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#Taiwan live-fire drills
Army officials have claimed the exercises on Tuesday are not in response to Beijing ramping up its military presence in the Taiwan Strait. (AFP)
The drills include hundreds of troops being deployed and 40 howitzers in action. Reports have described it as a defensive mock-up of China invading.
Army officials have claimed the exercises on Tuesday are not in response to Beijing ramping up its military presence in the Taiwan Strait. (AFP)
The drills include hundreds of troops being deployed and 40 howitzers in action. Reports have described it as a defensive mock-up of China invading.
#Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang delegation begins trip to mainland China
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3188392/taiwans-opposition-kuomintang-delegation-begins-trip-mainland
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3188392/taiwans-opposition-kuomintang-delegation-begins-trip-mainland
South China Morning Post
Taiwan’s KMT delegation begins trip to mainland China
The group, led by the party’s vice-chairman Andrew Hsia, has been criticised for visiting amid Beijing’s ongoing military exercises
#China says it ‘completed tasks’ around #Taiwan
The military has announced the successful completion of assignments around the island, but added it will continue regular patrols
China has announced an end to the unprecedented military exercises around Taiwan, which were launched following the controvercial visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taipei.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said on Wednesday that it had “successfully completed various missions during recent drills around Taiwan island and effectively tested the troop’s joint operation combat capacity,” as reported by the Global Times.
China said it will continue “military training and preparation,” and organize patrols in the Taiwan Strait in order to “resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Eastern Theater Command spokesperson Colonel Shi Yi said.
The announcement comes shortly after Beijing released a White Paper refusing to rule out the use of force in its efforts to unify Taiwan with the mainland, noting, however, that it will strive for a peaceful unification.
“We will work with the greatest sincerity and exert our utmost efforts to achieve peaceful reunification. But we will not renounce the use of force, and we reserve the option of taking all necessary measures,” the document read.
Beijing noted that this contingency was needed to prevent “external interference and separatist activities” and accused “anti-Chinese forces in the US” of deliberately escalating tensions between China and Taiwan.
Last week, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a controversial visit to the self-governing island despite multiple protests from the Chinese government. In response, Beijing launched “unprecedented” military exercises and live-fire drills in six maritime areas around Taiwan.
The maneuvers included the simulation of a “blockade” of the island, as well as amphibious assaults and the striking of ground targets, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry.
China considers Taiwan an inalienable part of its territory and views visits such as Pelosi’s as an attack on its sovereignty and a violation of the ‘One China’ principle, under which most countries refrain from diplomatic recognition of Taiwan.
The military has announced the successful completion of assignments around the island, but added it will continue regular patrols
China has announced an end to the unprecedented military exercises around Taiwan, which were launched following the controvercial visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taipei.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said on Wednesday that it had “successfully completed various missions during recent drills around Taiwan island and effectively tested the troop’s joint operation combat capacity,” as reported by the Global Times.
China said it will continue “military training and preparation,” and organize patrols in the Taiwan Strait in order to “resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Eastern Theater Command spokesperson Colonel Shi Yi said.
The announcement comes shortly after Beijing released a White Paper refusing to rule out the use of force in its efforts to unify Taiwan with the mainland, noting, however, that it will strive for a peaceful unification.
“We will work with the greatest sincerity and exert our utmost efforts to achieve peaceful reunification. But we will not renounce the use of force, and we reserve the option of taking all necessary measures,” the document read.
Beijing noted that this contingency was needed to prevent “external interference and separatist activities” and accused “anti-Chinese forces in the US” of deliberately escalating tensions between China and Taiwan.
Last week, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a controversial visit to the self-governing island despite multiple protests from the Chinese government. In response, Beijing launched “unprecedented” military exercises and live-fire drills in six maritime areas around Taiwan.
The maneuvers included the simulation of a “blockade” of the island, as well as amphibious assaults and the striking of ground targets, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry.
China considers Taiwan an inalienable part of its territory and views visits such as Pelosi’s as an attack on its sovereignty and a violation of the ‘One China’ principle, under which most countries refrain from diplomatic recognition of Taiwan.
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#US to conduct ‘air and maritime transits’ in #Taiwan Strait
The White House says Washington’s ‘freedom of navigation’ transits will reflect its response to #China’s ‘provocative’ military operations in the strait.
The United States plans to conduct new “air and maritime transits” in the Taiwan Strait in a step the White House says will reflect its response to China’s military drills in the contested strait amid rising tensions over the self-ruled island.
China conducted its largest-ever military drill around Taiwan, which Beijing considers its territory, during a trip by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi earlier this month.
Kurt Campbell, the White House coordinator for Asia-Pacific issues and adviser to President Joe Biden, said despite tensions, US forces “will continue to fly, sail and operate where international law allows, consistent with our longstanding commitment to freedom of navigation”.
“That includes conducting standard air and maritime transits through the Taiwan Strait in the next few weeks,” he told reporters.
Campbell did not confirm what kind of deployment would be made to support the manoeuvres, saying he had no “comments about either the nature of our crossings or the timings across the Taiwan Strait”.
He said Washington is set to announce an “ambitious roadmap” for deeper economic ties with Taiwan in the wake of tensions with China over the self-governed island.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/13/us-to-conduct-new-air-and-maritime-transits-in-taiwan-strait
The White House says Washington’s ‘freedom of navigation’ transits will reflect its response to #China’s ‘provocative’ military operations in the strait.
The United States plans to conduct new “air and maritime transits” in the Taiwan Strait in a step the White House says will reflect its response to China’s military drills in the contested strait amid rising tensions over the self-ruled island.
China conducted its largest-ever military drill around Taiwan, which Beijing considers its territory, during a trip by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi earlier this month.
Kurt Campbell, the White House coordinator for Asia-Pacific issues and adviser to President Joe Biden, said despite tensions, US forces “will continue to fly, sail and operate where international law allows, consistent with our longstanding commitment to freedom of navigation”.
“That includes conducting standard air and maritime transits through the Taiwan Strait in the next few weeks,” he told reporters.
Campbell did not confirm what kind of deployment would be made to support the manoeuvres, saying he had no “comments about either the nature of our crossings or the timings across the Taiwan Strait”.
He said Washington is set to announce an “ambitious roadmap” for deeper economic ties with Taiwan in the wake of tensions with China over the self-governed island.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/13/us-to-conduct-new-air-and-maritime-transits-in-taiwan-strait
Aljazeera
US to conduct ‘air and maritime transits’ in Taiwan Strait
White House says US’s ‘freedom of navigation’ transits will reflect its response to China’s ‘provocative’ behaviour.
US Congressional Delegation Arrives In #Taiwan (Again): Statement
By AFP - Agence France Presse
A US congressional delegation arrived in Taiwan on Sunday, Washington's de facto embassy in Taipei said, days after China held military drills around the island in retaliation for US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit.
Sunday's unnannounced visit came after Pelosi infuriated Beijing by visiting Taiwan earlier this month, sparking unprecedented air and sea drills that raised the prospect of conflict.
"Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), Representative John Garamendi (D-CA), Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Representative Don Beyer (D-VA), and Representative Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS) will visit Taiwan from August 14-15, 2022, as part of a larger visit to the Indo-Pacific region," the American Institute in Taiwan said in a statement.
"The delegation will meet with senior Taiwan leaders to discuss US-Taiwan relations, regional security, trade and investment, global supply chains, climate change, and other significant issues of mutual interest," it added.
Taiwan's foreign ministry hailed the delegation's visit as another sign of warm ties between Taipei and Washington.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its sincere welcome (to the delegation)," the ministry said in a statement Sunday.
"As China is continuing to escalate tensions in the region, the US Congress has again organized a heavyweight delegation to visit Taiwan, showing a friendship that is not afraid of China's threats and intimidation, and highlighting the US' strong support towards Taiwan."
The delegation will meet President Tsai Ing-wen and attend a banquet hosted by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu during the visit, the ministry added.
"The two sides will extensively exchange views on issues such as Taiwan-US security and trade relations," it said.
By AFP - Agence France Presse
A US congressional delegation arrived in Taiwan on Sunday, Washington's de facto embassy in Taipei said, days after China held military drills around the island in retaliation for US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit.
Sunday's unnannounced visit came after Pelosi infuriated Beijing by visiting Taiwan earlier this month, sparking unprecedented air and sea drills that raised the prospect of conflict.
"Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), Representative John Garamendi (D-CA), Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Representative Don Beyer (D-VA), and Representative Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS) will visit Taiwan from August 14-15, 2022, as part of a larger visit to the Indo-Pacific region," the American Institute in Taiwan said in a statement.
"The delegation will meet with senior Taiwan leaders to discuss US-Taiwan relations, regional security, trade and investment, global supply chains, climate change, and other significant issues of mutual interest," it added.
Taiwan's foreign ministry hailed the delegation's visit as another sign of warm ties between Taipei and Washington.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its sincere welcome (to the delegation)," the ministry said in a statement Sunday.
"As China is continuing to escalate tensions in the region, the US Congress has again organized a heavyweight delegation to visit Taiwan, showing a friendship that is not afraid of China's threats and intimidation, and highlighting the US' strong support towards Taiwan."
The delegation will meet President Tsai Ing-wen and attend a banquet hosted by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu during the visit, the ministry added.
"The two sides will extensively exchange views on issues such as Taiwan-US security and trade relations," it said.
#Taiwan unveils record defence budget amid tensions with China
Proposed budget would raise self-ruled island’s military spending by 13.9 percent year on year. https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2022/8/25/taiwan-unveils-record-defence-budget-amid-tensions-with-china
Proposed budget would raise self-ruled island’s military spending by 13.9 percent year on year. https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2022/8/25/taiwan-unveils-record-defence-budget-amid-tensions-with-china
Aljazeera
Taiwan unveils record defence budget amid tensions with China
Proposed budget would raise self-ruled island’s military spending by 13.9 percent year on year.
🇹🇼🇨🇳 The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of China #Taiwan held an international online press conference on August 31 on the topic "Military exercises and threats from the PLA against Taiwan in August 2022."
Main thing:
➖ PLA actions during the exercise. Taiwan's response;
➖ PRC propaganda against Taipei as part of the exercise;
➖ Statement by representatives of the Taiwanese Armed Forces.
Thus, the Taiwanese command decided to demonstrate to the whole world the tactics of the PLA during military exercises around Taiwan and expose Beijing as an "aggressor country"
Main thing:
➖ PLA actions during the exercise. Taiwan's response;
➖ PRC propaganda against Taipei as part of the exercise;
➖ Statement by representatives of the Taiwanese Armed Forces.
Thus, the Taiwanese command decided to demonstrate to the whole world the tactics of the PLA during military exercises around Taiwan and expose Beijing as an "aggressor country"
The United States has approved U.S arm industry potential sale of $1.100.000.000 in weapons to #Taiwan, the Pentagon announced, in a move that will likely worsen already heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing
The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency said on Friday that the arms package would include 60 anti-aging missiles, 100 air-to-air missiles and contractor logistics support for a surveillance radar programme.
The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency said on Friday that the arms package would include 60 anti-aging missiles, 100 air-to-air missiles and contractor logistics support for a surveillance radar programme.
US to deepen ‘unofficial ties’ with #Taiwan, VP says
Washington anticipates “aggressive behavior” from China but seeks to avoid Cold War with Beijing, US vice president said
The US administration intends to develop its “unofficial” ties with Taiwan despite China’s fierce opposition, Vice President Kamala Harris said on Wednesday. She also blasted Beijing for what she described as “aggressive behavior” in the Asia-Pacific region.
Speaking to American sailors aboard a US warship in Japan, Harris lashed out at China, accusing Beijing of “undermining key elements of international rules-based order.” China “has challenged the freedom of the seas and has flexed its military and economic might to coerce and intimidate its neighbors,” she noted.
Harris, in particular, accused Beijing of staging various “provocations” across the Taiwan Strait, an area where the US often deploys its Navy patrols. The vice president also believes that Beijing used the visit to Taipei of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in early August “as a pretext for an unprecedented show of military force.”
In this vein, Harris signaled that, amid the heightened tensions in the region, the Biden administration expects “continued aggressive behavior from Beijing” in what she described as a unilateral Chinese effort to “undermine the status quo.”
Harris pledged that the US would continue to “support Taiwan’s self-defense” and “deepen our unofficial ties” with the self-governed island, stressing, however, that Washington does not seek a Cold War with China.
Her comments come after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned last week that such a conflict would be a “disaster” for both countries and for the whole world, adding that Washington’s perception of Beijing as its most prominent rival in the long-term is totally unwarranted.
The regional tensions have been running high since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi traveled to Taiwan in a show of support. Beijing, however, views a visit by Washington’s second-in-line for presidential succession as a violation of the ‘One China’ principle by Washington and believes it is detrimental for Sino-US relations.
Beijing considers Taiwan sovereign Chinese territory. Since 1949, the island has been ruled by nationalists, who fled the mainland with US help after losing the Chinese Civil War to the Communists. The US officially recognizes but doesn’t endorse China’s sovereignty over the self-governed island.
Washington anticipates “aggressive behavior” from China but seeks to avoid Cold War with Beijing, US vice president said
The US administration intends to develop its “unofficial” ties with Taiwan despite China’s fierce opposition, Vice President Kamala Harris said on Wednesday. She also blasted Beijing for what she described as “aggressive behavior” in the Asia-Pacific region.
Speaking to American sailors aboard a US warship in Japan, Harris lashed out at China, accusing Beijing of “undermining key elements of international rules-based order.” China “has challenged the freedom of the seas and has flexed its military and economic might to coerce and intimidate its neighbors,” she noted.
Harris, in particular, accused Beijing of staging various “provocations” across the Taiwan Strait, an area where the US often deploys its Navy patrols. The vice president also believes that Beijing used the visit to Taipei of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in early August “as a pretext for an unprecedented show of military force.”
In this vein, Harris signaled that, amid the heightened tensions in the region, the Biden administration expects “continued aggressive behavior from Beijing” in what she described as a unilateral Chinese effort to “undermine the status quo.”
Harris pledged that the US would continue to “support Taiwan’s self-defense” and “deepen our unofficial ties” with the self-governed island, stressing, however, that Washington does not seek a Cold War with China.
Her comments come after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned last week that such a conflict would be a “disaster” for both countries and for the whole world, adding that Washington’s perception of Beijing as its most prominent rival in the long-term is totally unwarranted.
The regional tensions have been running high since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi traveled to Taiwan in a show of support. Beijing, however, views a visit by Washington’s second-in-line for presidential succession as a violation of the ‘One China’ principle by Washington and believes it is detrimental for Sino-US relations.
Beijing considers Taiwan sovereign Chinese territory. Since 1949, the island has been ruled by nationalists, who fled the mainland with US help after losing the Chinese Civil War to the Communists. The US officially recognizes but doesn’t endorse China’s sovereignty over the self-governed island.
US lawmakers set to approve additional billions of dollars in military aid for #Taiwan
The US Senate will address a bill that plans to supply the island with war supplies worth 10,000 million dollars over five years.
US congressmen have signaled their willingness to bolster Taiwan's defense and say they are willing to approve additional billions of dollars in military aid for Taipei, Politico reports.
This week, a defense policy bill was presented to the US Senate that includes numerous provisions to strengthen cooperation with the island and that provides for military aid of 10,000 million dollars over five years.
"We must anticipate a future crisis and give [Chinese President] Xi Jinping reasons to think twice before invading or coercing Taiwan," Jim Risch, a senator from the state of Idaho, told that outlet.
If the project is approved, that aid will be added to the $1.1 billion arms sale package to Taiwan, approved in September.
Tensions between Beijing and Washington over Taiwan intensified after the visit to Taipei by the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, last August.
In response, China launched a series of "unprecedented" large-scale military exercises and training activities, including live-fire drills, in sea and air space in six zones around the island.
Still, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently indicated that he does not expect an imminent Chinese invasion of Taiwan. However, he considered that Beijing is trying to establish a "new normal" through its military activities around the island.
Taiwan has been self-governing with its own administration since 1949. Since then, it has kept the flag and some other symbols of the former ROC, which existed on the mainland before the communists came to power. Beijing regards Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory. Most countries in the world, including Russia, recognize the island as an integral part of the People's Republic of China.
The US Senate will address a bill that plans to supply the island with war supplies worth 10,000 million dollars over five years.
US congressmen have signaled their willingness to bolster Taiwan's defense and say they are willing to approve additional billions of dollars in military aid for Taipei, Politico reports.
This week, a defense policy bill was presented to the US Senate that includes numerous provisions to strengthen cooperation with the island and that provides for military aid of 10,000 million dollars over five years.
"We must anticipate a future crisis and give [Chinese President] Xi Jinping reasons to think twice before invading or coercing Taiwan," Jim Risch, a senator from the state of Idaho, told that outlet.
If the project is approved, that aid will be added to the $1.1 billion arms sale package to Taiwan, approved in September.
Tensions between Beijing and Washington over Taiwan intensified after the visit to Taipei by the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, last August.
In response, China launched a series of "unprecedented" large-scale military exercises and training activities, including live-fire drills, in sea and air space in six zones around the island.
Still, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently indicated that he does not expect an imminent Chinese invasion of Taiwan. However, he considered that Beijing is trying to establish a "new normal" through its military activities around the island.
Taiwan has been self-governing with its own administration since 1949. Since then, it has kept the flag and some other symbols of the former ROC, which existed on the mainland before the communists came to power. Beijing regards Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory. Most countries in the world, including Russia, recognize the island as an integral part of the People's Republic of China.
#Taiwan clarifies ‘first strike’ doctrine
Taipei is prepared to go to war in response to Chinese air incursions, the island’s defense chief said
Taiwan has vowed to shoot down Chinese planes and drones that breach its airspace, saying it will consider such fly-overs as a “first strike” by Beijing and respond in force if the aircraft ignore warnings to turn back.
Speaking to lawmakers on Wednesday, Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng was asked to elaborate on the “first strike” designation, as officials previously said “countermeasures” would be taken against aircraft incursions but did not specify any particular response.
Chiu said the military would first lock onto incoming drones or planes and issue a warning, and then launch a “defensive counterattack” if the aircraft remained in the airspace claimed by Taiwan.
Pressed on whether that would mean Beijing and Taipei “going to war,” the defense chief answered “Yes, in which case the situation would be very serious,” adding “This is why the military has been exercising self-restraint and does not pull the trigger recklessly.”
Chiu first discussed the update to the island’s security policy during a legislative session last week, explaining that while a “first strike” was previously defined as artillery or missile attacks, Chinese drone flights over Taiwanese airspace have increased in frequency and caused “a lot of trouble” in recent months, prompting the change.
The announcement came amid soaring tensions between Beijing and the self-governing island, with hostilities spiking in August after a high-profile visit to Taipei by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. China responded with a series of unprecedented military exercises around Taiwan’s waters and airspace, including a rehearsal for a full “blockade,” triggering vocal condemnation from Washington.
Taiwan, which officially refers to itself as the ‘Republic of China,’ has been self-governed since 1949, though has never gained independence from the mainland and few countries recognize it as a sovereign nation. Beijing considers the island a part of its territory under the One-China policy, and while the People’s Republic has repeatedly stated its intent to peacefully reunite with Taiwan, it has not ruled out a military solution to the issue.
Taipei is prepared to go to war in response to Chinese air incursions, the island’s defense chief said
Taiwan has vowed to shoot down Chinese planes and drones that breach its airspace, saying it will consider such fly-overs as a “first strike” by Beijing and respond in force if the aircraft ignore warnings to turn back.
Speaking to lawmakers on Wednesday, Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng was asked to elaborate on the “first strike” designation, as officials previously said “countermeasures” would be taken against aircraft incursions but did not specify any particular response.
Chiu said the military would first lock onto incoming drones or planes and issue a warning, and then launch a “defensive counterattack” if the aircraft remained in the airspace claimed by Taiwan.
Pressed on whether that would mean Beijing and Taipei “going to war,” the defense chief answered “Yes, in which case the situation would be very serious,” adding “This is why the military has been exercising self-restraint and does not pull the trigger recklessly.”
Chiu first discussed the update to the island’s security policy during a legislative session last week, explaining that while a “first strike” was previously defined as artillery or missile attacks, Chinese drone flights over Taiwanese airspace have increased in frequency and caused “a lot of trouble” in recent months, prompting the change.
The announcement came amid soaring tensions between Beijing and the self-governing island, with hostilities spiking in August after a high-profile visit to Taipei by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. China responded with a series of unprecedented military exercises around Taiwan’s waters and airspace, including a rehearsal for a full “blockade,” triggering vocal condemnation from Washington.
Taiwan, which officially refers to itself as the ‘Republic of China,’ has been self-governed since 1949, though has never gained independence from the mainland and few countries recognize it as a sovereign nation. Beijing considers the island a part of its territory under the One-China policy, and while the People’s Republic has repeatedly stated its intent to peacefully reunite with Taiwan, it has not ruled out a military solution to the issue.
#Taiwan MoD has proposed a 13.9% increase in military spending by 2023, the island agency CNA reported in the last few hours.
The Taiwanese legislature will review the proposal next week and, if the defense portfolio accounts are approved, military spending would increase to 18.59 BILLION dollars (18.3 billion dollars, 18.59 billion euros) and would represent approximately 2.4 % of the island's GDP, 0.2 percentage points above the proportion it represents in this year's budget.
Of the game, 181,000 million Taiwanese dollars (5,660 million dollars, 5,740 million euros), almost a third (30.7%), would go to the salaries and pensions of military personnel and for the training and retention of talent in the Armed Forces, explained the ministry.
The second section that would take more resources would be logistics and maintenance, with 89,800 million Taiwanese dollars (2,810 million dollars, 2,850 million euros).
The Taiwanese legislature will review the proposal next week and, if the defense portfolio accounts are approved, military spending would increase to 18.59 BILLION dollars (18.3 billion dollars, 18.59 billion euros) and would represent approximately 2.4 % of the island's GDP, 0.2 percentage points above the proportion it represents in this year's budget.
Of the game, 181,000 million Taiwanese dollars (5,660 million dollars, 5,740 million euros), almost a third (30.7%), would go to the salaries and pensions of military personnel and for the training and retention of talent in the Armed Forces, explained the ministry.
The second section that would take more resources would be logistics and maintenance, with 89,800 million Taiwanese dollars (2,810 million dollars, 2,850 million euros).
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Four #Taiwan service members who last week uploaded videos to TikTok of themselves dancing in their barracks at an army base in northern Taiwan have been discharged, a Ministry of National Defense official said on Monday.
The United States authorized on December 7 the sale of aircraft parts and equipment to #Taiwan for an amount of 330 million dollars, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency reported.
According #Taiwan MoD China sent 71 aircraft and 7 ships to the outskirts of the island, 47 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait.