The Philippines is seeking closer ties with Taiwan and stronger military ties with nations focused on deterring China’s “nefarious plans,” Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro said.In an interview at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Teodoro outlined deepening
The China Coast Guard has increased patrols near Taiwan’s Pratas Islands (Dongsha Islands, 東沙群島) since February 2024, increasing from occasional transits to more than 30 transits annually, the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) said.On Feb. 14, 2024, a Chinese speedboat illegally entered prohibited wa
BIGGER FISH TO FRY: China has been increasing its military capabilities and defense budget quickly, with a lack of transparency, a Japanese minister said
Japan rejected China’s accusation that it is pursuing “new militarism,” a sharp rebuke against Beijing as tensions between the two countries continue to simmer.Without explicitly naming China, Japanese Minister of Defense Shinjiro Koizumi yesterday said that Tokyo was being unfairly called out for i
China’s military and coast guard said they yesterday carried out patrols near disputed waters in the South China Sea, a day after the Philippines said it remained under threat from Beijing despite a recent easing in US-China tensions.Philippine and US forces held a five-day maritime exercise in the
STEPPING UP: Defense Minister Wellington Koo said Taiwan would do its part to uphold peace in the region, share deterrence responsibility and build up its defense capabilities
President William Lai (賴清德) yesterday said Taiwan would bolster its defense capabilities and economic resilience in response to growing threats from China, emphasizing that the aim is to deter conflict through strength.Lai made the remarks during a Presidential and Youth Forum organized by Business
‘NO SECURITY RISK’: The Railway Bureau reassured the public that the technicians’ activities were limited to technical guidance and did not involve sensitive systems
The Railway Bureau yesterday said it had invited eight Chinese technicians to assist with an airport MRT construction project.The bureau issued the confirmation after an Internet user said Chinese nationals had entered the construction zone of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport’s Terminal 3 projec
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth yesterday at a defense conference assured Pacific allies that Washington remained committed to the region, but toned down previous comments calling China a threat.Speaking to a group of world leaders, diplomats and top security officials at the Shangri-La Dialogu
The outer belt of Tropical Storm Jangmi is forecast to bring rain to Taiwan this week, although the system is unlikely to have a direct impact on the country, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said yesterday.As of 8am yesterday, the eye of the storm was about 1,110km east-southeast of Oluanpi
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing yesterday embarked on an official visit to India, one of the country’s key regional partners, for high-level meetings aimed at bolstering bilateral ties.It is the first time Min Aung Hlaing has traveled to the neighboring country since he was sworn into office as pr
ISSUES: Lawmakers passed resolutions to address concerns such as funding gaps, ensuring drones’ strike capabilities and survivability, as well as cost discrepancies
The Legislative Yuan yesterday approved a special defense procurement budget for this year of more than NT$8.811 billion (US$280.75 million) to fund purchases of five US weapons systems.Lawmakers also passed 35 accompanying resolutions, including a call for the government to fill a funding gap of mo
MORE INCREASES: Exports and imports are projected to jump 39.77% and 33.53% respectively as chipmakers expand production capacities to meet demand for AI
Taiwan yesterday sharply raised its economic growth forecast for this year after a blistering first quarter, as surging global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure fueled exports, investment and corporate profits across the technology-driven economy.The Directorate-General of Budge
The Ma Ying-jeou Foundation yesterday filed criminal complaints against two former employees, accusing them of breaches of trust and embezzlement.The foundation in a statement said it filed complaints with the Shilin District Prosecutors’ Office against former chief executive Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑) an
China’s rapid military modernization and assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region and growing concerns over US priorities were the top issues on the table at Asia’s premier defense summit drawing leaders, top diplomats and security officials from around the world.Vietnamese President To Lam opened t
A Hong Kong court yesterday dismissed an appeal by the former head of the city’s largest press union against a conviction for obstructing police officers, issuing a five-day jail sentence.Former Hong Kong Journalists Association chairman Ronson Chan (陳朗昇) had been arrested by police, who said he ref
GREATER REACH? Auto parts and wood products would face tariffs of up to 15%, matching those targeting the EU, Japan and South Korea, Vice Premier said
The US has announced that preferential tariff treatment for Taiwan’s non-semiconductor Section 232 goods would take effect retroactively from May 1, the Executive Yuan said yesterday.The US government yesterday posted a notice on the Federal Register’s public inspection Web site previewing tariff co
CRIMINAL CODE: People with drug-driving records would be flagged and their license would not be renewed until after they undergo treatment, an official said
People with records of operating vehicles under the influence of drugs would be listed as high-risk drivers and not allowed to renew their license until after undergoing addiction treatment and a stand down period, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications said yesterday.The government said
A US uncrewed surface vessel (USV) encountered multiple Chinese warships during an autonomous transit of the Taiwan Strait, US defense company Seasats said in a statement on Wednesday.Seasats announced that a Lightfish USV had completed the first autonomous transit of the Taiwan Strait.Over five day
The US military yesterday accused Iran of contravening a ceasefire after Kuwait reported coming under attack in the latest flare-up that threatened ongoing negotiations to end the war.US Central Command said that Kuwait had intercepted missiles launched by Iran late on Wednesday night, calling the a
The Philippines and Japan yesterday agreed to negotiate an intelligence sharing agreement.Visiting Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also said they would upgrade their ties to bolster security and economic cooperation.“At today’s meeting, regarding n
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