Is Taiwan's military running out of soldiers at its most dangerous time?
4 hours, 43 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 an abandoned amusement park in Taoyuan, Taiwan, July 22, 2024. The steady decline in these trained professionals has left Taiwan’s military operating at just 78.6 per cent of its capacity in 2024, significantly below the generally accepted minimum operational standard of 85 per cent. KMT legislator Wan Mei-ling described the situation as “alarming,” warning that Taiwan’s defences are increasingly vulnerable amid escalating military threats from China’s People’s Liberation Army.

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History of this topic

Why Taiwan may consider allowing foreigners to join its army
6 days, 8 hours ago

Why Taiwan may consider allowing foreigners to join its army

Firstpost  

Taiwan’s military is considering recruiting foreigners into its armed forces. Reuters/File Photo Taiwan’s military is considering the idea of recruiting foreigners into its armed forces. Richard Chen, a legislator, suggested that Taiwan might adopt a model similar to the US, where foreigners could serve for two years and be granted citizenship, though he added that a formal consultation process “has …

Taiwan holds military drills as concerns rise over possible defense budget cut
1 week, 1 day ago

Taiwan holds military drills as concerns rise over possible defense budget cut

Associated Press  

HSINCHU, Taiwan — Taiwan began three days of military drills on Tuesday as concerns rose over potential cuts to the defense budget due to legislative wrangling between the island’s two major political parties. The annual drills are held in the run-up to the Lunar New Year holiday to reassure the population of Taiwan’s ability to meet China’s threats and to …

Taiwan to harness 'people power', offers rewards for spotting Chinese warships at sea
Trending News
2 months, 1 week ago

Taiwan to harness 'people power', offers rewards for spotting Chinese warships at sea

Firstpost  

As Beijing’s aggression continues unabated around the self-ruling island, Taiwan has sought to harness ‘people power’ by promising rewards for spotting Chinese warships and submarines at sea China has lately launched many military drills practising invasion of Taiwan. Taiwan’s coast guard said on Friday it would offer rewards worth thousands of dollars for spotting Chinese activity at sea, including warships …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Taiwan's Leader Says 2024 Defence Budget to Hit Record $19 Billion
1 year, 4 months ago

Taiwan's Leader Says 2024 Defence Budget to Hit Record $19 Billion

News 18  

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said Monday defence spending would reach a record 606.8 billion Taiwan dollars in 2024, a demonstration of the island’s “determination to ensure national security”. The proposed spending would be a 3.5 percent increase from 2023’s $586.3 billion Taiwan dollars, according to official data. The Chinese military launched massive military exercises last year after Nancy Pelosi, then-speaker …

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 …

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 …

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 vs Taiwan: How do the two rivals’ military forces compare?
1 year, 9 months ago

China vs Taiwan: How do the two rivals’ military forces compare?

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 declared it was "ready …

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 expands defense budget 7.2%, marking slight increase
1 year, 10 months ago

China expands defense budget 7.2%, marking slight increase

Associated Press  

China on Sunday announced a 7.2% increase in its defense budget for the coming year, up slightly from last year’s 7.1% rate of increase. In his report Sunday to the annual session of China’s rubber-stamp parliament, Premier Li Keqiang said that over the past year, “We remained committed to the Party’s absolute leadership over the people’s armed forces.” “The people’s …

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 …

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

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

Firstpost  

Self-ruled, democratic Taiwan lives under the constant threat of invasion by China, which considers the island a part of its territory, to be taken one day, by force if necessary Taipei, Taiwan: Taiwan is expected to announce on Tuesday an extension in mandatory military service from four months to one year, citing the threat from an increasingly hostile China, local …

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 …

Military reserves, civil defense worry Taiwan as China looms
2 years, 4 months ago

Military reserves, civil defense worry Taiwan as China looms

Associated Press  

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Chris Chen, a former captain in Taiwan’s military, spent a lot of time waiting during his weeklong training for reservists in June. “In Ukraine, if in the first three days of the war it had fallen apart, no matter how strong your military is, you wouldn’t have been able to fight the war,” Wang said. Last week, …

Taiwan says China’s threat remains, though military drills ease
2 years, 5 months ago

Taiwan says China’s threat remains, though military drills ease

The Hindu  

China's threat of force is undiminished, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Thursday, even though Beijing's largest ever military drills around the island seemed to be scaling down. A source briefed on the matter told Reuters that the number of warships close to the Taiwan Strait's median line, an unofficial buffer, was "greatly reduced" from previous days. ‘Military provocations’ Taiwan …

Taiwan starts two-day defensive drills as tensions with China remain high
2 years, 5 months ago

Taiwan starts two-day defensive drills as tensions with China remain high

Live Mint  

Taiwan’s military fired dozens of shells off its southern coast on Tuesday in a simulation of a defense of the island, as Taiwan followed up nearly a week of Chinese military drills with preplanned defensive maneuvers of its own. In response, China’s military, the People’s Liberation Army, said that it would stage four days of military exercises around Taiwan’s main …

Firing drills, air incursions: China encircles Taiwan in a bid to choke the island
2 years, 5 months ago

Firing drills, air incursions: China encircles Taiwan in a bid to choke the island

India Today  

China’s firing drills using land-based missiles and fighter jets around six zones encircling Taiwan are all aimed at cutting off the island, warning ships and aircraft against operating in the area. READ | China halts high-level military dialogue with US, suspends other cooperation The aggressive maneuvers also included missiles landing in Japan’s exclusive economic zone that falls in China’s designated …

Just how strong is China’s military compared to Taiwan?
2 years, 5 months ago

Just how strong is China’s military compared to Taiwan?

Firstpost  

With a massive defence budget of $230 billion, China completely outguns Taiwan on the ground, in the air and at sea. This raises fears that the self-ruled island would be lost if Beijing chose to attack The world is witnessing as China conducts its largest military exercise, a retaliation after United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan and offered …

Taiwan citizens turn to gun training as fears of China invasion grows
2 years, 7 months ago

Taiwan citizens turn to gun training as fears of China invasion grows

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. open image in gallery Trainees line up to practise …

Taiwan considers extending 4-month military conscription
2 years, 9 months ago

Taiwan considers extending 4-month military conscription

Associated Press  

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan is considering extending its four-month compulsory military service, its defense minister said Wednesday, amid concerns about the self-governing island democracy’s tensions with China, which have been underscored by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In recent years, China has stepped up its military harassment of the self-ruled island, which China claims as its own territory, sending fighter jets …

Taiwan: Concern over readiness for conflict with China sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
2 years, 9 months ago

Taiwan: Concern over readiness for conflict with China sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

CNN  

Taipei, Taiwan CNN — On a regular day, they’re lawyers, software engineers and blacksmiths. Sam Yeh/AFP/Getty Images This month’s strengthened military training has already drawn the ire of Beijing, with China’s Taiwan Affairs Office calling the move a “provocation.” “It is very dangerous for them to go on like this,” spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian said in a regular briefing in Beijing …

Taiwan revamps military training for reserves amid China pressure
3 years, 1 month ago

Taiwan revamps military training for reserves amid China pressure

Al Jazeera  

Taiwan is facing questions about whether its military reserves are capable of actual fighting in the event of a Chinese invasion. Wen-Ti Sung, a lecturer at Australian National University’s Taiwan Studies Programme, said Taiwan only has about 40 percent of the officers and 60 percent of the NCOs required to oversee, train and coordinate recalled reservists as part of Taiwan’s …

‘U.S. special forces quietly training Taiwanese troops’
3 years, 3 months ago

‘U.S. special forces quietly training Taiwanese troops’

The Hindu  

U.S. special operations forces have been quietly training Taiwanese troops for months, a move which China warned on Friday could cause “serious harm” to relations between Washington and Beijing. ‘High sensitivity’ Beijing opposes self-ruled Taiwan — which it views as its own territory to be seized one day, by force if necessary — having any official diplomatic exchanges and has …

EXPLAINER: How China flights near Taiwan inflame tensions
3 years, 3 months ago

EXPLAINER: How China flights near Taiwan inflame tensions

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — A recent spate of Chinese military flights off southwestern Taiwan has prompted alarm from the island, which Beijing claims as its own, and is increasing tensions in a region already on edge. In a speech this week, U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro told cadets that China would be the “challenge that will define your naval …

US secretly training Taiwan forces since last year: Reports
3 years, 3 months ago

US secretly training Taiwan forces since last year: Reports

Al Jazeera  

The Wall Street Journal reports about two dozen members of US military have been working with Taiwan’s ground and maritime forces. The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed officials, reported on Thursday that about two dozen US service members had been training Taiwan’s ground and maritime forces “for at least a year,” a period during which China has stepped up military …

Chinese military activity near Taiwan provocative: U.S.
3 years, 3 months ago

Chinese military activity near Taiwan provocative: U.S.

The Hindu  

The United States on Monday, October 4, 2021 termed the Chinese military activity near Taiwan as provocative. “We remain concerned by the People's Republic of China's provocative military activity near Taiwan, which is destabilising risk miscalculations and undermines regional peace and stability,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference. “We urge Beijing to seize …

Taiwan holds anti-invasion drill as China threat heightens
3 years, 4 months ago

Taiwan holds anti-invasion drill as China threat heightens

The Hindu  

An F-16 screeched across the sky, then landed among pineapple fields in southwestern Taiwan to quickly refuel before taking off again. The simulation is part of Taiwan's five-day Han Guang military exercise designed to prepare the island's forces for an attack by China, which claims Taiwan as part of its own territory. In the last two years, the threat from …

Taiwan plans to spend $1.4 billion on new fighter jets amid rising China military activity
3 years, 4 months ago

Taiwan plans to spend $1.4 billion on new fighter jets amid rising China military activity

CNN  

Taiwan announced a modest pace in defense spending for next year on Thursday, but will spend $1.4 billion on new fighter jets, as the island bolsters its forces in the face of increased pressure from Beijing. China has stepped up its military activity near Taiwan, including holding assault drills last week near the island, which it regards as Chinese territory …

Martial-law era casts long shadow over Taiwan’s military
4 years ago

Martial-law era casts long shadow over Taiwan’s military

Al Jazeera  

Island is overhauling conscription as it tries to boost armed forces to face an increasingly assertive China. “It was the Taiwan Gestapo and if you fell afoul of the government, you’d get a knock on your door in the wee hours and: ‘You need to come with us’.” The Taiwan Garrison Command was formally disbanded in 1992, shortly before Taiwan’s …

Taiwan begins building first domestically produced submarines
4 years, 1 month ago

Taiwan begins building first domestically produced submarines

Al Jazeera  

Taiwan’s new programme will see the island build eight new diesel-powered attack submarines, the first of which is expected to be completed in 2024. “They’ve been shifting to a more ‘asymmetric’ approach that focuses on things like survivability, a large numbers of munitions, mobility, and a focus on smaller survivable lethal platforms rather than F16s, tanks and destroyers.” Submarines would …

Taiwan says military under pressure from China as missions mount
4 years, 3 months ago

Taiwan says military under pressure from China as missions mount

Al Jazeera  

Taiwan air force scrambled more than twice as much in 2020 to intercept Chinese planes crossing island’s air buffer zone. Taiwan’s military has launched aircraft to intercept Chinese planes more than twice as often so far in 2020 as the whole of last year, the island’s defence ministry said on Tuesday, saying Beijing was creating a severe security challenge for …

Taiwan shows military might in slick video as China circles
4 years, 4 months ago

Taiwan shows military might in slick video as China circles

Al Jazeera  

Communist-ruled China has stepped up military activity around the democratically-run island, which it claims as its own. China should not underestimate Taiwan’s determination to defend itself, and military threats will only cause Taiwan’s people to be even more resolute, the island’s defence ministry said in a new video responding to repeated Chinese threats. Taiwan’s defence ministry, in a statement late …

China reins in nationalists clamoring for an invasion of Taiwan
4 years, 7 months ago

China reins in nationalists clamoring for an invasion of Taiwan

LA Times  

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, center, and other officials head to her inauguration ceremony on May 20 in Taipei. As a top PLA general warned at a forum in Beijing last week that the Chinese military would “smash” any “separatist plots” in Taiwan, the nation’s main broadcaster, CCTV, ran a 10-part series about Mao Zedong’s 1958 shelling of the Taiwanese islands …

Taiwan vulnerable to Chinese invasion without US support, foreign minister says
6 years, 5 months ago

Taiwan vulnerable to Chinese invasion without US support, foreign minister says

CNN  

Taipei, Taiwan CNN — Without continuing United States military support, Taiwan would be vulnerable to an armed takeover from Beijing, the island’s foreign minister told CNN in an exclusive interview. The Chinese navy has been conducting the latest in a series of live-fire military drills in the Taiwan Strait from Wednesday until Monday, which an expert quoted in state media …

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