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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)


May 2019 - Taiwan Special Weapons News

  • Taiwan should be silent on Xi's unification formula: Taipei mayor CNA 31 May 2019 -- Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) reiterated his stance Friday that Taiwan should remain silent on the topic of "one country, two systems," the unification formula Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) laid out earlier this year.
  • Taiwan passes bill for referendum on cross-strait agreements CNA 31 May 2019 -- Any potential political accord with China will need not only the approval of lawmakers, but also of the people via a national referendum, according to an amendment passed Friday by the legislative Yuan.
  • China warns US against 'playing with fire' through supporting Taiwan Press TV 31 May 2019 -- China says the United States is "playing with fire" by a series of actions it has taken in the Taiwan Strait in support of the self-ruled island's secession bid.
  • Chinese Minister Blasts US for Undermining One China Policy With Taiwan Actions Sputnik 31 May 2019 -- Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan earlier in the day rejected China's claim that the continued militarisation of islands in the South China Sea is purely defensive, calling it overkill and excessive.
  • Major weapon systems used in anti-landing drill in Pingtung County CNA 30 May 2019 -- All of the nation's most cutting-edge weapons systems were featured in a large-scale joint anti-landing drill in Pingtung County that involved all branches of the military on Thursday as part of the annual Han Kuang military exercises.
  • Cabinet passes draft amendments for military parental leave CNA 30 May 2019 -- In its latest effort to boost Taiwan's fertility rate, the Executive Yuan passed two draft amendments Thursday designed to make it easier for military officers to apply for parental leave, including halving the minimum length of service required to permit such leave.
  • President touts New Southbound Policy achievements CNA 30 May 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Thursday that Taiwan's New Southbound Policy (NSP), aimed at enhancing cooperation with key players in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Australia and New Zealand, has yielded initial results.
  • MAC discourages Taiwanese from attending Straits Forum in China CNA 30 May 2019 -- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Thursday urged citizen of Taiwan not to attend the upcoming Straits Forum in China, which the council sees as part of Beijing's scheme to ultimately annex Taiwan through its "united front" strategy.
  • Taiwan conducts live-fire drill Press TV 30 May 2019 -- Taiwan's military has carried out an annual, live-fire, anti-landing military exercise, simulating operations to ward off an amphibious attack on its southern beaches.
  • US Playing With Fire in Taiwan Strait, Undermining Relations - Chinese Ministry Sputnik 30 May 2019 -- The United States' actions in the Taiwan Strait are precarious and are undermining US-Chinese relations as well as regional stability, Chinese Defence Ministry Spokesman Wu Qian said.
  • President Tsai inspects Han Kuang military drill CNA 29 May 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) inspected a military drill Wednesday that involved the mobilization of over 200 personnel deployed to sweep out enemy forces airdropped into Taiwan.
  • No military purchases from Taiwan companies on U.S. blacklist: MND CNA 29 May 2019 -- Taiwan's military has not purchased products from eight Taiwanese companies that have recently been put on a U.S. Department of Commerce blacklist, military officials said Wednesday.
  • Older mainland fighter jets superior to Taiwan's F-16V: experts Global Times 29 May 2019 -- The island of Taiwan is spending billions of dollars to upgrade fighter jets purchased from the US, yet they are still no match for the Chinese mainland's J-11s, mainland experts said, as the island conducted its first highway takeoff and landing drill with the F-16V at the annual Han Kuang military exercises on Tuesday.
  • Taiwan's jet fighters land on freeway for 1st time in 5 years CNA 28 May 2019 -- The three main fighter jets in the Air Force fleet successfully completed emergency take-offs and landings on a section of Taiwan's No. 1 National Freeway on Tuesday morning to test the military's response capabilities in the event of a Chinese attack.
  • China strongly opposes official contact between US, Taiwan: spokesperson Global Times 28 May 2019 -- China on Monday voiced its firm opposition to official contact between the United States and Taiwan "in any form" and "under any excuse."
  • Freeway to be partially closed for annual military drill CNA 27 May 2019 -- The section of road between Changhua City and Yuanlin City in Changhua County on the No. 1 National Freeway will be closed from 10:00 p.m. Monday to 12 p.m. Tuesday as part of the Han Kuang series of military exercises, Taiwan's largest annual military drill, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).
  • US, Taiwanese security officials hold rare meeting amid China tensions Press TV 27 May 2019 -- High-ranking national security officials of Taiwan and the United States have held a rare meeting amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing.
  • China 'Strongly' Opposes Bolton's Meeting With Taiwanese Security Chief Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- China strongly opposes any official meetings between the United States and Taiwan, including the recent talks between US National Security Adviser John Bolton and Taiwan's national security chief David Lee, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
  • Planes to land, takeoff on freeway Tuesday in Taiwan's military drill CNA 26 May 2019 -- Fighter jets and other combat aircraft will use Taiwan's main highway as an emergency airstrip Tuesday, during this year's Han Kuang series of military exercises.
  • Annual air raid drills to start Monday in northern Taiwan CNA 25 May 2019 -- The annual air-raid drills will begin Monday, with the first one scheduled for Monday 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in northern Taiwan, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Saturday.
  • U.S. senators reintroduce draft bill on Taiwan's global recognition CNA 25 May 2019 -- Four United States senators reintroduced a draft bill on Thursday to ensure Taiwan's international recognition, amid China increased efforts to limit Taipei's international participation and poach its diplomatic allies.
  • Taiwan launches construction of missile corvettes, mine-laying ships CNA 24 May 2019 -- The construction of three Tuo Jiang-class missile corvettes and four rapid mine-laying ships began Friday, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) announced during a ceremony at a wharf in the northeastern county of Yilan.
  • Taiwan to Expand Joint Rescue Operations in Disputed Sea VOA 24 May 2019 -- Taiwan said Tuesday it will continue doing "humanitarian" search and rescue work in the South China Sea, where it holds the largest of about 500 tiny islets.
  • U.S. vessels pass through Taiwan Strait for fifth time this year: MND CNA 23 May 2019 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) confirmed Thursday that two U.S. naval vessels sailed through the Taiwan Strait Wednesday, the fifth of such transits this year.
  • U.S. passes bill to support Taiwan as WHO observer CNA 23 May 2019 -- The U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations unanimously passed a bill Wednesday to support Taiwan's efforts to regain observer status in the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • Legislature moves to limit activities of former officers in China CNA 23 May 2019 -- An amendment bill to limit the activities of retired high-ranking Taiwanese military officers and other categories of former officials during visits to China cleared the committee stage in the Legislature on Thursday.
  • 'Two US Navy warships sail through Taiwan Strait' Press TV 23 May 2019 -- The US military says it has sent two Navy ships through the strategic Taiwan Strait, in yet another move certain to irritate Beijing, which claims sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan.
  • Two US Military Ships Transit Taiwan Strait on Wednesday - Report Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- The US military said it sent two Navy ships through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, Reuters reported citing a US military spokesman.
  • Taiwan Holds Live-Fire Drills Off Coast Amid Tensions With China Sputnik 23 May 2019 -- Taiwan held one of its largest live-fire maritime drills in several years on Wednesday. The early morning drill off the island's east coast was reportedly divided into five operations, which included air defense, submarine and sea command operations.
  • Taiwan holds live-fire drill along east coast CNA 22 May 2019 -- Taiwan's military held its largest maritime live-fire training exercise in five years along the country's east coast Wednesday at a time of heightened activity by China's military in areas around Taiwan.
  • Taiwan needs voice at WHA: U.S. health secretary CNA 22 May 2019 -- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar met Taiwan's Health Minister Chen Shi-chung (陳時中) in Geneva Tuesday, and voiced his backing for Taiwan's participation at the World Health Assembly (WHA), later displaying his support for Taiwan on social media.
  • Taiwan conducts humanitarian rescue drill near Taiping Island CNA 21 May 2019 -- The Taiwan government plans to cooperate with countries close to Taiping Island in the South China Sea on humanitarian assistance and rescue, Coast Guard Administration (CGA) Director-General Chen Kuo-en (陳國恩) disclosed Tuesday, during a multi-agency humanitarian rescue drill off the coast of the Taiwan-administered island.
  • Rejection of Taiwan to WHA shows wide acceptance of one-China principle: FM Global Times 21 May 2019 -- Rejecting the Taiwan region's participation in the annual session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) shows that the one-China principle is widely welcomed by the international society, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
  • Cross-strait peace and stability remains priority: president Tsai CNA 20 May 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) hinted Monday that her cross-strait policy will remain unchanged in the future, saying that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait will continue to be the focus of her administration.
  • Taiwanese will start tasting fruit of government policies: Tsai CNA 20 May 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Monday that Taiwanese will soon start reaping the benefits of her administration's various policies, which has taken a while because it usually requires years for a good policy to deliver results.
  • China Bars Taiwan From World Health Assembly VOA 20 May 2019 -- Taiwan is protesting China's decision to exclude the island from participation in the annual World Health Assembly, calling such action an unjustified political move that could harm global health.
  • Han Kuang drills to feature F-16Vs, Perry-class frigates CNA 19 May 2019 -- A wide range of military equipment, weapons and vehicles, including F-16V fighter jets from the United States, Taiwan's indigenous Clouded Leopard armored vehicles and two U.S.-made Perry-class guided missile frigates will take part in this year's Han Kuang live-fire drills May 27-31.
  • President cites accomplishments on eve of 3rd anniversary CNA 19 May 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) cited her accomplishments Sunday, on the eve of her third anniversary as the country's leader, while urging the voters to give her more time to transform Taiwan for the better.
  • The existence of the ROC is undeniable: President Tsai CNA 14 May 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Tuesday emphasized the importance of ensuring Taiwan remains an independent and sovereign country called the Republic of China (ROC).
  • President Tsai warns of China's influence on Taiwan's media CNA 12 May 2019 -- A call by a top Chinese official for media outlets across the Taiwan Strait to promote peaceful unification demonstrates that China has put pressure on Taiwanese media organizations, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Sunday.
  • Chinese official bashes U.S. at cross-strait media gathering CNA 12 May 2019 -- In a message the government-controlled Chinese media has played down, a top Beijing official has warned Taiwan that the United States will not be able to preserve Taiwan's security and that time is on China's side in cross-Taiwan Strait affairs.
  • Top political advisor meets with media representatives across Taiwan Strait People's Daily 11 May 2019 -- Top political advisor Wang Yang Friday met with representatives of media outlets from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
  • US training ground for Taiwanese F-16 pilots to be relocated by 2021 CNA 09 May 2019 -- The current training ground for Taiwanese F-16 pilots at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona is scheduled to be relocated to nearby Tucson International Airport by 2021, the nation's air force said Thursday, without explaining why the date is two years later than that previously announced by the U.S..
  • Model of Taiwan's first indigenous submarine unveiled CNA 09 May 2019 -- A miniature model of Taiwan's prototype indigenous submarine was unveiled Thursday in Kaohsiung during a groundbreaking ceremony presided over by President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) for the factory that will build the nation's first indigenous submarine.
  • U.S. Congress members express support for Taiwan CNA 09 May 2019 -- Members of the United States Congress across party lines expressed support for Taiwan at celebrations hosted by Taiwan's representative office in Washington on Wednesday to mark the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA).
  • Int'l community voices concerns over U.S. playing 'Taiwan card' People's Daily 09 May 2019 -- The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the "Taiwan Assurance Act of 2019" that reaffirms "the United States commitment to Taiwan and to the implementation of the Taiwan Relations Act," which raised concern in the international community.
  • Beijing blasts US Congress for Taiwan defense bill People's Daily 09 May 2019 -- Beijing resolutely opposes the United States House of Representatives for passing a bill on Tuesday to bolster Taiwan's defense capability, calling it "boorish interference" in China's domestic affairs.
  • China slams US bills on Taiwan Global Times 08 May 2019 -- The bills passed by the US House of Representatives that support Taiwan secessionist forces have angered China, and the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday warned that such a move could seriously damage the China-US relationship as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.
  • US House passes bills in support of Taiwan Press TV 08 May 2019 -- The United States House of Representatives has unanimously passed a bill reaffirming US commitment to Taiwan which is one of a growing number of sticking points in the US-China relationship.
  • US firms won't strengthen Taiwan military: expert Global Times 07 May 2019 -- Taiwan regional leader Tsai Ing-wen asked US defense industry companies to help the island produce aircraft and vessels at a recent meeting, and Chinese mainland military observers said on Tuesday that this will damage regional peace but will not narrow the gap in military strength between the mainland and the island.
  • Taiwan's military monitoring PLA movements closely: MND CNA 06 May 2019 -- The military will continue to monitor the situation closely as China conducts a series of live-fire naval drills near Taiwan, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Monday.
  • Taiwan condemns 'barbaric' China for obstructing WHA bid CNA 06 May 2019 -- Taiwan on Monday condemned China's "barbaric behavior" for once again blocking Taiwan from attending the World Health Assembly (WHA), after a Beijing official said China decided not to agree to Taiwan's participation due to its "one China principle."
  • Some 100,000 Taiwanese have applied for Chinese residence: MAC CNA 06 May 2019 -- Around 100,000 Taiwanese nationals have applied for Chinese residence since the mainland authorities began in September last year to issue residence permits to Taiwanese people working or living in China, the head of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said Monday.
  • China could use force against Taiwan in push for unification: Pentagon CNA 03 May 2019 -- China could use force to push Taiwan into unification or into unification dialogue, the United States Department of Defense said in its annual military report, which was issued Thursday.
  • Expert praises Taiwan's plans to purchase F-16V jets CNA 03 May 2019 -- A Taiwanese military expert on Friday hailed the government's decision to purchase F-16V fighter jets from the United States for deployment in eastern Taiwan as a "correct strategic choice."



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