Tag: taiwan

Minister Koo acknowledged the delays were indeed caused by the weapons’ failure to meet required US Army standards initially….reports Asian Lite News

Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo announced on Monday that the island nation is set to receive all 1,700 TOW 2B anti-tank missiles and 100 launchers purchased from the United States by the end of this year, following a two-year delay, Focus Taiwan reported.

The timeline update came during a legislative session in response to queries from ruling Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker Wang Ting-yu about the delivery schedule.

Originally allocated NTD11.81 billion (USD364 million) over the fiscal years 2018-2025 for the procurement, Taiwan had expected delivery to commence in 2022 but faced setbacks. According to Wang, Taiwan has yet to receive any missiles as per the original schedule due to failed US Army tests.

Minister Koo acknowledged the delays were indeed caused by the weapons’ failure to meet required US Army standards initially. However, he assured that all necessary tests have now been successfully passed, ensuring delivery before year-end, as reported by Focus Taiwan.

Highlighting the significance of the acquisition, Koo mentioned the TOW 2B anti-tank missiles and launchers are part of three major arms packages purchased from the US, all of which have encountered significant delays.

Among these packages are 66 F-16V fighter jets and AGM-154 air-to-ground missile systems renowned for their precision in strikes against surface targets. Koo disclosed that Taiwan anticipates receiving two F-16V prototypes for further flight tests by the fourth quarter of this year, with a request to receive all 66 by the end of 2026.

Regarding the AGM-154s, Koo did not specify the quantity purchased or the expected delivery timeline.

Describing the capabilities of the TOW 2B missiles, an unnamed military source explained they are designed to target the vulnerable tops of armored vehicles, enhancing Taiwan’s defensive capabilities in potential invasion scenarios.

During a visit to Taiwan in May, Michael McCaul, chair of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, cited approximately USD20 billion worth of pending arms sales to Taiwan, attributing delays primarily to industry-related issues, Focus Taiwan reported.

Allegation: Chinese influence

The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) of Taiwan issued a stern warning, cautioning against the formation of political entities under foreign influences. This advisory follows allegations that a Chinese entity attempted to recruit Taiwanese celebrities to establish a political party, Focus Taiwan reported.

Taiwanese have the right to form political parties but cannot accept instructions or funding from foreign forces to develop parties, as this would violate the National Security Act and the Anti-Infiltration Act, the MOI said in a statement.

The statement was prompted by social media posts made by Taiwanese singer R-chord on June 14 and actress Alexis Ho on June 15. These posts detailed efforts by Beijing Ciguang Film and Television Media Co, Ltd, a Chinese company, to recruit them via email for pro-China activities.

Screenshots of the emails revealed that the artists were invited to release a statement titled “Establish a new type of cross-strait relations” on their Facebook pages, after which they would be appointed as vice chairpersons of a purported “Taiwan Pro-Peace Party.” The correspondence also promised lucrative employment opportunities with an annual income exceeding NTD10 million (USD308,950), projecting recruitment of at least 1,000 founding members for the party, as reported by Focus Taiwan.

According to information sourced from the Chinese business inquiry platform “AiQicha,” Beijing Ciguang Film and Television Media Co, Ltd was founded in February 2023 with a registered capital of 90 million Chinese yuan (approximately USD12.4 million). The company’s declared business activities primarily involve film and television production, as well as organising cultural and artistic exchanges.

As of the latest update, the MOI’s political party information website does not list any entity named the “Taiwan Pro-Peace Party,” underscoring the lack of official recognition for such an organisation within Taiwan’s political framework.

Highlighting broader concerns, the MOI referenced previous instances where political parties in Taiwan were suspected of receiving directives and financial backing from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Notably, leaders or officials associated with the Republican Party and the Taiwan People’s Communist Party have faced allegations of promoting specific electoral candidates under CCP influence.

The National Security Act, under Article 2, explicitly prohibits individuals from engaging in activities that involve initiating, financing, manipulating, or developing organisations on behalf of foreign countries, including China, Hong Kong, Macau, or entities deemed hostile to Taiwan’s interests.

Similarly, Article 3 of the Anti-Infiltration Act prohibits individuals from making political contributions or donations linked to referendum activities if such actions are influenced, commissioned, or funded by sources associated with foreign infiltration, Focus Taiwan reported. (ANI)

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Beijing emphasised that both sides of the Taiwan Straits are part of one China, with Taiwan being an integral component….reports Asian Lite News

During a routine press briefing in Beijing, Chen Bihua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, reiterated China’s stance that Taiwan has never been an independent country and never will be.

He emphasised that both sides of the Taiwan Straits are part of one China, with Taiwan being an integral component.

Chen strongly opposed any military interactions between nations recognising China and Taiwan, including the sale of arms.

He called on the United States to uphold the One-China principle and cease actions such as arms sales and military support that could be seen as backing pro-independence groups in Taiwan.

For decades, China has warned against military support for Taiwan by countries that recognize the One-China Policy, viewing such actions as interference in its internal affairs and a threat to its territorial integrity. The One-China Policy, a foundational element of Chinese foreign policy, maintains that there exists a singular Chinese nation and includes Taiwan as an integral component.

In recent years, tensions between China and Taiwan have been heightened by various factors, including Taiwan’s increasing international presence and calls for greater independence from Beijing.

The United States, along with several other countries, maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan and has provided it with military support, which China views as interference in its internal affairs.

US’ ‘Hellscape Strategy’

To thwart President Xi Jinping’s plan of invasion of Taiwan which China’s President has asked the People’s Liberation Army to do by 2027, the US military is ready with its strategy of turning the Taiwan Strait into an unmanned hellscape using a number of classified capabilities, a Washington Post columnist said.

“I want to turn the Taiwan Strait into an unmanned hellscape using a number of classified capabilities,” Adm. Samuel Paparo, the commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, told The Washington Post at the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Shangri-La Dialogue Summit.

The key to thwarting Xi’s assumed strategy is a U.S. strategy called “Hellscape,” Paparo told me. The idea is that as soon as China’s invasion fleet begins moving across the 100-mile waterway that separates China and Taiwan, the U.S. military would deploy thousands of unmanned submarines, unmanned surface ships and aerial drones to flood the area and give Taiwanese, U.S. and partner forces time to mount a full response.

In doing so, he said, “I can make their lives utterly miserable for a month, which buys me the time for the rest of everything.”

According to the top US military official, That plan hinges on quickly building and deploying thousands of new drones that would swarm the Taiwan Strait and keep China’s military busy until more help can arrive.

This type of strategy would require heavy investments in cheap, reliable drones, which the US has been doing with its Replicator initiative.

Last year, the Department of Defence officially announced the program, which is a long-term plan to field thousands of autonomous systems.

Moreover in an Interview with Washington Post, Adm. Samuel Paparo, the new head of US Indo-Pacific Command said, “For any US president, to send American men and women to defend a small democracy on the other side of the world would be a very tough call.”

“That’s why Plan A is to deter Xi from ever attempting an invasion, by making sure that he never looks across the Taiwan Strait and sees an easy victory.” he added. (ANI)

China ups military activity near Taiwan territory

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) has said that it has tracked 23 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels operating around the island country from 6 am (local time) on Wednesday to 6 am (local time) on Thursday.

Of the 23 Chinese military aircraft, 19 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southwest and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response to China’s action, Taiwanese armed forces sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor China’s activity.

In a post on X, Taiwan’s MND stated, “23 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around #Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 19 of the aircraft crossed the median line of #Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s SW and eastern ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

So far in June, Taiwan has detected Chinese military aircraft near its territory 132 times and naval/coast guard vessels 109 times, Taiwan News reported. Since September 2020, China has intensified its use of gray zone tactics by increasing the number of military aircraft and naval ships operating near Taiwan.

According to Taiwan News report, gray zone tactics are termed as “an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one’s security objectives without resort to direct and sizable use of force.”

This latest incident adds to a series of similar provocations by China in recent months. China has increased its military activities around Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, has long been a contentious issue in China’s foreign policy. China continues to assert its sovereignty over Taiwan and considers it a part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary.

On June 12, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) has said that 13 Chinese military aircraft and nine Chinese naval vessels were detected operating around Taiwan from 6 am (local time) on Tuesday to 9 am (local time) on Wednesday.

Of the 13 Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 9 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the Southwest and Southeast parts of Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to Taiwan’s MND. In response to China’s action, Taiwan’s armed forces monitored the situation and responded accordingly. (ANI)

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An investigation and questioning is underway of the 60-year-old, who Taiwan claimed was an officer in China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy …reports Asian Lite News

A Chinese man who was arrested on Sunday for unlawfully entering Taipei harbour in a speedboat is a former navy commander who may have been on a military probe, Al Jazeera reported.

According to the Taiwan authorities, after travelling in his little boat across the 160 km Taiwan Strait, which divides the island nation from China, the guy was taken into custody by Taiwan’s coast guard.

He told the authorities that he wanted to defect. However, officials said, he might have been gauging Taiwan’s reaction to his strategy.

An investigation and questioning is underway of the 60-year-old, who Taiwan claimed was an officer in China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy with the surname Ruan, reported Al Jazeera on Tuesday.

Kuan Bi-ling, the president of Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council (OAC), who is in charge of the coastguard, told the reporters at parliament that he was “quite elegant and well presented.”

Speaking to reporters, Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo stated that the boat incident might be another instance of China’s “grey zone” operations against the island.

‘Grey Zone tactics’ are referred to as irregular tactics to evaluate an area without engaging in open combat and have included China sending boats and military aircraft above the self-governed island.

Previously, in March, two Taiwanese fishermen entered Chinese territorial seas when they ventured into the area around the Kinmen Islands, which is adjacent to China’s shore. One of the military officers from Taiwan, is still being held captive in China, while the other was freed shortly after, according to Al Jazeera.

The most recent incident occurred while tensions between China and Taiwan were on the rise and there were worries that China may use force to assert its claim on the island.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) has said that 13 Chinese military aircraft and nine Chinese naval vessels were detected operating around Taiwan from 6 am (local time) on Monday to 9 am (local time) on Tuesday.

Of the 13 Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 9 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the Southwest and Southeast parts of Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to Taiwan’s MND. In response to China’s action, Taiwan’s armed forces monitored the situation and responded accordingly.

In a post on X, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence stated, “13 #PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels operating around #Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 9 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the #Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s SW and SE ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

So far in June, Taiwan has detected Chinese military aircraft 109 times and naval/coast guard vessels 102 times, Taiwan News reported. Since September 2020, China has intensified its use of gray zone tactics by increasing the number of military aircraft and naval ships operating around Taiwan. (ANI)

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Some reports have indicated that the incident took place in Nanjing and the tour group was visiting a book fair when the tourist was detained…reports Asian Lite News

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has advised Taiwanese nationals travelling to China to be careful after a citizen travelling with a tour group was briefly detained in China earlier this week, Taiwan News reported.

Taiwan’s MAC said that it is still seeking clarification from China on why the traveller was questioned by Chinese authorities. MAC Chair Chiu Chui-cheng said that Taiwanese visiting China should remember to register on its online platform, Taiwan News, reported citing CNA.

Some reports have indicated that the incident took place in Nanjing and the tour group was visiting a book fair when the tourist was detained, Taiwan News reported.

The traveller, whose name has not been identified, was separated from their tour group and held for a few days before being released, possibly because they had previously worked in an industry that China regards “sensitive.” The traveller has safely returned to Taiwan, Taiwan News reported, citing reports.

It is the first time in 2024 that a member of a Taiwanese tour group has been detained by police in China. On Friday, Chiu said that MAC is still conducting investigation into the details surrounding the incident.

Taiwan’s MAC advised tour groups and guides to immediately report any incidents involving tour members being questioned or detained by Chinese authorities, Taiwan News reported.

The MAC’s advisory comes a week ahead of the Straits Forum, which will be held in Xiamen on June 15. Several Taiwan government officials, including county magistrates from Yunlin and Kinmen, have applied for the MAC’s approval to attend the event.

Recently, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) said that it detected 13 Chinese military aircraft, five naval ships, and four coast guard vessels around Taiwan between 6 am (local time) on Friday to 6 am (local time) on Saturday, Taiwan News reported.

Of the 13 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, six were detected in the southwest and eastern sectors of Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to Taiwan’s MND, according to Taiwan News report.

In retailiation to China’s action, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor Chinese PLA activity. (ANI)

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“Anyone daring to separate Taiwan from China will end up in self-destruction”: China’s Defence Minister warns at Shangri-La Dialogue…reports Asian Lite News

China’s Minister of National Defence Admiral Dong Jun warned “external forces” for emboldening Taiwan Independence separatists in an attempt to contain China with Taiwan and said that these malicious intentions are dragging Taiwan into a dangerous situation.” He said that anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will “end up in self-destruction.”

He accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities of pursuing Taiwan’s separation in an incremental manner and added that they are bent on erasing the Chinese identity of Taiwan.

In his address at Plenary Session 5: China’s Approach to Global Security at Shangri-La Dialogue on Sunday, Dong Jun said, “China always respects the legitimate concerns of other countries and China’s core interests are sacred and inviable to safeguard China’s sovereignty and territorial Integrity is the sacred mission of the Chinese military. The Taiwan question is at the core of China’s core interests and the one-China principle has long become a universally recognised norm governing International relations.”

“But what we are seeing now is that the DPP authorities in Taiwan are pursuing separation in an incremental way. They are bent on erasing the Chinese identity of Taiwan and severing social historical and cultural links across the Taiwan Strait. Those separatists recently made fanatical statements that show their betrayal of the Chinese nation and their ancestors. They will be nailed to the pillar of shame in history,” he added.

Chinese Defence Minister said that some external forces keep “hollowing out” the one-China principle and continue to sell arms to Taiwan. He said that external forces were taking these actions to “Taiwan Independence separatists in an attempt to contain China with Taiwan” and stressed that these intentions are dragging Taiwan into a dangerous situation.

Dong Jun said, “At the same time, some external interfering forces keep hollowing out the one China principle with a salami-slicing strategy they have cooked up Taiwan-related legislation and continued to sell arms to Taiwan and have illegal official contacts with it. In fact, what they are doing is to embolden Taiwan Independence separatists in attempt to contain China with Taiwan. These malicious intentions are dragging Taiwan into a dangerous situation.”

Reiterating that China’s handling of the Taiwan issue is entirely its internal affair, he said, “China’s handling of Taiwan-related issues in accordance with its laws is entirely an internal Affair of China which …. no foreign interference. China stays committed to Peaceful reunification. However, this prospect is increasingly being eroded by separatists for Taiwan Independence and foreign forces.”

“The danger of national division is still there. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army will remain a strong strong force for upholding National reunification. We will take Resolute actions to curb Taiwan Independence and make sure such a plot never succeed. Anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will only end up in self-destruction,” he added.

In response to questions, Dong reiterated China’s position that Taiwan is part of China. Dong’s remarks came a week after China launched a two-day military exercise surrounding Taiwan.

In his address, he also spoke on the South China Sea issue. Without naming a nation, Dong said that a country emboldened by outside powers have broken bilateral agreements and its pown promises. He said that the nation has ignored the overall interests of the region and violated the ASEAN charter.

He noted that China has exercised enough restraint in the face of infringements and provocations on the South China Sea and warned that “there is a limit.”

Chinese Defence Minister said, “I know you have followed closely the South China Sea issue. Thanks to concerted efforts made by countries in the region, the South China Sea has seen overall stability. However, a certain country emboldened by outside powers have broken bilateral agreements and its own promises made premediated provocations and created force scenario to mislead the public. Moreover, it has ignored the overall interests of our region and violated the ASEAN charter by allowing an outside country to deploy a mid-range missile system.”

“This act will endanger the security and stability of our region and it will eventually backfire. I’m sure that’s the International Community is clear-eyed about this. China has exercised a great restraint in the face of such infringement and provocations but there is a limit to our restraint. We hope this country could see where its true interests lies return to the right track of dialogue and consultation and work with other countries in the region to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation,” he added.

Dong’s remarks came amid ongoing tensions between China and Philippines in the South China Sea. Earlier in May, The Philippines’ national security adviser on Friday called for the expulsion of Chinese diplomats over an alleged leaked telephonic conversation with a Filipino military official as territorial tensions continue to increase, Nikkei Asia reported.

This development came after China harassed and shot water cannons at a Filipino humanitarian mission headed to Scarborough Shoal, a flashpoint in the region.

Eduardo Ano, the Philippines national security adviser, said, “The Chinese Embassy’s repeated acts of engaging in and dissemination of disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation — now releasing spurious transcripts or recordings of purported conversations between officials of the host country — should not be allowed to pass unsanctioned or without serious penalty.” (ANI)

Taiwan detects increased Chinese presence around nation

The Ministry of National Defence of Taiwan detected six Chinese naval vessels, four coast guard ships, and two military aircraft around the nation between 6 a.m. on Saturday and 6 a.m. on Sunday, reported Taiwan News.

According to the MND, the two PLA aircraft breached the Taiwan Strait median line of the country’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ) in the northern sector.

In retaliation, Taiwan responded by monitoring the PLA activity with planes, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems.

China has been using grey zone tactics more frequently since September 2020, gradually expanding the number of military planes and navy vessels in the region around Taiwan.

The grey zone tactics are defined as “an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one’s security objectives without resort to direct and sizable use of force.”

This comes at a time when the tensions between China and Taiwan are at an all-time high.

Despite never having governed Taiwan, China’s governing Communist Party considers it part of its territory and has threatened to conquer it by force if necessary.

Earlier on May 27, the Chinese Foreign Ministry strongly opposed the recent visit of US lawmakers to Taiwan. Amid the ongoing visit of US lawmakers to Taiwan, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said that Beijing strongly opposes military contact between the US and Taiwan, as well as any attempt of the nation to arm Taiwan.

The visit of the US lawmakers to the self-governing island of Taiwan comes days after China conducted ‘massive’ military drills near Taiwan. (ANI)

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