Taiwan’s streets pulse with the chaotic energy of a free society – debates rage in parliament, newspapers print unvarnished truths, and citizens elect leaders without fear of disappearance. Meanwhile, in Brussels, bureaucrats cling to a diplomatic relic crafted half a century ago, based on a flawed interpretation of a UN Resolution (2758), bowing to Beijing’s…
Richard Sanders A member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Ho Jen-chieh, was taken into custody yesterday under suspicion of espionage for China during his time as an aide to former foreign minister Joseph Wu. The Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office revealed that Ho was linked to the investigation concerning alleged spying activities involving former Presidential…
The greatest danger of China’s manoeuvres around Taiwan isn’t invasion – it’s the creeping apathy they’re cultivating in all of us. China’s relentless military exercises around Taiwan are the perfect example of what we might call the ‘politics of numbing.’ These drills, like the recent ‘Strait Thunder-2025A,’ are a little part sabre-rattling as part of…
Lithuania, once Taiwan’s loudest cheerleader in Europe, is now sending a somewhat chilling message: promises alone won’t sustain alliances. The new Lithuanian government, led by Gintautas Paluckas, is expressing openly frustration with Taiwan’s perceived lack of follow-through on bold economic commitments. High expectations for semiconductor investments, technology transfers, and trade breakthroughs have fizzled into what…
Richard Sanders The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has initiated yet another military exercise near Taiwan, aimed at discouraging “separatism,” as announced by the Defense Ministry on Tuesday. According to Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command, the drill involves various branches including the army, navy, air force, and rocket forces. It…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In a significant escalation of tensions in the Taiwan Strait, China has commenced extensive military exercises in proximity to Taiwan, amplifying concerns over regional stability and security. The drills, which include air and naval maneuvers, have been framed by Beijing as a necessary response to perceived provocations from Taiwan and…
Richard Sanders President William Lai has reiterated Taiwan’s dedication to supporting indigenous defense projects, emphasizing the importance of funding for domestic shipbuilding and aircraft initiatives. Speaking at a keel-laying ceremony in Kaohsiung for the first of six local cruisers, Lai noted that these efforts are vital to enhancing the nation’s self-defense capabilities. The cruisers, commissioned…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Taiwan has been actively conducting simulations and drills to prepare for a range of scenarios, including natural disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons, as well as potential military threats from China. These simulations are part of Taiwan’s broader strategy to enhance its emergency response capabilities and national defense readiness in…
Richard Sanders A former director of mainland affairs for the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) is set to be investigated by the Mainland Affairs Council for allegedly claiming to represent Taiwanese interests during a symposium in China earlier this month. This event marked the 20th anniversary of China’s “Anti-Secession” Law, where he stated that the law…
Richard Sanders The government is contemplating proposed changes to the regulations surrounding alternative civilian service aimed at enhancing the nation’s civil defense capabilities. This initiative was revealed as part of a strategy to address the increasing frequency of natural disasters and geopolitical tensions. Earlier in December 2022, the Executive Yuan integrated demobilized civilian service members…