May 2018 - Taiwan Special Weapons News

Taiwan eyes golden opportunity to take part in RIMPAC exercise: MND CNA 30 May 2018 -- This year marks a golden opportunity for Taiwan to participate in the U.S.-led Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, a multinational naval exercise scheduled for this summer, especially after Washington disinvited China last week, the nation's defense chief said Wednesday.
Taiwan denies report of U.S. help to build submarines CNA 30 May 2018 -- Taiwan's defense minister dismissed a report Wednesday that the United States may send technical specialists to Taiwan to help the country build submarines.
Taiwan Cannot Compete with China on Aid to Keep Foreign Allies VOA 30 May 2018 -- Taiwan will struggle to stop a shrinking pool of mostly poor diplomatic allies from shifting allegiance to its rival, China, because it lacks the amounts of money they want, experts and officials in Taipei say.
Military to test air raid text-alert system in upcoming drill CNA 29 May 2018 -- Taiwan's military will test a new air raid text-alert system at an annual air defense drill to be held next month, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced Tuesday.
U.S. congressman introduces bill to help boost Taiwan's defense CNA 28 May 2018 -- A U.S. congressman has introduced a bill to establish a Taiwan Defense Assessment Commission, strengthening the U.S. commitment to the defense of Taiwan.
Foreign minister thanks U.S. Congress for pushing Taiwan friendly bill CNA 28 May 2018 -- Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) on Monday expressed gratitude to the U.S. Congress for its staunch support of Taiwan by once again pushing a bill to establish a commission to help boost Taiwan's defense capability.
Taiwan a frontline state against authoritarian influence: official CNA 28 May 2018 -- In the fight against the growing influence of authoritarian powers, Taiwan is a frontline state with experience in resisting China's attempts to erode its democracy and defending fundamental democratic values, Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu (吳志中) said Monday.
Haitian President Moise visits Taiwan CNA 27 May 2018 -- Haitian President Jovenel Moise will arrive in Taiwan on Monday for a 5-day state visit, his first since he took office in early 2017, according to Taiwan's foreign ministry.
Foreign ministry condemns China's efforts to belittle Taiwan CNA 26 May 2018 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Saturday issued a statement, condemning China's demands for international airlines to change Taiwan's designation on their websites.
Burkina Faso Set Diplomatic Relations With China After Breaking Off Taiwan Ties Sputnik 26 May 2018 -- Burkina Faso established diplomatic relations with China shortly after the African state decided to break off ties with Taiwan, a Sputnik correspondent reported.
Once Influential in Africa, Taiwan Loses All But One Ally VOA 26 May 2018 -- Two days after breaking ties with Taiwan, Burkina Faso re-established diplomatic relations with China on Saturday at a signing ceremony in Beijing.
Taiwan monitors long-range Chinese military drill CNA 25 May 2018 -- Taiwan closely monitored a long-range military drill staged by China with Xian H-6K strategic bombers flying over the Bashi Channel, the Air Force Command Headquarters of the Ministry of National Defense said Friday.
Military equipment will not reach Burkina Faso: Defense Ministry CNA 25 May 2018 -- A shipment of military equipment from Taiwan en route to Burkina Faso will not be allowed to reach the African country after it severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Friday.
President Tsai calls for unity amid severing of diplomatic ties CNA 25 May 2018 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Friday expressed regret over the severing of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Burkina Faso, calling on all parties in the country to stand united amid China's continuing "oppression."
MAC head brushes off '1992 consensus' CNA 25 May 2018 -- Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) chief Chen Ming-tung (陳明通) criticized the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) on Friday after a recent diplomatic setback for Taiwan, saying the formula it advocated for relations with China will not work.
Foreign minister to stay in post despite latest diplomatic setback CNA 25 May 2018 -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said Friday he has changed his mind on resignation and will remain in his post to strive for Taiwan's survival in the international community.
Pro-Taiwan provisions pass U.S. House as part of defense bill CNA 25 May 2018 -- The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed its annual defense policy bill for fiscal 2019 including provisions to help strengthen Taiwan's military capability.
Taiwan sends jets to shadow Chinese bombers over island Press TV 25 May 2018 -- Taiwan has scrambled fighter jets to shadow Chinese bombers conducting a drill around the self-ruled island which is also reeling from Burkina Faso's move to cut diplomatic ties with Taipei.
Taiwan foreign minister resigns over ruptured Burkina Faso ties CNA 24 May 2018 -- Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said Thursday that he has made a verbal request to quit over the latest blow to Taiwan's diplomatic efforts, after Burkina Faso announced earlier in the day that it was breaking ties with Taiwan.
Taiwan breaks diplomatic ties with Burkina Faso CNA 24 May 2018 -- Taiwan is cutting diplomatic ties with Burkina Faso after the African country announced an end to its ties with the Republic of China (ROC), Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) announced Thursday.
Taiwan retaliates over China's poaching of allies CNA 24 May 2018 -- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), Taiwan's China policy planner, said Thursday night it will more rigorously screen applications by Chinese officials to visit Taiwan and will step up measures to counter Chinese moves to divide society and create social discord.
China anxious over Taiwan's ties with world: president CNA 24 May 2018 -- The recent actions by China to pressure Taiwan reflects Beijing's anxiety and lack of confidence caused by the significant progress Taiwan has made in building economic and security ties with like-minded countries, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Thursday.
Taiwan scrambles jet to monitor Chinese military aircraft CNA 24 May 2018 -- A Chinese military airplane was spotted flying west of the median line of the Taiwan Strait Thursday as part of a training program and the Ministry of National Defense (MND) scrambled a fighter jet in response, a local military enthusiast announced that day.
Taiwan denies heading back to checkbook diplomacy days CNA 23 May 2018 -- Strategic loans to Taiwan's diplomatic allies are designed to create "win-win-win situations" and do not represent a return to checkbook diplomacy to compete with China for those allies' allegiance, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said Wednesday.
China tells 'brazen lie' about Taiwan joining WHO tech meetings: MOFA CNA 23 May 2018 -- Taiwan angrily refuted China's claim Wednesday at the World Health Assembly (WHA) that over the past five years, Taiwanese delegates have participated in almost all the technical meetings hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it was a brazen lie.
China's saber rattling on Taiwan in vain: defense minister CNA 19 May 2018 -- China's continued saber rattling on Taiwan will not be successful, but instead will only trigger resentment among the people in Taiwan, Minister of National Defense Yen De-fa (嚴德發) said on Saturday.
Military drill to start as scheduled despite rehearsal injury CNA 17 May 2018 -- The Han Kuang exercises, Taiwan's biggest annual military drill, will be held June 4-8 as scheduled, despite a paratrooper being critically injured Thursday during a rehearsal in Taichung for the drill, according to the military.
Paratrooper injured in Han Kuan drill rehearsal CNA 17 May 2018 -- A paratrooper was critically injured at the Ching Chuan Kang air base in Taichung Thursday morning during a rehearsal for the upcoming annual Han Kuang military exercises, military officials reported that day.
Taiwan's goodwill toward China has its limits: MAC chief CNA 17 May 2018 -- Taiwan will continue to show goodwill toward mainland China, but that does not mean the government will do so "without limit," Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chen Ming-tong (陳明通) said on Thursday.
Canada says position on Taiwan designation unchanged CNA 16 May 2018 -- The Canadian government said Tuesday its long-standing position on Taiwan's designation has not changed, and it does not want to see China place pressure on private enterprises to change the name of Taiwan.
New Defense Bill Seeks $7.5 Billion for Taiwan, US to 'Push Back on China' Sputnik 16 May 2018 -- A bill recently reintroduced on Capitol Hill seeks to increase US defense spending by $1.5 billion per year over the next five years to support Taiwan's defense posture toward China.
Taiwan lodges protest against name change by Air Canada CNA 15 May 2018 -- The government has lodged a protest against a change of its designation to "Taiwan, China" on the website of Air Canada, the country's flag carrier and largest airline, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Tuesday.
Report of Chinese aircraft flying along M503 untrue: MND CNA 14 May 2018 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Monday dismissed as untrue a television news report that a Chinese military aircraft was spotted traveling along the M503 aviation route in the Taiwan Strait earlier that day.
Taiwan aiming to build 3 corvette class warships by 2025 CNA 14 May 2018 -- Taiwan plans to construct three corvette class warships by 2025 and move up its schedule for the construction of another eight vessels, Minister of National Defense Yen De-fa (嚴德發) said Monday.
Inter-Korean summit conducive to regional stability: Tsai CNA 14 May 2018 -- As a new page of history is turned in the Asia-Pacific with the recent inter-Korean summit, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said she hoped that the peace initiatives broached during the event spread to the rest of the region, according to a press release issued by the Presidential Office.
Taiwan navy rebuts claims of communication with China naval vessel CNA 13 May 2018 -- Taiwan's Navy rebutted claims of communicating with China's Navy out at sea in the wake of a media report describing one of Taiwan's Navy ships to have put themselves in an awkward situation when greeted by a Chinese naval vessel.
Military to continue search for missing Mirage-2000 CNA 12 May 2018 -- The military said Saturday that it will continue to search for the Mirage 2000 fighter piloted by Captain Ho Tzu-yu (何子雨), which went missing during a flight training sortie last November.
U.S. voices concern after Chinese aircraft circle near Taiwan again CNA 12 May 2018 -- The U.S. State Department on Friday again expressed concern over China's lack of military transparency and reiterated its opposition to attempts to change the cross-Taiwan Strait status quo, following a fresh incident of Chinese military aircraft circling near Taiwan.
China sends Su-35 fighter jets for island patrol training People's Daily 12 May 2018 -- The People's Liberation Army (PLA) air force conducted patrol training over China's island of Taiwan on Friday.
Chinese fighter jets continue aerial drills around Taiwan Press TV 12 May 2018 -- Chinese fighter jets have reportedly carried out more aerial drills around Taiwan- the latest round of military maneuvers near the self-ruled island.
MOFA opens new unit to promote New Southbound Policy CNA 11 May 2018 -- The Indo-Pacific Affairs Section, a new unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) focused on promoting the government's New Southbound Policy, opened its doors Friday.
U.S. congressman urges U.S. airlines not to bow to Beijing's demands CNA 11 May 2018 -- U.S. Congressman Ted Yoho (R-FL), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, wrote a letter to American airline carriers on Thursday urging them to resist bowing down to pressure from Beijing and Chinese political correctness.
Chinese Fighters, Bombers Ring Taiwan, Show 'Upgrade in Combat Capabilities' Sputnik 11 May 2018 -- China's People's Liberation Army-Air Force planes conducted military drills around Taiwan Friday aimed at intimidating the island's "independence forces," according to reports.
Chinese Missiles Challenge US in South China Sea VOA 11 May 2018 -- Chinese missile deployment in the South China Sea is meant as a challenge to the United States and its allies, scholars believe.
Taiwan to hold emergency rescue drill in South China Sea CNA 10 May 2018 -- Several government agencies will hold a joint exercise in the South China Sea on Friday to test Taiwan's disaster relief and emergency response at sea, according to the Coast Guard Administration (CGA).
Proposed military pension reform to take effect as scheduled: premier CNA 09 May 2018 -- Premier Lai Ching-te (賴清德) maintained Wednesday that the proposed reform of the military pension system, which has been met with protests, will go into effect as planned July 1.
16 diplomatic allies to address Taiwan's exclusion from WHA meeting CNA 09 May 2018 -- Sixteen of Taiwan's 19 diplomatic allies have sent formal letters to the World Health Organization (WHO) asking that the failure to invite Taiwan to the organization's annual assembly be a topic for discussion at the upcoming World Health Assembly (WHA) meeting later this month, a government official said on Wednesday.
U.S. expresses dismay at China blocking Taiwan from attending WHA CNA 09 May 2018 -- The United States on Tuesday expressed dismay at China for blocking the World Health Organization (WHO) from inviting Taiwan to attend this year's meeting of the World Health Assembly (WHA), the WHO's decision-making body.
EU voices support for Taiwan's participation in WHA CNA 09 May 2018 -- The 28-member European Union (EU) on Tuesday voiced support for Taiwan's participation in the annual World Health Assembly (WHA) meeting.
Taiwan will not succumb to defeatism: president CNA 08 May 2018 -- As a country that faces difficulties ahead, Taiwan must do everything in its power to deal with those challenges and that will take the determination of both its leader and people not to give in to defeatism, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said recently.
MOFA to launch new Indo Pacific section CNA 08 May 2018 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is preparing to set up a new Indo-Pacific section that will be responsible for Australian, New Zealand and Indian affairs, as part of Taiwan's implementation of its New Southbound Policy, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said Tuesday.
Taiwan won't try to form diplomatic ties with new allies: FM CNA 08 May 2018 -- Taiwan won't attempt to establish formal diplomatic relations with any new countries despite just losing a longtime ally in the Caribbean to Beijing last week, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said Tuesday.
Taiwan regrets latest exclusion from World Health Assembly CNA 08 May 2018 -- Taiwan on Tuesday expressed regret that it has once again being excluded from the annual World Health Assembly (WHA) meeting, after the registration deadline for the forum expired without Taiwan receiving an invitation to attend.
MAC protests China's obstruction in keeping Taiwan out of WHA CNA 08 May 2018 -- Taiwan's top agency in charge of China policy has denounced China's move to block Taiwan's participation in this year's meeting of the World Health Assembly (WHA).
Chinese-branded cellphones banned in Taiwan's military CNA 07 May 2018 -- Chinese-branded cellphones are absolutely banned on military bases throughout Taiwan, Minister of National Defense Yen Teh-fa (嚴德發) said Monday.
Talks needed to avoid cross-strait conflicts: president CNA 07 May 2018 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Monday called for talks between Taiwan and China without any political preconditions on the basis of respect and equality to resolve misunderstandings and avoid misjudgments that could result in conflicts.
Taipei urges world community to defy China over Taiwan designation CNA 06 May 2018 -- Following a statement from the United States government criticizing China's request that American airlines not list Taiwan as a country on their websites, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday expressed thanks to Washington and urged the international community to resist such demands made by Beijing.
Taiwan thanks U.S. for concern over China's demands to airlines CNA 06 May 2018 -- Taiwan's Presidential Office on Sunday (Taiwan Time) expressed gratitude to the United States for its concern over a request issued by China to 36 U.S. and international airlines to change how they reference Taiwan.
Majority of Taiwanese think China is unfriendly: poll CNA 04 May 2018 -- Nearly 80 percent of Taiwanese people think China is unfriendly toward Taiwan, following a setback for Taiwan in a diplomatic tug-of-war with the mainland, according to the results of a survey released Friday.
Taiwan's ties with diplomatic allies stable: foreign minister CNA 04 May 2018 -- Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said Friday that ties between Taiwan and its diplomatic allies, including the Holy See, are stable.
Lai reiterates 'nuclear-free' goal by 2025 CNA 04 May 2018 -- Premier Lai Ching-te (賴清德) reiterated on Friday the government's determination to eliminate nuclear power from Taiwan's energy mix by 2025.
Taiwan touts cooperation projects with allies as its diplomatic edge CNA 03 May 2018 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Thursday that while China is resorting to its economic power to promote diplomacy and suppress Taiwan's international space, Taiwan's advantage is its cooperation projects and growing bilateral trade ties with its diplomatic allies.
Historic low number of Taiwan's allies begs new diplomatic approach CNA 02 May 2018 -- The Republic of China, a country that constantly faces Beijing's threats on the international stage, lost another diplomatic ally Tuesday, the Dominican Republic.
President Tsai posts message praising Taiwan military CNA 02 May 2018 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) posted a message praising the military on her official Facebook page Wednesday, as Taiwan's armed forces engage in computer war games as part of the annual Han Kuang exercises.
Annexing Taiwan is China's national strategy: premier CNA 02 May 2018 -- Premier Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Wednesday that annexing Taiwan is China's national policy and strategy as evidenced by the way Beijing continues its efforts to lure away Taiwan's diplomatic allies and block the nation's participation on the international stage.
China, Dominican Republic establish diplomatic ties People's Daily 02 May 2018 -- China and the Dominican Republic signed a joint communique in Beijing Tuesday on the establishment of diplomatic relations.
China's move to lure Taiwan's allies unhelpful to regional peace: AIT CNA 01 May 2018 -- China's move to lure Taiwan's diplomatic allies has changed the status quo and is unhelpful to regional stability, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) said Tuesday.
Full text of statement on cutting ties with Dominican Republic CNA 01 May 2018 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has issued a statement on its termination of diplomatic relations with the Dominican Republic after the Caribbean country formally recognized the People's Republic of China.
Dominican Republic envoy apologizes over diplomatic break with Taiwan CNA 01 May 2018 -- Dominican Republic ambassador to Taiwan Angel Soto Jimenez on Tuesday offered a personal apology to the government after his country announced that it was switching diplomatic allegiance to China, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
U.S. expresses concerns over China's belittling of Taiwan CNA 01 May 2018 -- The U.S. State Department on Monday expressed concerns over China's ongoing efforts to belittle Taiwan after Beijing demanded that two U.S. airlines remove any reference of Taiwan as a country on their websites.
China hooks new ally with US$3 billion in loans: source CNA 01 May 2018 -- China has promised the Dominican Republic more than US$3 billion in loans to support its infrastructure projects, leading the Caribbean country to cut ties with Taiwan, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs source told local media Tuesday.
Taiwan urges Beijing to stop undermining cross-strait peace CNA 01 May 2018 -- Taiwan's Presidential Office has urged Beijing to "immediately stop" all behavior that is negatively affecting peaceful relations across the Taiwan Strait following the Dominican Republic's decision to cut ties with Taipei.
Taiwan cuts ties with Dominican Republic CNA 01 May 2018 -- Taiwan is cutting diplomatic ties with the Dominican Republic after the Caribbean country switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing on Monday, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) announced Tuesday.
Taiwan mulling buying tanks from US , defense minster says Press TV 01 May 2018 -- Taiwan is mulling the purchase of US M1A2 Abrams tanks in order to protect itself from a potential attack from China, its defense minster says.
Dominican Republic severs relations with Taiwan in win for China Press TV 01 May 2018 -- The Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic has severed its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, officially recognizing Chinese sovereignty over the self-ruled island.
Taiwan Severs Diplomatic Ties With Dominican Republic Over China Sputnik 01 May 2018 -- Taiwan cut off its diplomatic ties with the Dominican Republic on Tuesday after the latter established official diplomatic relations with China, the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of China (Taiwan) said in a statement.
Dominican Republic Establishes Relations With China, Severs Ties With Taiwan Sputnik 01 May 2018 -- Dominican Republic has signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.

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May 2018 - Taiwan Special Weapons News