UNITED24 - Make a charitable donation in support of Ukraine!

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)


January 2017 - Taiwan Special Weapons News

  • President Tsai visits servicemen on Matsu Islands CNA 26 Jan 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) flew to Taiwan's Matsu Islands on Thursday to visit military personnel posted there and wish them a happy Lunar New Year. The president was accompanied by National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan (馮世寬), Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) and other government officials.
  • Ma's request to visit U.S. in February approved CNA 26 Jan 2017 -- Former President Ma Ying-jeou's (馬英九) request to visit the United States in February has been approved, Presidential Office spokesman Alex Huang (黃重諺) said on Thursday.
  • US Upgrades Taiwan's F-16 Fleet Sputnik 25 Jan 2017 -- A state-owned aerospace company in Taiwan has confirmed reports that upgrades have been initiated on its fleet of 144 Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon jets. The Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) said that upgrades should be complete within six years and that four aircraft are already being retrofitted at the Taichung facility.
  • Turkish Forces Kill 65 Daesh Militants in Northern Syria - General Staff Sputnik 23 Jan 2017 -- The Turkish armed forces have eliminated 65 Daesh militants over the past 24 hours as part of the Euphrates Shield operation in northern Syria, the Turkish General Staff said Monday.
  • Trump presidency could be good for ties with U.S.: ex-premier CNA 22 Jan 2017 -- Former Premier Yu Shyi-kun (游錫堃) said Saturday that U.S. President Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20 poses more of an opportunity than a challenge for Taiwan and that the country should take the the opportunity to enhance relations with the United States.
  • Taiwan expected to complete F-16 upgrades within six years: AIDC CNA 21 Jan 2017 -- Taiwan's state-owned Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC) said it has begun an upgrade of the country's fleet of U.S.-manufactured F-16 fighter jets and that the work is expected to be completed within six years.
  • Taiwan looks forward to working with Trump's administration CNA 21 Jan 2017 -- The Taiwan government said Saturday that it has extended its congratulations to Donald Trump and Mike Pence on becoming U.S. president and vice president, respectively, and looks forward to working with the new administration to advance bilateral ties.
  • Trump cannot 'sell out' Taiwan's interests: former premier CNA 21 Jan 2017 -- Former Premier Yu Shyi-kun (游錫堃) said Friday that he has asked about the possibility of U.S. President Donald Trump "selling out" Taiwan and got a reassurance from Edwin Feulner, a former president of the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.
  • Tsai reiterates stance on maintaining cross-strait peace CNA 20 Jan 2017 -- In a recent letter to Pope Francis, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) reiterated the Republic of China's stance on upholding Taiwan's democracy and peace in the Taiwan Strait, outlining four principles for peaceful engagement with mainland China.
  • Trump urged not to treat Taiwan as bargaining chip CNA 20 Jan 2017 -- Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump should stand up to Beijing over Taiwan, bring the "one China" policy into the 21st century without risking war and not make Taiwan a bargaining chip in deals with China, a Wall Street Journal opinion piece said on Thursday, one day before Trump's inauguration.
  • Taiwan leader calls for 'new era' in relations with China Press TV 20 Jan 2017 -- Taiwan's leader has announced a peace initiative for creating a "new era" of cordial relations with China as military drills are being held in preparation for possible clashes in the region.
  • Taiwan urges U.S. support in maintaining cross-strait peace CNA 19 Jan 2017 -- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Thursday urged the incoming U.S. administration of Donald Trump to support Taipei's continued efforts to maintain cross-strait peace and reiterated that Taiwan should not be used as a bargaining chip in the relationship between the United States and China.
  • Taiwan should keep hands off Washington's China policy: ex-premier CNA 19 Jan 2017 -- Former Premier Yu Shyi-kun (游錫堃) said Wednesday that Taiwan should not get involved in U.S. relations with China, and should instead ask Washington to stick to the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act and its "Six Assurances" to Taiwan.
  • Experts reiterate Taiwan issue not a bargaining chip for Trump People's Daily 19 Jan 2017 -- Chinese experts reiterated right ahead of the inauguration of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump that Taiwan issue is never a bargaining chip for the new U.S. leader, or it will become the most severe challenge on the bilateral ties that both sides should cherish.
  • Taiwan declines to comment on call to revisit one-China policy CNA 18 Jan 2017 -- Taiwan's Presidential Office said Wednesday that the government has "no comment" on the views expressed in an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal Monday that called for the U.S. to revisit the "one-China" policy and form closer military alliance with Taiwan.
  • China calls on US not to allow Taiwan delegation at Trump inauguration Press TV 18 Jan 2017 -- China has called on the United States not to allow a delegation from Taiwan at US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony.
  • Taiwan simulates China invasion during annual drills Press TV 18 Jan 2017 -- The Taiwanese military has begun two days of exercises simulating a Chinese invasion at a time of increased tensions between Taipei and Beijing.
  • Military conducts drill to simulate Chinese naval invasion CNA 17 Jan 2017 -- The military on Tuesday conducted a drill simulating a naval invasion by China, in the wake of Beijing's sailing of an aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait.
  • Taiwan's first female combat helicopter pilot aims to fly Apaches CNA 17 Jan 2017 -- Taiwan's first female combat helicopter pilot said Tuesday that her dream is to one day fly one of the world's most advanced military helicopters, the U.S.-made AH-64E Apache.
  • Taiwan Begins Massive Drills Simulating Chinese Attack Sputnik 17 Jan 2017 -- In what may be a response to a recent show of force by the transit of the Chinese aircraft carrier through the Strait of Taiwan, Taipei initiated defense preparation exercises over the weekend while vowing to "enhance training 365 days a year."
  • President back in Taiwan after 4-nation tour in Central America CNA 16 Jan 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) arrived back in Taipei late Sunday and pledged that Taiwan will maintain its cooperation projects with its allies but that they will be carried out more efficiently and with a better chance of benefitting the both sides.
  • Risible Trump playing with fire over Taiwan: Chinese media Press TV 16 Jan 2017 -- Chinese state media say incoming US President Donald Trump is "playing with fire" by challenging China's sovereignty over Taiwan, promising that Beijing would strongly respond to any reconsideration by the US of the so-called One China policy.
  • China Raising Threat Level Against Taiwan, but Sparing Drastic Actions VOA 16 Jan 2017 -- China flexed a military muscle and hit at Taiwan's foreign relations over the past month as warnings against closer ties with the United States, a long-time protector of self-rule on the island that Beijing considers its own. But so far Beijing is keeping more extreme retaliation measures in reserve.
  • China: 'Gloves Off' if Trump Uses Taiwan as Bargaining Chip VOA 16 Jan 2017 -- China state media blasted U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump after he told The Wall Street Journal the "one-China" policy is negotiable.
  • Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's Remarks PRC MofA 15 Jan 2017 -- There is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The government of the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing China. That is the fact acknowledged by the international community and no one can change.
  • Chinese Foreign Ministry Says One-China Policy 'Non-Negotiable' Sputnik 15 Jan 2017 -- Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and one-China policy is non-negotiable basis of the China-US relations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Saturday in response to the comments of US President-elect Donald Trump.
  • Tsai sees 'bilateral cooperation' as new diplomatic model: Tsai CNA 14 Jan 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said while in El Salvador on Friday that Taiwan will shift away from one-way assistance to its diplomatic allies to a two-way model of bilateral cooperation to help their economic and social development.
  • President arrives in San Francisco after Central America visit CNA 14 Jan 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) arrived in San Francisco Friday for a stopover en route home after winding up her Central America trip.
  • U.S. lawmakers introduce Taiwan Travel Act CNA 14 Jan 2017 -- Several pro-Taiwan members of the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday jointly introduced legislation that encourages visits between the United States and Taiwan at all levels.
  • Taiwan, El Salvador reaffirm bilateral ties, seek to advance trade CNA 14 Jan 2017 -- The presidents of Taiwan and El Salvador reaffirmed their commitment to advancing relations between the two countries on Friday, expressing hope for further bilateral exchanges in such areas as trade.
  • China calls on Trump to recognize Taiwan 'high sensitivity' Press TV 14 Jan 2017 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry has stressed that its "One-China" policy is not negotiable and called on US President-elect Donald Trump to acknowledge the "high sensitivity" of matters relating to Taiwan.
  • US president-elect refuses to commit to 'One China' policy Press TV 14 Jan 2017 -- US President-elect Donald Trump has said that he will not commit to the 'One China' policy unless Beijing changes its currency and trade policies.
  • Taiwan must build its own submarines: defense minister CNA 13 Jan 2017 -- China's recent move to sail an air carrier near Taiwan has highlighted the need for Taiwan to go ahead with a plan to build its own submarines, Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan (馮世寬) said Friday.
  • Taiwan's New Southbound Policy sees initial fruit CNA 13 Jan 2017 -- The Executive Yuan said Friday Taiwan's exports to countries covered under the government's New Southbound Policy totaled US$5.37 billion in December, up 20 percent from the same month last year.
  • Delegation head talks about mission in the U.S. CNA 13 Jan 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) has given the Taiwan delegation that will attend the inauguration ceremony of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump next week the task of "congratulating, thanking and interacting," the delegation's leader said Friday.
  • President Tsai addresses Guatemalan Congress, reaffirms bilateral ties CNA 13 Jan 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) delivered a speech to the Congress of Guatemala Thursday, during which she reaffirmed the value of the long-standing relations between Taiwan and the Central American country and her administration's commitment to "steadfast diplomacy."
  • Why Did Taiwan President Meet with Influential Texas Lawmakers? VOA 13 Jan 2017 -- Following the 2016 presidential election, President-elect Donald Trump took a call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and questioned whether the U.S. should continue following the policy laid out in 1979 recognizing the communist-led People's Republic of China as the sole government of China, or "one China."
  • Taiwan reiterates right to fish near disputed atoll CNA 12 Jan 2017 -- Taiwan reiterated Thursday that its fishermen have the right to enter and fish in waters near the Japan-held Okinotori atoll in the western Pacific, and said the relevant government agency had dealt with the matter of five fishing boats being chased by Japanese patrol ships the previous day.
  • PLA confirms aircraft carrier Liaoning passed through Taiwan Straits on Thursday People's Daily 12 Jan 2017 -- The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has confirmed that the Liaoning aircraft carrier passed through the Taiwan Straits on Thursday before dawn.
  • China says aircraft carrier Liaoning has left Taiwan Strait Press TV 12 Jan 2017 -- A Chinese naval fleet, including China's sole aircraft carrier, has sailed out of the Taiwan Strait, the Chinese military has announced, a day after Taipei scrambled warplanes and navy ships to monitor the passage of the fleet.
  • Chinese aircraft carrier completes passage through Taiwan Strait CNA 12 Jan 2017 -- The Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier, completed its passage through the Taiwan Strait at 6:30 a.m. Thursday and continued its way back to China, according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND).
  • Taiwan, Guatemala reaffirm commitment to bilateral ties CNA 12 Jan 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and her Guatemalan counterpart, Jimmy Morales, reaffirmed their commitment to relations and cooperation between the two countries Wednesday, with Tsai saying that Taiwan will continue to support a Guatemalan highway expansion project, a proposal put forward by Morales.
  • U.S. secretary of state nominee reaffirms U.S. commitment to Taiwan CNA 12 Jan 2017 -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for his secretary of state reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Taiwan, based on the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and the Six Assurances, during a Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday for his nomination as the top U.S. diplomat.
  • Taiwan likely to see more active Chinese maritime presence: Paal CNA 12 Jan 2017 -- The recent conduct of air and maritime exercises by Chinese armed forces in the area around Taiwan is an example of by China showcasing its growing military strength and not a show of force directed at the government of Taiwan, according to former U.S. Institute in Taiwan (AIT) director Douglas Paal.
  • China's pressure only raises Taiwanese hackles: Presidential Office CNA 12 Jan 2017 -- China's pressuring of Taiwan will only raise hackles and is not conducive to cross-Taiwan Strait relations, Presidential Office spokesman Alex Huang (黃重諺) said Thursday.
  • MAC to draw up, implement new model for cross-strait interaction CNA 11 Jan 2017 -- Taiwan's China policy maker, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), will draw up a new model for interaction between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait and will implement it this year, MAC head Chang Hsiao-yueh (張小月) announced Wednesday.
  • Chinese visitors to Taiwan down 800,000 in 2016: Chinese official CNA 11 Jan 2017 -- The number of Chinese visitors to Taiwan totaled 3.61 million in 2016, a drop of nearly 800,000 from the previous year based on an initial estimate, a spokesman from China's Taiwan Affairs Office said on Wednesday.
  • President on top of Chinese aircraft carrier's movements CNA 11 Jan 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), who is in Nicaragua as part of a Central American tour, has been briefed by senior national security officials in Taipei to stay aware of the latest developments of a Chinese aircraft carrier that is sailing north through the Taiwan Strait Wednesday.
  • Taiwan closely monitoring passage of Chinese aircraft carrier CNA 11 Jan 2017 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) said it is closely monitoring the Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier, which entered Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) from the southwest Wednesday morning and has since continued to sail north in the Taiwan Strait.
  • Chinese aircraft carrier transiting Taiwan Strait CNA 11 Jan 2017 -- The Liaoning, China's first aircraft carrier, entered Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) from the southwest at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday and sailed north in the Taiwan Strait, said Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense.
  • China 'firmly' opposes Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen US stopover Press TV 09 Jan 2017 -- China has "firmly" voiced it opposition over meetings between Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen and senior Republican officials during a visit to the US.
  • Taiwan, Honduras reaffirm strong bilateral relationship CNA 10 Jan 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) of Taiwan and President Juan Orlando Hernández of Honduras have reaffirmed the ties between the two countries and promised to take the bilateral relationship into a new era.
  • Nicaragua reaffirms support for Taiwan's international participation CNA 10 Jan 2017 -- Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega reaffirmed his country's support for Taiwan's participation in United Nations-affiliated organizations and other international organizations, during a meeting with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) in the capital of Nicaragua on Monday.
  • Beijing-Taiwan Ties Deteriorate Amid US Policy Drifting Toward Self-Ruled Island Sputnik 10 Jan 2017 -- Recent days have been marked by escalation in the already tense Beijing-Taiwan relations, as the island's independence-leaning President Tsai Ing-wen, currently on her Latin American tour, not only had a stopover in the United States but also met with US officials, to a well-expected displeasure of Beijing.
  • Defector explains reason for Taiwan's nuclear plan to sink CNA 09 Jan 2017 -- A former member of Taiwan's doomed nuclear weapons development project, Chang Hsien-yi (張憲義), disclosed Monday that his fear of ambitious politicians using such weapons was the reason behind his decision to flee to the United States 29 years ago.
  • President meets with U.S. politicians during stopover in Houston CNA 09 Jan 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) met with American politicians during a stopover in Houston en route to Central America on Sunday.
  • China Condemns Meeting Between Taiwan's President, US Officials Sputnik 09 Jan 2017 -- China strongly condemns Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen meeting with Texas Governor Greg Abbott and US Senator Ted Cruz, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Monday.
  • Ted Cruz, Texas Governor Meet With Taiwanese President VOA 20 Jan 2017 -- China said Monday it opposes any contact between Taiwanese leaders and U.S. officials, a day after Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen met with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
  • Tsai transiting in Houston en route to Central America CNA 08 Jan 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in Houston Saturday for a brief transit stop on her way to Central America, a routine stopover that has been closely watched by Beijing after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump spoke with her by phone recently.
  • Texas Gov. Abbott, Ted Cruz Meet With Taiwan President Despite Beijing's Outcry Sputnik 09 Jan 2017 -- US officials have met with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen in Texas to discuss energy, trade relations and commercial ties as well as arms trade, despite China's protests.
  • President Tsai embarks on her Central American visit, U.S. stopovers CNA 07 Jan 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) began her second overseas visit since taking office in May 2016, a trip that will take her to four of Taiwan's Central American allies, as well as two U.S. cities, where she will have stopovers.
  • Tsai's U.S. stopovers just for 'comfort:' U.S. state department CNA 07 Jan 2017 -- Allowing Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) to make stopovers in the United States is part of a "longstanding practice" to provide comfort to the traveler, and there is nothing unusual about her upcoming transits in the U.S. during her visit to Central America, a U.S. Department of State spokesman said Friday.
  • Taiwan's leader embarks on controversial Central America tour Press TV 07 Jan 2017 -- Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen has begun her nine-day trip to four Central American countries with planned stopovers in the US, a development closely watched by Beijing amid warming Taipei-Washington ties.
  • What is Behind Taiwanese President's Visit to Latin America Amid Speculations Sputnik 07 Jan 2017 -- Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen left for the United States Saturday on her way to Central America, a trip that will be scrutinized by China. Sputnik spoke with Chinese political experts in an interview about this trip and how it may be related to US-Chinese bilateral relations.
  • Ex-vice president insists on validity of '1992 consensus' CNA 06 Jan 2017 -- The consensus of "one China, different interpretations" reached between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait in 1992 cannot be overturned by a political party or individual, former Vice President Wu Den-yih (吳敦義) said Friday.
  • Taiwan President Heading to the Americas to Protect Fragile Foreign Relations VOA 06 Jan 2017 -- Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen will start a trip Saturday to the United States with the possibility of advancing relations with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump after a surprise call last month, and to Central American countries that could someday switch allegiance from Taipei to its powerful rival China.
  • Taiwan ready if Liaoning passes through Taiwan Strait: MND CNA 05 Jan 2017 -- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said on Thursday that China's aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, first passed through the Taiwan Strait in 2014, and as such the ministry has experience and countermeasures in place to deal with a repeat.
  • Taiwan keeping tabs on China aircraft carrier: MND CNA 04 Jan 2017 -- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said on Wednesday that it is closely monitoring China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, currently on drills in the South China Sea.
  • Taiwan respects U.S. think tank's report on cross-strait matters CNA 04 Jan 2017 -- The Presidential Office said Wednesday that it respects the views of a United States think tank, which recommended that the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump devise new strategies to maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
  • Taiwan has comprehensive anti-missile capability: official CNA 03 Jan 2017 -- Taiwan's military has comprehensive anti-missile capability, the presidential office spokesman said on Tuesday, after an anti-government group publicly invited China to fire missiles at the Presidential Office.
  • Vietnam's deportation of Taiwanese suspects to China regrettable: MOFA CNA 03 Jan 2017 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Tuesday it was regrettable that Vietnam had decided to send four Taiwanese fraud suspects to China instead of back to Taiwan.
  • Defense ministry mulling air defense missile command change CNA 02 Jan 2017 -- The Ministry of National Defense confirmed Monday that it may reorganize the air defense missile command, which is currently under the ministry's jurisdiction, but said it would not be related to a stalled program to cut the size of the military.
  • Chinese official warns of risks to cross-strait ties in 2017 CNA 01 Jan 2017 -- A senior Chinese official responsible for Taiwan affairs said on New Year's Day that relations between Taiwan and China will remain rocky and complex over the coming year with plenty of uncertainty and potential risks.
  • Trump on possibility of Tsai meeting: 'We'll see' CNA 01 Jan 2017 -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday failed to dispel speculation about a possible meeting with ROC President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) when she stops over in the United States later this week.



NEWSLETTER
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list