-
Typhoon Ragasa reaches Taiwan, prompts evacuations
Typhoon Ragasa threatens Hualien’s Matian’an Wetland dam, prompting evacuation of 7,000 residents. Military aids with logistics as officials prepare for potential disaster.
3小時前
-
President Lai leads solemn ceremony amid China’s war display
Taiwan celebrated Armed Forces Day with a ceremony led by President Lai Ching-te, honoring those who sacrificed for peace. He emphasized Taiwan’s dedication to democracy and human rights.
2025/09/03 17:00
-
Typhoon Danas hits Tainan, devastates agriculture
Typhoon Danas hit Tainan City, damaging agriculture and fishing. Mayor Huang Wei-che assessed pomelo orchards, with only 10% to 30% of the harvest viable. The city plans relief efforts and military support for cleanup.
2025/07/07 21:00
-
Taiwan coordinates extra flights to aid stranded passengers
Taiwan flights resumed after Typhoon Danas. Airports in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung reopened. 144 domestic flights were canceled, 7 delayed. CAA coordinated extra flights and military support.
2025/07/07 16:17
-
Taiwan seeks joint U.S.-Taiwan weapons production: Lai
President Lai Ching-te met with U.S. Rep. Ami Bera to discuss boosting Taiwan’s defense spending and enhancing Taiwan-U.S. security cooperation. They aim to transition from military procurement to joint production. President Lai praised U.S. bipartisan support and highlighted efforts to strengthen societal defense resilience. The meeting also covered Taiwan-U.S. collaboration in AI and semiconductors, with plans to resolve the double taxation bill. Rep. Bera emphasized the importance of unity among democratic nations to protect Asia’s peace.
2025/06/16 11:55
-
Taiwan unveils sea drone with dual peacetime-wartime roles
YILAN (TVBS News) — Carbon-Based Technology Inc. (碳基科技) recently unveiled its unmanned surface vehicle (USV) in the waters off Suao (蘇澳), northern Taiwan. The sea drone aims to support an asymmetric warfare strategy currently being developed by Taiwan. Despite encountering a remote control power system issue that rendered it inoperable during performance tests, conducted under the escort of a National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST, 中科院) workboat, this incident highlights ongoing challenges for Taiwan in accelerating the development of unmanned vehicles for military use as it seeks to enhance its innovative and powerful aid forces. Professor Lin Wei-chi (林威志) from Taipei University of Marine Technology (TUMT, 台北海洋科技大學) emphasized the vessel’s innovative design, which allows it to transition between peacetime and wartime roles. The ship can transport resources to remote islands or conduct patrols in Taiwan’s waters, including port detection and environmental oversight. Regarding military applications, such a USV can deter and attack enemies and be commissioned for various missions. However, Taiwan still needs to address several issues, including geographical references in the Taiwan Strait and technical limitations. Lin noted that large waves caused water leakage during the demonstration, which may have affected electronic components on board. Vice President Li Kang-si (李康嗣) of Carbon-Based Technology confirmed that although communication power remained stable, the wave conditions hindered the vessel’s activation, leading to a delay in further tests. According to reports, the island-nation has approximately 1,000 UAVs in service, which is significantly smaller than China’s fleet, especially considering that Beijing is a leading producer of unmanned drones. The scale of the UAV industry is also restricted in Taiwan. According to the Wall Street Journal, Taiwan plans to purchase 3,200 USVs, most of which are small. On one hand, Taiwan’s civilian company is expected to deliver 3,000 drones to the authorities by the end of 2025; however, it is essential to involve larger companies in the supply chain. Amid these challenges, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) plans to enhance its asymmetric warfare capabilities by proposing a special budget later this year. Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (顧立雄) underscored the significance of unmanned vehicles, including drones and vessels, in bolstering defense resilience. He also announced that the ministry will suggest a special budget to reinforce asymmetric warfare forces, following the so-called “Hellscape” coined by the Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Samuel Paparo. Uncrewed vehicles have become a prominent trend among nations, with their efficiency particularly evident during the Ukraine-Russia War. In October 2022, Ukraine deployed at least seven naval drones to attack the port of Sevastopol, where Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is stationed in its protected harbor. The assault resulted in damage to one frigate and several other vessels, though no warships were sunk. A month ago, Ukraine successfully employed a USV to shoot down a Russian Su-30 aircraft. This effectiveness has encouraged various nations to invest in the development of unmanned vehicles. Currently, the U.S. has over 10,000 UAVs in service, while its navy plans to expand the integration of a hybrid fleet with USVs. Regarding Taiwan, the authorities are fully committed to the effort of keeping pace in this race against time by all means. Earlier this month, Taiwan unveiled its domestically produced suicide drone developed by Thunder Tiger Group, a civilian company; another firm presented a remotely operated underwater vehicle in collaboration with the military; and Taiwan CSBC Corporation (台船) showcased its USVs capable of withstanding harsh conditions in Taiwanese waters, equipped with combat capabilities, back in March. Additionally, the Taiwan government has acquired 680 Switchblade 300 drones, 291 ALTIUS 600 M-V units from the U.S., and 4 MQ-9B drones, which are expected to arrive in 2026 and 2027, respectively. The global landscape of unmanned military vehicles has seen significant advancements, as evidenced by Ukraine’s deployment of unmanned ships during its conflict with Russia. In response to China’s military pressure, Taiwan must address the dual challenge posed by its geography and technical limitations while enhancing its development speed to achieve a flexible asymmetric warfare strategy.
2025/06/13 19:06
-
Poll: 82% of Americans view Taiwan as an independent nation
A survey shows strong U.S. support for Taiwan, with 68% viewing it positively and 82% seeing it as independent. The poll highlights bipartisan backing for formal U.S. recognition.
2025/04/30 12:00
-
Chinese Coast Guard increases activity around Taiwan: NSB
The National Security Bureau reports increased Chinese military threats straining Taiwan’s resources. The U.S. reaffirms support for Taiwan’s defense amid rising tensions.
2025/04/10 07:00
-
Taiwan to launch military-civilian transition system by 2027
The Veterans Affairs Council in Taiwan is intensifying efforts to counter infiltration tactics targeting military personnel. Minister Yen Teh-fa reported on initiatives to support veterans, including a new system to aid their transition to civilian jobs.
2025/04/02 17:00
-
Taiwan’s military allowances to increase starting April 1
President Lai Ching-te announced increased allowances for Taiwan’s military personnel, enhancing support for officers and soldiers. The changes aim to boost defense capabilities and ensure regional security.
2025/03/21 11:20
-
Taiwan to be top U.S. military aid recipient post-Ukraine
Raymond Greene of the American Institute in Taiwan says Taiwan will be the main recipient of U.S. military aid post-Ukraine conflict. Taiwan seeks stronger U.S. security ties amid China’s military pressure.
2025/03/10 17:00
-
Premier Cho optimistic on cross-party defense consensus
Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai is optimistic about cross-party support for enhancing national defense and military benefits. The Ministry of National Defense plans to increase allowances, with proposals under discussion.
2025/03/04 13:00
-
U.S. State Dept. clarifies stance on Taiwan arms deal
The U.S. State Department reaffirms its support for Taiwan’s defense under the Taiwan Relations Act, amid reports of a potential military procurement. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has not commented.
2025/02/19 12:00
-
President Lai unveils upgraded military barracks in Taichung
President Lai Ching-te highlights Taiwan’s commitment to military support with new barracks at Ching Chuan Kang. The upgrades aim to enhance soldiers’ quality of life and focus on training.
2025/01/03 14:09
-
Taiwan defense budget faces NT$80 billion cut risk
Taiwan’s defense budget may face a cut of over NT$80 billion, impacting military investments and personnel benefits. The Ministry of National Defense urges bipartisan support to maintain operational needs.
2024/12/26 10:33
-
Taiwan vows to defend sovereignty amid China threats
Taiwan’s Deputy Minister Wu Chih-chung discusses Taiwan’s defense strategy amid China’s threats, its role in the semiconductor industry, and global partnerships.
2024/12/13 10:21
-
Foundation CEO reveals Lai’s support for China exchanges
Discover the intricate dynamics of Taiwan-China relations as Ma Ying-jeou Foundation CEO Hsiao Hsu-tsen reveals President Lai Ching-te’s private support for cross-strait exchanges amidst DPP divisions. Learn about the obstruction tactics, conflicting stances, and the government’s unclear policy directions.
2024/12/12 13:31
-
Economic, relationship issues drive military suicides
The Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan reports debt and relationship issues as leading causes of military suicides. Efforts include linking civilian counseling resources and mental health consultations in physical exams to support service members.
2024/10/29 14:07
-
Foreign Minister: Defense conditional on China’s invasion
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung clarifies that Taiwan’s readiness to fight depends on a Chinese invasion. Lin calls for bipartisan support and global defense of Taiwan’s security.
2024/10/21 10:34
-
U.S. official backs Taiwan’s defense modernization efforts
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Chase supports Taiwan’s defense modernization, urging funding for self-defense. He highlights lessons from Ukraine.
2024/10/17 10:53
-
Taiwan’s NSB highlights China’s intense military drill
Taiwan’s NSB reports on China’s intense military exercise near Taiwan, highlighting its short duration and high aircraft mobilization. The U.S. and others express concern.
2024/10/16 12:25
-
Survey: 70% expect U.S. aid if China invades Taiwan
A survey by the Institute for National Defense and Security Research reveals over 70% of Taiwanese believe the U.S. would indirectly aid Taiwan if China invades.
2024/10/09 21:00
-
US Taiwan aid package includes critical defense stockpiles
The U.S. announced a $567 million military aid package to Taiwan, including critical defense stockpiles and equipment. This aligns with the U.S.’s commitment to Taiwan’s self-defense.
2024/10/02 13:12
-
Interior minister clarifies role of 400K-strong civil force
Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang clarified that Taiwan’s new civil force will not train 400,000 militia members but will focus on maintaining social and governmental operations.
2024/09/30 14:34
-
President Lai leads inaugural resilience committee meeting
President Lai Ching-te led the inaugural meeting of Taiwan’s Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee. The committee aims to enhance national resilience and disaster preparedness through phased goals and community-level actions.
2024/09/27 10:15