TAIWANS DEFENCE
Taiwan detects five Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels near its territory
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported that Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels conducted operations around Taiwan over the weekend. From Saturday 6 am to Sunday 6 am local time, five People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft entered Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) in various sectors. Additionally, seven People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels were active in the region. Taiwan's armed forces monitored these activities closely and responded appropriately. This incident is part of China's increasing military maneuvers near Taiwan amid ongoing tensions over sovereignty.
Chinese Communist Party expels two ex-defence ministers on corruption charges
The Chinese Communist Party has expelled two former defense ministers, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, in an anti-corruption crackdown. This move follows Li's disappearance last year and comes amid rising tensions between China and the United States over Taiwan.
Taiwan detects 35 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels near its territory
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported detecting 35 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels near Taiwan from Wednesday to Thursday morning. Among these, 33 aircraft crossed the median line, entering Taiwan's ADIZ. In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems. This incident is part of a pattern of increased Chinese military activity around Taiwan, with 371 aircraft and 204 vessels detected so far in June. Additionally, Taiwan's Coast Guard monitored four Chinese vessels near the Kinmen Islands, reflecting ongoing tensions and China's assertive policies towards Taiwan.
Taiwan detects 15 Chinese military aircraft, 6 naval ships around nation
The Ministry of National Defense reported 15 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels near Taiwan over the weekend. Eight aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line into Taiwan's air defense identification zone. Taiwan responded by deploying aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems to monitor the activity. This adds to a pattern of increased Chinese military presence around Taiwan, with 301 aircraft and 183 naval/coast guard vessels tracked this month alone. China's actions are part of its strategy to assert sovereignty over Taiwan.
Taiwan must 'step up defences' amid China's coercive tactics: Hsiao Bi-khim
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim of Taiwan emphasized the need to strengthen Taiwan's defenses in response to China's coercive tactics and refusal to renounce the use of force against Taiwan. She criticized Beijing for being the provocateur in cross-strait relations and highlighted Taiwan's commitment to dialogue based on parity and respect. Hsiao also discussed Taiwan's challenges, including threats from authoritarian regimes and the importance of democracy, peace, and prosperity. She outlined President Lai Ching-te's Four Pillars of Peace, focusing on defense, economic resilience, international partnerships, and stable cross-strait relations.
Taiwan keeping watch after Chinese submarine surfaces in Taiwan Strait
The narrow strait that separates Taiwan from China is a frequent source of tension. Taiwan reports Chinese warplanes and warships operating there on a daily basis, as Beijing seeks to assert its sovereignty claims against the democratically governed island.
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Taiwan to receive 1,700 TOW 2B anti-tank missiles from US by year-end
Taiwan is set to receive all 1,700 TOW 2B anti-tank missiles and 100 launchers from the US by the end of this year, following a two-year delay. The delay was due to the weapons initially failing to meet US Army standards. However, after passing all required tests, delivery is now expected before year-end. These missiles are part of three major arms packages purchased from the US, including F-16V fighter jets and AGM-154 air-to-ground missile systems. The TOW 2B missiles target the tops of armored vehicles, enhancing Taiwan's defensive capabilities.
Taiwan is not seeking war with China, defence minister says
Taiwanese Defence Minister Wellington Koo emphasized that Taiwan is not seeking war with Beijing but is focusing on building a multi-level defensive deterrence to complicate China's invasion plans. Amid increasing military and political pressure from China, Taiwan's strategy is to employ asymmetric warfare, making its forces more mobile and harder to target with vehicle-mounted missiles and drones. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te reiterated that Taiwan’s future should be decided by its people, rejecting Beijing’s sovereignty claims. Koo labeled China as the provocateur, asserting that Taiwan’s strategy remains defensive. U.S. strategic ambiguity adds uncertainty to China’s invasion plans.
Taiwan reports Chinese military activity near its territory
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported 12 Chinese military aircraft and 8 naval vessels near its territory, with 7 aircraft entering its Air Defense Identification Zone. Taiwan deployed its own aircraft and naval ships to monitor the situation. China's increased military activities near Taiwan have raised tensions, including the implementation of a new law allowing Chinese Coast Guard to board and detain foreign citizens, drawing international criticism.
Former Trump defence official warns against Chinese surprise attack on Taiwan
Former US President Donald Trump's administration official Elbridge Colby has served as deputy assistant secretary of defence for strategy and force development in 2017-2018. In an interview with Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun conducted in Washington DC, Colby said that the military needed to be strengthened so it could deliver any immediate response against Chinese aggression.
Taiwan detects 10 Chinese ships, six military aircraft around nation
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels. Grey zone tactics used by China around Taiwan have increased tensions since Lai Ching Te became the new President of Taiwan. Taiwan responded by deploying aircraft, navy ships, and coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity. Tensions between China and Taiwan remain high.
Taiwan says US arms sale shows 'commitment to defence' against China
Taiwan has expressed gratitude to the US for approving two military sales worth approximately $300 million to Taiwan, mainly of spare and repair parts for its F-16 fighter jets. The US has remained Taiwan's most important partner and biggest arms supplier, sparking repeated condemnations from China. Taiwan's defense ministry expressed gratitude for the approval and called on the Chinese Communist Party to stop irrational behaviours against Taiwan.
US, South Korea conduct joint bombing drills
The United States flew a B-1B bomber over the Korean Peninsula for the first joint bombing drills with South Korea in seven years, amidst heightened tensions from North Korea's provocations. The US bomber, escorted by South Korean F-15K jets, dropped Joint Direct Attack Munitions during the exercise. South Korea suspended a 2018 inter-Korean military pact and resumed military activities along the demarcation line. The drills aim to reinforce the US extended deterrence commitment and combined defense posture against North Korea's threats.
China beats the war drums at Shangri-La Dialogue
Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun delivered a strong message at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, emphasizing China's stance against hegemonism and power politics in the Asia-Pacific region.
China defence chief says Beijing ready to 'forcefully' stop Taiwan independence
The remarks at an annual security forum in Singapore followed the first substantive face-to-face talks in 18 months between the two countries' defence chiefs.
US defence secretary Lloyd Austin raises concerns about China's military activity
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed concerns over China's military actions near Taiwan during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart in Singapore. The meeting marked the first direct contact since 2022. Major General Patrick Ryder emphasised that China should not exploit Taiwan's democratic process for coercive measures. He highlighted the importance of respecting Taiwan's political transition as a routine democratic practice.
US, Chinese defence chiefs meet in Singapore
US and Chinese defence chiefs held talks in Singapore at the Shangri-La Dialogue. Lloyd Austin and Dong Jun met to discuss military dialogue and tensions over Taiwan and other issues.
Taiwan detects 28 Chinese aircraft around island
Taiwan's defence ministry reported detecting 28 Chinese aircraft around the island within a three-hour window on Wednesday. This follows recent military drills by China, showcasing its capability to control Taiwan, which it claims as its territory. The aircraft, including fighter jets, transport planes, and drones, crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line and coordinated with Chinese warships. Taiwan is closely monitoring the situation. These drills, termed "Joint Sword-2024A," came after Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te's inauguration, which Beijing condemned as a move towards Taiwan's independence.
Taiwan detects 21 Chinese military aircraft, 11 naval and 4 coast guard vessels near its territory
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported detecting 21 Chinese military aircraft, 11 naval vessels, and 4 coast guard vessels near its territory from Sunday to Monday. Ten of the aircraft entered Taiwan's southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. In response, Taiwan deployed its naval vessels and coastal missiles for monitoring. This follows a pattern of increased Chinese military activity, with similar detections reported earlier. The tension highlights the geopolitical complexities in the Taiwan Strait, especially following President Lai Ching-te's recent inauguration and subsequent Chinese military drills around Taiwan.
Taiwan detects Chinese military aircraft, vessels operating around its vicinity
Taiwan's Ministry of Defence reported detecting seven PLA aircraft and over 10 PLAN vessels around Taiwan on Sunday. Up until 6 a.m., Taiwan tracked 7 PLA aircraft, 14 PLAN vessels, and 4 China Coast Guard vessels in the vicinity, prompting a monitoring and response effort by Taiwan's armed forces. The previous day, 62 PLA aircraft and 27 PLAN vessels were detected, with 47 aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan condemned China's military exercises as destabilizing and reaffirmed its commitment to sovereignty and democratic values.
China ends war games, Taiwan details warplane, warship surge
Chinese state television's military channel said late on Friday the drills had concluded. A commentary in the official People's Liberation Army Daily said they had lasted for two days from Thursday to Friday, as previously announced.
Taiwan president pledges to stand with military, safeguard nation despite Chinese 'external threats'
China's military drills near Taiwan prompted President Lai Ching-te to pledge to stand with the military and protect Taiwan's freedom and democracy. He visited a Marine base, emphasizing the need to defend against external threats and ensure national security. While not directly addressing China's exercises, Lai expressed confidence in the military's ability to maintain security. The Chinese PLA's drills included fighter jets conducting mock strikes, with a focus on deterring Taiwan independence and external interference.
Taiwan's military, coast guard activate in response to China's drills
Taiwan's aerial and naval forces responded to China's military drills as President Lai Ching-te swore in. Taipei's coast guard warned off Chinese vessels amid 'Joint Sword-2024A' war games.
Taiwan detects Chinese incursion with military vessels around nation
Taiwan's Ministry of Defence has detected Chinese military vessels near the nation, including seven People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels and four China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels. The Taiwan Armed Forces (ROCArmedForces) have monitored the situation and responded accordingly. This development marks a concerning escalation in tensions between Taiwan and China, which has long claimed sovereignty over the island.
China warns after Lai inauguration that Taiwan independence is 'dead end'
China warned on Monday that efforts toward Taiwan's independence are a "dead end" after the island's new President Lai Ching-te took office. Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of its territory and has threatened force to control it, labelled Lai a "dangerous separatist." Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin reiterated that Taiwan independence efforts are doomed to fail. Concurrently, Beijing imposed sanctions on three US defence companies over arms sales to Taipei and censored discussions of the inauguration on Chinese social media.
Taiwan detects 6 Chinese aircraft, 7 vessels around its vicinity
Taiwan's Ministry of Defence reported the detection of six Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and seven People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels around its territory on Monday. Notably, six aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ). Taiwan's Armed Forces monitored and responded to these incursions.
Taiwan detects seven Chinese military aircrafts and vessels across its vicinity
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense detected Chinese military aircraft and People's Liberation Army Navy vessels near Taiwan. ROCArmedForces and Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence responded to the escalating tensions with China. Saturday, a significant presence of People's Liberation Army aircraft and vessels were identified in Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zones. The tensions highlight China's ambitions to reunify Taiwan with the mainland.
Forty-five Chinese aircraft, 6 vessels detected near Taiwan, tensions rise
According to official statements released on Wednesday, a total of 45 PLA aircraft and 6 vessels from China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) were detected operating near Taiwan as of 6 am local time. Of particular concern was the intrusion into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) by 26 aircraft, which crossed the median line, venturing into the northern and southwestern sectors of Taiwan's airspace.
Taiwan detects 7 Chinese naval ships, 2 military aircraft encircling it
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected seven Chinese naval vessels and two military aircraft near Taiwan. Two of the aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line. Taiwan responded by deploying aircraft, naval ships, and coastal defense missile systems. These actions come amid rising tensions between Taiwan and China, with China considering Taiwan a renegade province. China has increased military activities around Taiwan, with Taiwan tracking Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels multiple times this month. China's use of grey zone tactics, including sending military assets near Taiwan, has escalated since September 2020.
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