Two Singaporean warship arrived at Kaohsiung's civil port on Thursday evening amid criticism from legislators over allowing the visit after Singapore recently refused to permit a stop by Taiwanese naval vessels during their global tour.
"The Ministry of National Defense should be criticized," said Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) Legislator Ho Min-hao (
He added that Minister of Defense Lee Jye (李傑) previously told the legislature that the snubbing of Taiwan's ships would have an influence on Taiwan-Singapore relations, but that yesterday's port stop showed that there had been few consequences.
PHOTO: CHANG CHUNH-YI, TAIPEI TIMES
Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Lu Hsiu-yen (盧秀燕) said "the ministry spoke tough, but acted weak. The Ministry should have taken Taiwan's dignity into consideration."
But Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Lee Wen-chung (
"One is to react, and another is to consider China's pressure on Singapore, and treat it in a friendly manner," Lee said. "I personally prefer the second approach."
Hu Chen-pu (
The two Singaporean ships presence at Kaohsiung's civil port, rather than Tsoying navy port nearby has attracted the attention of local media.
A ministry of defense official who requested anonymity said yesterday that a Taiwanese motorized infantry battalion and a Singaporean brigade will conduct a joint drill named Operation High Noon later this month, as part of the Han Chung No. 21 military exercise.
According to the Liberty Times, a Singaporean civilian vessel has sent military personal and weapons including tanks to Kaohsiung in preparation for the military drill.
The two Singaporean vessels will also operate with the navy during the drill, the newspaper said.
Singapore has had military ties with Taiwan for several decades. The two countries' military co-operation program is known as Operation Hsing Kuang (Starlight). According to the program, Taiwan provides training venues for Singaporean artillery, armored vehicles and infantry units.
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