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President Tsai unlikely to visit Taiping Island: official
Former Taiwan National Security Council secretary-general Su Chi believes there is a low likelihood of President Tsai Ing-wen visiting Taiping Island in the South China Sea. Su cites concerns over U.S. objections and the potential risk to Tsai’s safety as reasons for this prediction. He points out that the U.S. opposes Taiwan’s involvement in South China Sea issues and that Tsai would have to contend with Chinese fighter jets, aerial escorts, and security threats if she were to visit the island. Su also notes that the U.S. would not support such a trip as it could emphasize Taiwan’s political stance in the ongoing tension between the Philippines and China.
2024/02/07 14:59
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Raytheon to supply Taiwan with advanced AGM-154 missiles
The United States Department of Defense has awarded a contract to Raytheon Company to produce and deliver 50 AGM-154 Block III C Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW) to Taiwan. The contract, valued at US$68.4 million, requires completion by March 2028. The AGM-154 Block III C is an air-launched glide cruise missile with a range of 22 kilometers at low altitude and up to 130 kilometers when launched at a higher altitude. It is compatible with Taiwan’s F-16V fighter jets and will enhance Taiwan’s aerial capabilities for land-based attacks. Negotiations for another weapons procurement contract involving AGM-84H/K (SLAM-ER) extended-range standoff land attack missiles are ongoing.
2024/02/05 10:42
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Hou Yu-ih challenges Tsai’s foreign policy effectiveness
Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih challenges the effectiveness of President Tsai Ing-wen’s foreign policy, questioning its impact on Taiwan-China communication, severed relations with former allies, extended military service, and increased risk of Chinese fighter jets breaching Taiwan’s airspace. The three presidential contenders, including Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je, discuss U.S.-Taiwan relations and their stance on President Tsai’s policy. Hou questions DPP’s handling of tainted politics during their time in power and highlights his support for the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA). He also addresses concerns over cross-strait flight operations and employment difficulties for Chinese students in Taiwan. Hou pledges to follow the Constitution of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and maintain administrative neutrality without relying on any side.
2023/12/30 15:51
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Pentagon expedites F-16 sales to Taiwan: Hunter
The U.S. Air Force is actively exploring options to expedite the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan, with 136 upgraded aircraft already delivered and the final three on the way. An additional 66 new jets are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2026. Concerns were raised by over 20 Republican members of Congress that the promised deliveries to Taiwan might be delayed due to commitments to Ukraine, Israel, and global security issues. Taiwan’s existing F-16 upgrade program has already faced significant delays due to a lack of crucial parts, and the delivery of the new jets has been postponed by over 15 months due to software development complexities. Lawmakers are committed to collaborating with the Pentagon to ensure the timely delivery of the jets, especially in light of China’s frequent military drills near Taiwan.
2023/12/22 18:08
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Over 60% U.S. arms sales to Taiwan are traditional
Over 60% of U.S. military sales owed to Taiwan consist of traditional capabilities, with F-16 fighter jets and M1 tanks accounting for over half of the total amount. This is according to data compiled by the Washington D.C.-based Cato Institute. The total U.S. arms sales backlog to Taiwan is NT$617.2 billion, as per data from the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The Cato Institute further breaks down the U.S. arms sales backlog into three main categories: conventional, asymmetric, and munition capabilities, making up 63.2%, 22%, and 14.8% of the total backlog respectively. Uncompleted deliveries of traditional equipment amount to around NT$390 billion, while delayed asymmetric capabilities total about NT$135.9 billion, and munition accounts for approximately NT$91.3 billion. The dominance of traditional arms in the backlog consumes a large part of Taiwan’s limited defense resources, despite the U.S. government not officially releasing a detailed breakdown of the weapons sold to Taiwan.
2023/11/07 18:32
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Air Force fighter jets to escort Taiwan athletes back home
President Tsai Ing-wen has instructed the Air Force to accompany Taiwan’s heroic athletes on their return from the Hangzhou Asian Games. Taiwan secured an impressive 67 medals, including 19 gold, 20 silver, and 28 bronze, finishing 6th overall. This surpasses their pre-Games target and equals their gold medal tally from the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games. President Tsai expressed gratitude to all team members, including athletes, coaches, and support staff. The largest contingent of athletes is expected to return tonight at 9:30 p.m.
2023/10/09 16:55
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U.S. announces $500M defense deal with Taiwan
On Wednesday (Aug. 23), the United States announced a US$500 million defense deal with Taiwan (approximately NT$15.9 billion), including the infrared search and track (IRST) system and related equipment for F-16V (BLK70) fighter jets.
2023/08/24 16:28
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Taiwan mulls extending Dassault Mirage fighter jets’ service
Taiwan’s Air Force weighs the possibility of extending the service life of Mirage 2000 fighter jets by 20 years. Experts debate the need for longevity vs. modernization as the nation navigates cross-strait tensions. Learn more about the Mirage 2000 extension debate.
2023/08/14 17:23
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Military tests F-16V, C-130H flights at Taitung Airport
In the early hours on Tuesday (July 11), Taiwan’s military conducted test flights with F-16V fighter jets and the C-130H transport aircraft before the annual Han Kuang Exercises in late July at Taitung Airport.
2023/07/11 17:23
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U.S. approves US$619 million Taiwan arms sale
The U.S. has approved a US$619M arms sale to Taiwan with munitions and equipment for F-16 fighter jets.
2023/03/07 10:35
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Taiwan Air Force provides up to NT$80,000 in noise subsidies
Residents near the Chiayi Air Base who are disturbed by F-16V fighter jets can get subsidies of up to NT$80,000.
2023/01/11 21:18