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Taiwan Modernizes Military with Unmanned Systems Amidst U.S. Semiconductor Trade Investigations with China

Taiwan Modernizes Military with Unmanned Systems Amidst U.S. Semiconductor Trade Investigations with China

Taiwan is actively modernizing its military by integrating unmanned systems and precision artillery, drawing critical lessons from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to bolster its defense capabilities against a potential invasion by the People's Liberation Army (PLA). This strategic shift aims to enhance Taiwan's ability to deter and respond to military threats. Concurrently, the United States is intensifying its enforcement of export controls against China, specifically investigating companies involved in illicit semiconductor trade. This highlights the persistent technological and economic competition between the two global powers. China, for its part, continues to exert significant military and 'grey-zone' pressure on Taiwan through aerial incursions and maritime patrols. Internally, China is also conducting purges within the PLA, reportedly to consolidate President Xi Jinping's power and ensure loyalty. These developments underscore a complex and evolving security landscape in the Indo-Pacific region, wi...

Taiwan Expresses Alarm Over Escalating Chinese Military Drills, Risk of Accidental Conflict

Taiwan Expresses Alarm Over Escalating Chinese Military Drills, Risk of Accidental Conflict

Taiwan's Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng has voiced significant concern that the increased frequency and intensity of Chinese military activities around the island could lead to an accidental incident sparking a broader conflict. Over the past two weeks, Taiwan has detected dozens of Chinese fighters, drones, bombers, warships, and the aircraft carrier Shandong operating in its vicinity. Warships from China's southern and eastern theater commands have been conducting joint operations off Taiwan's east coast, with the Shandong acting as an 'opposing force' and China's Eastern Theatre Command forces simulating an 'attacking force' in battle scenarios. This heightened activity, which China has not commented on, has led Taiwan to worry about the situation 'getting out of hand' due to the increased risks associated with frequent operations involving aircraft, ships, and weapons.

Australia, US to boost defence ties as China's Pacific influence grows

Australia, US to boost defence ties as China's Pacific influence grows

By Renju Jose Sept 2 (Reuters) - Australia and the United States said they would boost their defence ties in a move that could expand the U.S. military presence in Australia, while strengthening deterrence across the Pacific, where China has been expanding its influence. After meeting U.S.

Why is Taiwan hiding the backers of its $20B US pledge?

Why is Taiwan hiding the backers of its $20B US pledge?

A government estimate reveals fresh investment plans from unnamed Taiwanese firms, stacked on top of TSMC's already massive US commitment.

Taiwan's Defense Spending Exceeds NT$1 Trillion for First Time with Focus on Missiles and Drones

Taiwan's Defense Spending Exceeds NT$1 Trillion for First Time with Focus on Missiles and Drones

Taiwan's cabinet has approved a supplementary defense budget of NT$145.7 billion (US$4.6 billion), pushing the island's total defense-related spending for the current year past NT$1 trillion for the first time. This additional funding is expected to raise Taiwan's overall defense spending to approximately 3.83% of its gross domestic product (GDP), marking the highest level in decades. The supplementary budget aims to fill gaps created after opposition lawmakers cut NT$470 billion from an earlier eight-year, NT$1.25 trillion special defense package. A significant portion of the additional funds, NT$133.4 billion, will be allocated to military investment, specifically targeting missiles, unmanned systems, and two classified programs. Key projects include NT$13 billion for seven initiatives, such as the locally developed Chiang Kung (Strong Bow) mid-tier anti-tactical ballistic missile system, and NT$55.9 billion for three uncrewed-system programs, including coastal surveillance drones. Two classified program...

Taiwan Considers New Sanctions Strategy to Leverage 'Silicon Shield' Against Adversaries

Taiwan Considers New Sanctions Strategy to Leverage 'Silicon Shield' Against Adversaries

Taiwan is reportedly considering a more assertive sanctions strategy, moving beyond its current approach of primarily following international restrictions. Despite its advanced chip manufacturing industry, often called its 'silicon shield,' Taiwan has been reluctant to fully utilize its economic strengths to constrain adversaries. This reluctance has allowed countries like China, Russia, and the Myanmar junta to act against Taiwan's interests and even use Taiwan as a means to evade sanctions imposed by other democracies. Taiwan has previously applied export controls to Chinese tech giants like Huawei and is now planning to introduce curbs on advanced chips to all customers in China, not just designated companies. However, Taiwanese officials remain hesitant to restrict exports in the semiconductor sector, which is crucial for its economic growth. The current political landscape in Taiwan, with the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) controlling the Legislative Yuan, presents a challenge, as the KMT generally suppo...

Chinese Armed Trainer Jets Drive Away Philippine Aircraft Over Disputed Scarborough Shoal

Chinese Armed Trainer Jets Drive Away Philippine Aircraft Over Disputed Scarborough Shoal

Chinese armed trainer jets, specifically at least three JL-10s carrying PL-5 air-to-air missiles, were deployed to drive away Philippine light aircraft over the disputed Scarborough Shoal. This incident, captured in a video released by the People’s Liberation Army Southern Theatre Command, involved Chinese jets electronically locking onto three Philippine aircraft: a BN-2A Islander utility aircraft, a C-208 single-engine turboprop, and a PA-31T twin-engine turboprop. A Chinese pilot issued a warning in both Chinese and English, stating, “Philippine aircraft, you have intruded into the territorial airspace of China’s Huangyan Dao. Leave immediately, leave immediately. Otherwise, we will take measures.” Scarborough Shoal, known as Huangyan Dao in China and Panatag Shoal in the Philippines, has been a significant point of contention between the two nations for years. China has maintained control over the area since 2012 and released baselines for its territorial sea around the shoal in 2024. The Philippines, ...

India Plans Joint Assembly of Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Joint Venture

India Plans Joint Assembly of Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Joint Venture

India Plans Joint Assembly of Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Joint Venture

Taiwan Conducts Extensive Military Drills, Emphasizing Asymmetric Warfare Against Potential Chinese Invasion

Taiwan Conducts Extensive Military Drills, Emphasizing Asymmetric Warfare Against Potential Chinese Invasion

Taiwan recently concluded its annual Han Kuang military exercise, which showcased a significant shift towards asymmetric warfare tactics in preparation for a potential invasion from mainland China. The drills, which spanned 10 days, moved from coastal defenses to urban combat scenarios within Taipei, including simulated skirmishes in city streets and counter-sabotage operations at critical infrastructure like oil refineries. Taiwanese forces practiced ambush tactics, dispersed operations, and the use of barricades to create 'kill boxes' in urban intersections. The exercises also focused on maintaining operational capabilities under disrupted communications, with junior commanders practicing 'back briefs' to ensure mission understanding. Notably, the drills included the deployment of M1A2T Abrams tanks for ambushes on highways and the use of military police taking the subway to regroup and establish temporary headquarters. The Taiwanese defense ministry remained largely quiet on specific operational details...

Taiwan Intensifies Crackdown on Chinese Undercover Chip Operations Amid National Security Concerns

Taiwan Intensifies Crackdown on Chinese Undercover Chip Operations Amid National Security Concerns

Taiwan Intensifies Crackdown on Chinese Undercover Chip Operations Amid National Security Concerns

Japan Plans Development of Underwater-Launched Hypersonic Missile

Japan Plans Development of Underwater-Launched Hypersonic Missile

Japan has announced its intention to develop an underwater-launched hypersonic guided missile, a move that could significantly enhance the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's (JMSDF) sea-based strike capabilities. This development was revealed in the Japan Ministry of Defense's (MoD) FY2027 budget request overview document, released on August 31. The plan involves creating a derivative of its Type 25 Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (25HGP) that can be deployed from an underwater platform. While no specific budget figure for this particular project was disclosed, it falls under a special funding request category. This initiative is part of Japan's broader hypersonic guided missile (HGM) effort, which aims to equip the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) with long-range stand-off weapons capable of exceeding Mach 5. The MoD has allocated JPY14.2 billion (USD89 million) for continued HGM development and JPY167.3 billion for the acquisition of hypersonic missiles and associated ground equipment. The ministry em...

Gwangju City Government Apologizes to China Over 'Taiwan Pavilion' Naming at Biennale

Gwangju City Government Apologizes to China Over 'Taiwan Pavilion' Naming at Biennale

The city government of Gwangju, South Korea, has issued a formal apology to mainland China following a controversy over the naming of an exhibition as the 'Taiwan Pavilion' at the Gwangju Biennale. Initially, the Gwangju Biennale Foundation (GBF) had named Taiwan's pavilion after its sponsoring institution, the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Art (NTMoFA). This decision sparked protests from Taiwan's ministry of culture and the participating artists, who claimed the naming was done without their permission. On August 25, GBF renamed the exhibition the 'Taiwan Pavilion.' Subsequently, on August 27, China's ambassador to South Korea, Dai Bing, informed Gwangju's mayor, Min Hyung-bae, that China's Gwangju pavilion would be suspended as a result. In response, Jeonnam Gwangju City reiterated its support for the 'One China Policy' and pledged to investigate the setbacks that occurred during event preparations. The city clarified that the 'Taiwan Pavilion' title was merely an artistic expression and did not signif...