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French overwhelmingly support Taiwan 

The findings reflect robust support for Taiwan’s democratic values, despite China’s persistent claims and threats regarding the island nation…reports Asian Lite News

A majority of French respondents believe Taiwan’s future should be decided by its people, according to an annual survey conducted by the Descartes Foundation and the Institute of Advanced Studies in National Defence, Taipei Times reported. 

The findings reflect robust support for Taiwan’s democratic values, despite China’s persistent claims and threats regarding the island nation. The survey, part of a 103-page report on public perceptions of global conflicts, provides valuable insight into the French public’s stance on international issues. 

The survey, conducted in August, involved 4,000 French participants who were asked about their views on four major geopolitical conflicts: the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas conflict, tensions between France and Mali, and the rising hostilities in the Taiwan Strait. 

Laurent Cordonier, research director at the Descartes Foundation and the head of the study, said the report explored the impact of foreign information manipulation and interference, particularly how aggressors in international conflicts shape narratives to rationalise their actions. 

For the Taiwan Strait issue, respondents were presented with statements reflecting both Chinese and Taiwanese perspectives. From China’s side, the survey cited three statements: “By supporting the Taiwan government, the US and other Western powers illegally intervene in China’s internal affairs”; 

“Taiwan has historically belonged to China and is part of China’s territory”; and “Only the Chinese government has the right to decide Taiwan’s future.” 

The findings revealed limited support for these views among French respondents. Only 28.4 per cent agreed to some extent with the first statement, while 46.7 per cent disagreed. Similarly, 20.3 per cent agreed with the second statement, and 48.4 per cent disagreed. The third statement saw the lowest agreement, with just 11 per cent expressing support, while 72.2 per cent rejected it outright. 

In contrast, the Taiwanese government’s statements received overwhelming support. The first statement–“It is the people of Taiwan, not the Chinese government, who can freely and democratically determine Taiwan’s future”–resonated with 79.5 per cent of respondents, while only 6.2 per cent disagreed, reported Taipei Times. 

The second statement, which emphasised Taiwan’s autonomy as crucial to safeguarding democratic values, was backed by 72.9 per cent of respondents, with only 7.7 per cent opposing it. The third statement, highlighting that Taiwan has never been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party and denouncing China’s attempts at unification by force, also found strong support, with 69 per cent agreeing and just 8.3 per cent disagreeing. 

Cordonier noted that the results highlight a clear preference among French respondents for Taiwan’s right to self-determination, with levels of support surpassing even those for Ukraine in its war with Russia. This reflects the French public’s broader alignment with democratic values and scepticism toward authoritarian regimes. 

The survey also examined how respondents view various nations involved in current conflicts. Taiwan received a relatively positive impression from 57.7 per cent of participants, while only 14.5 per cent viewed it negatively. In contrast, Russia held the worst reputation among surveyed countries, with China ranking third-worst. 

The findings also explored demographic and political patterns in the responses. Older respondents, particularly those aged 65 and above, were more likely to support democratic nations like Taiwan and oppose authoritarian states. 

Politically, centrist voters showed the highest levels of support for Taiwan, while far-left and far-right voters were more sympathetic to China. Additionally, the sources of news played a role in shaping opinions. 

Those favouring democracies tended to rely on professional and international media, while those expressing support for authoritarian states often consumed news from social media and platforms like YouTube, Taipei Times reported. 

The survey further asked respondents about France’s potential role in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan. More than half (56.5 per cent) said France should diplomatically support Taiwan and condemn Chinese aggression. However, only 16.8 per cent supported sending French troops to help defend the island. Meanwhile, 39.3 per cent agreed that France should do nothing if China attacks Taiwan, while 40.5 per cent disagreed. 

The findings, Cordonier said, provide a deeper understanding of public opinion on global conflicts, revealing robust support for self-determination and scepticism toward narratives crafted by authoritarian regimes. (ANI) 

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Czech Parliament adopts resolution backing Taiwan 

The resolution directly challenges Beijing’s use of UN Resolution 2758 to justify its sovereignty claim over Taiwan, rejecting what it describes as a distortion of the resolution’s original intent….reports Asian Lite News

On December 12, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Czech Chamber of Deputies adopted a resolution addressing the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) misinterpretation of United Nations Resolution 2758 and reaffirming support for Taiwan’s participation in international organisations, an official press release by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) stated. 

The resolution, which received strong cross-party backing, was led by IPAC Czechia Co-Chair Rep. Eva Decroix, with support from committee members Hayato Okamura MP and Helena Langsadlova MP. 

The resolution directly challenges Beijing’s use of UN Resolution 2758 to justify its sovereignty claim over Taiwan, rejecting what it describes as a distortion of the resolution’s original intent. 

It also condemns China’s increasing military provocations in the Taiwan Strait, urging the European Union and its member states to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organisations, stated the press release. 

This move by the Czech Chamber of Deputies is the sixth parliamentary motion passed under the International Parliamentary Alliance on China’s (IPAC) “Initiative 2758.” IPAC’s Initiative 2758, aimed at challenging China’s narrative and boosting Taiwan’s presence in global forums, was endorsed by over 50 members during a meeting in Taipei this July, with Rep. Eva Decroix among the signatories. 

The resolution adds to similar motions passed by other countries and regions, including Australia, the Netherlands, the EU, Canada, and the United Kingdom, all of which have expressed support for Taiwan. 

Reflecting on the resolution’s passage, IPAC Czech Chairman Rep. Eva Decroix stated, “This resolution sends a clear message: Taiwan’s security is integral to upholding a rules-based international system. PRC’s military provocations and its attempts to misinterpret UN resolutions to suit its narrative must be called out, and I am proud that the Czech Parliament took a stand on this issue today.” 

Beijing has long maintained its goal of reunification with Taiwan, employing diplomatic, economic, and military pressure to isolate Taiwan internationally. 

Despite these efforts, Taiwan continues to maintain its independence, supported by a significant portion of its population. (ANI) 

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US delivers first batch of Abrams tanks to Taiwan 

This marks the first new tank acquisition for Taiwan in three decades, with the remaining units expected by 2025 and 2026….reports Asian Lite News

Taiwan has taken delivery of 38 advanced M1A2 Abrams battle tanks from the United States, marking a significant step in modernising its military capabilities amidst growing tensions with China. 

The tanks, part of a 108-unit order placed in 2019, arrived on the island late Sunday and were transferred to an army training base in Hsinchu, the defence ministry confirmed on Monday. 

This marks the first new tank acquisition for Taiwan in three decades, with the remaining units expected by 2025 and 2026. 

The Abrams tanks, renowned for their durability and advanced features, represent a major upgrade for Taiwan’s military. 

The island’s current tank fleet consists of around 1,000 aging Taiwan-made CM 11 Brave Tiger and US-made M60A3 tanks, which are becoming increasingly outdated. 

The procurement of the Abrams tanks, at a cost exceeding $1.2 billion, underscores Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to enhance its defence posture against the looming threat of a Chinese invasion. 

China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province, has intensified military pressure on the self-governed island, frequently deploying warships and fighter jets near its borders. 

Last week, Taiwan reported large-scale maritime drills by China, involving approximately 90 ships simulating blockades and attacks on foreign vessels. 

Taiwan remains heavily reliant on US arms sales to bolster its defence, despite maintaining a robust homegrown defence industry. 

However, a backlog in US arms deliveries, exacerbated by Covid-19 supply chain disruptions and priority shipments to Ukraine and Israel, has delayed some orders. 

The backlog now exceeds $21 billion, according to the Cato Institute. 

In response to rising tensions, Taiwan has ramped up its military spending, allocating a record $19 billion for defence in 2024. 

The investment reflects Taiwan’s strategic focus on fortifying its defences and maintaining readiness against potential aggression from China. 

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Taiwan defence funding gets House nod

Indian-American in House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries' team.

The bill, passed in a 281-140 vote on Wednesday, aims to support Taiwan’s self-defence initiatives amid rising tensions in the region…reports Asian Lite News

The House of Representatives has approved a $895 billion National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), which includes provisions to enhance Taiwan’s defence capabilities with up to $300 million in military articles and training.

The bill, passed in a 281-140 vote on Wednesday, aims to support Taiwan’s self-defence initiatives amid rising tensions in the region.

The NDAA includes the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative, designed to help Taiwan maintain its self-defence capabilities. US Representative Jack Bergman, chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, called the bill “critically important” in ensuring Taiwan’s ability to defend itself. He emphasised that the act would significantly contribute to Taiwan’s defence infrastructure.

In addition, Representative John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the US and the Chinese Communist Party, highlighted the inclusion of a study on defence industrial agreements with Taiwan.

“The bill requires a feasibility study of entering into defence industrial agreements with Taiwan to promote lethality and supply chain resilience,” Moolenaar said.

The NDAA authorises the Pentagon to provide Taiwan with military assistance in key areas such as anti-tank and anti-ship missiles, uncrewed aerial vehicles, long-range precision weapons, cyber defence, electronic warfare, and integrated air and missile defence systems. This funding is also intended for critical combat training, secure communications equipment, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support, reported Taipei Times.

To speed up the delivery of arms, the bill directs the US State and Defence departments to provide Taiwan with defence articles directly from US inventories and to supply foreign partners with the necessary materials to replenish their own stocks used in supporting Taiwan.

The bill also establishes a partnership program between the US and Taiwan in military trauma care, mental health conditions associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, and amputee care. In a related move, the bill proposes inviting Taiwan’s naval forces to participate in the next year’s Rim of the Pacific exercise, though this is a non-binding suggestion.

Additionally, the bill incorporates the BOLSTER Act, aimed at coordinating plans with European allies in response to any attempts by China to overthrow Taiwan’s government or block its access to the region. The NDAA also includes provisions for responses to potential cyberattacks on Taiwan or a naval blockade, Taipei Times reported.

To assess the impact of Chinese military actions, the bill requires the US president to submit reports on the expected economic consequences of a 30-day and 180-day blockade or quarantine of Taiwan by the People’s Liberation Army.

With the approval of both the US Senate and House, the NDAA is now one step closer to becoming law, pending the signature of the US president. However, the bill’s implementation also depends on the passage of a separate appropriations bill.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) on Friday released a rousing video highlighting Taiwan’s defence capabilities and informing of the threat posed by the Chinese military to Taiwan.

The video was shared by the Taiwanese Defence Ministry through a post on X.

“The threat posed by #PLA to Taiwan and the region has escalated from coercion to directly affecting the First Island Chain, undermining the rules-based international order. #ROCArmedForces continue to forge our capabilities and deter war”, the MND said.

The video showcased Taiwan’s defence capabilities, its weapons and the armed forces personnel in action, preparing and training.

“PRC has jeopardised the peace with its military threat, challenged the rule-based international order. Its action will never earn the approval from the international community”, the video noted.

“To safeguard our territory, and sovereignty, and maintain regional security, the R.O.C. Armed Forces closely monitor our adversary and has adjusted reactions accordingly. We train at the moment, we face our opponent and keep up our work in force buildup. We forge our capabilities in rigorous training. Our faith is from our strength. We stand firmly to safeguard our national security”, the video said.

The video comes after the Chinese incursions near Taiwan’s territory have seen an uptick in recent times.

On Saturday, the MND reported that 12 Chinese military aircraft, 14 naval vessels and 9 official ships were detected operating near Taiwan until 6 am (local time). The details were shared by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) in a post on X.

Earlier on Wednesday in a post on X, the MND said, “Confronting normalized #PLA provocations, apathy is not an option. #ROCArmedForces seize every training opportunity!”

Taiwan-China issue is a complex and longstanding geopolitical conflict centred on Taiwan’s sovereignty. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), operates its own government, military, and economy, functioning as a de facto independent state.

However, China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and insists on the “One China” policy, which asserts that there is only one China, with Beijing as its capital.

This has fuelled decades of tension, especially since the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949), when the ROC government retreated to Taiwan after the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, took control of mainland China. Beijing has consistently expressed its goal of reunification with Taiwan, using diplomatic, economic, and military pressure to isolate Taiwan internationally. Meanwhile, Taiwan, supported by a significant portion of its population, continues to maintain its independence

ALSO READ-Taiwan urges China to stop “provocative behaviour” 

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Taiwan urges China to stop “provocative behaviour” 

Till the very fag end of the year, the US intent has been to deter China from crossing the Rubicon - of using military force to settle maritime disputes with its neighbours, including Taiwan. (Twitter/@stennis74)

Taiwan Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo said Lai Ching-te’s recent visit to diplomatic allies was a common practice of Taiwan presidents…reports Asian Lite News

Taiwan’s government on Wednesday urged China to stop what it labelled “proactive behavior,” referring to a rise in Chinese military activity around the country after President Lai Ching-te’s first overseas trip, Central News Agency (CNA) reported. 

Taiwan Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo said Lai Ching-te’s recent visit to diplomatic allies was a common practice of Taiwan presidents. Kuo said China should not use routine international exchange as an excuse to launch “provocative” action and urged Beijing to stop, according to CNA report. 

She stressed China’s behavior “blatantly jeopardized the Indo-Pacific region’s security and stability and destabilized global peace.” Kuo assured the people of Taiwan that the nation’s armed forces had a grip on the situation and would work to safeguard the national security amid the “provocation.” 

She made the statement after China designated seven areas off the coast of Zhejiang and Fujian provinces as “temporary reserved areas” of airspace from Monday until Wednesday. This typically showcases that military activities will take place, Central News Agency (CNA) reported. 

Her statement comes after defence officials in Taiwan said that China has deployed approximately 90 naval and coast guard vessels in waters stretching from islands in the south of Japan to the South China Sea, this massive deployment is the largest in nearly three decades, VOA reported. 

Taiwan officials stated that this move ‘appears to be a military exercise.’ However, China has not yet commented on the movements or confirmed it is conducting exercises, as per VOA News report. 

While addressing the regular press briefing on Tuesday, Taiwanese defence officials said “Beijing’s operation is not only targeting Taipei but aimed at demonstrating its ability to prevent regional countries, including Japan and the Philippines, from coming to the island’s defence.” 

“The current scale is the largest compared to the previous four [Chinese war games],” Taiwanese Defence Ministry spokesperson Sun Li-fang stated. 

In addition to honing its capabilities to deny access to a broad swath around the island, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said China is also forming two “walls” in the western Pacific, deploying large numbers of vessels to the eastern end of Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone and an area further out in the Pacific. 

Speaking to reporters, Taiwanese defence official Hsieh said, “With these two walls, they are sending a clear message: The Taiwan Strait is their internal waters, and cross-strait issues should be handled by the People’s Liberation Army [PLA] and the People’s Republic of China.” 

Taiwan has been preparing for a potential Chinese military exercise around the island since President Lai Ching-te set off on his first overseas trip to the Pacific region, which included stopovers in the US territory of Guam and state of Hawaii, on November 30. 

China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and insists on the “One China” policy, which asserts that there is only one China, with Beijing as its capital. Beijing has consistently expressed its goal of reunification with Taiwan, using diplomatic, economic, and military pressure to isolate Taiwan internationally. However, Taiwan, supported by a significant portion of its population, continues to maintain its independence. (ANI) 

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Taiwan reports 14 Chinese warships near island 

Till the very fag end of the year, the US intent has been to deter China from crossing the Rubicon - of using military force to settle maritime disputes with its neighbours, including Taiwan. (Twitter/@stennis74)

China’s military activities come amid speculation Beijing might organise military drills around the island in response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s recent visit to Pacific allies…reports Asian Lite News

China sent 14 warships, seven military aircraft and four balloons near Taiwan between Saturday and Sunday, according to Taiwan’s Defence Ministry, as Beijing ramps up pressure on the island it claims as its own. 

China’s military activities come amid speculation Beijing might organise military drills around the island in response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s recent visit to Pacific allies, including US stops in Hawaii and Guam. 

China claims Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy of 23 million people, as its own territory, and bristles at other countries’ formal exchanges with Taiwan. The United States, like most countries, doesn’t recognize Taiwan as a country but is its main unofficial backer and sells it arms. 

The Chinese government has pledged to annex Taiwan, through military force if necessary, and sends ships and military planes near the island almost daily. 

The 14 warships, seven military planes and four balloons were reported over 24 hours between 6 am on Saturday and 6 am on Sunday, according to Taiwan’s Defence Ministry. The ministry said six of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial demarcation zone between Taiwan and China. 

One of the balloons brushed over the island’s northern tip, according to the ministry. 

Lai on Friday called on China to refrain from threats and said Beijing’s military exercises “will not be able to win the respect” of neighbouring countries. 

Lai’s first overseas trip since taking office in May included visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau, three of the 12 countries that have diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The rest of the world, including the US, has official ties with China. 

Lai’s stops in Hawaii and Guam — from where he had phone calls with US Congress leaders — angered China, which opposes US arms sales and military assistance to Taiwan. 

There was widespread speculation China might organize war games around Taiwan in response to the visit, though it was unclear when they might start. 

In October, China held drills around Taiwan involving a record one-day total of 153 aircraft, 14 navy vessels and 12 Chinese government ships in response to a Lai speech in which he rejected Beijing’s claims over Taiwan. Beijing has labelled Lai a separatist and refuses to speak to him. 

Ma Ying-jeou foundation could face ban 

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated that the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation could face a ban of six months to five years for inviting Chinese delegations to Taiwan due to its improper handling of an incident involving a Chinese student group. 

In a December 1 interview, a member of the group, which was invited by the foundation established by former President Ma Ying-jeou for a nine-day exchange trip, referred to Taiwan’s national baseball team officially known as “Chinese Taipei” as the “China Taipei team” while congratulating them on their victory in the WBSC Premier12 Championship, Central News Agency (CNA) reported. 

The comments triggered controversy in Taiwan, with lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) criticizing them as “diminishing Taiwan’s status,” while legislators from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) defended them as a common expression that should be respected. 

Liang Wen-chieh , deputy head and spokesperson of the MAC, stated that the delegation might have breached several provisions under Paragraph 1 of Article 16 of the “Regulations Governing the Approval of Entry of People from the Mainland Area into Taiwan Area,” Central News Agency (CNA) reported. 

One of the provisions stipulates that if the inviting organization is found to have hosted “individuals from the Mainland Area whose actions or activities in Taiwan are deemed to pose a significant threat to national security or social stability,” their applications may be denied for a specified period, depending on the severity of the situation. 

Liang stated that the MAC will “soon” gather relevant agencies to decide on potential administrative penalties related to the incident, which could include a ban on the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation inviting delegations from China for exchanges for a period ranging from six months to five years, according to CNA report. 

Liang stated that “China Taipei” carries a significant political implication that the people of Taiwan cannot accept, adding, “I believe former President Ma Ying-jeou would not have tolerated the term ‘China Taipei’ during his presidency.” 

According to Liang, the incident escalated over the past few days, eventually heightening social tensions on the campus of National Tsing Hua University on Wednesday, where some people displayed the national flag of Taiwan, while others held the national flags of China, CNA reported. 

Meanwhile, Ma Ying-jeou Foundation CEO Hsiao Hsu-tsen, who bid farewell to the Chinese students at Taoyuan International Airport on Thursday morning, told the press that a five-year penalty imposed by the MAC would not only affect the foundation but also create a chilling effect on other organizations. He urged the MAC to refrain from adopting a “martial law mentality” that would hinder cross-strait exchanges. (ANI) 

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Taiwan’s ex-President calls for continued support for peace 

The former president noted the frequent reaffirmations that regional stability is essential to global peace and prosperity in G7 and EU summits…reports Asian Lite News

Former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen called for continued support for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait on Saturday (local time), Taiwan News reported, quoting CNA. 

While addressing Halifax International Security Forum (HISF), Tsai thanked the democratic community for its contributions and consistent support for peace in the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan News reported, quoting CNA. 

The former president noted the frequent reaffirmations that regional stability is essential to global peace and prosperity in G7 and EU summits. Tsai also thanked nations that are in favour of upholding freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. Such actions are crucial for Taiwan’s safety and the broader international free trade system, she said. 

Tsai reflected on Taiwan’s resilience over the past half-century amid challenges posed by China. 

“Provocations and changing information environments have only made Taiwanese society more pragmatic,” she said. 

As Taiwan strengthens its defence, it remains committed to working with regional stakeholders to find peaceful solutions and establish long-term stability, Taiwan News. 

The former president announced that the next HISF would be held in Taiwan next year. Taiwan looks forward to collaborating with all who share our vision and values, she said. 

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude towards the US, Japan, and Australia for their joint statement calling for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan News reported. 

This statement followed the 14th Trilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting (TDMM) in Darwin, Australia, where defence ministers from the three nations, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Japanese Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen, and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III reaffirmed their commitment to regional security. 

Taiwan Presidential Office Spokesperson shared the joint statment on X, and wrote, “Presidential Office responds to joint statement following trilateral meeting of US, Japanese, and Australian defence ministers.” (ANI) 

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Taiwan may gain NATO-Plus weapons access from US 

In its annual report, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) put forward two recommendations concerning Taiwan, with one major proposal being an amendment to the Arms Export Control Act…reports Asian Lite News

On Tuesday, November 19, a U.S. congressional commission recommended a legal change that would allow Taiwan to receive the same arms sales status as NATO Plus countries. 

In its annual report, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) put forward two recommendations concerning Taiwan, with one major proposal being an amendment to the Arms Export Control Act, as reported by Taiwan News. 

The 793-page report covers topics including U.S.-China trade relations, security issues, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. In the section on Taiwan, it proposed amending the 1976 Arms Export Control Act to upgrade Taiwan’s status for military sales, placing it on par with NATO Plus countries such as Japan, Australia, South Korea, Israel, and New Zealand. 

According to the report, if the amendment is approved, U.S. military sales to Taiwan would only require congressional approval for deals exceeding $25 million (NT$893 million), up from the current $14 million threshold. 

Additionally, the report proposes the creation of a “Taiwan Allies Fund” by the U.S. Congress to support countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan. These nations could receive up to 15% of the fund each year, but any country that severs ties with Taiwan would immediately become ineligible for assistance. 

The report also highlights that Taiwan continues to be a “potential flashpoint for conflict with China.” The USCC noted that China persistently aims to annex Taiwan through various methods, ranging from “information operations to influence Taiwan’s public opinion to the use of military force.” 

While President Lai Ching-te’s administration plans to address China’s military threat with asymmetric defense strategies, the report states that China’s gray zone military activities near Taiwan have created difficulties. 

The authors of the report believe this will compel Taiwan to decide between countering these activities or prioritizing defense against a potential invasion. The USCC recommends that the U.S. support Taiwan in countering China’s gray zone military activities and supply the necessary weaponry for asymmetric warfare. However, it also notes that Taiwan faces challenges in rapidly arming itself due to limitations within the U.S. defense industrial base and long delivery timelines. 

As a result, the USCC stated that Taiwan will remain dependent on U.S. deterrence as the People’s Liberation Army approaches its “2027 and mid-century modernization objectives.” Even if an invasion is successfully deterred, the report cautioned that China is still working to develop the ability to isolate or blockade Taiwan. (ANI) 

Taiwan decries China’s ‘disinfo’ warfare 

Singapore has a “one-China policy” and has not followed China’s “one-China principle” stated a top Taiwanese diplomat on Wednesday reacting to an “errorneous” statement by China’s foreign ministry, local media reported. 

A report in Focus Taiwan cited Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang as saying that “it has been a longstanding practice for China to speak on other countries’ behalf concerning Taiwan.” 

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on November 16 said China had issued an “unmistakable false” statement concerning Taiwan after Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on November 15 on the sidelines of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru. 

The Chinese foreign ministry had released a statement after the meeting stating that “Singapore fully understands the Chinese government’s position on the Taiwan question, opposes any form of ‘Taiwan independence,’ and firmly abides by the one-China principle.” However, a statement issued by Singapore’s foreign ministry after the same meeting stated that “Singapore has a clear and consistent ‘One China’ policy and is opposed to Taiwan independence.” 

Focus Taiwan cited minister Tien as saying that the difference between the two statements and Beijing replacing the phrase one-China “policy” with “principle” was further proof of “disinformation warfare” by China. 

The Taiwanese foreign ministry has urged the international community to denounce “China’s unilateral and deliberate bullying practices that undermine regional peace and stability.” 

The Taiwanese MOFA also condemned China for using APEC and other international forums to “spread falsehoods that belittle Taiwan’s sovereignty” and mislead international public opinion. 

China has heightened its military activity around Taiwan since September 2020, deploying aircraft and naval vessels and employing grey zone tactics to achieve its security objectives. (ANI) 

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Taiwan opposes Singapore’s stance on One-China policy 

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Wong and Xi discussed regional and international issues, including developments in the Taiwan Strait…reports Asian Lite News

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reaffirmed the country’s “One China” policy during talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting on Friday, Taiwan News reported on Monday. 

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Wong and Xi discussed regional and international issues, including developments in the Taiwan Strait. According to the ministry, “Singapore has a clear and consistent ‘One China’ policy and is opposed to Taiwan independence,” as quoted by Taiwan News. 

China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency cited Wong as emphasising the mutually beneficial nature of Singapore-China relations, which are based on respect and trust. It reported that Wong said, “His country fully understands the Chinese government’s position on the Taiwan question, opposes any form of ‘Taiwan independence,’ and firmly abides by the One China principle.” 

The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemned China for using APEC and other international forums to “spread falsehoods that belittle Taiwan’s sovereignty” and mislead international public opinion. The ministry disputed Beijing’s interpretation of Wong’s remarks on Taiwan. 

After confirming with Singapore, MOFA stated that Wong did not use the specific language reported by China. The ministry urged the international community to denounce “China’s unilateral and deliberate bullying practices that undermine regional peace and stability,” as reported by Taiwan News. 

China has heightened its military activity around Taiwan since September 2020, deploying aircraft and naval vessels and employing grey zone tactics to achieve its security objectives. 

Meanwhile, Japan views Taiwan’s existence as “very, very important,” according to Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chief Representative Kazuyuki Katayama in an interview with Liberty Times (Taipei Times). 

Katayama underscored the strategic and economic importance of the Taiwan-Japan relationship, highlighting shared values such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. He noted strong economic ties between the two nations, particularly in agricultural and animal husbandry trade. Taiwan has eased restrictions on Japanese agricultural products, while Japan has recently started importing Taiwan-raised brown-marbled grouper and pitaya. (ANI) 

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Trump’s NSA pick Waltz pushes arms support for Taiwan 

Waltz, considered a China hawk, serves on the House China Task Force, and is a member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus…reports Asian Lite News

United States President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for national security advisor, Mike Waltz raised concerns over Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific and said that Beijing’s takeover of Taiwan would mean that Beijing would get control of over 80 per cent of world’s most advanced computer chips, Taiwan News reported. 

“Not only would they control 80 per cent of the world’s most advanced computer chips, if you look at the geography they would control the shipping lanes into Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, about 50 per cent of global GDP,” Waltz said. 

Last week, Trump tapped Representative Mike Waltz to serve as his national security advisor. 

Waltz, considered a China hawk, serves on the House China Task Force, and is a member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus. Further, Waltz also stressed Taiwan’s strategic importance and the need to arm the country to deter a Chinese invasion. 

During a recent promotion event for his book at the Reagan Foundation in California, Waltz highlighted Taiwan’s strategic importance. 

He also shared insights on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, revealing that Kyiv requested weapons from the Biden administration a month before Russia’s invasion in 2022 to deter Putin, but it refused, as reported by Taiwan News. 

He said the reason by the White House was that the weapons delivery would be too provocative and escalatory, providing Putin with an excuse to invade. 

Waltz said the Biden administration is “applying the same mentality to Taiwan right now.” He further added that its premise is that the US should not arm Taiwan because it would provoke Chinese leader Xi Jinping. 

Referring to these actions as weakness, Waltz called them the “exact provocative action.” He accused the Biden administration of having “slow rolled us” into a stalemate by gradually allowing weapons into Ukraine, thus not enabling them to have a decisive effect. 

Meanwhile, every day Taiwan reports an increased Chinese military presence around it. 

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported Chinese military activity on Monday and detected six aircraft and as many vessels. 

The Ministry of Defence stated that the aircraft and vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 am (UTC+8). Two of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ. 

Notably, From May to November last year, Chinese aircraft intruded into Taiwan’s ADIZ 335 times, Ministry of National Defence data showed. In the same time this year, China entered the airspace at least 1,085 times, as per Taipei Times. (ANI) 

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