Air force commander General Chen Chao-ming (陳肇敏) was right to lash out at reporters for reporting on the operational readiness of the F-16 fighter jets ("Air force chief slams press," Jan. 3, page 3), as such reports also serve as intelligence for China and other enemies.
But Chen should have given himself a lashing for mentioning that "the Singapore air force was established with assistance from Taiwan." It is already known that Singapore has sent troops here for training, much to the annoyance of Beijing, which has insisted that Singapore cease all such training.
When Chen made his statement, wasn't he revealing greater military co-operation and ties between Singapore and Taiwan? Didn't he think about how what he said could further provoke Beijing? As commander of the air force, Chen has access to military secrets and information. I believe he should watch what he says.
Michael Teo
Taipei
Don't forget legends
I thoroughly enjoyed Rick Chu's article about Yang Chuan-kuang(楊傳廣) ("Yang Chuan-kuang deserves better," Jan. 10, page 8). I think that it shed light on a very important subject; that of respect for our predecessors -- those who gave nations inspiration for the accomplishments that they enjoy today.
I am sure that manipulation and eventual abandonment of those who have achieved great feats occur all too often in almost every country. During times of economic turmoil, citizens of nations rally around Olympic athletes as symbols of the nation -- much like a flag.
As these athletes achieve high honors in such international events, they lift the spirits of their countrymen, making them proud and giving them dignity. These athletes in a way inspire people to survive hardships and achieve greatness. In this sense, they are national treasures and they deserve the kind of enduring respect that we often only afford our great military and political leaders. They can inspire generations to come if they are kept in the forefront of our minds through school books, memorials and high profile articles such as Chu's.
George Dennis
California
Recently, China launched another diplomatic offensive against Taiwan, improperly linking its “one China principle” with UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 to constrain Taiwan’s diplomatic space. After Taiwan’s presidential election on Jan. 13, China persuaded Nauru to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Nauru cited Resolution 2758 in its declaration of the diplomatic break. Subsequently, during the WHO Executive Board meeting that month, Beijing rallied countries including Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Belarus, Egypt, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Laos, Russia, Syria and Pakistan to reiterate the “one China principle” in their statements, and assert that “Resolution 2758 has settled the status of Taiwan” to hinder Taiwan’s
The past few months have seen tremendous strides in India’s journey to develop a vibrant semiconductor and electronics ecosystem. The nation’s established prowess in information technology (IT) has earned it much-needed revenue and prestige across the globe. Now, through the convergence of engineering talent, supportive government policies, an expanding market and technologically adaptive entrepreneurship, India is striving to become part of global electronics and semiconductor supply chains. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision of “Make in India” and “Design in India” has been the guiding force behind the government’s incentive schemes that span skilling, design, fabrication, assembly, testing and packaging, and
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As former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) wrapped up his visit to the People’s Republic of China, he received his share of attention. Certainly, the trip must be seen within the full context of Ma’s life, that is, his eight-year presidency, the Sunflower movement and his failed Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, as well as his eight years as Taipei mayor with its posturing, accusations of money laundering, and ups and downs. Through all that, basic questions stand out: “What drives Ma? What is his end game?” Having observed and commented on Ma for decades, it is all ironically reminiscent of former US president Harry