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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)


July 2019 - Taiwan Special Weapons News

  • News on F-16V sale not likely until after September: scholars CNA 31 Jul 2019 -- A possible announcement on the U.S. granting a Taiwanese request to buy a batch of F-16V fighter jets is not likely to be made until after September after the U.S. Congress returns from its summer recess, two Taiwanese scholars said Wednesday.
  • Taipei regrets Beijing's ban on independent travel to Taiwan CNA 31 Jul 2019 -- The Presidential Office expressed regret over China's banning of independent travel to Taiwan Wednesday, saying that political motivations have affected normal exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.
  • China bans individual travelers from visiting Taiwan CNA 31 Jul 2019 -- China on Wednesday announced that individual travelers from that country will be banned from visiting Taiwan starting August, citing the current strained cross-strait relations, five-months before Taiwan holds a presidential election in January 2020.
  • Mainland individual trips to Taiwan discontinued due to ties in limbo Global Times 31 Jul 2019 -- A pilot program allowing residents of 47 Chinese mainland cities to travel to the island of Taiwan on individual trips will be suspended starting August 1 due to "the current cross-Straits ties," according to a notice published on the website of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China on Wednesday by the Association for Tourism Exchange across the Taiwan Straits.
  • Taiwan Raises Suspicion Rival China Is Influencing Elections VOA 30 Jul 2019 -- China is using media, money and more to influence the January 2020 presidential election in Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy that Beijing calls its own, officials and experts on the island assert.
  • Taiwan engaged in missile drill as China holds military exercises CNA 30 Jul 2019 -- Taiwan's military is in the final day of a two-day live-fire drill in southern Taiwan that is being held at a time when China is also holding military exercises along its east coast.
  • China, Taiwan Hold Rival Military Drills Amid US Navy Transit, Arms Deal Sputnik 30 Jul 2019 -- Taiwan staged its own military drills this week, following a set of exercises by the Chinese People's Liberation Army around the autonomous island.
  • Taiwan holds live fire drill along southeastern coast CNA 29 Jul 2019 -- The military-affiliated National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) on Monday conducted a live-fire drill at its coastal base in Pingtung County, following a missile test at the same location last week, according to the defense ministry.
  • KMT denounces violence in Hong Kong CNA 29 Jul 2019 -- Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT), seen by many as a more China-friendly political party compared to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), denounced the recent violence in Hong Kong on Monday.
  • Eleventh U.S. warship sails through Taiwan Strait since January (update) CNA 25 Jul 2019 -- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) confirmed that a U.S. military vessel sailed through the Taiwan Strait Thursday, the 11th U.S. vessel to make such transit since the start of this year.
  • China warns US warship's transit through Taiwan Straits Global Times 25 Jul 2019 -- Chinese officials and experts slammed the transit of a US warship Wednesday through the Taiwan Straits, calling it a provocation timed to coincide with the release on the same day of China's new national defense white paper which identified the opposition and containment of "Taiwan independence" as part of the Chinese military's fundamental goal.
  • US Navy warship 'passes through Taiwan Strait' Press TV 25 Jul 2019 -- The US Navy says one of its warships has sailed through the strategic Taiwan Strait, which separates Taiwan from China, a provocative move likely to anger Beijing.
  • Notice of F-16V fighter sale to Taiwan expected soon: U.S. lawmaker CNA 25 Jul 2019 -- U.S. lawmaker Michael McCaul said in an article published online Wednesday that he anticipates Congress will receive notification of the sale of dozens of F-16V fighter aircraft to Taiwan very soon.
  • Taiwan to hold missile test in Pingtung CNA 24 Jul 2019 -- The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) will soon conduct a live-fire missile drill from its coastal base in Pingtung County and send missiles toward waters off the coast of Yilan County.
  • China's defense white paper downplays military threat: MND CNA 24 Jul 2019 -- China on Wednesday released its first defense white paper since 2012, a document criticized by Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) as deliberately downplaying the growing military threat posed by Beijing.
  • Tsai using HK violence, US visit to win support Global Times 21 Jul 2019 -- With violence over an extradition bill evolving into serious clashes with radical activists and proxy foreign forces confronting those who are determined to safeguard the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, analysts are warning of a coupling of pro-independence forces in Taiwan and separatists in Hong Kong.
  • Pro-independence Formosa Alliance forms political party CNA 20 Jul 2019 -- The pro-independence Formosa Alliance formed a political party on Saturday, saying that it hoped to field at least 10 candidates in the legislative election next January and give independence-leaning voters an alternative to the current ruling party.
  • Taiwan will not succumb to pressure: President Tsai CNA 20 Jul 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Friday told a large gathering of Taiwanese expatriates in Denver that Taiwan will not succumb to pressure and will continue to safeguard its freedom, democracy and sovereignty.
  • Taiwan does not promote debt-trap diplomacy: Tsai CNA 19 Jul 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) addressed the Parliament of St. Lucia Thursday, touting the mutual benefits of bilateral cooperation and saying there is no concern Taiwanese loans could ever become debt traps.
  • US Moving to Make Arms Sales to Taiwan More Routine VOA 19 Jul 2019 -- A U.S. government arms sale to Taiwan often starts with a quiet request from Taipei, which wants new weapons for its defense against the stronger China. Then the U.S. Department of Defense deliberates for months or more whether to recommend the sale to Congress. This process has no set schedule, frustrating for Taiwan, and China fumes at any approved sales.
  • Taiwan offers help for Hong Kong protesters seeking sanctuary CNA 19 Jul 2019 -- The government of Taiwanese president, Tsai Ing-wen, says it would provide assistance to protesters, who are seeking sanctuary after fleeing to the self-ruled island, due to their involvement, earlier this month, in the occupation of the Hong Kong parliament.
  • US Warnings Force Taiwan to Drop Rocket Developments Amid China Concerns Sputnik 19 Jul 2019 -- Taiwan is no longer considering developing its own rockets after Washington warned that the technology could be viewed as a threat by Beijing and an invitation to weaponize space technology, according to Asia Times, citing local Taiwanese sources.
  • Will US First Class Treatment of Visiting Taiwan President Rattle China? VOA 17 Jul 2019 -- On a two-day visit to New York this month, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen vowed in a speech never to "succumb to any threats" from China. She mixed too with U.S. Congress members in America's largest city. Reporters were allowed to cover some of her events. It is more open and welcoming than past U.S. trips by Taiwan presidents.
  • Mainland sea bridge built with hope of linking Taiwan Global Times 17 Jul 2019 -- A cross-sea bridge from East China's Fujian Province was completely connected on Wednesday after the last phase of concrete pouring, moving Chinese mainland infrastructure a step closer to linking with the island of Taiwan.
  • U.S. urges China to stop imposing political views on U.S. companies CNA 16 Jul 2019 -- The U.S. State Department on Monday urged China to stop imposing its political views on U.S. companies, in response to Beijing's threat last week to impose sanctions on American companies selling weapons to Taiwan.
  • U.S. lawmaker supports Taiwan arms sales in response to China threat CNA 15 Jul 2019 -- Representative Michael McCaul, member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Sunday the committee approved a recent U.S. arms sales to Taiwan in response to increased Chinese aggression.
  • How China Will Dominate Taiwan's 2020 Presidential Election Campaign VOA 15 Jul 2019 -- Taiwan's presidential race kicked off Monday with China the top issue as a Beijing-friendly mayor won the chief opposition party's primary to face an incumbent who wants Beijing to keep a distance.
  • PLA drills off SE coast could involve all branches, a 'warning' to Taiwan secessionists: insiders Global Times 15 Jul 2019 -- The recently announced People's Liberation Army (PLA) drills near the southeast coast of the Chinese mainland could feature all five military branches in a large scale joint exercise, and it might be tailored as a warning to Taiwan secessionists, mainland military insiders said.
  • China Planning Demonstrative Military Drills Off Taiwan in Wake of US Arms Sale – Reports Sputnik 15 Jul 2019 -- Earlier, Beijing announced that it would sanction US defence companies doing business with Taiwan after the State Department said it had approved a $2.2 billion arms deal with the island, which Beijing considers a breakaway province.
  • Upcoming PLA drill a routine exercise: MND CNA 14 Jul 2019 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) downplayed on Sunday an upcoming Chinese military exercise near Taiwan amid speculation it is meant to send a message after the United States recently agreed to sell weapons to Taiwan.
  • China can effectively sanction US companies who sell weapons to Taiwan: experts Global Times 14 Jul 2019 -- The US is deploying a double standard by calling China's proposed sanctions on US companies for arms sales to Taiwan a "foolish action," Chinese mainland analysts said on Sunday, pointing out that the sanctions could not only cut base material supply to these companies including rare earths but also block their non-military products from entering Chinese markets.
  • China holds drills as US plans to sell arms to Taiwan Press TV 14 Jul 2019 -- China says it has carried out air and naval drills along its southeast coast after warning the US against its plan to sell weapons worth 2.22 billion dollars to Taiwan.
  • Taiwan rejects China's sanction threat over U.S. arms deal CNA 13 Jul 2019 -- Taiwan will not accept China's arrogant and suppressive remarks, Presidential Office spokesman Ting Yun-kung (丁允恭) said Friday in response to Beijing's threat to impose sanctions on American companies that will participate in a recently announced arms sale to Taiwan.
  • China to impose sanctions on US companies involved in arms sales to Taiwan Global Times 12 Jul 2019 -- China will impose sanctions on US companies involved in arms sales to Taiwan, foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said on Friday.
  • U.S. attempts to play off Taiwan against China will be in vain People's Daily 12 Jul 2019 -- Facing the U.S. State Department's approval of the sales of a package of weapons worth $2.22 billion to Taiwan on July 8, China expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition.
  • China Aims to Impose Sanctions on US Firms Selling Arms to Taiwan, Says Washington 'Plays With Fire' Sputnik 12 Jul 2019 -- Beijing earlier expressed its anger over Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the United States on Thursday. The president's arrival triggered protests in New York with Tsai's opponent chanting slogans.
  • Taiwan government defends 'CCP agents' bill CNA 11 Jul 2019 -- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Thursday defended the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) efforts to introduce a bill that will ban "agents of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)" from undermining Taiwan's national security and social stability, saying such an endeavor is necessary and should be prioritized.
  • Arms sales will help Taiwan maintain defense: U.S. State Department CNA 10 Jul 2019 -- A recent arms sale package to Taipei approved by Washington was made based on United States law and intended to help boost Taiwan's self-defense capabilities, Department of State spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said Tuesday.
  • China urges U.S. to withdraw arms sale to Taiwan People's Daily 10 Jul 2019 -- China on Tuesday urged the United States to immediately withdraw arms sales to Taiwan and sever military ties with the island.
  • Washington Says Arms Sales to Taiwan Aim to Promote Peace Across Region Sputnik 10 Jul 2019 -- The United States decided to approve a controversial $2.2 billion arms sale to Taiwan earlier this week as part of an effort to promote peace in the region, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said on Monday.
  • US: Taiwan Arms Sale to Promote Peace, No Change on 'One China' Policy VOA 09 Jul 2019 -- The United States said Tuesday that its arms sale to Taiwan is aimed at promoting "peace and stability" in the Asia Pacific region and Washington is not changing its "One China" policy.
  • Taiwan expresses gratitude after U.S approves arms sales CNA 09 Jul 2019 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), as well as the national defense and foreign affairs ministries, on Tuesday thanked the U.S. government after it approved a new arms sale package to Taiwan.
  • U.S. government approves sale of tanks, missiles to Taiwan CNA 09 Jul 2019 -- The U.S. Department of State has approved the sale of a package of weapons to Taiwan worth US$2.2 billion that includes M1A2T Abrams tanks and Stinger missiles.
  • Taiwan arms sale slammed Global Times 09 Jul 2019 -- The latest US approval of arms sales to the island of Taiwan will hurt delicate China-US relations at a sensitive time when China and the US are to resume trade talks, and Taiwan secessionists should know that they are only being used as a card by the US, Chinese experts warned Tuesday.
  • US needs to 'immediately cancel' arms sale to Taiwan: China Press TV 09 Jul 2019 -- China has called on the United States to "immediately cancel" a major potential arms sale to Taiwan, which Beijing considers as a serious violation of its sovereignty over the self-ruled island.
  • US approves $2.2 billion arms sale to Taiwan amid tensions with China Press TV 09 Jul 2019 -- The US has approved sale of $2.2 billion worth of arms to Taiwan, including 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks, in the wake of Washington- Beijing trade tensions.
  • China Lodges Protest With US as Washington Approves Arms Sales to Taiwan - Beijing Sputnik 09 Jul 2019 -- China has lodged a protest with and made a diplomatic representation to the United States over the latter's approval of arms sales to Taiwan, which China sees as its rebel province, the Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Geng Shuang, said on Tuesday.
  • Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) - M1A2T Abrams Tanks and Related Equipment and Support DSCA 08 Jul 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to TECRO for the M1A2T Abrams Tanks and related equipment and support
  • Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) – Stinger Missiles and Related Equipment and Support DSCA 08 Jul 2019 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to TECRO for the Stinger missiles and related equipment and support for an estimated cost of $223.56 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
  • Washington Approves $2.2Bln Sale of Tanks, Stinger Missiles to Taiwan Sputnik 09 Jul 2019 -- The US Department of State has signed off on Taiwan's request to purchase more than 100 M1A2T Abrams tanks and a long list of related equipment, including Stinger missiles, in a deal valued at more than $2 billion, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a press release on Monday.
  • MND voices optimism on purchase of M1A2 tanks from U.S. CNA 05 Jul 2019 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) confirmed Friday its efforts to procure M1A2 Abrams tanks and other weapons from the United States and welcomed news that the sale could be announced in the near future.
  • Chinese official says both sides of Taiwan Strait are 'one family' CNA 05 Jul 2019 -- Liu Jieyi (劉結一), the director of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, said both sides of the Taiwan Strait are "one family" but avoided sensitive terms like "one country, two systems" and "peaceful reunification" when he met with Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) in Shanghai on Friday.
  • F-16V sale request under review by U.S.: MOFA CNA 04 Jul 2019 -- Taiwan's request to buy a batch of F-16V fighter jets is being reviewed by the United States, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Thursday, amid reports that the Trump Administration could approve the sale around August.
  • Taiwan monitors alleged PLA submarine movements near offshore island CNA 04 Jul 2019 -- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Thursday that it monitors the country's surrounding waters and airspace closely at all times, after a Chinese submarine was allegedly spotted operating near one of Taiwan's offshore islands earlier in the day.
  • Taiwan separatists warned against helping HK secessionists Global Times 03 Jul 2019 -- Experts warned secessionists from the island of Taiwan to abandon their illusion of colluding with secessionists from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) to justify their separatist actions and attempt to subvert the "one country, two systems" framework for national reunification.
  • DPP raises alert about technology threats from China CNA 03 Jul 2019 -- The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) warned Wednesday that Taiwan is facing a threat from China regarding technology, including theft of intellectual property and personal data, and security breaches in various sectors from agriculture, technology and commerce.
  • Legislature approves bill to bar ex-officials from China activities CNA 03 Jul 2019 -- The Legislative Yuan passed an amendment bill Wednesday to bar certain retired high-ranking military officers and senior political appointees from engaging in political activities organized by the Chinese authorities.
  • Tsai's transit in U.S. consistent with 'one-China policy': U.S. CNA 02 Jul 2019 -- The U.S.'s arrangement for representatives of "Taiwan authorities" in making transit stops on American soil is consistent with Washington's one-China policy, a State Department spokesperson told CNA Monday.
  • Taiwan expresses concern over its nationals being sent to China CNA 02 Jul 2019 -- Taiwan has expressed its concern to the European Union (EU) after a Czech Republic high court recently upheld a lower court's decision to send eight Taiwanese fraud suspects to China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Tuesday.
  • Taiwan's new chief of military staff takes office CNA 01 Jul 2019 -- Vice Defense Minister Shen Yi-ming (沈一鳴) took office as the chief of the general staff at a ceremony presided over by President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Monday, replacing Li Hsi-ming (李喜明), who retired the same day.
  • China angry as US plans to host Taiwan president Press TV 01 Jul 2019 -- The US is about to host Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen this month, in a move that will most likely infuriate China which has warned both Taipei and Washington against establishing official contacts.



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