "Taiwan issue" to U.S. President Joe Biden during their 2.5-hour conversation at the Filoli Estate in San Francisco. Xi urges the U.S. to take concrete actions demonstrating non-support for Taiwan independence, halt arms supply to Taiwan, and support China’s peaceful reunification. He presents the U.S. with two choices: strengthen unity for global challenges or retain a zero-sum mentality that leads to instability and division. Xi believes conflicts are unmanageable and emphasizes China’s development promotes rejuvenation without exporting ideologies or plans to overthrow the U.S. He warns against suppressing and containing China’s ambitions.
2023/11/16 15:39
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Xi denies China’s invasion plans against Taiwan in 2027
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.
2023/11/16 15:22
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US reiterates stance on Taiwan in bilateral talks
The story discusses the statements made by John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council, regarding the United States’ stance on Taiwan’s independence and the desire to avoid conflict over the island. Kirby emphasized that the U.S. does not support Taiwan’s independence and does not want to see a unilateral change in Taiwan’s status quo, particularly through the use of force. He expressed hope that President Joe Biden would continue to convey to Chinese President Xi Jinping that the U.S. will adhere to the Taiwan Relations Act and assist Taiwan in maintaining its self-defense capabilities. The article also mentions that Biden and Xi held bilateral talks, their second face-to-face meeting since November, and that Biden would discuss concerns about China’s non-interference in Taiwanese elections. It remains unclear whether Biden will meet with Taiwanese APEC representative Morris Chang at the summit.
2023/11/16 11:22
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Taiwan’s Foreign Minister assures U.S. support
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, reassures the nation of the U.S.’ consistent support ahead of U.S. President Joe Biden’s scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco on November 15. Wu states that Taiwan is likely to be a topic of discussion in the meeting and that the Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring relevant information. The Biden-Xi meeting will take place on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and will be their first face-to-face conversation since last November. Wu also addresses rumors about Taiwan’s representative to the U.S., Hsiao Bi-khim, potentially becoming the running mate for Democratic Progressive Party’s presidential candidate Lai Ching-Te, stating that the Ministry cannot answer election-related matters. However, Wu assures the public that personnel changes in diplomatic positions are routine and do not impact Taiwan’s relations with the U.S.
2023/11/13 18:29
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Taiwan’s APEC agendas on U.S.-China talks, trade, CPTPP
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week 2023 in San Francisco will be a significant event for Taiwan. The country’s main focuses during the summit include the U.S-China leaders’ talks, the possibility of meetings between U.S. President Joe Biden and TSMC Founder Morris Chang, progress on U.S-Taiwan trade negotiations, and Taiwan’s potential participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). President Biden is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss trade, Taiwan, the U.S.-China tech war, and PLA activities in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan officials are also working towards arranging a meeting between Chang and Biden. While the first agreement under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade has been signed, the second round of negotiations is not progressing as expected. Taiwan’s Minister Without Portfolio John Deng hopes to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai during the summit to confirm progress. Additionally, Taiwan will likely use the APEC summit as an opportunity to hold bilateral talks with CPTPP members to garner support for its admission to the trade pact.
2023/11/12 11:45
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Biden, Xi to discuss Taiwan at APEC meeting, says expert
U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet in San Francisco on November 15, with Taiwan as a key focus of their discussions, according to an expert from the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). The meeting agenda includes four main issues: Taiwan, fentanyl containment, Israel-Hamas conflict, and climate change response. It is expected that Xi will seek Biden’s reiteration of the United States’ stance against Taiwan’s independence, as Beijing considers Taiwan a part of China and opposes its independence. Additionally, Xi may anticipate Biden’s affirmation that the U.S. does not favor any specific political party in the Taiwan presidential elections. This summit marks a direct face-to-face dialogue between the leaders since their talks during the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, in November 2022.
2023/11/09 12:34
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FCC commissioner: Chinese growing tech a rising threat
The leaders of the world’s top superpowers, Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden, met in person in Bali at the G20 summit for the first time since Biden took office. Against this backdrop, TVBS Commentator Wenchi Yu spoke with Brendan Carr, commissioner of the Federal Communication Commissions of the U.S., on information censorship, semiconductor chips, and all things related to information and communications technology with the U.S., China, and Taiwan.
2022/11/17 19:13