February 2025 - Taiwan Special Weapons News

U.S. 'closely monitoring' China's establishment of shooting zone: Official CNA 28 Feb 2025 -- The United States is closely monitoring reports of China's sudden establishment of a shooting exercise zone near Taiwan, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said Thursday.
EU condemns alleged sabotage of Taiwan's undersea cables CNA 28 Feb 2025 -- The European Union is closely following recent incidents involving undersea cables around Taiwan allegedly being damaged by vessels linked to China, and condemns attacks targeting such infrastructure, an EU spokesperson told CNA Friday.
China the primary threat to Taiwan's sovereignty, democracy: Lai CNA 28 Feb 2025 -- China poses the greatest threat to Taiwan's sovereignty and democracy and is trying to divide Taiwanese society with operatives, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Friday, the 78th anniversary of the Feb. 28 Incident.
Taiwan bans exchanges with 7 Chinese universities over security concerns CNA 28 Feb 2025 -- Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) said Friday that universities in Taiwan are prohibited from engaging in exchanges with seven universities under China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) due to concerns key Taiwanese technologies could be "stolen."
DPP exploits 'Feb 28 Uprising' to escalate cross-Straits tensions with malicious intent: mainland spokesperson Global Times 28 Feb 2025 -- In response to Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's claim at an event marking the 78th anniversary of the "February 28 Uprising" that the mainland poses the greatest threat to Taiwan island, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Friday that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities and the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, motivated by their desire for "independence," are deliberately exploiting this uprising with ulterior motives.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 28 Feb 2025
US still opposes 'forced, coercive' changes to Taiwan's status, Rubio says VOA 27 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday reaffirmed Washington's opposition to attempts to alter Taiwan's status through force or coercion.
Trump declines to commit to Taiwan's defense if China invades CNA 27 Feb 2025 -- United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday again refused to make clear his stance on protecting Taiwan from a takeover by China during his presidency.
Taiwan's listing as participant in Exercise Cobra Gold an error: Organizers CNA 27 Feb 2025 -- The organizers of the multi-national Joint Exercise Cobra Gold said Wednesday that Taiwan's recent listing as a participant in the regional exercises being staged in Thailand was an error that has since been corrected.
Captain of ship that allegedly cut Taiwan-Penghu cable remanded in custody CNA 27 Feb 2025 -- Tainan prosecutors obtained a court order Thursday for the Chinese captain of a vessel to be remanded in custody, pending an investigation into the severing of an undersea telecommunications cable between Taiwan proper and the offshore Penghu County.
China sends 60 warplanes, vessels near Taiwan CNA 27 Feb 2025 -- China sent 45 warplanes and 15 vessels to the vicinity of Taiwan proper in the 24-hour period starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday, as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted its fifth "joint combat readiness patrol" of the month, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Thursday.
China adopts 'peace and war' approach with drills, new measures: MAC CNA 27 Feb 2025 -- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said Thursday that the Chinese authorities are likely adopting a "dual approach of peace and war" by setting up a zone near Taiwan for "live-fire exercises" while Fujian Province rolled out 17 new measures to benefit Taiwanese during a two-day annual work conference on Taiwan affairs.
China's Ministry of National Defense warns DPP authorities: We will come and get you, sooner or later Global Times 27 Feb 2025 -- China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) sent out a stern warning on Thursday to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in the island of Taiwan saying that "we will come and get you, sooner or later."
Chinese Defense Ministry warns Taiwan DPP authorities: 'will come and get you, sooner or later' Global Times 27 Feb 2025 -- The Chinese Defense Ministry on Thursday warned Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on the island of Taiwan: "We will come and get you, sooner or later."
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 27 Feb 2025
MND rejects report about submarine prototype testing delay CNA 26 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's Navy Command has rejected a media report that it is likely to miss the scheduled April 2025 timeline to begin sea acceptance tests (SAT) for the country's indigenous defense submarine (IDS) prototype.
Taiwan to increase monitoring of 52 ships using flags of convenience CNA 26 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's government indicated it will step up the monitoring of 52 ships sailing under flags of convenience after recent incidents in which submarine cables in the Taiwan Strait were damaged, Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) said Wednesday.
China sets up live-fire exercise zone near Taiwan 'without warning' Radio Free Asia 26 Feb 2025 -- China has set up a live-fire exercise area 40 nautical miles (75 kilometers) off the coast of the Taiwan port city of Kaohsiung without warning in a provocation to the region's security that posed a risk to air and sea transport, Taiwan's ministry of defense said Wednesday.
The MND released a press statement to explain the situation of "P.R.C. delineating an exercise zone to conduct gunnery training." ROC MND 26 Feb 2025
The MND released a press statement to explain "the unannounced gunnery training conducted by the P.R.C." ROC MND 26 Feb 2025
Taiwan decries China's sudden establishment of 'shooting zone' CNA 26 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) has "strongly condemned" China for setting up a zone near Taiwan for "shooting exercises" without prior notice, similar to a recent incident that occurred near Australia.
U.S. lawmakers reintroduce bill on Taiwan engagement guidelines CNA 26 Feb 2025 -- Members of the United States House of Representatives reintroduced a bill on Tuesday that asks the State Department to review established guidelines on how America engages with Taiwan.
Taiwan will not accept 'unfair' U.S. chip tariffs: Minister CNA 26 Feb 2025 -- Economics Minister Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) said Wednesday that the government's bottom line in the negotiations with the United States is that "unfair" tariffs on Taiwan's chips "will not be accepted."
China seriously concerned about reports of US unfreezing military assistance to Taiwan region: FM Global Times 26 Feb 2025 -- Responding to an inquiry regarding reports that Trump administration released $5.3 billion in previously frozen foreign aid, which included $870 million in military assistance to the Taiwan region, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday that China is seriously concerned about relevant reports.
Senior CPC official urges resolute efforts to advance national reunification People's Daily 26 Feb 2025 -- Wang Huning, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), has stressed the importance of maintaining the initiative and the ability to steer in relations across the Taiwan Strait.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 26 Feb 2025
China firmly opposes Japan allowing individuals from Taiwan region to 'list Taiwan instead of China' as their place of origin Global Times 26 Feb 2025 -- China voiced firm opposition on Wednesday to Japan's recent move allowing individuals from the Taiwan region to "list Taiwan instead of China" as their place of origin, stating that such an attempt to create "two Chinas" or 'one China, one Taiwan' seriously violates the one-China principle.
'Protection fees' won't protect Taiwan separatists, says Taiwan Affairs Office, as DPP considers US arms purchases Global Times 26 Feb 2025 -- "'Protection fees' won't protect 'Taiwan independence' forces, and the 'chess pieces' will inevitably turn into 'abandoned pieces,'" said Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, during a press conference on Wednesday. Her remarks came in response to reports that the secessionist Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on Taiwan island are contemplating arms purchases from the US, ranging from $7 billion to $10 billion, in an effort to gain favor with the Trump administration.
Lai's claim 'Taiwan a chess player, not a chess piece' self-deceptive, laughable: spokesperson Global Times 26 Feb 2025 -- A spokesperson from the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council called a recent claim made by Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te that "Taiwan is a chess player, not a chess piece" as self-deceptive and laughable.
DPP authorities' excuses to ban exchanges with mainland universities 'nonsense, absurd': spokesperson Global Times 26 Feb 2025 -- In response to an inquiry about Taiwan regional education authorities banning exchanges and cooperation with universities in Chinese mainland, including Jinan University and Huaqiao University, citing so-called excuses of "protecting young people from being targeted by the united front," Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that the claim by DPP authorities is pure nonsense and utterly absurd.
True face of so-called US foundations in inciting 'color revolutions' revealed through funding Taiwan civil groups: spokesperson Global Times 26 Feb 2025 -- When asked for comments on recent report that Taiwan FactCheck Center said it had received donations from the Open Society Foundations which was created by US investor George Soros, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday that such reports have proved that the so-called "support" from the international community, which the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities frequently mention, is simply an illusion brought with money and manufactured by themselves.
Taiwan Affairs Office responds to DPP's undersea cable damage claims, calls it a 'unpopular political manipulation' Global Times 26 Feb 2025 -- When asked to comment on Taiwan authorities' claims that the Togolese-registered ship Hong Tai, which has a mainland background, was involved in dragging and breaking the No. 3 cable from Taiwan to Penghu, and was stopped on the grounds of the so-called caught-in-the-act, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday that about a hundred incidents of damage to submarine optical fibre cables occur globally every year, and these are common maritime accidents.
Taiwan detains China-linked cargo ship over severed undersea cable Radio Free Asia 25 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's coast guard detained a cargo ship and its Chinese crew after an undersea cable in the Taiwan Strait was damaged on Tuesday, saying it cannot rule out the possibility it was a deliberate "gray zone" act.
Ship, Chinese crew detained after Penghu undersea cable severed CNA 25 Feb 2025 -- A Togolese-registered vessel and its Chinese crew have been detained after a submarine communications cable linking Taiwan and Penghu was severed Tuesday.
Taiwan-Penghu cable fracture did not disrupt service: Telecom provider CNA 25 Feb 2025 -- The severing of a submarine communications cable linking Taiwan's main island and offshore Penghu County on Tuesday did not affect users, and the telecom link is expected to be repaired by May at the latest, according to the cable's operator.
FM responds to Taiwan authorities' claim of detaining mainland vessel over undersea cable incident Global Times 25 Feb 2025 -- In response to a media inquiry regarding Taiwan island authorities claiming that a mainland vessel registered in Togo was detained after an undersea cable was cut, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday, "I am not aware of the situation you mentioned, and this is not a diplomatic issue."
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 25 Feb 2025
Taiwan pledges continued aid to Ukraine on 3rd anniversary of war CNA 24 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's government promised Monday that it will continue to offer humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia three years ago to the day.
Taiwan severs academic ties with Chinese universities, citing propaganda links Radio Free Asia 24 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan barred the island's universities from collaborating with three mainland Chinese institutions, citing their ties with Beijing's overseas propaganda arm, in what Taiwan opposition lawmakers said was a blow to cross-strait exchanges that have historically served as a bridge for dialogue despite geopolitical rifts.
The MND released a press statement to explain "the open call of the National Defense Innovation Task Force." ROC MND 24 Feb 2025
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 24 Feb 2025
Taiwan to review handling of religious objections to reserve duty CNA 23 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Sunday pledged to study the recommendations of a human rights commission following the prosecution of a man who refused to show up for reserve duty after becoming a Jehovah's Witness.
Lai urges DPP lawmakers to see Trump's policies as an opportunity CNA 23 Feb 2025 -- President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Sunday called on ruling party lawmakers to view potential policy shifts under U.S. President Donald Trump as an opportunity rather than a challenge.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 23 Feb 2025
Ministry of National Defense Issues Press Release Regarding Chinese Communist Party Launching Carrier Rocket ROC MND 22 Feb 2025
U.S. lawmakers reject China 'weaponizing' U.N. resolution against Taiwan CNA 22 Feb 2025 -- A group of U.S. Congress members introduced a resolution on Friday to reject China's use of United Nations Resolution 2758 and the "One China" policy endorsed by the United States and its partners to assert its territorial claims over Taiwan.
U.S. opposes forced change to Taiwan Strait status quo: Rubio CNA 22 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday reaffirmed Washington's opposition to any forced change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, stressing that the United States does not seek conflict and remains committed to its long-standing policies on Taiwan.
Taiwan to team up with Czechia, Poland in drone production CNA 22 Feb 2025 -- Drone companies in Taiwan signed agreements with the Czech-Taiwanese Business Chamber (CTBC) and Polish company Farada Group Ltd. this week, the Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC) said in a Facebook post on Saturday.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 22 Feb 2025
Taiwan-made fighter jet tests air-launched HF-3 missile: Source CNA 21 Feb 2025 -- An Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF) jet recently conducted an exercise equipped with an air-launched variant of the Hsiung Feng-III (HF-3) missile, a source familiar with the matter told CNA on Friday.
Trump defense spending demands stress 'peace through strength': Experts CNA 21 Feb 2025 -- Defense and foreign policy experts on Friday said that military strength is essential for maintaining peace following U.S. President Donald Trump's calls for NATO nations and Taiwan to increase defense spending.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 21 Feb 2025
Taiwan official denies Trump's chip theft accusation CNA 20 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's National Security Council (NSC) chief Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) on Thursday rebutted U.S. President Donald Trump's recent remarks suggesting Taiwan had stolen the semiconductor business from the United States.
Lai urges democratic chip alliance amid global security challenges CNA 20 Feb 2025 -- President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Thursday expressed Taiwan's openness to collaborate with other democratic countries on semiconductors, contending that such an alliance would enhance the country's deterrence.
29 Chinese aircraft cross Taiwan Strait median line: MND CNA 20 Feb 2025 -- A total of 29 Chinese warplanes and drones crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND).
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 20 Feb 2025
U.S. silent on rumored multibillion-dollar Taiwan weapons purchase CNA 19 Feb 2025 -- A U.S. government spokesperson on Tuesday refused to confirm a Reuters report stating Taiwan is planning a multibillion-dollar weapons purchase from the United States to appease the Donald Trump administration.
Taiwan 'a chess player, not a chess piece': Lai CNA 19 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan is "a chess player, not a chess piece" in the shifting geopolitical climate, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Wednesday, reaffirming his administration's commitment to strengthen the country's defense through increased spending and reforms.
INTERVIEW/Trump claim on 'stolen' chips a misunderstanding: Presidential advisor CNA 19 Feb 2025 -- A senior advisor to Taiwan's president said the claim by U.S. President Donald Trump that Taiwan "stole" the United States' chip business is a misunderstanding, stressing that Taiwan's semiconductor success has been a crucial element in helping the U.S. maintain its technological edge.
Ministry of National Defense Press Release on "Chinese Communist Party Conducting Joint Combat Readiness Patrols" ROC MND 19 Feb 2025
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 19 Feb 2025
Taiwan negotiating new arms deal with US: media Radio Free Asia 18 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan is in the process of negotiating a new arms deal worth billions of dollars with the United States, Reuters news agency reported, citing unidentified sources.
MND declines to comment on U.S. arms deal report CNA 18 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Tuesday declined to comment on a report that Taiwan is pursuing a multibillion-dollar weapons purchase from the United States.
DPP authorities reportedly mull arms purchase from US Global Times 18 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan authorities are considering an arms purchase package worth billions of dollars from the US, according to a Reuters report, which Chinese mainland experts regard as a proactive move of the island authorities aimed at currying favor with the Trump administration in terms of both easing tariff pressure and attempts to "resist reunification by force."
Tendering process to recover crashed advanced trainer jet underway: MND CNA 18 Feb 2025 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Tuesday it was seeking a private contractor to recover the Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer that crashed into the sea in waters off eastern Taiwan on Feb. 15.
MAC reviews rules on Taiwanese obtaining Chinese identification documents CNA 18 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) is reviewing regulations and legal frameworks to strengthen oversight of Taiwanese citizens obtaining Chinese ID cards, residence cards, and permanent residence cards, as the number of such cases continues to rise, MAC head Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) said Tuesday.
MND news references of routine press conference for the 3rd week of February 2025 ROC MND 18 Feb 2025
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 18 Feb 2025
Taiwanese army officer's failed defection to China ends in 13-year sentence Radio Free Asia 17 Feb 2025 -- A Taiwanese court jailed a former army officer for 13 years for attempting to recruit an active-duty military pilot to defect to China with a helicopter, the latest in a series of national security cases involving retired military and law enforcement personnel.
Gov't thanks Japan for allowing nationals to choose 'Taiwan' in family registry CNA 17 Feb 2025 -- The Taiwan government on Monday thanked Japan for allowing Taiwanese nationals married to Japanese citizens to list their home country as "Taiwan" in the official family record database.
China urges Japan to refrain from taking petty actions over Tokyo's reported change of nationality entry Global Times 17 Feb 2025 -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Monday urged Japan to be cautious in its words and actions regarding the Taiwan question and avoid taking petty actions, following reports that Japan's Ministry of Justice will allow "Taiwan" to be listed as a place of origin on its family registry whereas residents from Taiwan island are currently registered as Chinese residents.
China lodges serious representations over US-Japan-South Korea's Taiwan-related claims at Munich meeting: FM Global Times 17 Feb 2025 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday that China has always firmly opposed certain countries forming small cliques, interfering in China's internal affairs, attacking and smearing China, and inciting confrontation and division. "We have lodged serious representations with the relevant countries," Guo said.
China condemns US for tweak to Taiwan reference; Washington calls it 'routine' update Radio Free Asia 17 Feb 2025 -- China urged the United States on Monday to "correct its mistakes" after it removed wording on a State Department website stating that it did not support Taiwan independence. The U.S. brushed off the change as an update.
FM, Taiwan Affairs Office respond to US dropping wording of 'not supporting Taiwan independence' Global Times 17 Feb 2025 -- Responding to an inquiry on the US State Department's recent update of the fact sheet on its relations with Taiwan island by removing the previous statement that the US "does not support 'Taiwan independence'," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday that US' move gravely backpedaled on its position on Taiwan-related issues.
FM, Taiwan Affairs Office respond to US dropping wording of 'not supporting Taiwan independence' Global Times 17 Feb 2025 -- When asked to comment on the US State Department's recent update of the fact sheet on US-Taiwan relations by removing the statement that the US "does not support 'Taiwan independence'," Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that the move represents a serious regression in the US position on the Taiwan question and severely violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués.
PLA monitors Canadian vessel's passage throughout Taiwan Straits, effectively handling situation: spokesperson Global Times 17 Feb 2025 -- On Sunday, the Canadian frigate HMCS Ottawa sailed through the Taiwan Straits and attempted to generate public attention around the transit. The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army deployed naval and air assets to monitor and track the Canadian vessel's movements, ensuring a controlled and effective response, Senior Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the PLA, said in a statement on Monday.
The MND released a press statement "in response to the joint combat readiness alert patrols carried out recently by the PRC." ROC MND 17 Feb 2025
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 17 Feb 2025
The Ministry of National Defense released a press statement explaining "A Canadian warship passed through the Taiwan Strait." ROC MND 16 Feb 2025
The Ministry of National Defense released a press statement explaining "The PRC carries out joint combat readiness alert patrols." ROC MND 16 Feb 2025
Canadian frigate transits Taiwan Strait CNA 16 Feb 2025 -- A Canadian patrol frigate transited the Taiwan Strait Sunday, the first such instance this year, according to Taiwanese authorities.
Canadian warship's Taiwan Straits transit sends wrong signals but poses little threat: expert Global Times 16 Feb 2025 -- The island of Taiwan's external affairs authority said that a Canadian frigate sailed through the Taiwan Straits on Sunday while its defense authority claimed it detected 24 Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft conducting joint training with PLA vessels on the same day. A Chinese mainland expert said on Sunday that the Canadian warship sent wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces, but posed little military threat.
U.S., Japan, S. Korea highlight Taiwan Strait peace at Munich meeting CNA 16 Feb 2025 -- The top diplomats from the United States, Japan and South Korea on Saturday reaffirmed their support for peace in the Taiwan Strait, following a trilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
U.S. gov't fact sheet removes line on not supporting Taiwanese independence CNA 16 Feb 2025 -- A Taiwan-United States relations fact sheet published on the U.S. State Department website has recently updated its contents to remove a line indicating Washington's long-held stance of not supporting Taiwanese independence.
Visiting U.K. parliamentary delegation to meet President Lai: MOFA CNA 16 Feb 2025 -- A U.K. parliamentary delegation led by co-chair of the British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group Sarah Champion is visiting Taiwan and will meet with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Sunday.
Broken fan blade may have caused jet's double engine failure: Experts CNA 16 Feb 2025 -- Two defense experts on Saturday said that a broken fan blade from one engine hitting the other may be behind the crash of a Brave Eagle trainer jet that suffered double engine failure off the coast of Taitung.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 16 Feb 2025
Brave Eagle jet trainer fleet grounded following crash CNA 15 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's Air Force on Saturday grounded its fleet of T-BE5A Brave Eagle jet trainers after a crash in waters off Taitung earlier the same day.
Experts call for key arms purchases amid proposed defense budget hike CNA 15 Feb 2025 -- Experts have urged Taiwan to take advantage of President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) pledge on Friday to raise the defense budget to 3 percent of Taiwan's gross domestic product (GDP) to acquire key military platforms from the United States.
Taiwan's U.S. investments must serve 'mutual interests': Official CNA 15 Feb 2025 -- The government will work to ensure that Taiwan's investments in the United States, especially in the semiconductor industry, serve the interests of both sides, a Taiwanese national security official said Friday.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 15 Feb 2025
Pilot rescued after parachuting out of Brave Eagle jet trainer CNA 15 Feb 2025 -- An Air Force pilot who parachuted from a Brave Eagle jet trainer was rescued after both engines of his aircraft apparently failed, causing it to crash into the waters off Taitung, eastern Taiwan, on Saturday morning.
Lai pledges to raise Taiwan's defense spending to over 3% of GDP CNA 14 Feb 2025 -- President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Friday that his government would aim to increase defense spending to 3 percent of Taiwan's gross domestic product (GDP) this year, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump again threatened tariffs on Taiwanese semiconductors.
Taiwan reaffirms sailor's citizenship after self-reporting Chinese ID card CNA 14 Feb 2025 -- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has said the Taiwanese citizenship of a member of the Republic of China (Taiwan's official name) Navy, who voluntarily reported to the military his possession of a Chinese ID card, has been reaffirmed due to "special consideration."
Taiwan to boost U.S. investments amid Trump's tariff threats: Lai CNA 14 Feb 2025 -- President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Friday that the government will further encourage Taiwan's businesses to invest in the United States, in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed tariff threats on Taiwanese semiconductors.
Supreme Court upholds High Court decision in military espionage case CNA 14 Feb 2025 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the decision of the Taiwan High Court to hand eight people, including several active-duty military officers, sentences ranging from 18 months to 13 years for collecting intelligence for China.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 14 Feb 2025
China condemns US ships in Taiwan transit, conducts drills Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2025 -- The transit through the Taiwan Strait by two U.S. naval vessels, the first such voyage under the new Trump administration, was a threat to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, China said.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 13 Feb 2025
Former lawmaker indicted over alleged China-led election interference CNA 13 Feb 2025 -- A former Taiwanese lawmaker was indicted for violations of Taiwan's Anti-Infiltration Act on Wednesday over allegedly helping Beijing interfere in Taiwan's 2024 presidential election, according to prosecutors on Thursday.
Taiwan authorities lack sincerity in restoring cross-Strait tourism: mainland spokesperson People's Daily 13 Feb 2025 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday criticized Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for using procedural excuses to delay the restoration of cross-Strait tourism.
Taiwan to scale up annual military drill as China tensions mount Radio Free Asia 12 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan is going to increase the scale of its main annual military exercise by mobilizing more reserve brigades, amid media reports that the number of Chinese military aircraft entering the airspace around Taiwan has doubled since the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te in May last year.
Volunteer soldiers to be asked to sign dual nationality affidavit: MND CNA 12 Feb 2025 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Wednesday said it will ask all applicant volunteer soldiers to sign an affidavit that they do not have dual nationality, to avoid the re-occurrence of a recent incident when a naval serviceman was found having a Chinese ID card.
Taiwan's military relaxes rules on height, tattoos CNA 12 Feb 2025 -- A senior Taiwanese military official in charge of recruitment said Wednesday that the Ministry of National Defense (MND) has relaxed height and tattoo restrictions to boost recruitment.
Ministry of National Defense Press Release Regarding "U.S. Navy Vessels Passing Through the Taiwan Strait" ROC MND 12 Feb 2025
U.S. military vessels make first Taiwan Strait transit of Trump's 2nd term CNA 12 Feb 2025 -- Two American military vessels transited the Taiwan Strait from Sunday through early Wednesday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said in a statement.
PLA monitors US vessels' first Taiwan Straits transit in 2025; 'PLA more proactive in releasing information' Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- In the early morning of Wednesday at 1:52 am, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command released a statement from its spokesperson regarding the transit of US vessels through the Taiwan Straits.
Mainland condemns U.S.-Japan joint declaration for containing irresponsible Taiwan remarks People's Daily 12 Feb 2025 -- A mainland spokesperson on Wednesday condemned the recent U.S.-Japan joint declaration for its irresponsible remarks on Taiwan, calling it a blatant interference in China's internal affairs.
US, Japan urged to stop interfering in China's internal affairs, Chinese FM on US-Japan defense talks, joint statement Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- When asked whether the reported meeting between the defense chiefs of Japan and the US in Japan in late March, which involves the Taiwan question, will impact Foreign Minister Wang Yi's planned Japan visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday that we urge the US and Japan to abide by the one-China principle and their own commitments, and immediately stop interfering in China's internal affairs and manipulating China-related issues.
DPP banning DeepSeek only harms Taiwan's interests: Taiwan Affairs Office Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- When asked to comment on the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' claim that public offices and public schools have been completely banned from using AI models from DeepSeek, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday that such moves only harm the interest of Taiwan enterprises and public.
DPP's obstructing cross-Straits tourism ignores damage to interests of island's residents, businesses: spokesperson Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, driven by their pursuit of "Taiwan independence" and political self-interest, turn a deaf ear to the mainstream public opinion and industry voices in Taiwan region. They ignore the damage done to the interests of grassroots residents and businesses in the island, repeatedly using various untenable excuses to obstruct and restrict cross-Straits tourism and exchanges in various fields, creating barriers and obstacles, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday.
DPP hyping 'threat' from mainland cannot fool the public: spokesperson Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- Commenting on Lai Ching-te's hyping up of the so-called "threat" from the mainland again, who claimed that espionage cases involving the mainland against Taiwan have been increasing in recent years, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday that people are surely familiar with these tactics by now. No matter how hard the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities try, they have exhausted their tricks and cannot fool the public.
Spokesperson for Taiwan Affairs Office rejects Rubio's comment of 'supporting Guatemala expanding relation with Taiwan,' urging US to exercise caution Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- In response to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement asserting full US support for Guatemala in expanding relations with Taiwan, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, urged the US to abide by the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-US joint communiqués on Wednesday. Zhu called on the US to handle Taiwan-related questions with utmost caution and to stop sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces.
DPP authorities aligning with US chip policies risk harm to Taiwan island's own industry: experts Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- The US practice of unilateralism and trade protectionism proves once again that the US will always put its interests first. Facts have proven that the more the DPP authorities rely on the US, the deeper the harm to the Taiwan island, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a press conference on Wednesday.
PLA naval, air forces conduct patrols, training around Taiwan island Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command dispatched multiple waves of naval and air forces to conduct combat alert patrols and training around the island of Taiwan from Chinese New Year's Eve on January 28 to the Lantern Festival on Wednesday, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Wednesday.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 12 Feb 2025
Ministry of National Defense Weekly Press Conference Reference Material for the 2nd Week of February 2025 ROC MND 12 Feb 2025
US vessels' passage through Taiwan Straits sends wrong signals, under surveillance of Chinese military: spokesperson Global Times 12 Feb 2025 -- From February 10 to 12, the US destroyer USS Ralph Johnson and the oceanographic survey ship Bowditch transited the Taiwan Straits. The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) deployed naval and air forces to monitor the entire passage of the US vessels, effectively responding to and managing the situation, said Senior Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army, on Wednesday.
MAC warns of legal consequences over possessing Chinese IDs CNA 11 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) reiterated Tuesday that active military personnel and civil servants who apply for Chinese identity documents will face the full force of the law, including potentially being stripped of citizenship, after a soldier was found to hold a Chinese ID card.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 11 Feb 2025
Taiwan, U.S. sign contract on NASAMS air defense system sale CNA 10 Feb 2025 -- The United States has finalized a deal to sell Taiwan three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) at a price of around NT$24.98 billion (US$761.94 million), a military source confirmed Monday.
China lodges serious protests to US, Japan over US-Japan joint leaders' statement Global Times 10 Feb 2025 -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Monday urged the US and Japan to abide by the one-China principle and honor their commitments on the Taiwan question, and strongly opposes the latest joint statement made by the US and Japan concerning China's Taiwan region.
China lodges solemn representations to US, Japan over US-Japan joint leaders' statement Global Times 10 Feb 2025 -- Liu Jinsong, director-general of the department of Asian affairs of China's Foreign Ministry, met with Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in China Yokochi Akira on Monday and lodged a solemn representation, expressing serious concern and strong dissatisfaction over Japan's recent negative moves related to China during recent Japan-US summit meeting and in a joint statement, according to a statement published on the website of the ministry.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 10 Feb 2025
Trump's tariff hike on chips seeks to force TSMC negotiations: Experts CNA 09 Feb 2025 -- Three experts in the high technology industry have said that U.S. President Donald Trump's recent pledge to impose higher tariffs on Taiwanese semiconductors represents an effort to force Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) to the negotiating table.
Taiwan plans to buy more U.S. natural gas to cut trade surplus: Official CNA 09 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan is preparing to expand purchases of United States natural gas to reduce its trade surplus with the country in an attempt to avert potentially higher tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump's administration on Taiwanese imports, according to an economics official.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 09 Feb 2025
Taiwan continues to expand semiconductor presence in Central Europe CNA 08 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan continues to expand its semiconductor supply chain in Europe, forming strategic partnerships with Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).
Taiwan drone company receives Estonian delegation, eyes cooperation CNA 08 Feb 2025 -- Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC) on Friday received an Estonian delegation at its drone production line, with aspirations to deepen cooperation with the Baltic country, according to a Saturday news release.
U.S., Japan reaffirm commitment to peace across Taiwan Strait CNA 08 Feb 2025 -- United States President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait in a joint statement issued after their summit in Washington on Friday.
Taipei protests China-Brunei statement on Taiwan CNA 08 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has denounced a joint statement issued by China and Brunei that asserts Taiwan as part of Chinese territory.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 08 Feb 2025
U.S. representatives reintroduce resolution to resume formal Taiwan ties CNA 07 Feb 2025 -- Two U.S. House representatives on Thursday reintroduced a resolution, backed by 22 other lawmakers, calling for the United States to end its "one China" policy, resume formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, and negotiate a bilateral U.S.-Taiwan free trade agreement.
Lai thanks Guatemala, U.S. for support, looks to enhance economic ties CNA 07 Feb 2025 -- President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has thanked Guatemala and the United States for their support of Taiwan and said he looked forward to seeing enhanced trilateral trade ties.
Hindering cross-Straits tourism lies in the DPP's interference and obstruction: Taiwan Affairs Office Global Times 07 Feb 2025 -- A mainland spokesperson on Friday condemned Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for using weak excuses to obstruct cross-Straits tourism and other forms of exchange, which disregards public opinion and the interests of the island.
Mainland slams Taiwan's DPP for obstructing cross-Strait tourism People's Daily 07 Feb 2025 -- A mainland spokesperson on Friday condemned Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for using weak excuses to obstruct cross-Strait tourism and other forms of exchange, which disregards public opinion and the interests of the island.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 07 Feb 2025
U.S. silent on apparent departure of AIT head CNA 06 Feb 2025 -- The United States government has declined to comment on a post that indicated the departure of Laura Rosenberger as chair of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT).
At least 30 people questioned over Chinese ID cards: Interior Ministry CNA 06 Feb 2025 -- The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) is investigating companies across Taiwan that have allegedly helped Taiwanese citizens illegally procure Chinese ID documents, and has already questioned more than 30 people over the issue.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 06 Feb 2025
Mainland slams Lai Ching-te for remarks undermining peace, escalating tensions Global Times 06 Feb 2025 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday condemned recent remarks made by Lai Ching-te, leader of the Taiwan region, as an attempt to undermine peace and escalate tensions between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Visiting Estonian lawmaker proposes closer drone cooperation with Taiwan CNA 05 Feb 2025 -- A visiting Estonian lawmaker on Wednesday proposed closer cooperation between the Baltic state and Taiwan in defense technology, in particularly drones, to counter the threat posed by authoritarian regimes like China and Russia as he led a delegation made up of defense company representatives to the country.
Ministry of National Defense Press Release on "Chinese Communist Party Conducting Joint Combat Readiness Patrols" ROC MND 05 Feb 2025
U.S. senators condemn South Africa's push to relocate Taiwan office CNA 05 Feb 2025 -- Two U.S. senators have criticized South Africa's renewed demand that Taiwan relocate its representative office from Pretoria, the country's capital.
U.S. lawmakers renew push for Taiwan's admission to IMF CNA 05 Feb 2025 -- Two members of the United States House of Representatives have re-introduced a bill calling for Taiwan's membership in the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 05 Feb 2025
3 active military officers indicted for leaking intelligence to China CNA 05 Feb 2025 -- Three active duty military officers and an alleged accomplice have been indicted on suspicion of leaking military intelligence to China, the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office Kaohsiung Branch said Wednesday.
Taiwan requests to buy 6 E-2D advanced early warning aircraft from the U.S.: Source CNA 04 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan has asked the United States to sell it six E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft to replace the E-2K AEW aircraft it currently uses, a source with knowledge of the matter said on Tuesday.
Taiwan welcomes new Somaliland envoy CNA 04 Feb 2025 -- A senior Taiwanese diplomat on Tuesday welcomed Somaliland's new representative Mahmoud Adam Jama Galaal, who recently took up his post in Taipei.
China 'ramping up' efforts to suppress Taiwan in South Africa, says Taipei Radio Free Asia 04 Feb 2025 -- China was "ramping up" its efforts to suppress Taiwan in South Africa, the democratic island said, after the South African government again demanded Taiwan's liaison office in the capital Pretoria be relocated.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 04 Feb 2025
U.S. aid to Taiwan awaiting reevaluation under new executive order: envoy CNA 03 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's top representative to the United States said Sunday that Washington is currently reevaluating all of its foreign aid projects, including those related to Taiwan, in accordance with a recent executive order.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 03 Feb 2025
Ministry of National Defense Press Release on "Chinese Communist Party Conducting Joint Combat Readiness Patrols" ROC MND 02 Feb 2025
DeepSeek dilemma: Taiwan's public sector ban highlights global AI security concerns Radio Free Asia 02 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan said its public sector workers would be banned from using DeepSeek, a recently released Chinese artificial intelligence model, due to concerns over data leaks, joining a group of U.S. government agencies that reportedly introduced a similar restriction.
South Africa resumes request for relocation of Taiwan representative office CNA 02 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirmed on Sunday that the South African government has resumed its request for Taiwan to relocate its representative office from Pretoria, the country's capital.
Opposition lawmaker calls for government clarification on DeepSeek ban CNA 02 Feb 2025 -- An opposition lawmaker has urged the government to clarify the scope of its ban on the AI chatbot developed by Chinese startup DeepSeek, while ruling DPP lawmakers have called for greater caution over the use of DeepSeek products.
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 02 Feb 2025
PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 01 Feb 2025

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February 2025 - Taiwan Special Weapons News