Taiwan extends military service as China dials up pressure
2 years ago

Taiwan extends military service as China dials up pressure

Al Jazeera  

Taiwan’s president has announced that compulsory military service will increase from four months to one year. Taiwan will extend compulsory military service from its current four months to one year starting from 2024, President Tsai Ing-wen announced on Tuesday, as the self-ruled island comes under increasing Chinese military pressure. Speaking after a national security meeting she had called to discuss reinforcing the island’s civil defence, Tsai said Taiwan wanted peace but needed to be able to defend itself. On Saturday, Beijing berated Washington for its new US defence spending bill which, with military support earmarked for Taiwan, amplified a “China threat” narrative, according to China’s foreign ministry.

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Is Taiwan's military running out of soldiers at its most dangerous time?
7 hours, 35 minutes ago

Is Taiwan's military running out of soldiers at its most dangerous time?

Firstpost  

Taiwan’s military is facing a severe manpower crisis, with the number of active volunteer soldiers plunging from 164,000 in 2021 to 152,885 in mid-2024. This crisis comes as the island nation grapples with its most dangerous security challenges yet with cross-strait tensions with China escalating Soldiers take part in the first day of the annual Han Kuang military drills at …

Taiwan president vows to boost the island’s defense budget as China threats rise
Trending News
2 weeks ago

Taiwan president vows to boost the island’s defense budget as China threats rise

Associated Press  

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te pledged to strengthen the island’s defenses in the face of escalating Chinese threats, saying in a New Year’s address on Wednesday that Taiwan was a crucial part of the “line of defense of democracy” globally. Beijing has used a variety of tactics in recent years to increase pressure on Taiwan, from sending warships …

China's military is staying silent on its recent activity around Taiwan
1 month ago

China's military is staying silent on its recent activity around Taiwan

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy China's military kept silent Friday …

Taiwan demands that China end its military activity in nearby waters
1 month ago

Taiwan demands that China end its military activity in nearby waters

Associated Press  

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan demanded Wednesday that China end its ongoing military activity in nearby waters, which it said is unilaterally undermining peace and stability and disrupting international shipping and trade. Taiwan’s military has detected Chinese ships since Monday, both off Taiwan and farther out along the first-island chain, Defense Ministry officials said this week. By then, it would be …

Taiwan's military on high alert as Chinese warships sail near island
1 month ago

Taiwan's military on high alert as Chinese warships sail near island

ABC  

Taiwan's military has raised its alert level after detecting Chinese warships near the island as it prepares for likely drills by Beijing in response to President Lai Ching-te's US visits. The ministry said its forces had "identified PLA Eastern, Northern, and Southern Theater Command naval formations, along with Coast Guard vessels, entering areas around the Taiwan Strait and the Western …

Xi Jinping Makes Rare Trip to Fujian Province, Signaling Taiwan Tensions
2 months, 4 weeks ago

Xi Jinping Makes Rare Trip to Fujian Province, Signaling Taiwan Tensions

Associated Press  

China's President Xi Jinping makes a rare visit to Fujian province facing Taiwan following military exercises that mobilized China's navy, air force, missile force and land troops to simulate a blockade of the self-governing island democracy that Beijing claims as its own territory and threatens to annex by force.

Taiwan president says ‘impossible’ for mainland China to be the motherland
3 months, 1 week ago

Taiwan president says ‘impossible’ for mainland China to be the motherland

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te said …

New top US envoy to Taiwan pledges to help the island with self-defense as threats from China loom
6 months ago

New top US envoy to Taiwan pledges to help the island with self-defense as threats from China loom

Associated Press  

TAIPEI, Taiwan — The United States’ new top envoy to Taiwan promised Wednesday that Washington will help the self-ruled island defend itself as China ramps up its military threats. “First of all, and the most important thing, the U.S. will strongly support Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities,” Greene said as he met with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te. “We both have common and …

New top US envoy to Taiwan pledges to help the island with self-defense as threats from China loom
6 months ago

New top US envoy to Taiwan pledges to help the island with self-defense as threats from China loom

The Independent  

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Taiwan says it is learning from Ukraine how a smaller country can stand up to invasion
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Taiwan says it is learning from Ukraine how a smaller country can stand up to invasion

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Taiwan is looking at Ukraine’s …

Taiwan president says island 'will not bow' to China's pressure
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Taiwan president says island 'will not bow' to China's pressure

The Hindu  

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said Wednesday that China was attempting to force the self-ruled island into submission but that it would not bow to pressure. In recent years, Beijing has upped military and political pressure on the Taipei government, with the latest show of force coming three days after Mr. Lai's inauguration, when China conducted war games around the island. …

Taiwan president says China's 'strong rise' is greatest challenge
6 months, 4 weeks ago

Taiwan president says China's 'strong rise' is greatest challenge

The Hindu  

President Lai Ching-te warned cadets of Taiwan's military academy on Sunday that their biggest challenge was "the strong rise of China", which he said regards the "elimination" of the self-ruled island as a national cause. Speaking Sunday at the centennial anniversary of the founding of Taiwan's Whampoa military academy, Mr. Lai said teachers and cadets must recognise "the challenges and …

‘Elimination’ of Taiwan is China’s great national cause, Lai says
6 months, 4 weeks ago

‘Elimination’ of Taiwan is China’s great national cause, Lai says

Al Jazeera  

Taiwan’s president tells military academy cadets that the main challenge they face is the strong rise of Beijing. China views the “annexation” and “elimination” of Taiwan as its great national cause, Taiwan’s President William Lai Ching-te said, telling cadets at the military’s premier academy they must know their enemy and not give in to defeatism. Speaking in Kaohsiung in the …

Taiwan's president says wants to work with China after drills
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Taiwan's president says wants to work with China after drills

The Hindu  

Taiwan's new president said Sunday he was still ready to work with China, despite this week's military drills around the self-ruled island. But China said Lai's inaugural speech on Monday amounted to calls for independence, "pushing our compatriots in Taiwan into a perilous situation of war and danger". Wen-Ti Sung, a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub, …

After China drills, Taiwan President says open to working on 'peace'
7 months, 2 weeks ago

After China drills, Taiwan President says open to working on 'peace'

India Today  

Taiwan's President on Sunday said he was still open to working with China on building "mutual understanding and reconciliation", days after Beijing launched military drills around the self-ruled island in response to his inauguration speech. President Lai Ching-te was sworn into office on Monday, and China -- which claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and regards Lai as …

US lawmakers arrive in Taiwan despite China warns America to stay out, President Lai thanks Biden for support
7 months, 2 weeks ago

US lawmakers arrive in Taiwan despite China warns America to stay out, President Lai thanks Biden for support

India TV News  

A delegation of US lawmakers led by Michael McCaul, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is visiting Taiwan this week, the de facto US embassy said on Sunday. McCaul, joined by a bipartisan group of five other lawmakers, will meet Lai on Monday morning to "exchange views on peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific", Taiwan's presidential office said. On …

Taiwan President takes u-turn, again offers talks with China after PLA launches massive 'punishment war' – India TV
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Taiwan President takes u-turn, again offers talks with China after PLA launches massive 'punishment war' – India TV

India TV News  

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te again offered talks with China on Sunday following two days of Chinese war games near the island, saying he looked forward to enhancing mutual understanding and reconciliation. China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, carried out the military drills on Thursday and Friday, saying it was "punishment" after Lai's inauguration speech on Monday …

‘Strong punishment’: China starts two days of military drills around Taiwan
7 months, 3 weeks ago

‘Strong punishment’: China starts two days of military drills around Taiwan

Al Jazeera  

Exercises begin three days after William Lai Ching-te took his oath as president of the island China claims as its own. Military spokesman Colonel Li Xi said the joint exercises involving the army, navy, air force, and rocket force were a “strong punishment for the separatist acts of ‘Taiwan independence’ forces and a stern warning against interference and provocation by …

Purges in China’s military allow Taiwan some respite – for now
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Purges in China’s military allow Taiwan some respite – for now

Al Jazeera  

Turmoil in China’s senior ranks raises questions about morale and whether the chaos reduces the threat to Taiwan. In his new year speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping called Taiwan’s unification with mainland China “inevitable”. With the ever-present threat of China’s troops spilling onto Taiwan’s shores one day, Jia believes that the military drills on red beaches serve an important purpose …

China’s military says will ’crush’ any Taiwan ’independence’ efforts
1 year ago

China’s military says will ’crush’ any Taiwan ’independence’ efforts

Live Mint  

A day before Taiwan is set to go for general elections, China has issued a stern warning against the independence efforts in the self-ruled island. Beijing accused Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party of pushing the self-ruled island "toward the dangerous conditions of war." "The Chinese People's Liberation Army maintains high vigilance at all times and will take all necessary measures …

I’m preparing for China’s war on Taiwan | Close Up
1 year ago

I’m preparing for China’s war on Taiwan | Close Up

Al Jazeera  

This Taiwanese citizen is taking up arms in preparation for what he believes is an imminent Chinese invasion. “I think China will invade Taiwan between 2025 and 2027,” says Wu Jheng Cong, a Taiwanese sofa-maker living in Taoyuan City. “These rations of food can last our entire family 20 days to a month.” He has stocked up on food, taken …

Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen says island’s future must be decided by its people
1 year ago

Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen says island’s future must be decided by its people

Al Jazeera  

Self-ruled Taiwan, which is claimed by Beijing, will go to the polls latest this month to choose a new president. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has stressed that the self-ruled island’s future and its relations with Beijing must be decided by its people after China’s leader Xi Jinping said “reunification” was inevitable. In a bullish New Year’s Eve address, Xi struck …

China reaffirms its military threats against Taiwan weeks before the island’s presidential election
1 year ago

China reaffirms its military threats against Taiwan weeks before the island’s presidential election

Associated Press  

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Weeks before Taiwan holds elections for its president and legislature, China renewed its threat to use military force to annex the self-governing island democracy it claims as its own territory. Defense Ministry spokesperson Col. Wu Qian on told reporters Thursday at a monthly briefing that China’s armed forces would “as always take all necessary measures to firmly …

China is subtly increasing military pressure on Taiwan. Here's how
1 year ago

China is subtly increasing military pressure on Taiwan. Here's how

NPR  

China is subtly increasing military pressure on Taiwan. And now, decades after its transitioning to a democracy in the 1990s, Taiwan still maintains an "air defense identification zone," or ADIZ, that's monitored by its military and reaches far into China's borders. "Gray zone" tactics Chinese military activity around Taiwan has been increasing since the summer of 2022, when former House …

China is subtly increasing military pressure on Taiwan without declaring an invasion
1 year, 2 months ago

China is subtly increasing military pressure on Taiwan without declaring an invasion

NPR  

China is subtly increasing military pressure on Taiwan without declaring an invasion A month ago, a record number of Chinese fighter planes — 103 of them — flew around Taiwan in just one day. A month ago, a record number of Chinese fighter planes - 103 of them - flew around Taiwan in just one day. EMILY FENG, BYLINE: Robin …

How prepared is Taiwan for a war with China?
1 year, 3 months ago

How prepared is Taiwan for a war with China?

Al Jazeera  

Dwarfed by China’s population and military strength, the self-ruled island has been improving training and stockpiling military equipment. China’s People’s Liberation Army made 225 sorties into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone – an area monitored by the island’s military – over 18 days in September and conducted large-scale naval exercises earlier this month. Since taking office in 2016, she has …

Tsai renews her pledge to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense during her visit to war memorial
1 year, 4 months ago

Tsai renews her pledge to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense during her visit to war memorial

Associated Press  

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen renewed her pledge to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense on Wednesday as she visited a war memorial from the last time Taiwan and China battled. “As such, we need to continue to reform the national defense, push for self-reliance, strengthen our defense capabilities and resilience.” Taiwan’s government on Monday revealed plans for the 2024 budget …

US military aid to Taiwan will not deter will to unify island: China
1 year, 5 months ago

US military aid to Taiwan will not deter will to unify island: China

India Today  

China accused the United States of turning Taiwan into an “ammunition depot” after the White House announced a $345 million military aid package for Taipei, and the self-ruled island said Sunday it tracked six Chinese navy ships in waters off its shores. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office issued a statement late Saturday opposing the military aid to Taiwan, which China claims …

US: Biden administration announces $345-million military assistance for Taiwan amidst tensions with China
1 year, 5 months ago

US: Biden administration announces $345-million military assistance for Taiwan amidst tensions with China

India TV News  

In a step to help Taiwan counter rising aggressions from China, the United States administration on Friday announced a big $345-million military assistance package for Taipei. "I hereby delegate to the Secretary of State the authority under section 506 of the FAA to direct the drawdown of up to $345 million in defense articles and services of the Department of …

As Taiwan prepares for anti-invasion exercises, China sends dozens of warplanes toward the island
1 year, 5 months ago

As Taiwan prepares for anti-invasion exercises, China sends dozens of warplanes toward the island

The Hindu  

China sent dozens of warplanes, including fighter jets and bombers, toward Taiwan, the island's Defense Ministry said on July 22, marking a forceful display days before the democracy plans to hold military exercises aimed at defending itself against a possible invasion. Among them were J-10 and J-16 fighters and H-6 bombers, and 22 of the detected warplanes crossed the midline …

As Taiwan prepares for anti-invasion exercises, China sends dozens of warplanes toward the island
1 year, 5 months ago

As Taiwan prepares for anti-invasion exercises, China sends dozens of warplanes toward the island

Associated Press  

TAIPEI, Taiwan — China sent dozens of warplanes, including fighter jets and bombers, toward Taiwan, the island’s Defense Ministry said Saturday, marking a forceful display days before the democracy plans to hold military exercises aimed at defending itself against a possible invasion. Among them were J-10 and J-16 fighters and H-6 bombers, and 22 of the detected warplanes crossed the …

Taiwan president vows to keep 'status quo' on cross-strait relations
1 year, 7 months ago

Taiwan president vows to keep 'status quo' on cross-strait relations

The Hindu  

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen vowed Saturday to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait in the face of increased military pressure from China, saying that "war is not an option". Under Ms. Tsai's two terms as president, the self-ruled island has seen stepped-up warplanes and sea incursions from China — which claims Taiwan as its territory to be claimed …

China says ready to ‘smash’ Taiwan self-rule as US prepares major arms package, sends advisers
1 year, 7 months ago

China says ready to ‘smash’ Taiwan self-rule as US prepares major arms package, sends advisers

Associated Press  

BEIJING — China’ is prepared to “resolutely smash any form of Taiwan independence,” its military said Tuesday, as the U.S. reportedly prepares to accelerate the sale of defensive weapons and other military assistance to the self-governing island democracy. China’s People’s Liberation Army “continues to strengthen military training and preparations and will resolutely smash any form of Taiwanese independence secession along …

China opposes Taiwan-U.S. defence and military exchanges
1 year, 8 months ago

China opposes Taiwan-U.S. defence and military exchanges

The Hindu  

China warned against continued U.S.-Taiwan cooperation Wednesday, responding to reports that the U.S. military was sending officers to help train Taiwan's counterparts and that a delegation of defence contractors would visiting the self-ruled island next week. “We resolutely oppose the U.S. having any form of official or military contact with China's Taiwan region,” Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for China's Taiwan Affairs …

China opposes Taiwan-US defense and military exchanges
1 year, 8 months ago

China opposes Taiwan-US defense and military exchanges

Associated Press  

TAIPEI, Taiwan — China warned against continued U.S.-Taiwan cooperation Wednesday, responding to reports that the U.S. military was sending officers to help train Taiwan’s counterparts and that a delegation of defense contractors would visiting the self-ruled island next week. “We resolutely oppose the U.S. having any form of official or military contact with China’s Taiwan region,” Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for …

Taiwan military drills to focus on combating blockade of island
1 year, 8 months ago

Taiwan military drills to focus on combating blockade of island

Al Jazeera  

Taiwan will start its Han Kuang military drills next month with computer simulations as it focuses on combating a blockade of the island and preserving the fighting capabilities of its forces, according to its defence ministry. “Of course, our drills are based on the threat of the communists invading Taiwan and its recent military exercises around Taiwan,” the ministry’s combat …

China foreign minister steps up threats against Taiwan
1 year, 8 months ago

China foreign minister steps up threats against Taiwan

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy China’s foreign minister stepped …

Taiwan hails its ‘determined’ fighter pilots as Chinese military activity around island dies down
1 year, 9 months ago

Taiwan hails its ‘determined’ fighter pilots as Chinese military activity around island dies down

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Taiwan’s president Tsai Ing-wen met …

Taiwan’s president condemns China drills as irresponsible
1 year, 9 months ago

Taiwan’s president condemns China drills as irresponsible

Al Jazeera  

Tsai Ing-wen says Beijing’s military drills are a risk to stability as authorities say eight PLA ships remain around island. Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has condemned China over its three days of military exercises around the self-ruled island, saying they were irresponsible and a threat to regional stability. Beijing wrapped up its war games, which simulated strikes on the territory …

Taiwan President slams 'irresponsible' military drills as China announces end to 3-day exercise
1 year, 9 months ago

Taiwan President slams 'irresponsible' military drills as China announces end to 3-day exercise

India Today  

China on Monday ended three days of military drills around Taiwan, saying they had tested integrated military capabilities under actual combat conditions, having practised precision strikes and blockading the island that Beijing views as its own. FILE - Image from China's CCTV video footage shows a Chinese navy ships take part in a military drill in the Taiwan Strait On …

China launches three days of military drills in Taiwan Strait
1 year, 9 months ago

China launches three days of military drills in Taiwan Strait

The Hindu  

China launched military drills around Taiwan on Saturday, in what it called a "stern warning" to the self-ruled island's government following a meeting between its President and the U.S. House Speaker. Dubbed "United Sharp Sword", the three-day operation — which state media said includes rehearsing an encirclement of Taiwan — will run until Monday, the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre …

China announces 'combat readiness patrols' around Taiwan
1 year, 9 months ago

China announces 'combat readiness patrols' around Taiwan

The Hindu  

The Chinese military announced exercises around Taiwan on April 8 in a new act of retaliation for a meeting between the U.S. House of Representatives speaker and the president of the self-ruled island democracy claimed by Beijing as part of its territory. The People’s Liberation Army said the three-day “combat readiness patrols” were a warning to Taiwanese who want to …

Taiwan warns China’s military may make ‘sudden entry’
1 year, 10 months ago

Taiwan warns China’s military may make ‘sudden entry’

Al Jazeera  

Taipei’s defence minister says self-governing island is prepared to ‘fire the first shot’ if Chinese forces enter its territorial space. Answering questions from lawmakers in parliament, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said on Monday the Chinese People’s Liberation Army might find excuses to enter areas close to Taiwan’s territorial air and sea space as the self-governing island steps up its military …

Tsai Ing-wen says Taiwan bolstering military exchanges with US
1 year, 10 months ago

Tsai Ing-wen says Taiwan bolstering military exchanges with US

Al Jazeera  

Taiwan is bolstering its military ties with the United States and will cooperate even more closely with it and other friendly nations to deal with “authoritarian expansionism”, President Tsai Ing-wen has told a group of visiting lawmakers from the United States. “Taiwan and the United States continue to bolster military exchanges, and going forward Taiwan will cooperate even more actively …

Taiwan’s Tsai welcomes retired US admiral for China talks
1 year, 11 months ago

Taiwan’s Tsai welcomes retired US admiral for China talks

Associated Press  

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday welcomed the former head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, who had warned the island could face an invasion from China this decade, as the mainland ramps up pressure on the self-governing island. Retired Adm. Phil Davidson, along with a group including colleagues from the U.S. think tank the National Bureau of …

China renews threat against Taiwan as island holds drills
2 years ago

China renews threat against Taiwan as island holds drills

Associated Press  

BEIJING — China renewed its threats Wednesday to attack Taiwan and warned that foreign politicians who interact with the self-governing island are “playing with fire.” A spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said the country was recommitted in the new year to “safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity” and “smashing plots for Taiwan independence” on the self-governing democracy that separated from …

China renews threat against Taiwan as island holds drills
2 years ago

China renews threat against Taiwan as island holds drills

The Hindu  

China renewed its threats Wednesday to attack Taiwan and warned that foreign politicians who interact with the self-governing island are “playing with fire.” A spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office said the country was recommitted in the new year to “safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity” and “smashing plots for Taiwan independence” on the self-governing democracy that separated from mainland China …

Taiwan extends compulsory military service to 1 year
2 years ago

Taiwan extends compulsory military service to 1 year

Associated Press  

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan will extend its compulsory military service from four months to a year starting in 2024, President Tsai Ing-wen said Tuesday, as the self-ruled island faces China’s military, diplomatic and trade pressure. In August, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, and China responded with the largest-scale military exercises it’s held in decades, because it saw Pelosi’s …

Taiwan to extend mandatory military service in face of Chinese pressure
2 years ago

Taiwan to extend mandatory military service in face of Chinese pressure

Live Mint  

Taiwan will extend mandatory military service for male citizens, a one-time political taboo that morphed into an imperative in the face of growing Chinese aggression and intensifying competition between Washington and Beijing. Ms. Tsai denied that U.S. pressure played a role in the final decision on conscription but acknowledged international interest in the island’s willingness to defend itself against Chinese …

Taiwan extends mandatory military service from four months to one year over China threat
2 years ago

Taiwan extends mandatory military service from four months to one year over China threat

Firstpost  

Under President Xi Jinping, China’s sabre-rattling has intensified in recent years, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine deepened worries in Taiwan that Beijing might move similarly to annex the island Taipei, Taiwan: Taiwan on Tuesday announced an extension in mandatory military service from four months to one year, citing the threat from an increasingly hostile China. Under President Xi Jinping, China’s …

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