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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)


April 2019 - Taiwan Special Weapons News

  • U.S. vessels conduct 7th transit of Taiwan Strait since July 2018 CNA 29 Apr 2019 -- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) confirmed Monday that two American vessels sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, the seventh such transit since July 2018.
  • U.S. Navy uses new tactic in navigating Taiwan Strait: expert CNA 29 Apr 2019 -- Two American vessels sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday with their Automatic Identification System (AIS) on, an unprecedented move used to highlight the international nature of the strait's waters, a military expert said Monday.
  • China 'paid close attention' to US warships passing Taiwan Straits Global Times 29 Apr 2019 -- China has paid close attention to US warships passing through the Taiwan Straits, and has made representations to the US side, China's Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
  • US warships pass through strategic Taiwan Strait amid tensions with China Press TV 29 Apr 2019 -- The US military has once again sent warships through the Strait of Taiwan despite China's repeated calls for Washington to refrain from such military moves – one of the several sources of tension in bilateral ties.
  • Two US Navy Warships Transit Taiwan Strait - Report Sputnik 29 Apr 2019 -- The US military said it sent two Navy warships through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday as the Pentagon increases the frequency of movement through the strategic waterway despite opposition from China, Reuters reports.
  • President Tsai thanks U.S. for continued support of Taiwan CNA 28 Apr 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Sunday expressed gratitude to the United States government for continuing to make arms sales to Taiwan and for its cooperation in helping Taiwan bolster its self-defense capabilities.
  • Blocked from WHO, Taiwan Gets Global Medical Info from Friends VOA 26 Apr 2019 -- Taiwan's anticipated rejection from observing a third consecutive World Health Assembly will slow its access to world health information including disease outbreaks. But the government used to those rejections has found a series of backdoors to get the health alerts and other updates that it needs.
  • Taiwan aware of all foreign ships in Taiwan Strait: president CNA 25 Apr 2019 -- Taiwan remains on top of the passage of all foreign ships through the Taiwan Strait, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Thursday following the reported passage of a French military vessel through the strait earlier in the month.
  • Taiwan to review issue of Chinese government subsidies: MAC CNA 25 Apr 2019 -- The government will look into the issue of subsidies from China and whether such developments are linked to Beijing's ongoing efforts to influence Taiwan's political scene, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said Thursday.
  • China lodges protest after French warships passes through Taiwan Strait Press TV 25 Apr 2019 -- Beijing says it has lodged "stern representations" with Paris after a French navy warship entered the Taiwan Strait earlier this month, prompting the Chinese military to scramble vessels to warn it off.
  • Chinese Navy Warns Off French Warship in Taiwan Strait - Beijing Sputnik 25 Apr 2019 -- The development comes after Taiwan scrambled warplanes late last month to "drive away" two Chinese fighter jets which it said flew past a maritime border in the Taiwan Strait.
  • China may try to influence Taiwan public opinion in 2020: NSB CNA 22 Apr 2019 -- China may intensify its psychological and legal warfare to influence public opinion leading up to Taiwan's presidential election in 2020, according to a National Security Bureau (NSB) report.
  • Han Kuang drill kicks off with computer-aided war games (update) CNA 22 Apr 2019 -- The computer-aided war games section of this year's Han Kuang military exercises, Taiwan's biggest annual military drill, kicked off Monday with a simulated invasion by Chinese forces.
  • Peace can only be guaranteed through defense: president CNA 22 Apr 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) reiterated Monday that it is only defense capacity that can guarantee peace, which is the main goal of Taiwan's armed forces.
  • Taiwan facing unprecedented challenges from China: official CNA 21 Apr 2019 -- Taiwan's democracy is facing unprecedented challenges from China, Taiwan's Minister without Portfolio responsible for digital technology Audrey Tang (唐鳳) said during a trip in the United States, describing the situation as "precarious."
  • MOFA looking to aftermath of U.S.-Japan security meeting CNA 20 Apr 2019 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Saturday it will keep a close eye on the regional situation after the United States and Japan agreed at a security meeting Friday to oppose any unilateral action to alter the status quo in the East China Sea.
  • U.S.' new arms sales will boost Taiwan combat capabilities: Tsai CNA 17 Apr 2019 -- An approved arms sale of US$500 million by Washington to Taipei will strengthen Taiwan's overall military capabilities, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Wednesday during a visit to Magong Air Base in Penghu.
  • Arms sale in line with Taiwan Relations Act: U.S. CNA 17 Apr 2019 -- The U.S. Department of State confirmed Tuesday its latest approval of an arms sale to Taiwan, citing the need to help the island maintain sufficient self-defense capability in the face of growing intimidation from China.
  • Tsai thanks Trump administration for arms package CNA 16 Apr 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) thanked the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump Tuesday for announcing a new arms sales package for Taiwan, saying that it shows U.S. commitment under the Taiwan Relations Act and ensures cross- Taiwan Strait peace and regional security.
  • Taiwan-U.S. strategic alliances solid: MND CNA 16 Apr 2019 -- Taiwan and the United States have solid strategic alliances that will grow closer with the continuation of bilateral cooperation, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Tuesday, following the U.S.' approval the previous day of the continuation of a military pilot training program for Taiwan.
  • Chinese military intimidation only boosts Taiwan's resolve: Tsai CNA 16 Apr 2019 -- Taiwan is not being intimidated by Chinese military coercion, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Tuesday, stressing that China's actions are only strengthening the country's resolution to defend itself.
  • Beijing's refusal to renounce use of force destabilizing: Ryan CNA 16 Apr 2019 -- Former U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan criticized China on Tuesday for changing the cross-Taiwan Strait status quo with its military intimidation and described Beijing's refusal to renounce the use of force against Taiwan as the most destabilizing element of cross-strait relations.
  • Visitors with Beijing propaganda agenda not welcome in Taiwan: MAC CNA 16 Apr 2019 -- Chinese or any other foreign nationals who intend to visit Taiwan to engage in pro-Beijing propaganda or activities that undermine Taiwan's sovereignty will not be welcome in the country, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) warned Tuesday.
  • Pentagon Approves $500Mln to Train Taiwanese F-16 Fighter Pilots Sputnik 16 Apr 2019 -- The US Department of State has approved a half a billion dollar possible sale of F-16 pilot training, spare parts and supply equipment to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO), the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a press release.
  • Taiwan to Spend Billions on Bulking Up Island's Defenses Amid China Tensions Sputnik 16 Apr 2019 -- Taiwan's military budget is expected to increase to more than $13.1 billion by 2027, as the self-ruled island attempts to boost its defense capabilities against Beijing.
  • China's military actions challenge regional status quo CNA 15 Apr 2019 -- China's repeated military maneuvers around Taiwan will only heighten tensions in the region and are challenging the regional status quo, the Presidential Office said Monday.
  • Numerous Chinese military aircraft operate near Taiwan: MND CNA 15 Apr 2019 -- Numerous Chinese military fighter jets and surveillance and transport planes operated near Taiwan on Monday and were closely monitored, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said in a statement.
  • U.S. will work with whoever wins Taiwan's presidential election: AIT CNA 15 Apr 2019 -- The United States would respect the decision of the Taiwanese people in the 2020 presidential election and will work with the leader selected by the electorate, American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chairman James Moriarty said Monday.
  • U.S. supports Taiwan's participation in WHA, Interpol, ICAO: envoy CNA 15 Apr 2019 -- The United States will continue to do its part to help Taiwan expand its role on the world stage, the de facto American ambassador to Taiwan said Monday, calling for more countries to join the effort despite pressure from China.
  • Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) - CONUS Based F-16 Training DSCA 15 Apr 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to TECRO for the continuation of a pilot training program and maintenance/logistics support for F-16 aircraft currently at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona for an estimated cost of $500 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
  • PLA drills around Taiwan help cross-Straits stability: spokesman Global Times 15 Apr 2019 -- The recent encirclement drills of vessels, bombers and reconnaissance aircraft from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command recently undertook around the island of Taiwan helps with cross-Straits peace and stability, according to a military spokesperson.
  • China has no right to represent Taiwan at Interpol: MOFA CNA 13 Apr 2019 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) called Saturday for the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to invite Taiwan to participate in its general assembly this year, stressing that China has no right to represent Taiwan.
  • U.S. to decide whether to grant Taiwan F-16V sale in July: MND CNA 10 Apr 2019 -- The United States is expected to decide whether it will sell a batch of new fighter jets to Taiwan in July, Defense Minister Yen De-fa (嚴德發) said Wednesday, rebutting a previous report that Washington has set aside the arms sale pending a trade deal with Beijing.
  • U.S. House Committee passes bill to boost Taiwan-America ties CNA 10 Apr 2019 -- The Foreign Affairs Committee of the United States House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill Tuesday to strengthen the partnership between the U.S. and Taiwan, on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA).
  • Taiwan Act a US 'burden' Global Times 10 Apr 2019 -- The influence of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) is gradually weakening and will become a burden for the US as the Taiwan question will be solved eventually, Chinese mainland analysts said on Wednesday, after the US and the leader of the Taiwan region called for strengthening ties over the 40th anniversary of the TRA.
  • "Taiwan independence" only brings disasters to Taiwan compatriots: spokesperson Global Times 10 Apr 2019 -- Any "Taiwan independence" separatist activity can only bring disasters to Taiwan compatriots, a mainland spokesperson said at a press conference Wednesday.
  • Two U.S. military contracts to Taiwan mere follow-ups CNA 09 Apr 2019 -- Two military contracts released by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) concerning Taiwan are not new arms deals but simply follow-ups, Taiwan's military said Tuesday.
  • Taiwan ready to protect its freedom in face of China challenge: Tsai CNA 09 Apr 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Tuesday said that Taiwan is ready to defend its democratic way of life amid "unprecedented challenges" from China.
  • M1A2 battle tank procurement deal progressing: source CNA 08 Apr 2019 -- Taiwan's request to purchase 108 M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks from the United States is progressing and has not been shelved, a military source said Monday.
  • Taiwan to Buy 108 M1A2 Abrams Tanks From US Despite China's Objection - Reports Sputnik 08 Apr 2019 -- Taiwan is planning to buy 108 M1A2 Abrams tanks worth almost $1Bln from the United States, Focus Taiwan news channel reported on Monday.
  • Taiwan set to develop two indigenous armored vehicles by end 2023 CNA 08 Apr 2019 -- Taiwan plans to build two new models of the Clouded Leopard eight-wheeled armored vehicle mounted with a 105-mm assault gun by the end of 2023, an official from the Armaments Bureau said Monday.
  • MOFA refutes report saying U.S. arm sales to Taiwan on hold CNA 06 Apr 2019 -- The U.S. sale of F-16V fighter jets to Taiwan has not been put on hold, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said on Saturday, refuting a claim in a U.S. media report that the Trump Administration has temporarily set aside the arms sale in order to reach a trade deal with China.
  • Trump delays Taiwan aircraft deal amid China trade talks: Report Press TV 06 Apr 2019 -- United States President Donald Trump has postponed an arms deal with Taiwan until after he secures a trade deal with China, according to a new report.
  • U.S. senators submit resolution reaffirming commitment to Taiwan CNA 05 Apr 2019 -- Following in the footsteps of the House of Representatives, a group of U.S. senators on Thursday introduced a concurrent resolution reaffirming the U.S. commitment to Taiwan to mark the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA).
  • U.S. confirms active military personnel posted at AIT since 2005 CNA 03 Apr 2019 -- The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) on Wednesday confirmed for the first time that active U.S. military personnel have been posted at its Taipei office since 2005, and those deployments will continue after it relocates to its new office in Neihu on May 6.
  • U.S. warns China against use of force against Taiwan CNA 03 Apr 2019 -- The United States on Tuesday warned China against the use of force against Taiwan after Beijing had two of its fighter jets cross the median line of the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, an action Taiwan blasted as "provocative."
  • Taiwan 'unlikely' to be invited to World Health Assembly: MOFA CNA 03 Apr 2019 -- Taiwan is "unlikely" to be invited to the annual World Health Assembly (WHA) in May due to China's obstruction, but it will continue to do its best to rally international support, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) official said Wednesday.
  • China's Jets that Crossed into Taiwan Airspace: Not a First; Maybe not the Last VOA 03 Apr 2019 -- Two Chinese fighter planes that crossed into the airspace of political rival Taiwan this week extended a series of breaches over the past two decades and herald more, further straining already tense relations, defense analysts say.
  • Chinese military provocations won't win Taiwanese hearts: Bolton CNA 02 Apr 2019 -- Chinese provocations won't win Taiwanese hearts but will only bring people around the world that cherish democracy closer, John Bolton, national security adviser to United States President Donald Trump, said in a tweet Monday.
  • Taiwan Assurance Act filed in U.S. House of Representatives CNA 02 Apr 2019 -- A group of U.S. congressmen on Monday introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to foster security in Taiwan and support its inclusion in international organizations to mark the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA).
  • EU calls for cross-strait dialogue after Chinese jet incursion CNA 02 Apr 2019 -- The European Union called on China and Taiwan Tuesday to restart bilateral dialogue and avoid actions and words that may increase tension across the Taiwan Strait after China sent fighter jets across the median line of the strait Sunday in what Taiwan called a "reckless and provocative" move.
  • U.S. congressmen introduce resolution reaffirming commitment to Taiwan CNA 02 Apr 2019 -- A group of U.S. congressmen introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives Monday reaffirming the United States' commitment to Taiwan and the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), signed 40 years ago.
  • Taiwan thanks Japan for support after Chinese jet incursion CNA 01 Apr 2019 -- Taiwan on Monday extended its appreciation to Japan for its concern over the situation in the Taiwan Strait, after two Chinese Air Force planes crossed the median line of the waterway separating Taiwan and China over the weekend.
  • Tsai warns China against altering status quo CNA 01 Apr 2019 -- In view of China's increased saber-rattling in relations with Taiwan, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) Monday issued a stern protest against Beijing, warning it against altering the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.
  • U.S. calls on China to stop coercion after PLA jets cross median line CNA 01 Apr 2019 -- The United States on Monday called on China to stop its coercion against Taiwan and resume official cross-strait dialogue after two Chinese Air Force planes crossed the Taiwan Strait median line Sunday, a rare move that violated a long-held tacit agreement between the two sides.
  • Taiwan condemns China after air force planes cross median line CNA 01 Apr 2019 -- Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) on Monday condemned China's "intentional, reckless and provocative action" a day earlier by sending two fighter planes across the Taiwan Strait median line at noon Sunday, a rare move that violated a long-held tacit agreement between the two sides.
  • US playing Taiwan card risky Global Times 01 Apr 2019 -- The alleged flight crossing the "middle line" of the Taiwan Straits by two People's Liberation Army (PLA) fighter jets could be a strong response to "Taiwan independence" forces and the US, who increasingly plays the card of the island to provoke the mainland, analysts said.



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