December 2023 - Taiwan Special Weapons News

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 31, 2023 ROC MND 31 Dec 2023
Xi: China Will 'Surely Be Reunified' With Taiwan VOA 31 Dec 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a New Year's address that China would "surely be reunified" with the self-ruled territory of Taiwan, renewing Beijing's threat to militarily take over the island but setting no timetable for gaining control.
Presidential hopefuls in full attack mode in TV debate CNA 30 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan's three president hopefuls spent most of Saturday's televised debate attacking each other and defending themselves over personal issues, while devoting some time to relations with China and virtually ignoring domestic issues.
Presidential candidates voice disapproval of foreign electoral interference CNA 30 Dec 2023 -- All three of Taiwan's presidential candidates voiced disapproval of foreign electoral interference during Saturday's televised debate, with Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) agreeing on heavier penalties for those leaking military secrets.
DPP, KMT candidates reject independence, pro-China labels at debate CNA 30 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan's three presidential candidates pledged to uphold the status quo during a debate on Saturday, which saw the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and his Kuomintang (KMT) rival Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) address their respective independence and pro-China labels.
Lai's true face of destroyer of cross-Straits peace is once again exposed: mainland spokesperson Global Times 30 Dec 2023 -- Chinese mainland has firm action in opposing the separatist agenda of "Taiwan independence," resolute ability in crushing secessionists' behavior and safeguarding national sovereignty, and unshakable will in solving the Taiwan question and achieve national reunification, said Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, in response to Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate's confrontational remarks in a debate on Saturday.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 30, 2023 ROC MND 30 Dec 2023
Man detained on suspicion of colluding with China in 2022 elections CNA 30 Dec 2023 -- A man has been detained for allegedly financing a pro-unification New Taipei City Council candidate in Taiwan's local elections held late last year on the instructions of Beijing, the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office said Saturday.
Boosting defense shows resolve to protect Taiwan, isn't provocation: Tsai CNA 29 Dec 2023 -- Developing the domestic defense industry is not to provoke Beijing but to demonstrate Taiwan's resolve to defend itself, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) told a rally in Taipei on Friday evening as she called for support for the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential ticket.
Keelung ward chief returned to custody over China trip case CNA 29 Dec 2023 -- A ward chief in Keelung was returned to custody on Friday after prosecutors appealed to have his bail overturned over his alleged involvement in organizing a recent "disproportionately subsidized" trip to China.
Where did Taiwan's fake presidential election poll come from? Radio Free Asia 29 Dec 2023 -- On the evening of Dec. 22, Taiwanese prosecutors confirmed the arrest of Lin Hsien-yuan, a journalist of the online news site Fingermedia. They said they suspected him of concocting a "fabricated" presidential poll and taking direction from the Chinese Communist Party in Fujian province, across the Taiwan Strait.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 29, 2023 ROC MND 29 Dec 2023
DPP, KMT presidential candidates targeted over party cross-strait stances CNA 28 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan People's Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) took aim at his two opponents for their respective party's independence and unification ideologies at a forum on Thursday, accusing them of using the cross-strait issue to tear society apart.
Fujian vows to play a greater role in promoting the peaceful reunification of the motherland Global Times 28 Dec 2023 -- According to the official WeChat account of East China's Fujian Province on Thursday, by 2025, substantial progress will be made in the construction of the cross-Straits integration and development demonstration zone in Fujian and the province will play a greater role in promoting the peaceful reunification of the motherland.
Beijing censures Taipei's hyping up of Chinese 'military threat' Press TV 28 Dec 2023 -- Beijing has censured the Chinese Taipei - also known as Taiwan - for "hyping up" what has been claimed to be China's military threat.
Lai slammed for comments on war risk People's Daily 28 Dec 2023 -- A Chinese mainland spokesman slammed Lai Ching-te, deputy leader of China's Taiwan region, on Wednesday for his comments on the risk of a cross-Strait war, and warned that the pursuit of "Taiwan independence" means war.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 28, 2023 ROC MND 28 Dec 2023
'Troll' accounts taking cues from China state-affiliated media: Researchers CNA 27 Dec 2023 -- "Troll groups" attempting to shape online discourse about Taiwan's Jan. 13, 2024 presidential election appear to be taking cues from Chinese state-affiliated media, a research group said Wednesday.
US urged to turn its non-support for 'Taiwan independence' commitment into action Global Times 27 Dec 2023 -- The Taiwan Affairs Office under the State Council on Wednesday urged the US to stop arming the island of Taiwan, stop interfering in Taiwan's regional elections, and turn its commitment of non-support for "Taiwan independence" into concrete action.
DPP's 'Taiwan independence' stance root cause for difficulty in ECFA-related issues： official Global Times 27 Dec 2023 -- The decision by the Chinese mainland to end tariff concessions for some Taiwan products is normal, and the determination of Taiwan businesspeople to invest in the mainland is unlikely to change, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, told a press conference on Wednesday.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 27, 2023 ROC MND 27 Dec 2023
5,000 military personnel unable to vote on election day: MND CNA 27 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan's military has said that measures will be taken to ensure the nation's 210,000 military personnel can cast ballots in the Jan. 13, 2024 presidential and legislative elections except for 5,000 individuals who will remain on duty.
Three remain missing in sub accident: Taiwan Navy Radio Free Asia 26 Dec 2023 -- The search continues for three crew members of a Taiwanese submarine, who were swept off their boat by a sudden large wave last week, Taiwan's Navy has said.
Army holds live-fire anti-landing drill on Taoyuan beach CNA 26 Dec 2023 -- The Army conducted the first-ever live-fire drill on the Guanyin Coastal Recreation area in Taoyuan on Tuesday to prepare against a potential Chinese amphibious landing.
Taiwan Navy confirms submarine incident likely due to unexpected waves CNA 26 Dec 2023 -- Sudden waves are likely to blame for an incident on Dec. 21 that left three members of a Taiwan submarine crew missing, Taiwan's Navy confirmed Tuesday as it presented a timeline of what happened.
Presidential contenders bicker over how to deal with China economically CNA 26 Dec 2023 -- The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidates remained at odds over how best to manage Taiwan's trade and economic relationship with China during their second policy presentation forum on Tuesday.
Man indicted for organizing China tours to allegedly sway Taiwan voters CNA 26 Dec 2023 -- A man has been indicated for breaching laws against election interference by organizing group tours to China partially funded by local Chinese governments, during which participants were asked to vote for Beijing's preference in the 2024 election, Kaohsiung prosecutors said Monday.
2023 Yearender: Cross-Straits ties mixed with restored exchanges and provocations from DPP, US Global Times 26 Dec 2023 -- The year 2023 marks the first year of cross-Taiwan Straits exchanges fully resuming following the end of the pandemic, with people of vision on both sides of the Taiwan Straits continuing to promote communication and integration, and Taiwan secessionists who rely on the US for "independence" creating barriers for dialogue and elevating the atmosphere of hostility and tension.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 26, 2023 National 26 Dec 2023
Countries Assess Implications of Taiwan Election As Campaigns Enter Final Weeks VOA 25 Dec 2023 -- With less than three weeks until Taiwan's presidential election on Jan. 13, the presidential frontrunner's lead over his main opponent has narrowed in the polls, setting the stage for a hotly contested race.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 25, 2023 ROC MND 25 Dec 2023
Navy still searching for submariners lost at sea for over 72 hours CNA 24 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan's Navy said Saturday that it is still searching for three submariners more than 72 hours after a large wave swept them off overboard during a training mission.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 24, 2023 ROC MND 24 Dec 2023
Chinese mainland needs to be prepared for the risks caused by Taiwan secessionist force: experts Global Times 23 Dec 2023 -- The Chinese mainland needs to be prepared for the risk caused by Taiwan secessionist force and the interference from the US on the Taiwan question, as the US is trying to use the island to provoke military conflict between the mainland and the island to contain the development of China, said experts from both sides of Taiwan Straits on Saturday.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 23, 2023 ROC MND 23 Dec 2023
Biden signs into law 2024 defense spending bill with Taiwan provisions CNA 23 Dec 2023 -- United States President Joe Biden on Friday signed into law the finalized bill for the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes the U.S. secretary of defense to create a training program for Taiwan's military and requires a status report on the delivery of defense weapons and services that the U.S. has agreed to sell to Taiwan.
KMT, DPP vice presidential candidates exchange fire over China CNA 22 Dec 2023 -- The vice presidential candidates of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) sparred over their approaches to China at a televised policy presentation forum on Friday evening.
China's resumption of grouper imports 'politically motivated': MOA CNA 22 Dec 2023 -- The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) blasted China Friday for lifting a ban on Taiwanese grouper imports in a politically selective manner, calling the move a tactic intended to divide Taiwanese fishermen.
Taiwan Presidential Candidates Sharpen Cross-Strait Relations Rhetoric VOA 22 Dec 2023 -- Weeks before Taiwan's January 13 presidential and legislative election, the three presidential candidates - Hou Yu-ih, Lai Ching-te, and Ko Wen-je - have increased efforts to sharpen rhetoric on cross-strait relations, an issue long dominating Taiwan's politics.
Taiwan question, South China Sea issue stressed in virtual meeting between Chinese, US senior military officials Global Times 22 Dec 2023 -- A senior Chinese military official on Thursday stressed China's stance on the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue in a virtual meeting with a US' senior military official, as the two militaries started to resume talks following the recent meeting between the two countries' top leaders.
Mainland resumes grouper import from Taiwan after review of quality improvement: Taiwan Affairs Office Global Times 22 Dec 2023 -- Chinese mainland has resumed imports of groupers from the island of Taiwan starting from Friday after review of product quality improvement, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council Zhu Fenglian announced.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 22, 2023 ROC MND 22 Dec 2023
Search continues for 3 submariners swept off deck by wave CNA 21 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan's Navy said it is still searching for three submariners swept off deck by a sudden large wave during a training mission Thursday.
Taiwan amends law to fight Chinese illegal sand dredging Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2023 -- Taiwanese lawmakers have passed amendments to seize sand dredging equipment, mostly on Chinese ships operating illegally.
Chinese mainland to end tariff concessions for 12 Taiwan-produced products Global Times 21 Dec 2023 -- The Chinese mainland announced on Thursday the termination of tariff concessions for 12 kinds of products including propylene imported from the island of Taiwan starting from January 1, 2024, as the island was found to have violated Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) rules by discriminatory restrictions on the mainland's exports.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 21, 2023 ROC MND 21 Dec 2023
Xi Tells Biden Taiwan Will Reunify With China, But Timing Not Yet Set Sputnik 20 Dec 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US President Joe Biden during their November summit in San Francisco that Taiwan would eventually reunify with China, but on a schedule yet to be determined, NBC reported on Wednesday, citing three current and former US officials.
Chinese balloon detected flying over Taiwan Strait median line: MND CNA 20 Dec 2023 -- A Chinese balloon was detected flying across the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait late Tuesday night before continuing eastward and disappearing early Wednesday, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said in a statement.
Taiwan reports sightings of Chinese balloons Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2023 -- The Taiwanese defense ministry said another Chinese balloon has been detected crossing the median line in the Taiwan Strait, the fifth balloon sighting this month.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 20, 2023 ROC MND 20 Dec 2023
Presidential candidates dig in their heels over policy toward China CNA 20 Dec 2023 -- All three presidential contenders stood firm on their respective cross-Taiwan Strait policy at the first televised policy presentation Wednesday, each arguing that they are best positioned to safeguard the country while dealing with China.
Defense authority on Taiwan island hypes drifting mainland weather balloons, attempting to stir panic: expert Global Times 20 Dec 2023 -- Despite admitting the balloons were for meteorological purposes and were drifting due to monsoon, the defense authority on the island of Taiwan repeatedly announced the presence of mainland balloons near the island over recent days to hype the "threat" of the mainland, analysts said on Wednesday.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 19, 2023 ROC MND 19 Dec 2023
Cases of new COVID-19 variant remain low in Taiwan: CDC CNA 19 Dec 2023 -- The number of JN.1 COVID-19 variant cases recorded in Taiwan remains relatively low in Taiwan, currently making up only 3 percent of COVID cases detected in the last four weeks, the CDC announced Tuesday.
Taiwan passes law to tighten security at military facilities CNA 18 Dec 2023 -- The Legislative Yuan on Monday passed a bill to tighten the security of military bases around Taiwan, after legal reviews found existing regulations to be insufficient to maintain an adequate level of security.
US Would Exhaust Munitions Within Week in Conflict With China Over Taiwan - Congressman Sputnik 18 Dec 2023 -- US Congressman Mike Gallagher sent a letter to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks pointing out that recent war-gaming had shown the United States would deplete its supply of long-range, precision-guided munitions within a week in a potential conflict with China over Taiwan.
DPP's Lai claims his election will minimize risk of war with China CNA 18 Dec 2023 -- Ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential nominee Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has claimed his election would minimize the risk of a cross-strait conflict -- despite China's repeated warnings that any push for Taiwan independence would "mean war."
KMT's Hou advocates 'middle-way' approach to governance CNA 18 Dec 2023 -- Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜), the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) 2024 presidential candidate, said Sunday that one of his main goals is to find a "middle-way approach" to governance in Taiwan, which would avoid extremism and unify the people of the country, regardless of their political affiliation.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 18, 2023 ROC MND 18 Dec 2023
Fear of intervention by China reigns, but tracking it not always easy CNA 17 Dec 2023 -- The United States Department of State has approved a US$300 million Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Taiwan that includes follow-on life cycle support and related equipment to maintain the C4 (Command, Control, Communications, and Computers ) capabilities of its military forces.
Latest US arms sale to Taiwan 'creates more risks of conflict' Global Times 17 Dec 2023 -- Chinese mainland experts on Sunday slammed the collusion between the US and "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces for creating more risks of a conflict, after the US recently approved a sale of military data link equipment to the island of Taiwan.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 17, 2023 ROC MND 17 Dec 2023
U.S. announces US$300 million arms sale to maintain Taiwan's C4 capabilities CNA 16 Dec 2023 -- The United States Department of State has approved a US$300 million Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Taiwan that includes follow-on life cycle support and related equipment to maintain the C4 (Command, Control, Communications, and Computers ) capabilities of its military forces.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 16, 2023 ROC MND 16 Dec 2023
U.S. House passes bill with provisions bolstering Taiwan's defense CNA 15 Dec 2023 -- The United States House of Representatives has passed the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes provisions for setting up "a comprehensive training, advising, and institutional capacity building program" for Taiwan's military.
Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) - Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) Life Cycle Support DSCA 15 Dec 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) Life Cycle Support and related equipment for an estimated cost of $300 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
Campaign for Taiwan's Jan. 13 elections to officially start Saturday CNA 15 Dec 2023 -- The campaign for Taiwan's presidential and legislative elections will officially start Saturday and run for a period of 28 days until Jan. 12, the Central Election Commission (CEC) said Friday.
Young Politicians Push for Change by Running in Taiwan Election VOA 15 Dec 2023 -- With less than a month until voters head to the polls across Taiwan, presidential and legislative candidates are gearing up for the final weeks of campaigning. They are engaging with voters at local markets, waving at busy commuters at major intersections in the morning, and going live on social media platforms to interact with supporters.
Taiwan's trade restrictive measures on mainland constitute trade barriers: MOFCOM Global Times 15 Dec 2023 -- The trade restrictive measures the island of Taiwan imposed on the Chinese mainland constitute trade barriers, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Friday after a months-long trade barrier investigation based on relevant trade provisions.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 15, 2023 ROC MND 15 Dec 2023
U.S. reaffirms support for Taiwan's participation in international forums CNA 14 Dec 2023 -- American officials on Wednesday reiterated their support for Taiwan's efforts to participate in the United Nations and other global organizations, during a meeting with visiting Taiwanese foreign affairs representatives in Washington.
KMT denies vice chairman will meet with officials during China visit CNA 14 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), said Thursday that its deputy chairman is currently in China to meet with Taiwanese businesspersons there and has no plans to make contact with any senior Chinese officials.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 14, 2023 ROC MND 14 Dec 2023
TPP's Ko asks Lai to clarify Taiwan independence stance CNA 13 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan People's Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) on Wednesday called on Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to clarify his stance on Taiwan independence, which Ko said had left many confused.
China's intimidation will not help cross-strait dialogue: DPP's Lai CNA 13 Dec 2023 -- China's intimidation will not facilitate cross-Taiwan Strait dialogue, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) campaign office said Wednesday after Beijing accused Lai of supporting Taiwan independence.
Taiwan government releases long-awaited white paper on foreign aid policy CNA 13 Dec 2023 -- The Taiwan government last week released a long-awaited foreign aid policy white paper highlighting the efforts and achievements of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) since it came into power in May 2016.
Mainland slams Lai Ching-te's election slogan seeking "Taiwan independence" People's Daily 13 Dec 2023 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday denounced Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Ching-te's election slogan as one suggestive of his intention to seek "Taiwan independence."
China Says US Must Stop Interfering in Upcoming Elections in Taiwan Sputnik 13 Dec 2023 -- The United States must refrain from interfering in Taiwan's presidential election, scheduled for January 2024, as it is an internal affair of China, Zhu Fenglian, the spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Chinese State Council, said Wednesday.
US, Taiwan Discuss Broadening Taiwan's International Participation VOA 13 Dec 2023 -- The United States and Taiwan are exploring ways to expand Taiwan's participation in the United Nations system and other international forums, as well as addressing a range of global challenges, including public health, aviation safety and climate change.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 13, 2023 ROC MND 13 Dec 2023
Taiwan aerospace company delivers 4 aircraft to Air Force CNA 12 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan's leading domestic aerospace company, Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC), delivered four trainer aircraft -- the last four of seven scheduled for delivery in 2023 -- to the country's Air Force on Tuesday.
President Tsai lauds indigenous weapons development at ceremony CNA 12 Dec 2023 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Tuesday talked up her administration's efforts in developing indigenous weapon systems during her nearly eight years in office at a ceremony held to promote 26 senior military officers.
Taiwan election will not affect U.S.' cross-strait policy: U.S. expert CNA 12 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan's 2024 presidential election will have much less of an impact on United States policy on China and Taiwan than will the 2024 U.S. presidential election, a scholar specializing in U.S.-China relations indicated.
DPP VP candidate addresses need to maintain cross-strait status quo CNA 12 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) said Tuesday that while maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait may not be the most satisfying position for everyone, it has garnered international consensus and strong domestic support.
PLA's aircraft carrier Shandong transits Taiwan Straits after operation in the north Global Times 12 Dec 2023 -- The Shandong aircraft carrier group of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly returned to the south via the Taiwan Straits on Monday following a month-long operation in the north, with experts saying on Tuesday that the Shandong likely helped train pilots for another PLA aircraft carrier, the north-based Liaoning, which has been under routine maintenance.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 12, 2023 ROC MND 12 Dec 2023
China Ramps Up Efforts to Interfere in Taiwan's Coming Elections VOA 12 Dec 2023 -- Analysts say China is ramping up its efforts to interfere in Taiwan's coming presidential and legislative elections, launching high-level, coordinated disinformation campaigns on social media and sponsoring Taiwanese politicians on trips to China, hoping to sway public opinion through influential local leaders.
KMT's Hou pledges to spend NT$10 billion raising servicemen's salaries CNA 11 Dec 2023 -- Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) on Monday pledged to allocate NT$10 billion (US$317.34 million) to raise the starting salary for voluntary servicemen as an incentive for people to serve in the nation's armed forces.
Exclusive: Taiwan Willing to Donate to Disaster Fund, Environment Minister Says VOA 11 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan has been blocked from participating in the COP28 climate summit, but a representative it sent to Dubai spoke with VOA on the sidelines of the talks in an exclusive interview. Environment Minister Shieu Fuh-Sheng tells VOA that Taiwan is willing to contribute to a new climate damage fund approved at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai aimed at compensating vulnerable countries in the Global South for damages they've experienced.
Chinese aircraft carrier makes Taiwan Strait passage CNA 11 Dec 2023 -- A Chinese aircraft carrier, the Shandong, sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Monday for the first time in a month, according to Taiwan's military.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 11, 2023 ROC MND 11 Dec 2023
On China, KMT's Hou proposes starting with 'low-level, stable' exchanges CNA 10 Dec 2023 -- Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) suggested Sunday that exchanges between Taiwan and China start in the less sensitive educational, religious, cultural and economic realms before official interactions begin.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 10, 2023 ROC MND 10 Dec 2023
Chinese rocket passes over Taiwan: Defense ministry CNA 10 Dec 2023 -- A carrier rocket launched by China on Sunday passed directly over Taiwan in outer space, the first one to take that path after four others were launched earlier in the month, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).
DPP's Lai calls Taiwan an exemplar of democracy and economic performance CNA 09 Dec 2023 -- Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said on Saturday that Taiwan is an exemplar of democracy and economic development, a strong contrast to today's Hong Kong.
Claims KMT aligning itself with Beijing 'meaningless': Jaw Shau-kong CNA 09 Dec 2023 -- Kuomintang (KMT) vice presidential candidate Jaw Shau-kong (趙少康) on Saturday described claims that the opposition party has aligned itself with Beijing as "meaningless."
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 9, 2023 ROC MND 09 Dec 2023
Court upholds 7.5-year sentence for ex-colonel in China allegiance case CNA 08 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan's Supreme Court upheld a seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence Thursday for a retired Army colonel found guilty of corruption and taking money in return for declaring his allegiance to China.
Taiwan relaxes rules to accelerate declassification of state secrets CNA 08 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan's Legislative Yuan passed amendments Friday to abolish rules allowing some national security information to remain permanently classified, which could lead to more political archives from Taiwan's authoritarian past being made available.
U.S. defense spending bill authorizes training program for Taiwan CNA 08 Dec 2023 -- The finalized draft of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the United States authorizes the U.S. secretary of defense to "establish a comprehensive training, advising, and institutional capacity building program" for Taiwan's military.
China balloon crosses Taiwan Strait median line before 'disappearing' CNA 08 Dec 2023 -- A Chinese surveillance balloon traveling eastward crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait before "disappearing" around 1 p.m. Thursday, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said in a statement released Friday.
US 'shows anxiety' in countering China with Taiwan provision listed in defense budget bill Global Times 08 Dec 2023 -- Lawmakers from the US Congress have finalized an $874.2 billion fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes parts that require a defense training program for troops on the island of Taiwan and enhanced cybersecurity cooperation.
The Fourth U.S.-Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue US Dept. of State 08 Dec 2023 -- Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez led the fourth U.S.-Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue (EPPD), conducted under the auspices of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO), on December 7, 2023.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 8, 2023 ROC MND 08 Dec 2023
KMT presidential nominee Hou pledges better ties with both U.S., China CNA 07 Dec 2023 -- Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) said Thursday that if elected, he will seek to maintain friendly relations with both China and the United States, while criticizing the current government's China policy as leading to zero formal bilateral communication.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 7, 2023 ROC MND 07 Dec 2023
U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon Transits Taiwan Strait US Navy 06 Dec 2023 -- A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon transited the Taiwan Strait in international airspace on December 6 (local time).
MND backs listing of Taiwan military technologies to be controlled CNA 06 Dec 2023 -- The six defense-related technologies listed by the government as being among Taiwan's 22 key core technologies to face stringent controls were backed by the military for national security reasons, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Tuesday.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 6, 2023 ROC MND 06 Dec 2023
Tsai attends groundbreaking at new aerospace and drone facility CNA 05 Dec 2023 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) attended a groundbreaking ceremony for an aerospace and drone facility in Chiayi County Tuesday, with the site expected to boost Taiwan's asymmetric combat power, according to Tsai.
Two new Chinese satellites no danger to Taiwan: Defense ministry CNA 05 Dec 2023 -- The rockets used by China to send satellites into space on two consecutive days posed no threat to Taiwan, according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND).
Chinese interference 'looms large' over Taiwan's presidential poll Radio Free Asia 05 Dec 2023 -- The shadow of Chinese interference 'looms large' over democratic Taiwan, according to the island's foreign minister, whose warning came amid reports that the Chinese Communist Party is wooing district-level politicians in a bid to wield influence in the run-up to presidential elections in January.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 5, 2023 ROC MND 05 Dec 2023
Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan Support Ironclad, But Congress Could Help, Vice Chairman Says DoD News 04 Dec 2023 -- The Defense Department provides security assistance to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan, but Congress could pass a budget with supplementary funding that would ensure robust continuation of that support, said Navy Adm. Christopher W. Grady.
Taiwan to Finalize Upgrading 140 US-Made F-16s by Year-End - Reports Sputnik 04 Dec 2023 -- Taiwan is about to finish upgrading 140 US-made F-16 jets in its fleet by late December, with no new flight tests on the schedule, Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) reported on Monday, citing a military source.
4 ally leaders call for Taiwan's inclusion in COP28 CNA 03 Dec 2023 -- The leaders of Taiwan's four diplomatic allies on Saturday called for Taiwan's inclusion in the United Nations system during the ongoing 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) being held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
From ER doc to wild-card presidential candidate: Taiwan's Ko Wen-je Radio Free Asia 03 Dec 2023 -- Just 10 years after trading his white coat for a place on the mayoral hustings, Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, who also heads the four-year-old Taiwan People's Party, is looking increasingly like a potential challenger to Vice President Lai Ching-te in January's presidential election.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 3, 2023 ROC MND 03 Dec 2023
Paraguay, Palau call for Taiwan's inclusion in COP CNA 02 Dec 2023 -- Paraguayan President Santiago Peña and his Palauan counterpart Surangel Whipps Jr. on Friday called for Taiwan's inclusion in the United Nation's annual climate change conference.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 2, 2023 ROC MND 02 Dec 2023
Air Force facility launched to train F-16V pilots CNA 01 Dec 2023 -- The Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan) Air Force Flight Training Command was launched Friday in Kaohsiung's Gangshan District with the aim of facilitating the training of pilots for the country's flagship F-16V fighter jets.
Majority of Americans support recognizing Taiwan if China invades: Poll CNA 01 Dec 2023 -- A majority of Americans would support recognizing Taiwan as an independent country if China were to invade, but fewer than half would support the United States sending troops to defend Taiwan, the annual Reagan National Defense Survey has found.
Taiwan's security cannot rely on U.S. weapons: defense spokesperson People's Daily 01 Dec 2023 -- The security of China's Taiwan region depends on the peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Strait rather than some weapons provided by the United States, said a defense spokesperson on Thursday.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 1, 2023 ROC MND 01 Dec 2023

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

December 2023 - Taiwan Special Weapons News