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…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In an era marked by fluctuating energy prices and increasing geopolitical tensions, Taiwan has set its sights on bolstering its energy security through strategic investments in international projects. One of the most promising initiatives on its radar is the Alaska LNG (liquefied natural gas) project, a move that underscores Taiwan’s…
Richard Sanders In a recent address at the National Review Institute’s Ideas Summit in Washington, retired Admiral Phillip Davidson, former commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, emphasized Taiwan’s vital role in US economic and security interests in the Indo-Pacific region. He described Taiwan as a “cornerstone” of American influence and urged for enhanced defensive measures…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In a significant move reflecting the escalating security threats in the region, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen announced that the nation’s defense budget is set to exceed 3% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This ambitious initiative comes as part of a broader military overhaul aimed at enhancing the island’s defensive…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In a significant escalation of military tensions in the Taiwan Strait, China has announced a series of military exercises in close proximity to Taiwan, framing these maneuvers as a punitive response to what it describes as “separatist” activities by the Taiwanese government and pro-independence factions. This development has raised international…
Francis Tuschek Taiwan is set to dispatch officials at the deputy minister level to the United States for the rollout of its first F-16 Block 70 jet among a total of 66 units. Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) announced this during a legislative committee meeting on Thursday, while noting that the US has…
Richard Sanders President William Lai announced a comprehensive plan yesterday, outlining 17 strategies designed to counter increasing infiltration efforts from China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The initiatives range from reinstating the military court system to tightening scrutiny on immigrants from these regions. Following a meeting with national security officials, Lai addressed concerns over recent incidents…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The delay in the delivery of a batch of domestically made trainer jets to the air force is due to problems with “external procurement components and systems,” the military said in a report sent to lawmakers for review today. The military’s top research unit, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science…