Protecting Taiwan is in the US’ national interest, because Taiwan plays a critical role in maintaining peace in its region, Minister of National Defense Yen De-fa (嚴德發) said yesterday.
Yen made the remarks at a legislative session when asked by Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Lo Chih-cheng (羅致政) to comment on US journalist Bob Woodward’s new book titled Fear: Trump in the White House, in which US President Donald Trump is quoted as asking the National Security Council: “What do we get from protecting Taiwan?”
Asked why Deputy Minister of National Defense Chang Guan-chung (張冠群), and not Yen, is to attend the US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference from Oct. 28 to 30, in Annapolis, Maryland, Yen said the decision was made after taking into account the rank of participating officials and the topics to be discussed at the meeting.
Given the frequent military exchanges between the two nations, he would have many other opportunities to interact with US military officials, he said.
Taiwan’s plan to acquire M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks from the US is proceeding smoothly, Yen said.
Regarding China’s military activity in the region, Yen said that although the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has suspended long-distance combat training exercises at sea since June 20, it has continued to hold short-distance marine patrols and military drills targeting certain countries and areas in the region, including Taiwan.
The military closely monitors the PLA’s actions, Yen said, adding that the armed forces would continue efforts to maintain regional peace and security.
Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr arrived in Taiwan last night to kick off his first visit to the country since beginning his second term earlier this year. After arriving at Taoyuan International Airport at around 6:30 pm, Whipps and his delegation were welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). Speaking to gathered media, the Palauan leader said he was excited and honored to be back in Taiwan on his first state visit to Taiwan since he was sworn in this January. Among those traveling with Whipps is Minister of State Gustav N. Aitaro, Public Infrastructure
President William Lai (賴清德) yesterday thanked Palau for its continued support of Taiwan's international participation, as Taipei was once again excluded from the World Health Assembly (WHA) currently taking place in Switzerland. "Palau has never stopped voicing support for Taiwan" in the UN General Assembly, the WHO and other UN-affiliated agencies, Lai said during a bilateral meeting with visiting Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. "We have been profoundly touched by these endorsements," Lai said, praising the Pacific island nation's firm support as "courageous." Lai's remarks came as Taiwan was excluded for the ninth consecutive year from the WHA, which is being held in
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At least three people died and more than a dozen were injured yesterday afternoon when a vehicle struck a group of pedestrians in New Taipei City’s Sansia District (三峽). The incident happened at about 4pm when a car rammed into pedestrians at an intersection near Bei Da Elementary School. Witnesses said the sedan, being driven at a high speed, ran a red light, knocking scooters out of the way and hitting students crossing the road before careening into a median near the intersection of Guocheng and Guoguang streets. The incident resulted in three deaths and 13 injuries, including the driver, a 78-year-old man
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