21 OCTOBER 2019
Defence minister says ‘no force’ can stop China reunification
China’s defence minister said on Monday that resolving the “Taiwan question” was China’s greatest national interest, and that no force could prevent the country’s “reunification”
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/defence-minister-force-stop-china-reunification-191021014233161.html
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/chinas-defence-minister-says-resolving-taiwan-question-is-greatest-national-interest
16 OCTOBER 2019
Taiwan F-16 fighter jet upgrades on schedule, despite delays
Taiwan’s multimillion dollar programme to retrofit its 142-strong fleet of F-16 fighter jets to bring them up to Viper standard is expected to be completed within the next four years
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3033204/taiwan-f-16-fighter-jet-upgrades-schedule-despite-delays
15 OCTOBER 2019
Taiwan sends presidential envoy to boost Czech ties after Prague moves to scrap sister city agreement with Beijing
Taiwan has sent a presidential envoy to the Czech capital after the Prague city authorities moved to cut ties with their counterparts in Beijing over the one-China policy
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3033051/taiwan-sends-presidential-envoy-boost-czech-ties-after-prague
07 OCTOBER 2019
US and Taiwan hold forum to shore up support for Taipei in Pacific
Representatives of Pacific Island nations, the US and Taiwan met in Taipei on Monday to find ways to shore up support for the self-ruled island in the region as Beijing continues to poach its allies
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3031891/us-and-taiwan-hold-forum-shore-support-taipei-pacific
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20191007_38/
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201910070020.aspx
26 SEPTEMBER 2019
US Senate Committee Passes TAIPEI Act to Boost Taiwan’s International Standing
The U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations unanimously passed the TAIPEI Act on Sept. 25, moving forward a bill that would bolster Taiwan’s ability to fend off China’s diplomatic bullying
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us-senate-committee-passes-taipei-act-to-boost-taiwans-international-standing_3097561.html
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3784577
25 SEPTEMBER 2019
Marshall Islands Shows Support for Taiwan After Neighbors Favor China
The Marshall Islands confirmed it was maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan on Sept. 25, a welcome show of support for President Tsai Ing-wen who has seen two other Pacific nations drop ties in favor of China in a matter of weeks
https://www.theepochtimes.com/marshall-islands-shows-support-for-taiwan-after-neighbors-favor-china_3094678.html
22 SEPTEMBER 2019
Taiwanese Businesses Look to India as Alternative to China
Taiwan is pitching India as a potential business destination to its tech, auto, renewable energy and farm sector firms as the United States’ trade war with China has pushed its companies to look for newer markets, two officials said
https://www.theepochtimes.com/taiwanese-businesses-look-to-india-as-alternative-to-china_3089631.html
20 SEPTEMBER 2019
Kiribati cuts ties with Taiwan to switch to China, days after Solomon Islands
The Pacific island nation of Kiribati cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan on Friday, becoming the second country to do so this week and strengthening Beijing’s hand
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-20/kiribati-to-switch-diplomatic-ties-from-taiwan-to-china/11532192
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3780704
16 SEPTEMBER 2019
China extends influence in Pacific as Solomon Islands break with Taiwan
The move is a huge blow to self-ruled Taiwan, which has lost six allies since 2016, and to Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, who is seeking re-election in January amid rising tension with China
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/solomon-islands-switch-diplomatic-ties-from-taiwan-to-china
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190916_31/
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201909160022.aspx
10 SEPTEMBER 2019
Solomon Islands Says ‘Business as Usual’ with Taiwan as it Mulls Diplomatic Switch to China
Solomon Islands said that its diplomatic ties with Taiwan were stable, giving the assurance even as China woos the Pacific nation with a development fund if it switches alliance from Taipei to Beijing
https://www.newdelhitimes.com/solomon-islands-says-business-as-usual-with-taiwan-as-it-mulls-diplomatic-switch-to-china/
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201909100023.aspx
21 AUGUST 2019
China threatens sanctions over sale of US fighter jets to Taiwan
China threatened to sanction US companies involved in the sale of weapons to Taiwan on Wednesday after the United States approved an $8 billion (€7.2 billion) arms deal to the island
https://www.dw.com/en/china-threatens-sanctions-over-sale-of-us-fighter-jets-to-taiwan/a-50113242
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/approves-8bn-sale-66-16-fighters-taiwan-190821002905496.html
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/08/20/politics/taiwan-fighter-jet-sales/index.html
15 AUGUST 2019
Taiwan Sharply Boosts Defense Budget Amid China Tension
Taiwan unveiled its largest defense spending increase in more than a decade on Aug. 15 amid rising military tensions with its giant neighbor China, which considers the self-ruled island its own and has not renounced the use of force against it
https://www.theepochtimes.com/taiwan-sharply-boosts-defense-budget-amid-china-tension_3041714.html
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/08/16/2003720564
10 AUGUST 2019
Taiwan urges citizens to stay on alert for China-backed media ‘infiltration’
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen urged citizens to stay on alert for Chinese-financed media “infiltration” after a Reuters report of a Beijing-backed media campaign in the self-ruled island which China considers its own
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taiwan-urges-citizens-to-stay-on-alert-for-china-backed-media-infiltration
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201908100014.aspx
9 AUGUST 2019
TAIWAN AND THE VATICAN: RELATIONS FROM PAST TO NEAR FUTURE
Since the number of countries officially recognising the Republic of China (ROC) in Taiwan has fallen from 22 to 17 in the last two years, the Vatican-PRC diplomatic warming has caught Taipei’s attention and contributed to concerns of a diplomatic crisis. In this article, I briefly present Vatican-ROC relations past and present, then speculate on future developments by considering the impact of Vatican-PRC negotiations
https://taiwaninsight.org/2019/08/09/taiwan-and-the-vatican-relations-from-past-to-near-future/
7 AUGUST 2019
Mainland China to boycott Golden Horse awards in latest attempt to squeeze Taiwan
Mainland China will not take part in the film awards dubbed the “Chinese-language Oscars”, held in Taiwan, Beijing’s film administrators announced on Wednesday, reflecting tensions across the strait
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3021731/mainland-china-boycott-asias-oscars-latest-attempt-squeeze
https://www.newdelhitimes.com/china-bans-movies-actors-from-prominent-taiwan-film-awards/
31 JULY 2019
China bans individual travelers from visiting Taiwan
China on Wednesday announced that individual travelers from that country will be banned from visiting Taiwan starting August, citing the current strained cross-strait relations, five-months before Taiwan holds a presidential election in January 2020
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201907310013.aspx
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/07/31/china-stops-issuing-travel-permits-mainlanders-visiting-taiwan/
28 JULY 2019
China’s Infiltration of Taiwanese Media: The Communist Party’s Four Means of Bribing Local Outlets
Recently, 23 Taiwanese online media outlets simultaneously published a critical article of Tsai Ing-wen’s government. The report originated from the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), arousing public concern regarding the CCP’s infiltration into Taiwanese media
https://www.theepochtimes.com/chinas-infiltration-in-taiwanese-media-threatens-taiwans-independence-and-security_3019866.html
17 JULY 2019
Why Taiwan’s President Is Getting First Class Treatment in the US This Month
12 JULY 2019
Beijing’s anger boils as Taiwan’s president visits New York
Beijing is furious with Washington for a second time this week after Taiwan’s president Tsai Ing-wen stopped by New York on her way to two of Taiwan’s last diplomatic friends on earth: Haiti and Dominican Republic. It comes as the US decided it would sell $2.2 billion worth of weapons to Taiwan
http://en.rfi.fr/asia-pacific/20190712-beijing-anger-boils-New-York-welcomes-Taiwan-president
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190712_39/
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201907120015.aspx
9 JULY 2019
US approves arms sale to Taiwan despite Beijing’s objections
The US Department of State has approved the sale of US$2.22 billion in weapons to Taiwan that includes M1A2T Abrams tanks and Stinger missiles
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/07/10/2003718402/1
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/us-approves-arms-sale-to-taiwan-despite-beijing-s-objections-28111
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/07/china-demands-cancel-proposed-22bn-arms-sale-taiwan-190709091716397.html
19 JUNE 2019
Taiwan increases penalties for spying for China
An amendment to the National Security Act cleared the legislative floor Wednesday, with heavier punishments for practices that jeopardize national security or social order, including developing organizations and collecting confidential information for China
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201906190016.aspx
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/06/20/2003717240
6 JUNE 2019
Taiwan confirms request for US tanks, air defense systems
Taiwan’s proposed purchase of billions of dollars worth of US arms has met with a speedy response from China. Beijing has said more American weapons in Taiwan could damage US-China ties and security the Taiwan Strait
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201906060006.aspx
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3718443
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/06/china-concern-taiwan-confirms-arms-purchase-request-190606065452370.html
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190606_45/
27 MAY 2019
Rare meeting between Taiwanese, US security officials angers Beijing
China responded angrily on Monday as Taiwan confirmed the first meeting in more than four decades between senior US and Taiwanese security officials
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3011978/rare-meeting-between-taiwanese-us-security-officials-angers
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3710564
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/china-bridles-at-rare-meeting-between-taiwan-and-us-security-officials-27018
15 MAY 2019
Is the Taiwan Strait in International Waters?
In April 2019, Tsai Ing-wen said the Taiwan Strait is in international water. Is that 100 percent so? Not really. Let me spell out some of the major reasons and give one concrete example related to international regimes (IR), so as to challenge and falsify what Tsai had said and done, as neither 100 percent precise nor accurate
http://ippreview.com/index.php/Home/Blog/single/id/972.html
10 MAY 2019
China has stepped up efforts to infiltrate Taiwan – president
Tsai, speaking to reporters on Friday after a national security meeting, said China’s operations to influence opinion included attempts to interfere with elections and conduct fake news campaigns
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/china-stepped-efforts-infiltrate-taiwan-president-190510040347277.html
6 MAY 2019
Recognise Taiwan’s title and then we’ll talk, Foxconn billionaire Terry Gou tells Beijing
Foxconn’s billionaire chairman and aspiring Taiwanese presidential candidate Terry Gou has called on Beijing to recognise the “Republic of China”, Taiwan’s official title
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3009087/recognise-taiwans-title-and-then-well-talk-billionaire-terry
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3695588
30 APRIL 2019
U.S. Senate approves resolution reaffirming commitment to Taiwan
The U.S. Senate has passed a resolution reaffirming the United States commitment to Taiwan and to the implementation of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA)
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201905010013.aspx
26 APRIL 2019
Trump’s “Taiwan Card”: How Real?
For more than two years the liberal Western media, especially in the United States, have talked and written extensively about America’s relations with Taiwan under Donald J. Trump. During this period their narratives embraced two different themes: first, the relationship was managed badly and second, Taiwan is a “card” Trump is playing against China
http://ippreview.com/index.php/Home/Blog/single/id/952.html
16 APRIL 2019
US approves F-16 support for Taiwan in face of pressure from Beijing
A Pentagon statement said the State Department had approved the sale of a programme of pilot training, maintenance and logistics support for the F-16 aircraft now at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3006312/us-approves-f-16-support-taiwan-face-pressure-beijing
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/04/17/2003713525
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201904160015.aspx
15 APRIL 2019
US Denounces “Coercion” as China Conducts Drills Near Taiwan
Chinese bombers and warships conducted drills around Taiwan on April 15, the latest military maneuvers near the self-ruled island that a senior U.S. official denounced as “coercion” and a threat to stability in the region
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us-denounces-coercion-as-china-conducts-drills-near-taiwan_2880307.html
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201904150011.aspx
8 APRIL 2019
Taiwan to Buy 108 M1A2 Abrams Tanks From US Despite China’s Objection – Reports
According to the local media, the Taiwanese Armed Forces have more than 1,000 tanks, mostly of M60A3 and CM-11 models. Once Washington approves the deal, 108 M1A2 Abrams tanks will enter service within the Sixth Army Corps, which secures the safety of northern Taiwan, where most of the central government establishments are situated
https://sputniknews.com/asia/201904081073925358-taiwan-abrams-tanks/
1 APRIL 2019
Sale of ‘obsolete’ F-16s to Taiwan irks Beijing
Beijing has responded angrily to the talk of sales by the US of more than 60 Lockheed Martin F-16V jets to Taiwan, even though the fourth generation warplanes, whose original model entered service 40 years ago, will hardly trouble China’s more advanced J-20 fighters
https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/04/article/sale-of-obsolete-f-16s-to-taiwan-irks-beijing/
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/
30 MARCH 2019
China destroys 30,000 maps because they don’t list Taiwan and state in north India as its territory
China has destroyed almost 30,000 maps that do not label Taiwan and a disputed region in north India as its territory
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/china-maps-destroyed-taiwan-arunachal-pradesh-india-territory-disputed-south-tibet-a8840836.html
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3003121/about-29000-problematic-world-maps-showing-taiwan-country
27 MARCH 2019
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen warns of ‘Hong Kong example’ on Hawaii stopover as she vows to boost military
Despite Chinese protest, the US state was on the itinerary for Tsai’s tour of the Pacific. Experts say the tour is part of a “defensive” strategy from Taipei as it faces increased pressure from Beijing
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3003577/hawaii-stopover-taiwan-president-tsai-ing-wen-warns-hong-kong
https://www.dw.com/en/why-did-taiwans-tsai-ing-wen-ask-for-us-arms-during-hawaii-visit/a-48103286
https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/03/article/taiwans-tsai-rejects-talk-of-chinese-takeover/
21 MARCH 2019
Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen heads to the South Pacific in a bid to fend off China
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen set off on Thursday (March 21) for a trip to the South Pacific to shore up ties with three island nations that still recognise Taiwan as a country, in an effort to offset China’s expanding influence in the region
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taiwans-tsai-ing-wen-heads-to-the-south-pacific-in-a-bid-to-fend-off-china
https://www.voanews.com/a/taiwan-leader-visits-pacific-allies-to-stop-in-hawaii-/4840772.html
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201903210025.aspx
20 MARCH 2019
The Pushback Plan: How Taiwan Can Win Diplomatically Against China
Beijing’s tightening diplomatic squeeze of Taiwan is part of a larger strategy, including the exploitation of economic, military, and politically subversive pressure points, to bring the island’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, to heel
https://nationalinterest.org/feature/pushback-plan-how-taiwan-can-win-diplomatically-against-china-48322
15 MARCH 2019
THE US-CHINA RIVALRY: A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR TAIWAN
The most important geostrategic event of this century is the rivalry between the United States and China. International competition between these two countries is heating up. As the African proverb goes, “when two elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled.” How should Taiwan avoid being trampled?
https://taiwaninsight.org/2019/03/13/the-us-china-rivalry-a-survival-guide-for-taiwan/
14 MARCH 2019
El Salvador top court suspends scrapping of Taiwan trade accord
El Salvador’s highest court on Wednesday temporarily suspended the cancellation of a free trade pact with Taiwan, after the Central American nation’s sugar industry sought an injunction, arguing the move would hurt its business interests
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-el-salvador-taiwan/el-salvador-top-court-suspends-scrapping-of-taiwan-trade-accord-idUSKCN1QU340
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/03/15/2003711513
8 MARCH 2019
US asked to sell 66 advanced fighter jets to Taiwan
Taiwan has submitted a formal request for the purchase of 66 F-16V fighter jets from the United States to counter a military buildup by China, with Deputy Minister of National Defense Shen Yi-ming admitting they were needed “to counter current enemy threats”
https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/03/article/us-asked-to-sell-66-advanced-fighter-jets/
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201903080025.aspx
27 FEBRUARY 2019
China says Taiwan opposition’s peace proposal must include push for ‘reunification’
Any proposals from self-ruled Taiwan for a peace deal with China must include a push for “reunification”, Beijing said on Wednesday (Feb 27), after the island’s main opposition party said it could sign one if it wins a presidential election next year
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-says-taiwan-oppositions-peace-proposal-must-include-push-for-reunification
15 FEBRUARY 2019
Taiwan’s darkest military secrets revealed by Google Maps
Some of Taiwan’s most sensitive military sites – including its facilities for the US-made Patriot missiles – have been accidentally revealed to the public through Google’s latest 3D-rendered maps
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/2186351/taiwans-darkest-military-secrets-revealed-google-maps
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/02/16/2003709805
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3638800
Taiwan Military Expert Warns of Potential for Chinese Regime to Damage Island’s Internet System
Taiwanese experts are concerned that China can cut off the island’s internet connection by destroying undersea cables
https://www.theepochtimes.com/taiwan-military-expert-warns-of-potential-for-chinese-regime-to-damage-islands-internet-system_2784994.html
24 JANUARY 2019
Taiwan unveils new drone as China tensions mount
Taiwan’s navy showed off its latest long-range surveillance drone on Thursday (Jan 24) as the island’s outgunned armed forces push to counter China’s increasingly muscular rhetoric and military exercises
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taiwan-unveils-new-drone-as-china-tensions-mount
https://en.rti.org.tw/news/view/id/2000502
17 JANUARY 2019
Taiwan holds military drills to halt invasion amid rising China tensions
Taiwan’s military held large-scale drills on its west coast Thursday amid growing tensions between the self-governed island and an increasingly belligerent Beijing
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/01/17/asia/taiwan-military-drills-china-intl/index.html
https://www.newdelhitimes.com/taiwan-holds-live-fire-exercises-following-china-threats/
https://en.rti.org.tw/news/view/id/2000465
10 JANUARY 2019
Why a China invasion of Taiwan would fail
Xi evidently believes that one of the major tasks of his leadership is to annex Taiwan, which has been separated from the mainland since the 1949 communist victory in China’s civil war
http://www.atimes.com/article/why-a-china-invasion-of-taiwan-would-fail/?utm_source=The+Daily+Report&utm_campaign=86b79264e4-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_01_10_01_28&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1f8bca137f-86b79264e4-31591405
5 JANUARY 2019
Taiwan president calls for international support to defend democracy
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen called on Saturday (Jan 5) for international support to defend the self-ruled island’s democracy and way of life in the face of renewed threats from China
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/taiwan-china-tsai-ing-wen-international-support-democracy-11088830
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/taiwan-president-vows-to-defend-democracy-way-of-life-23108
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/taiwan-president-calls-support-defend-democracy-190105075326812.html
2 JANUARY 2019
China’s Xi Jinping clashes with Taiwan’s Tsai over unity call
The presidents of China and Taiwan ramped up the rhetoric Wednesday over the status of the self-ruled island, marking their positions in separate speeches that underscore escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-Relations/China-s-Xi-Jinping-clashes-with-Taiwan-s-Tsai-over-unity-call
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/xi-change-fact-taiwan-part-china-190102030037389.html
https://www.dw.com/en/taiwan-rejects-chinas-reunification-proposal/a-46931135
13 DECEMBER 2018
Taiwan’s small missile boat program hamstrung by budget cuts
Taiwanese lawmakers have trimmed the budget to form a fleet of 60 missile-equipped, 45-tonne fast-attack vessels, cutting as much as NT$200 million (US$6.48 million) from the initial total of NT$468 million for the program’s feasibility study and sea trials
http://www.atimes.com/article/taiwans-small-missile-boat-program-hamstrung-by-budget-cuts/?utm_source=The+Daily+Report&utm_campaign=662ec7eddb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_12_13_02_26&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1f8bca137f-662ec7eddb-31591405
12 DECEMBER 2018
Analyst: Taiwan a vital strategic buffer for the US
The consensus among most observers is that Beijing’s aggressive military build-up does not necessarily mean that a war targeting Taiwan is imminent
http://www.atimes.com/article/analyst-taiwan-a-vital-strategic-buffer-for-the-us/?utm_source=The+Daily+Report&utm_campaign=f1be81fa6b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_12_12_12_30&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1f8bca137f-f1be81fa6b-31591405
8 NOVEMBER 2018
Taiwan Navy Commissions Two US-Made Warships Amid Tensions With China
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has promised that her country would not “concede one step” in self-defence and backed up her claim by adding two former USS frigates to Taiwan’s fleet
https://sputniknews.com/asia/201811081069626433-taiwan-us-frigates-tsai/
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2018/11/09/2003703872
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3570959
31 OCTOBER 2018
US reassures Taiwan on security as China increases threats
The United States told Taiwan it has its back on Wednesday amid rising threats from China against the self-governing island
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/10/reassures-taiwan-security-china-increases-threats-181031065328796.html
20 OCTOBER 2018
Taiwan Air Force takes delivery of first upgraded F-16 fighter jet
The first upgraded F-16 fighter jet, known as F-16 Viper or F-16V, arrived in Chiayi Air Base Friday afternoon after undergoing extensive aerial tests in the U.S. and Taiwan
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201810200020.aspx
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3556656
17 OCTOBER 2018
Beijing expresses ‘solemn concerns’ after US navy research ship docks in Taiwan
Beijing has expressed “solemn concerns” to Washington over a US navy research ship docking in Taiwan’s southern port city of Kaohsiung, as tensions rise over the trade war and China’s military expansion in the Indo-Pacific
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/2169013/beijing-expresses-solemn-concerns-after-us-navy-research-ship
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201810170008.aspx
9 OCTOBER 2018
Taiwan holds military drill with Paraguay amid China tension
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has hosted her Paraguayan counterpart at a military exercise in a sign of the island’s determination to withstand China’s diplomatic onslaught
https://www.foxnews.com/world/taiwan-holds-military-drill-with-paraguay-amid-china-tension
http://english.rti.org.tw/news/?recordId=90920
25 SEPTEMBER 2018
US approves $330m military sale to Taiwan, draws Chinese anger
The US State Department has approved the sale of $330m worth of military parts to Taiwan, according to officials, drawing fierce condemnation from China
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/09/approves-330m-military-sale-taiwan-180925052551512.html
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2018/09/26/2003701167
22 SEPTEMBER 2018
Taiwan hoping Holy See-China deal can promote religious freedom
Taiwan on Saturday expressed hope that a provisional agreement between the Vatican and Beijing on the appointment of bishops signed earlier in the day can lead to greater religious freedom in China
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201809220016.aspx
14 SEPTEMBER 2018
Taiwan appreciates European support against Beijing’s bullying
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry expressed its sincere appreciation for the European Parliament after it approved a resolution on the EU-China relations report, which calls for an end to Chinese military intimidations vis-à-vis Taiwan and backs the island nation’s participation in international bodies
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Taiwan-appreciates-European-support-against-Beijing%26rsquo%3Bs-bullying-44939.html
1 SEPTEMBER 2018
Taiwan to complete first domestic submarine in 2025
The construction of Taiwan’s first-ever domestic submarine should be completed by 2025 following the spending of NT$49.3 billion (US$1.6 billion) beginning next year, reports said Saturday
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3520360
Taiwan to bolster its defence, will build military aircraft
Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC) is scheduled to deliver 66 advanced trainer aircraft to the government by 2026, the Ministry of National Defense said Friday
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201808310009.aspx
https://www.asiapacificstar.com/news/257928631/taiwan-to-bolster-its-defence-will-build-military-aircraft
22 AUGUST 2018
eSwatini stands by Taiwan despite Chinese overtures
eSatini, formerly known as Swaziland, has chosen to maintain relations with Taiwan after a diplomatic tussle between Taiwan and China
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-45271974
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201808220041.aspx
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/africa/article/2160908/what-you-need-know-about-eswatini-taiwanese-ally-coming-under
21 AUGUST 2018
Taiwan loses third diplomatic ally this year after El Salvador breaks ties
China on Tuesday (Aug 21) established ties with El Salvador in another blow to Taiwan as the Central American country also severed relations with the self-ruled island, reducing its diplomatic allies to just 17
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taiwan-set-to-lose-its-third-diplomatic-ally-this-year-source
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2018/08/22/2003698956
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201808210031.aspx
20 AUGUST 2018
Taiwan’s president visits Nasa space centre, in a move likely to anger Beijing
Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwanese president visited Nasa’s space centre in Houston on Sunday, in a move that indicates deepening ties between Taipei and Washington, but which is expected to infuriate Beijing
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/08/20/taiwans-president-visits-nasa-space-centre-move-likely-anger/
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180820_22/
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2160547/united-states-plays-taiwan-card-tsai-ing-wens-trip
18 AUGUST 2018
AS BEIJING SQUEEZES TAIWAN, TRUMP’S US GIVES TSAI A WARM EMBRACE
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s tour of the Americas, with stopovers in Los Angeles and Houston, is evidence that however diplomatically isolated Taipei may appear to be, it “does not stand alone”
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/2160245/beijing-squeezes-taiwan-trumps-us-gives-tsai-warm-embrace
11 AUGUST 2018
Can Taiwan counter China’s mounting pressure?
As China increases its pressure on Taiwan, Taipei is taking countermeasures to promote itself as a regional haven for democracy and civil rights. But is it sufficient to deal with Beijing? William Yang reports
https://www.dw.com/en/can-taiwan-counter-chinas-mounting-pressure/a-45036932
6 AUGUST 2018
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen seeks US$11 billion defence budget as China threat grows
Her proposal to increase the 2019 defence budget by 5.6 per cent to NT$346 billion (US$11.3 billion) will go before parliament after the summer recess
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2158526/taiwans-president-tsai-ing-wen-wants-us11-billion
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2018/08/07/2003698098
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201808060012.aspx
Taiwanese cruise missile capable of striking China’s coast now operational
Taiwan’s Wan Chien (萬劍, Ten Thousand Swords) air-to-ground cruise missile, which is capable of hitting southern China’s coastal bases, is now officially operational, Liberty Times cited a defense official as saying
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3500271
1 AUGUST 2018
Beijing calls on Hanoi to remove Taiwanese flags from Vietnam
After convincing dozens of airlines to cancel Taiwan as a destination, Beijing is lobbying Vietnam to stop Taiwanese companies from flying their flag at their business locations in Vietnam
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Beijing-calls-on-Hanoi-to-remove-Taiwanese-flags-from-Vietnam-44568.html
http://blog.vietnam-aujourdhui.info/post/2018/08/01/Beijing-angry-over-Taiwanese-flag-flown-by-firm-in-Vietnam
13 JULY 2018
Xi Jinping meets with Taiwan delegation led by Lien Chan
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Friday met a delegation of people from various sectors in Taiwan, led by former chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT) party Lien Chan
https://www.chinadailyasia.com/articles/157/206/53/1531493222302.html
https://chinapost.nownews.com/20180713-376844
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2018/07/14/2003696647
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201807130019.aspx
10 JULY 2018
Taiwan donates another US$1m to counter terrorism
The government yesterday donated US$1 million to minesweeping operations in Syria under the US’ Operation Inherent Resolve, bringing its total contributions to counter the rising threat from Islamic State operations to US$25 million in cash and goods
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2018/07/11/2003696467
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-lauds-taiwan-for-aiding-areas-once-under-islamic-state-control/4476502.html
7 JULY 2018
US sends two warships through Taiwan Strait amid heightened tensions with Beijing
The destroyers, USS Mustin and USS Benfold, sailed into the narrow waterway separating Taiwan and mainland China on Saturday morning and were expected to continue on a northeast course, Taiwan’s defence ministry said in a statement
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2154260/us-sends-two-warships-through-taiwan-strait-amid
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2018/07/08/2003696303
25 JUNE 2018
Taiwan hit by jump in cyber attacks from China
Taiwan has been hit by a jump in serious cyber attacks from China during the past two years in the latest sign that Beijing is only increasing its pressure as the United States reaffirms its support for the self-ruled island
https://www.todayonline.com/world/taiwan-hit-jump-cyber-attacks-china
18 JUNE 2018
Taiwan’s critical battle to keep its diplomatic allies from switching sides
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2151012/taiwans-critical-battle-keep-its-diplomatic-allies
China tacitly warns US not to sail warship in Taiwan Strait
China has issued a tacit warning to the United States not to sail a warship through the Taiwan Strait, following a report that said Washington is weighing doing that
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2018/06/05/563992/China-US-Taiwan-Strait-warship
1 JUNE 2018
US senator meets Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in show of support for island
David Perdue and Tsai exchanged views on regional peace, cross-strait issues and bilateral trade in second visit by a US heavyweight this week
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2148916/us-senator-meets-taiwanese-president-tsai-ing-wen-show
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2018/06/02/2003694162
31 MAY 2018
Taiwan sends top military officials to US Pacific Command ceremony in Hawaii
Taiwan sent senior military officials to Hawaii for a ceremony marking Admiral Harry Harris handing over the reins of the US Pacific Command to Admiral Phil Davidson
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2148713/taiwan-sends-top-military-officials-us-pacific-command
Taiwan event creates headaches for Trump amid North Korea talks
As Trump administration officials scramble to pull off a high-stakes meeting with North Korea next month, they’re grappling with another diplomatic challenge in Asia: the opening of a new office building in Taiwan
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/05/31/trump-taiwan-north-korea-615253
24 MAY 2018
Burkina Faso breaks ties with Taiwan in fresh blow to island
Burkina Faso has broken diplomatic ties with Taiwan in the latest blow to the self-ruled island that Beijing has been trying to isolate on the global stage, Taiwanese media reported on Thursday
http://www.asiapacificstar.com/news/257341476/burkina-faso-breaks-ties-with-taiwan-in-fresh-blow-to-island
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2147644/burkina-faso-cuts-diplomatic-ties-taiwan
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2018/05/25/2003693688
22 MAY 2018
Beijing’s Threats Against Taiwan Are Deadly Serious
China’s leaders are giving up on political hopes of reunification – and considering military options
http://foreignpolicy.com/2018/05/22/beijings-threats-against-taiwan-are-deadly-serious/
1 MAY 2018
Dominican Republic breaks with Taiwan, forges diplomatic ties with Beijing
The Dominican Republic’s government has announced it is establishing diplomatic relations with Beijing and breaking ties with Taipei
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2144115/dominican-republic-breaks-taipei-forges-ties-beijing
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3418973
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/dominican-republic-establishes-diplomatic-ties-with-china-breaks-with-taiwan
https://www.chinadailyasia.com/articles/18/167/16/1525159218605.html
27 APRIL 2018
Taiwan President says willing to meet with Chinese leader if no political preconditions imposed
As South and North Korean leaders held a historic meeting Friday, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said she would be willing to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping for the sake of cross-strait peace and stability
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3416420
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201804270020.aspx
25 APRIL 2018
China warns Taiwan of more action after drills
China says a series of recent military drills conducted near Taiwan was aimed at sending an “extremely clear” message to the self-ruled island that Beijing would be ready to take action against any separatist bid
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2018/04/25/559634/China-Taiwan-military-drills
https://www.todayonline.com/world/china-warns-more-action-after-military-drills-near-taiwan
18 APRIL 2018
China’s Live-Fire Drill in the Taiwan Strait: A Case Study in Psychological Warfare
Despite claims by Chinese hawks that the live-fire military exercise is aimed at Taiwan and that the aircraft carrier ‘Liaoning’ could be involved, there is every indication that the drills are little more than a routine artillery exercise
https://sentinel.tw/china-drill-psych-warfare/
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2142336/chinas-live-fire-taiwan-strait-drill-turns-out-be-damp
8 APRIL 2018
Africa Misses Out on Taiwan’s Development Aid Due to ‘One China’ Policy
https://www.voanews.com/a/africa-misses-out-on-taiwan-development-aid-one-china-policy/4337530.html
5 APRIL 2018
Taiwan is again becoming a flashpoint between China and America
Unlike tensions over trade and North Korea, it involves red lines on both sides
https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21740049-unlike-tensions-over-trade-and-north-korea-it-involves-red-lines-both-sides-taiwan-again
As Vatican and China talk, Taiwan looks on nervously
http://eurasiadiary.com/en/news/politics/262386-as-vatican-and-china-talk-taiwan-looks-on-nervously
21 MARCH 2018
Tensions mount as China sends warship through Taiwan Strait
China has sent its sole operational aircraft carrier the Liaoning through the narrow Taiwan Strait that separates China from the self-ruled island, just one day after President Xi Jinping warned that Taiwan would face the “punishment of history” for any attempt at separatism
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2018/03/22/2003689778/1
https://asiancorrespondent.com/2018/03/tensions-mount-as-china-send-warship-through-taiwan-straits/#3mdCb7AAgdtu5lVW.99
20 MARCH 2018
Taiwan to face ‘punishment of history’ over any separatist move: Xi
In his strongest warning yet to Taiwan, China’s President Xi Jinping says the self-ruled island will face the “punishment of history” for any attempt to split the mainland
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2018/03/20/556036/China-Taiwan-Xi-Jinping-Tsai-Ingwen-Trump-United-States
https://edition.cnn.com/2018/03/20/asia/taiwan-china-xi-jinping-intl/index.html
17 MARCH 2018
U.S. president signs Taiwan Travel Act despite warnings from China
After President Trump’s approval of the Taiwan Travel Act on March 16, the Office of the President released an official statement expressing gratitude for all of the support shown by US Congress and President Trump to the people of Taiwan
http://www.dw.com/en/donald-trump-signs-taiwan-travel-act-drawing-chinas-ire/a-43018787
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/china-says-it-is-resolutely-opposed-to-new-us-law-on-ties-with-taiwan-15994
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3384344
8 MARCH 2018
China urges Taiwan’s few allies to follow ‘irresistible trend’ of recognizing Beijing
China said on Thursday it was in the best interests of self-ruled Taiwan’s few remaining diplomatic allies to recognize an “irresistible trend” and ditch Taipei in favor “one China” ruled by Beijing
http://www.todayonline.com/world/taiwans-allies-ditching-taipei-irresistible-trend-china-says
2 MARCH 2018
Taiwan receives direct threats of war from China over US passage of Travel Act
The Chinese Government has warned Taiwan it will get burnt if it seeks to rely on foreigners, adding to warnings from state media that China could go to war if the United States passes into law a bill promoting closer ties with the self-ruled island
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-02/china-threatens-regional-war-over-us-taiwan-bill/9503126?section=world
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2018/03/02/554067/China-Taiwan-bill-war-with-US-descent-into-hell
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3375136
1 MARCH 2018
Beijing makes it easier for Taiwanese to work and study in China, and Taipei is freaking out over it
Some Taiwanese have long feared that China would try to take back the island by force. This week China tried a far gentler approach: measures to make it easier for Taiwanese to invest, work and study on the mainland
http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-taiwan-china-tension-20180301-story.html
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2135291/taiwanese-given-equal-status-chinas-mainland-beijing
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201803010021.aspx
23 FEBRUARY 2018
Taiwan seeks ‘new phase’ of China ties in Cabinet reshuffle
Taiwan replaced its China affairs chief Friday (Feb 23), promoting a minister associated with pro-independence politics in what it said was a bid to forge a “new phase” in relations with rival Beijing
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taiwan-seeks-new-phase-of-china-ties-in-cabinet-reshuffle
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201802230032.aspx
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2018/02/24/2003688130/1
14 FEBRUARY 2018
Trump, Congress Could Alter ‘One China’
President Donald Trump’s administration and the US Congress have released major documents and passed key pieces of legislation over the course of time that signal the potential for a shift in the US’ “One China Policy” which has framed US-China-Taiwan relations for decades
http://ippreview.com/index.php/Home/Blog/single/id/651.html
7 FEBRUARY 2018
Don’t squeeze Taiwan
By any metric, Taiwan is in a difficult geopolitical position. Pressure from mainland China—economic and military—is increasing, the domestic barriers to sustained growth and innovation are substantial, and Taiwan’s diplomatic partners are fading
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2018/02/07/dont-squeeze-taiwan/
23 JANUARY 2018
Taiwan president says does not exclude possibility of China attack
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said that she does not exclude the possibility of China attacking the self-ruled island, amid heightened tensions between the two sides including an increasing number of Chinese military drills near Taiwan
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/taiwan-president-says-does-not-exclude-possibility-of-china-attack-9887256
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3347886
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2130196/taiwans-president-says-she-does-not-rule-out-chance
19 JANUARY 2018
Taiwan stymies 176 new China flights for lunar new year amid route row
Taiwan’s aviation regulator has stalled applications for new flights from China Eastern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines amid a row between Beijing and the self-ruled island over air routes, a regulatory official said on Friday
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-taiwan-flights/taiwan-stymies-new-china-flights-amid-route-row-official-says-idUSKBN1F80Q4
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3344767
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201801180023.aspx
17 JANUARY 2018
China’s aircraft carrier sails by Taiwan as tensions grow
China’s sole operational aircraft carrier passed through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday (Jan 17), the island’s Defence Ministry said, as Beijing steps up pressure on its democratic rival
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/chinas-aircraft-carrier-sails-by-taiwan-as-tensions-grow
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201801170022.aspx
4 JANUARY 2018
Taipei protests after Beijing opens new aviation corridors over Taiwan Strait
Beijing opened four new aviation corridors over the Taiwan Strait for use on Thursday, prompting Taiwan to strongly protest and demand immediate negotiations with Beijing
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2126902/taipei-protests-after-beijing-opens-new-aviation
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201801040018.aspx
29 DECEMBER 2017
Taiwan defense budget will rise each year: President Tsai
The defense budget will rise each year, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said at her year-end news conference Friday
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201712290017.aspx
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201712290028.aspx
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3330706
26 DECEMBER 2017
Incursions of Chinese aircraft and navy ships reached nearly 30 times since last August
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense published a report on Tuesday which shows that Chinese aircraft and navy ships have moved close to Taiwan during drills for nearly 30 times since August 2016
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3328413
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2017/12/26/546849/Taiwan-China-military-drills-Feng-Shihkuan
http://www.todayonline.com/world/taiwan-warns-chinese-military-drills-pose-enormous-threat
20 DECEMBER 2017
China outcry as Taiwan arrests pro-Beijing party members accused of spying
China has accused Taiwanese authorities of “persecution” after four members of a pro-Beijing political party were detained in connection with a spying case
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/12/20/china-outcry-taiwan-arrests-pro-beijing-party-members-accused/
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2017/12/20/beijing-condemns-taiwan-probe-pro-unification-partys-suspected-ties-china/
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3323671
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201712200017.aspx
11 DECEMBER 2017
China, Taiwan spar over Chinese diplomat’s invasion threat
A threat by a senior Chinese diplomat to invade Taiwan the instant any U.S. warship visits the self-ruled island has sparked a war of words, with Taipei accusing Beijing of failing to understand what democracy means
http://zeenews.india.com/world/china-taiwan-spar-over-chinese-diplomats-invasion-threat-2064955.html
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3316709
https://sentinel.tw/prc-envoy-threatens-war-tw-port-calls/
8 DECEMBER 2017
China unhappy as Philippines signs investment deal with Taiwan
China said on Friday it was seriously concerned about the Philippines signing a bilateral investment agreement with self-ruled Taiwan, claimed by China as its own with no right to any official foreign ties
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2123556/china-unhappy-philippines-signs-investment-deal-taiwan
https://www.chinadailyasia.com/articles/193/107/214/1512743441979.html
28 NOVEMBER 2017
China sentences Taiwan activist to 5 years in prison for ‘subversion of state power’
A Taiwanese activist was sentenced in China to five years in prison Tuesday for holding lectures online and assisting the families of jailed dissidents in a sign of how Beijing’s crackdown on human rights extends beyond its borders
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/11/28/china-sentences-taiwan-activist-to-5-years-in-prison-for-subversion-state-power.html
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201711280031.aspx
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2017/11/29/2003683109
9 NOVEMBER 2017
Taiwan is the most important issue in Sino-US ties, Xi tells Trump
Taiwan is the most important and sensitive issue in Sino-US ties, Chinese President Xi Jinping told visiting US President Donald Trump on Thursday, ahead of the one-year anniversary of Trump taking a precedent-breaking call from Taiwan’s president
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/xi-tells-trump-that-taiwan-is-the-most-important-issue-in-sino-us-ties
http://english.rti.org.tw/news/?recordId=77559
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201711090028.aspx
4 NOVEMBER 2017
Once formidable, Taiwan’s military now overshadowed by China’s
Some experts say that given China’s overwhelming numerical advantage in weaponry, Taiwan should focus less on big platforms like submarines and more on lower-cost weapons like antiaircraft and anti-ship missiles that can blunt China’s superiority
http://www.todayonline.com/world/once-formidable-taiwans-military-now-overshadowed-chinas
30 OCTOBER 2017
Taiwan to increase defence spending
Taiwan understands the need to spend more on its defence and will continue to increase its military spending, President Tsai Ing-wen said during a visit to Hawaii that has provoked anger from Beijing
http://www.trtworld.com/asia/taiwan-to-increase-defence-spending-11776
18 OCTOBER 2017
Taiwan responds to Xi’s tough messages at 19th Congress with worries
Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs admitted Chinese President Xi Jinping’s stern message is probably to create a hurdle for Taiwan on the world stage
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3277365
17 OCTOBER 2017
Taiwan’s southward integration faces a long uphill battle
In search of greater regional connectivity, Taiwan’s ‘New Southbound Policy’ (NSP) has progressed from the research and planning stage to large-scale implementation
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2017/10/17/taiwans-southward-integration-faces-a-long-uphill-battle/
7 OCTOBER 2017
Taiwan presents defense budget for 2018
The Ministry of National Defense has drafted a budget for 2018 which raises defense spending by 1.9 percent to NT$327.8 billion (US$10.7 billion), a far cry from the 50-percent leap needed to reach 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3269913
3 OCTOBER 2017
China’s Secret Military Plan: Invade Taiwan by 2020
China has drawn up secret military plans to take over the island of Taiwan by 2020, an action that would likely lead to a larger U.S.-China conventional or nuclear war, according to newly-disclosed internal Chinese military documents
http://freebeacon.com/national-security/chinas-secret-military-plan-invade-taiwan-2020/
27 SEPTEMBER 2017
Taiwan tests stand-off cruise missile
The Air Force Monthly recently received photos of a Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) FC-K-1D aircraft carrying a rarely seen stand-off cruise missile
http://www.airforcesmonthly.com/2017/09/26/taiwan-tests-new-stand-off-cruise-missile/#.WcvTVRH-oiY.linkedin
19 SEPTEMBER 2017
Taiwan suspends oil exports to North Korea, imports of clothing
Taiwan has suspended refined oil and LNG exports to North Korea, as well as clothing and textile imports, to comply with United Nations resolutions, a largely symbolic move by the island to show it is a responsible member of the international community
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-taiwan/taiwan-suspends-oil-exports-to-north-korea-imports-of-clothing-idUSKCN1BU18I
11 SEPTEMBER 2017
Taiwanese activist Lee Ming-cheh ‘confesses’ to subversion charges in China
A Taiwanese democracy activist confessed Monday to charges of attempting to subvert Chinese government power during a trial in China that has been slammed by rights activists and further soured cross-strait relations
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2017/09/11/taiwanese-activist-lee-ming-cheh-confesses-subversion-charges-china/
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201709110022.aspx
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2017/09/12/2003678278
22 AUGUST 2017
China warns US ahead of Taiwan Defence Minister’s brief visit
China warned the United States on Tuesday (Aug 22) against any military contacts with Taiwan ahead of brief visits by the self-ruled island’s Defence Minister to the US on his way to and from Central American allies
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-warns-us-ahead-of-taiwan-defence-ministers-brief-visit
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3237056
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201708220014.aspx
13 AUGUST 2017
More Chinese military aircraft spotted near eastern Taiwan
Two Chinese military surveillance aircraft were seen flying east of Taiwan on Sunday, the third time in August that Chinese military planes were seen near Taiwan, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201708130007.aspx
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2017/08/14/2003676483
27 JULY 2017
Taiwan protests against Cambodia sending Taiwanese fraud suspects to China
Taiwan has lodged a protest against Cambodia’s decision to send suspects in a telecoms fraud scheme, including seven Taiwanese nationals, to China for investigation, the self-ruled island’s foreign ministry said on Thursday
http://www.asiaone.com/asia/taiwan-protests-against-cambodia-sending-taiwanese-fraud-suspects-china
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/2017/07/27/499681/taiwan-has.htm
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201707270009.aspx
21 JULY 2017
Taiwan scrambles jets to monitor military planes from mainland China in air defence zone
Taipei has released two photos of Beijing military planes flying over the East China Sea near the island after it scrambled fighter jets to monitor them on Thursday
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2103643/taiwan-scrambles-jets-monitor-military-planes-mainland
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2017/07/22/2003675050
17 JULY 2017
China upset about ‘negative’ Taiwan content in US defence bill
China said on Monday it had lodged a stern complaint with the United States after the U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of a big annual defence bill that would expand exchanges with self-ruled Taiwan
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/china-upset-about–negative–taiwan-content-in-us-defence-bill-9038538
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/342317-china-upset-about-negative-taiwan-content-in-us-defense-bill
https://sentinel.tw/trump-first-arms-package-taiwan/
14 JULY 2017
How Taiwan quietly gained on China in global diplomatic rivalry
Even as Taiwan loses diplomatic allies to its bigger rival China, the increasingly isolated government has bested Beijing at a level of international relations that common people can feel: the number of countries that let citizens enter visa free
https://www.voanews.com/a/how-taiwan-gained-on-china-in-global-diplomatic-rivalry/3943956.html
3 JULY 2017
Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je meets China’s Taiwan affairs minister in Shanghai
Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) yesterday concluded his visit to Shanghai, where he attended this year’s Taipei-Shanghai Forum, with a controversial closed-door meeting with China’s Taiwan Affairs Office Minister Zhang Zhijun (張志軍) at the Hongqiao State Guest Hotel
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2017/07/04/2003673849
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201707030025.aspx
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201707030019.aspx
2 JULY 2017
Taiwan scrambles jets as Chinese carrier passes en route to Hong Kong
Taiwan military jets scrambled to shadow a Chinese aircraft carrier passing through narrow waters separating the two sides en route to Hong Kong to mark the 20th anniversary of the former British colony’s return to China
http://www.atimes.com/article/taiwan-scrambles-jets-chinese-carrier-passes-en-route-hong-kong/
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201707020017.aspx
30 JUNE 2017
Trump administration confirms Taiwan arms-sale plan
The United States plans to sell Taiwan $1.42bn in arms, the first such sale under the administration of President Donald Trump and a move sure to anger China, whose help the president has been seeking to rein in North Korea
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2100808/us-arms-sales-morale-booster-taiwan-says-tsai-ing-wen
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/china-outraged-by-us-1-42-billion-planned-us-arms-sales-to-8992150
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201706300008.aspx
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2100657/us-approves-first-arms-sales-taiwan-under-trump-us14
12 JUNE 2017
Panama cuts ties with Taiwan in favour of China
Panama has switched formal diplomatic ties to mainland China and broken with Taipei, dealing a major setback to Taiwan and boosting Beijing’s presence in the US’ backyard
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2098038/panama-establishes-diplomatic-ties-china-blow-taiwan
http://www.theindependentbd.com/post/99210
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201706130005.aspx
Taiwan lawmakers launch support group for Hong Kong democracy
Lawmakers in Taiwan launched a new group to help promote democracy in Hong Kong on Monday, a move likely to rile Beijing ahead of the 20th anniversary of the handover of the city from Britain back to China
http://www.asiaone.com/asia/taiwan-lawmakers-launch-support-group-hong-kong-democracy
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2017/06/13/2003672460
Taiwan lawmakers launch support group for Hong Kong democracy
Lawmakers in Taiwan launched a new group to help promote democracy in Hong Kong on Monday, a move likely to rile Beijing ahead of the 20th anniversary of the handover of the city from Britain back to China
http://www.asiaone.com/asia/taiwan-lawmakers-launch-support-group-hong-kong-democracy
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2017/06/13/2003672460
3 JUNE 2017
US Defence Secretary Mattis outrages Beijing with explicit commitment to defend Taiwan
U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to providing Taiwan with defensive weapons, during an Asia security dialogue held in Singapore Saturday
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2096762/james-mattis-outrages-chinas-military-delegation-taiwan
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201706030020.aspx
http://en.people.cn/n3/2017/0603/c90000-9223867.html
25 MAY 2017
U.S.-Taiwan Relations: Prospects for Security and Economic Ties
On January 25, 2017, the Wilson Center’s Asia Program hosted a conference on the Trump administration’s policy toward Taiwan and its political, economic, and security impact with three scholars. This is a collection of essays from the U.S. academics who participated in the conference
http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/content/prospects-us-taiwan-relations
17 MAY 2017
Beijing denounces name change of Taiwan body in Japan
Beijing on Wednesday denounced the name change of a Taiwan organization responsible for handling ties with Japan, urging Japan to abide by the one-China policy and not disturb China-Japan ties
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/articles/103/192/139/1495031125560.html
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/foreign-affairs/2017/05/18/497537/re-naming-agency.htm
Fiji is closing its representative office in Taipei
Officials from Fiji have cleared out of their representative office in Taipei, which the South Pacific island nation is shutting down, Kuomintang Legislator Lu Shiow-yen revealed Wednesday
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2017/05/17/497535/fiji-is.htm
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2017/05/18/2003670817
12 MAY 2017
Taiwan touts benefits to US of its weapons purchases
Taiwan will continue to buy arms from the United States with its purchases boosting employment in at least six US states and narrowing the bilateral trade gap, the government has told the United States, in rare public comment sure to anger China
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2094089/taiwan-touts-benefits-us-its-weapons-purchases
2 MAY 2017
Reuters ’embarrassed’ over President Tsai interview, says foreign minister
Foreign Minister David Lee said that international news agency Reuters issued “regrets and apologies” over its latest news coverage, which the Presidential Office said had misrepresented President Tsai Ing-wen
http://www.asiaone.com/asia/reuters-embarrassed-over-president-tsai-interview-says-foreign-minister
28 APRIL 2017
New China fears in Taiwan after Trump snub
US President Donald Trump on Thursday (April 27) spurned the Taiwanese president’s suggestion that the two leaders hold another phone call, saying he did not want to create problems for Chinese President Xi Jinping at a time when Beijing appears to be helping with efforts to rein in North Korea
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/new-china-fears-taiwan-after-trump-snub
http://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/donald-trump-spurns-taiwan-presidents-suggestion-of-another-phone-call
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/intl-community/2017/04/29/496446/Trump-rejects.htm
24 APRIL 2017
Taiwan’s dilemma: Why a blockade is likelier than an invasion
A blockade of Taiwan would be Beijing’s most pragmatic and logical military course of action. It is imperative that Taiwan take the necessary measures to defend against that form of coercion
https://sentinel.tw/blockade-taiwan-fan/
19 APRIL 2017
Mainland asylum seeker Zhang Xiangzhong agrees to return home from Taiwan
Taiwan said that a mainland activist who tried to seek political asylum on the island had voluntarily returned home, ending a dilemma for Taiwanese authorities over how to deal with the case
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2088941/mainland-asylum-seeker-zhang-xiangzhong-agrees-return
http://www.euronews.com/2017/04/19/chinese-activist-returns-voluntarily-says-taiwan
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201704190012.aspx
10 APRIL 2017
Wife of detained Taiwanese activist barred from boarding flight to mainland China
The wife of Taiwanese human rights activist Li Ming-che has been denied entry to the mainland to try and find her husband, who has been detained over activities related to “national security”
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2086404/beijing-prevents-wife-imprisoned-taiwanese-activist
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2017/04/11/495334/No-entry.htm
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201704100026.aspx
5 APRIL 2017
Taiwan announces submarine building ahead of Trump-Xi summit
The new vessels will be Taiwanese-made, unlike its current fleet of four, which were bought from overseas decades ago
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39501621
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2017/04/06/2003668167
29 MARCH 2017
Taiwanese rights advocate Lee Ming-che held in China
A prominent Taiwanese human rights advocate has been detained in China and is under investigation on suspicion of harming national security, the Chinese government has said
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-39428220
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/29/missing-taiwanese-human-rights-activist-detained-by-china
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201703290021.aspx
27 MARCH 2017
China upset as Japanese minister visits self-ruled Taiwan
China said on Monday it has complained to Japan after a Japanese minister visited self-ruled Taiwan over the weekend, warning this could hurt relations between Beijing and Tokyo
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2017/03/27/china-upset-as-japanese-minister-visits-selfruled-taiwan/
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/nation/2017-03/27/content_15592457.html
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/03/25/national/politics-diplomacy/senior-japanese-official-45-years-pays-visit-taiwan/#.WNk7fuQ6w2w
22 MARCH 2017
Donald Trump is no friend of Taiwan
When President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan called then-President-elect Donald Trump, it should have been the beginning of a beautiful friendship
http://www.fpri.org/article/2017/03/donald-trump-is-no-friend-of-taiwan/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ralphjennings/2016/12/11/trump-will-use-taiwan-as-a-bargaining-chip-in-relations-with-china/#66fbbd3e7e79
21 MARCH 2017
Taiwan to build its own submarine, President vows on visit to 50-year-old vessel
Taiwan will build its own submarines, President Tsai Ing-wen pledged on Tuesday, as the self-ruled island looks to fresh arms sales by the United States, accompanied by key submarine technology, to counter a growing military threat from China
http://www.voanews.com/a/taiwan-to-build-own-submarine/3775159.html
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2017/03/22/494023/Plan-for.htm
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201703210017.aspx
16 MARCH 2017
Taiwan plans defence spending increase to counter rising China
Defence spending is targeted to rise to 3 per cent of gross domestic product in 2018, up from about 2 per cent this year, Minister of National Defence Feng Shih-kuan told lawmakers in Taipei on Thursday. Taiwan plans to develop indigenous ships, aircraft, weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles capable of defence or offence, he said
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2079548/taiwan-plans-defence-spending-increase-counter-rising
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20170317_02/
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/taiwan-says-capable-of-strike-against-china/3601368.html
15 MARCH 2017
US plans to sell Taiwan arms: reports
The Washington Free Beacon said the US ‘is preparing to provide more and better defensive arms,’ while the ‘New York Times’ called it ‘a robust package’
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2017/03/16/2003666856
http://freebeacon.com/national-security/obama-white-house-blocked-needed-u-s-arms-sale-taiwan/
10 MARCH 2017
Could Taiwan be up next in THAAD trouble?
As THAAD is deployed in South Korea and amid speculation that Japan may become the second northeast Asian state to deploy the system, many have expressed concern that Taiwan, a close economic and defence partner of the US despite a lack of official diplomatic ties, could be next
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/could-taiwan-be-next-thaad-trouble
16 FEBRUARY 2017
Video: The ‘Trilemma’ of Shifting Taiwanese Identity
When President-elect Donald Trump broke protocol and took a call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in December, it brought a complex three-way dynamic between the United States, China, and Taiwan into the international Spotlight
http://asiasociety.org/blog/asia/video-trilemma-shifting-taiwanese-identity
15 FEBRUARY 2017
China Warns India Over Taiwanese Delegation Visit
China has lodged protest against the visit of a Taiwanese Parliamentary delegation and has asked India to follow One-China Policy
https://sputniknews.com/asia/201702151050710261-india-china-taiwan-delegation/
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/nation/2017-02/15/content_15572021.html
10 FEBRUARY 2017
Donald Trump’s call to Xi Jinping ‘a relief’ for Taiwan
Taipei said on Friday it was well aware of the phone conversation between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, in which the US leader said he would honour the one-China Policy
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2069872/taiwan-touch-us-trump-call-xi-jinping
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201702100017.aspx
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2017/02/11/2003664761
7 FEBRUARY 2017
How Taiwan’s authoritarian history could affect its current geopolitics
Taiwan’s geopolitical circumstances confer very particular meaning to its social and political life, but other, less internationally prominent issues hold real substance for the Taiwanese people
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2017/02/07/how-taiwans-authoritarian-history-could-affect-its-current-geopolitics/
6 FEBRUARY 2017
Cambodian PM , citing ‘One-China’ policy, bans Taiwan flag
Prime Minister Hun Sen declared over the weekend that the flag of Taiwan was banned from being raised in Cambodia, during the same speech in which he said the country’s door was open to Taiwanese investment
https://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/hun-sen-bans-taiwan-flag-from-cambodia-124609/
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2068554/cambodian-pm-citing-one-china-policy-bans-taiwan-flag
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2068888/banning-taiwans-flag-cambodia-adds-taipeis-woes-beijing
1 FEBRUARY 2017
Tsai’s Latin America tour signals Taipei’s uneasiness
In January 2017, President Tsai Ing-wen completed her second tour of Latin America, visiting four diplomatic allies: Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador. Tsai described the visit as ‘steadfast diplomacy based on mutual assistance for mutual benefits
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2017/02/01/tsais-latin-america-tour-signals-taipeis-uneasiness/
20 JANUARY 2017
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen tells Pope she aspires to create ‘new era’ of peace with Beijing
Taiwan aspires to create a “new era” of peace with mainland China, which should set aside the baggage of history and have positive dialogue, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen said in a letter to Pope Francis, adding military action could not resolve problems
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2063984/taiwans-president-tsai-ing-wen-aspires-create-new-era
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201701200017.aspx
12 JANUARY 2017
Taiwan says Nigeria wants it to move its trade office from Abuja
Taiwan objected on Thursday to a Nigerian request to the island to relocate its representative office in the African country, a request Taiwan sees as more pressure by China to isolate it
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/taiwan-says-nigeria-wants-it-move-its-trade-office-abuja
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2061589/taiwan-accuses-nigeria-collaborating-beijing-after-it?spm=0.0.0.0.Uog6Ij
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2017/01/13/2003663000
8 JANUARY 2017
Taiwan’s ‘wise’ Tsai makes low-key US stop, ‘reduces risk of riling Beijing’
Taiwanese president heads to Central America without holding any meetings with Trump and his team during stopover in Houston
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2060386/taiwans-wise-tsai-makes-low-key-us-stop-reduces-risk
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20170108_22/
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2017/01/09/2003662766
6 JANUARY 2017
Taiwanese independence must be fought on all fronts, says former Chinese official
Beijing expects cross-strait ties to become more complex after Donald Trump takes office, according to former president of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2059695/taiwanese-independence-must-be-fought-all-fronts
30 DECEMBER 2016
Taiwan announces US itinerary for president, upsetting China
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen will transit through Houston and San Francisco during her January visit to allies in Latin America, her office said on Friday (Dec 30), prompting China to repeat a call for the US to block any such stopover
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taiwan-says-president-tsai-ing-wen-to-transit-houston-san-francisco-next-month
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2016/12/31/488114/Presidential-Office.htm
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/30/china-urges-us-block-taiwan-president-tsai-ing-wen-stopover
28 DECEMBER 2016
Beijing ‘dissatisfied’ with name change of Japan’s de facto Taiwan embassy
Beijing Wednesday expressed “strong dissatisfaction” with Japan’s decision to change the name of its de facto embassy in the Republic of China to include the word “Taiwan.”
https://asiancorrespondent.com/2016/12/china-says-extremely-dissatisfied-renaming-de-facto-japan-embassy-taiwan/
21 DECEMBER 2016
African island nation Sao Tome cuts diplomatic ties with Taiwan
A small West African nation has announced it will end diplomatic ties with Taiwan, in the latest sign of the diplomatic war between Beijing and Taipei heating up after US president-elect Donald Trump questioned Washington’s stance towards the one-China Policy
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2056276/taiwan-losing-out-diplomatic-war-beijing-sao-tome
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/china-welcomes-sao-tomes-split-taiwan
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201612210023.aspx
6 DECEMBER 2016
Trump-linked former US official visits Taiwan, sparking speculation
A former senior US official with links to Donald Trump’s transition team flew to Taipei Tuesday (Dec 6), sparking more speculation over relations with Taiwan after the president-elect’s unprecedented call with the island’s leader
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/trump-linked-former-us-official-visits-taiwan-sparking/3346774.html
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/intl-community/2016/12/07/486071/No-major.htm
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201612060021.aspx
3 DECEMBER 2016
Donald Trump speaks to Taiwan’s leader Tsai Ing-wen in ‘historic’ first contact since 1979
US President-elect Donald Trump has spoken by phone with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, a transition team spokeswoman says, the first such contact by a president-elect since 1979
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2016-12-03/donald-trump-speaks-to-taiwans-leader-tsai-ingwen-in-historic-first-contact-since-1979/1637042
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/dec/03/trump-angers-beijing-with-provocative-phone-call-to-taiwan-president
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2016/12/03/485744/In-move.htm
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/nation/2016-12/03/content_15536233.html
2 DECEMBER 2016
Beijing warns Taiwan investors against using ‘profits earned on mainland’ to support independence
Beijing said it will not tolerate Taiwanese businessmen supporting the island’s independence “with money they earned on the mainland”, even as it gave reassurances that its policies towards them would not change
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2051236/beijing-warns-taiwan-investors-against-using-profits
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2016/12/03/2003660482
26 NOVEMBER 2016
Why Donald Trump might not follow US presidents’ precedent on Taiwan
Maintaining the status quo is the best policy for Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen amid the cross-strait stalemate. But Donald Trump’s presidency adds uncertainty to such an impasse
http://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/2049324/why-donald-trump-might-not-follow-us-presidents-precedent-taiwan
9 NOVEMBER 2016
Taiwan’s ruling party urges Beijing to respect Hong Kong’s democratic aspirations
Taiwan’s independence-leaning ruling party on Wednesday called on Beijing’s leaders to listen to the democratic aspirations of people in Hong Kong and to respect the rights of pro-independence représentatives
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2044347/taiwans-ruling-party-urges-beijing-respect-hong-kongs
5 NOVEMBER 2016
Taiwan regrets exclusion from Interpol assembly
Taiwan on Saturday expressed its deep regret and discontent with the International Criminal Police Organization’s (Interpol) rejection of its bid to attend the organization’s upcoming general assembly
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201611050007.aspx
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/11/06/2003658663
31 OCTOBER 2016
Taiwan KMT chief plays both sides in visit to Nanjing
Chairwoman of opposition Taiwanese party tries to please hosts, and allay fears at home that she is too Beijing-friendly
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2041723/kmt-chief-plays-both-sides-visit-nanjing
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20161031_03/
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201610310012.aspx
10 OCTOBER 2016
On national day, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen continues call for Beijing talks but refuses to accept ‘one China’ principle
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen is likely to have upset Beijing on Monday after she repeated her often-expressed hopes of holding talks with the mainland while refusing to accept the “one China” principle in her first National Day speech as the island’s president
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2026698/taiwans-president-tsai-ing-wen-continues-call-beijing
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201610100004.aspx
https://youtu.be/bxMxMwKxkTE
4 OCTOBER 2016
To secure seat at world table, Taiwan pushes past Beijing but tactic seen as risky
The island sent a delegation to global aviation talks even though it wasn’t invited, but such diplomatic end runs won’t lead to international recognition, analysts say
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2025032/will-taiwans-strategy-bypass-beijings-international
1 OCTOBER 2016
How Beijing Uses People-to-People Ties as Leverage Over Taiwan
Beijing hope to convince Taiwanese to pressure their government into more politically accommodating positions
http://thediplomat.com/2016/10/how-beijing-uses-people-to-people-ties-as-leverage-over-taiwan
26 SEPTEMBER 2016
Taiwan attacks Hong Kong over string of visa denials
Taiwan lashed out at Hong Kong Monday (Sept 26), saying the city had recently denied visas to several Beijing-sceptic Taiwanese politicians as the island’s relations with China worsen.
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taiwan-attacks-hong-kong-over-string-of-visa-denials
24 SEPTEMBER 2016
Trade between Chinese mainland, Taiwan drops 9.8pc year on year in first seven months
Trade volume between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan reached US$95.55 billion in the first seven months of 2016, down 9.8 per cent year on year, according to the latest figures from the mainland’s Ministry of Commerce.
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2022284/trade-between-chinese-mainland-taiwan-drops-98-year
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201609200030.aspx
23 SEPTEMBER 2016
Taiwan snubbed by UN aviation agency as China tightens diplomatic screws
A U.N. aviation agency has snubbed Taiwan by not inviting it to its assembly in Canada, the latest sign of pressure China is bringing to bear on the new independence-leaning government of an island it views as a renegade province.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-taiwan-china-idUSKCN11T08P
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201609230014.aspx
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/09/24/2003655812
20 SEPTEMBER 2016
Taiwan’s new facilities on Taiping Island may have military use
Taiwan is building four concrete structures on the disputed Taiping Island in the South China Sea, in what might be a facility to increase its military alertness
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2020938/taiwan-tight-lipped-four-new-structures-being-built
13 SEPTEMBER 2016
Taiwan Reapplies for UN Participation
Taiwan has asked its diplomatic allies to send the United Nations secretary-general a letter requesting participation in three U.N. agencies, an unusually aggressive application that answers domestic pressure for more international achievements, but one that is sure to be rejected by China
http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/247604701
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201609130032.aspx
31 AUGUST 2016
Taiwan budgets for 12-year, $2.9 billion advanced jet trainer programme
Taiwan aims to spend NT$68.6 billion (S$2.9 billion) over 12 years from 2017 to develop its own jet trainers, according to budget data seen on Wednesday (Aug 31), signalling the independence-leaning government’s resolve to build up the defence industry
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taiwan-budgets-for-12-year-29-billion-advanced-jet-trainer-programme
25 AUGUST 2016
Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen orders revamp of military strategy, weapons upgrade
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen urged the island’s armed forces to change their culture and update their approach as the island carried out its annual military exercises
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2008856/taiwans-president-orders-revamp-military-strategy
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2016/08/26/476639/President-demands.htm
22 AUGUST 2016
Protests welcome Chinese communist leader’s visit to Taipei
A group of protesters organise “welcome” protest at Taipei airport for Sha Hailin, a member of the CCP Standing Committee and head of the United Front Department in Shanghai. He is the highest-ranking communist official to visit Taiwan since the new government led by Tsai Ing-wen took office. Doubts hover over the future of bilateral relations.
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Protests-welcome-Chinese-communist-leader’s-visit-to-Taipei-38367.html
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/china-taiwan-relations/2016/08/23/476329/Protesters-greet.htm
20 AUGUST 2016
Taiwan President says unofficial communication channels remain with China
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Saturday (Aug 20) that unofficial communication channels with China remain in place despite Beijing in June suspending contacts because the island’s new leader would not endorse the concept of a “One China” principle
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taiwan-president-says-unofficial-communication-channels-remain-with-china
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2016/08/21/476105/Committed-to.htm
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201608200018.aspx
8 AUGUST 2016
Taiwan protests deportation of nationals to China
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Monday expressed “adeep regrets” and “strong protests” over the forced deportation of five Taiwan nationals from Kenya to China, saying it showed “contempt for human rights.”
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201608080006.aspx
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/08/09/2003652743
4 AUGUST 2016
Taiwan Sets Up Submarine Development Center
The center is expected to design Taiwan’s first indigenous diesel-electric submarine by the end of the year
http://thediplomat.com/2016/08/taiwan-sets-up-submarine-development-center/
27 JULY 2016
Chinese Warns of ‘Soft’ and ‘Insidious’ Taiwan Independence Forces
The head of China’s National Association of Taiwan Compatriots (中華全國台灣同胞聯誼會) on Tuesday warned of the dangers of “soft Taiwan independence” at a cross-Strait forum in China
http://international.thenewslens.com/article/45216
22 JULY 2016
Tsai rejects deadline over 1992 consensus
The Taiwanese government is unlikely to accept a deadline for agreeing to the 1992 consensus as such a condition is against the will of the people, President Tsai Ing-wen has said
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/tsai-rejects-deadline-over-1992-consensus
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/07/23/2003651597/1
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2016/07/21/44b0a1a4-4e25-11e6-a422-83ab49ed5e6a_story.html
20 JULY 2016
South China Sea: Taiwanese lawmakers and flotilla head to Taiping Island in sovereignty, fishing rights push
Moves come after an international tribunal in the Hague rejected Taipei’s right to an exclusive economic zone around Taiping on July 12
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/1992173/south-china-sea-taiwanese-lawmakers-and-flotilla-head
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/07/21/2003651465/1
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201607200013.aspx
15 JULY 2016
Taiwanese actor Leon Dai dropped from Chinese film after political outcry
A Taiwanese actor has been dropped from the lead role in a Chinese film due to his alleged support for Taiwanese independence – even though the shoot has already finished
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jul/15/taiwanese-actor-dropped-china-no-other-love-independence
Taiwan’s friend buying days are over
While she will likely eschew the excesses of the Chen era, Tsai will struggle to expand Taiwan’s space without concessions on sovereignty. If the detente is indeed over, Beijing will resume efforts to prise away Taipei’s allies, with the new president shouldering the blame
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2016/07/15/taiwans-friend-buying-days-are-over/
7 JULY 2016
China condemns meeting between US officials, Tsai
China urged the United States to stop “sending the wrong signals” to Taiwan independence forces, as the island’s new leader Tsai Ing-wen contacted several US congressmen
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/nation/2016-07/07/content_15459758.html
1 JULY 2016
Taiwan navy ‘mistakenly fires’ supersonic missile towards China, hitting boat
A Taiwanese warship has mistakenly launched a supersonic “aircraft carrier killer” missile towards China, the navy said, hitting a fishing boat and killing one person
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2016-07-01/taiwan-navy-mistakenly-fires-supersonic-missile-towards-china-hitting-boat/1595456
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/1983931/taiwan-launches-investigation-deadly-navy-anti-ship
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2016/07/02/471015/p1/Missile-misfire.htm
29 JUNE 2016
Taiwan president says wants to maintain communication with China
Taiwan’s government will continue to look for ways to maintain dialogue with China, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Tuesday, after Beijing said it had halted a regular communication mechanism with Taipei
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/taiwan-president-says-wants-maintain-communication-china#sthash.zPvYTuB6.dpuf
http://www.dw.com/en/taiwan-to-continue-dialogue-with-mainland-china-says-tsai/a-19363557
26 JUNE 2016
Taiwan president attends Panama Canal ceremony
President Tsai Ing-wen attended the formal opening of the expanded Panama Canal June 26, joining heads of state and dignitaries from around the world in celebration of the US$5.4 billion project that took nine years to complete
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160627_13/
http://taiwantoday.tw/mp.asp?mp=9
China says has stopped communication mechanism with Taiwan
The Chinese government said on Saturday (June 25) it had stopped a communication mechanism with Taiwan because of the refusal of the self-ruled island’s new government to recognise the “one China” principle, in the latest show of tension between the two.
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-says-has-stopped-communication-mechanism-with-taiwan
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/06/26/2003649479
24 JUNE 2016
New Taiwan President Travels to Consolidate Diplomatic Ties
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen set off Friday for two friendly nations in Latin America, her first overseas trip after a month in office, to lock in ties that could be disrupted by China. She’ll also meet officials from a wider group of countries including the United States.
http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/245244285
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2016/06/25/470315/p1/Tsai-begins.htm
6 JUNE 2016
Taiwan says won’t recognise Chinese air defence identification zone over South China Sea
Taiwan’s new defence minister said on Monday (June 6) the island would not recognise any air defence zone declared by China over the South China Sea, as the island’s top security agency warned such a move could usher in a wave of regional tension.
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taiwan-says-wont-recognise-chinese-air-defence-identification-zone-over-south-china http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/06/07/2003648057
4 MAY 2016
Taiwan’s Tsai urges China to heal Tiananmen pain
Taiwan’s new president Tsai Ing-wen urged China to give its people more rights and “heal past wounds and pain” on the 27th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown on Saturday
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/taiwan-s-tsai-urges-china/2845748.html
http://atimes.com/2016/06/democracy-is-nothing-to-fear-taiwan-tells-china-on-tiananmen-anniversary/
25 MAY 2016
Without Clarity on 1992 Consensus, Tsai and DPP Will Face Challenges Ahead
Tsai is known for being a staunch supporter of Taiwanese independence as she was one of the main architects behind former president Lee Teng-hui’s “special state-to-state relations” speech in the 1990s. Over the last eight years, Tsai has been very careful in outlining her ideas for Taiwan independence, but few analysts believe that she has changed her mind. Most would agree that she has adopted a gradualist approach toward Taiwanese independence given the political realities in cross-strait relations.
http://thediplomat.com/2016/05/without-clarity-on-1992-consensus-tsai-and-dpp-will-face-challenges-ahead/
21 MAY 2016
Beijing warns new Taiwan leader on independence
Beijing warned Taiwan’s newly-inaugurated leader against seeking independence saying peace would be “impossible” if the new government attempted to move away from the Mainland
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/nation/2016-05/21/content_15436731.html
http://en.people.cn/n3/2016/0521/c90000-9061048.html
18 MAY 2016
Taiwan president-elect Tsai Ing-wen’s 5 national security challenges after May 20
Taiwan president-elect Tsai Ing-wen assumes office on May 20. As the first female president and the head of army of the Republic of China (ROC), she faces five major challenges in national security
http://atimes.com/2016/05/taiwan-president-elect-tsai-ing-wens-5-national-security-challenges-after-may-20/
13 MAY 2016
Taiwan tells panel to visit Taiping before making a ruling on South China Sea row
Taiwan on Friday called on an international tribunal not to make a ruling on a disputed South China Sea island if the judges do not first visit it to see for themselves it can sustain life
http://atimes.com/2016/05/taiwan-tells-panel-to-visit-taiping-before-making-a-ruling-on-sea-row/
8 MAY 2016
Taiwan’s new government accuses China of interference in its WHO status
The incoming Taiwanese government on Sunday accused China of “political interference” after a senior Chinese official cast doubt over the island keeping its observer status at the World Health Organisation if bilateral relations deteriorated further
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-taiwan-china-idUSKCN0XZ0MD?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldNews+%28Reuters+World+News%29
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201605080016.aspx
11 APRIL 2016
Taiwan claims China has kidnapped eight of its nationals
Kenya acquitted a group of Taiwanese citizens in a cybercrime case last week, and then deported them to China. Taiwan says the forced departure constitutes an “abuction” of its citizens by Chinese authorities.
http://www.dw.com/en/taiwan-claims-china-has-kidnapped-eight-of-its-nationals/a-19178515
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/taiwan-accuses-china-kidnapping-eight-its-nationals-kenya
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/intl-community/2016/04/12/463194/Govt-protests.htm
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/04/12/2003643753
9 APRIL 2016
Recognising the Republic of China
Opposing the idea of the ROC was a founding principle of the DPP in 1986 and the goal of establishing an independent Republic of Taiwan was written into the DPP party constitution. Interestingly, we are now witnessing both the PRC and DPP gradually come to the conclusion that the existence of the ROC is necessary due to pragmatic considérations
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2016/04/09/recognising-the-republic-of-china/
3 APRIL 2016
Upgrade ties with Taiwan: former US defense official
A former US defense official has called for major changes in Washington’s policies toward Taiwan.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2016/04/03/2003643080
30 MARCH 2016
Could Taiwan be Asia-Pacific’s Ukraine ?
Although one should refrain from reading too much into analogies, historical or geographical, Ukraine’s experiences over the past three years offer some interesting – yet potentially frightening – lessons for Taiwan
http://global-politics.co.uk/wp/2016/03/30/could-taiwan-be-asia-pacifics-ukraine/
23 MARCH 2016
Taiwan takes media on tour of South China Sea island claim
Taiwan flew international media to its largest island holding in the South China Sea on Wednesday in a bid to reinforce its territorial claims in the disputed and increasingly tense region.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/03/24/2003642295
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2016/03/23/461559/Taiwan-takes.htm
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201603230029.aspx
17 MARCH 2016
Gambia, China resume ties in lieu of Taiwan
China resumed ties with former Taiwan ally Gambia on Thursday, ending an unofficial diplomatic truce between China and Taiwan following January’s landslide election of the leader of a pro-independence party as the self-ruled island’s president.
http://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/moving-resume-ties-gambia-china-ends-diplomatic-truce-taiwan
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/nation/%2016-03/17/content_15402626.html
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/03/18/2003641843
10 MARCH 2016
China says Taiwan president-elect must prove does not back independence
Taiwan president-elect Tsai Ing-wen must “prove” her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is not pro-independence before Beijing will deal with her, a senior member of China’s largely rubber stamp parliament said on Thursday
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/china-says-taiwan-preside/259023
7 MARCH 2016
Beijing plans tunnel linking China with Taiwan
China is planning to construct a 126-kilometer undersea tunnel to create a high-speed rail link between the mainland and Taiwan.
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/asia/china/AJ201603070039
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201603070011.aspx
5 MARCH 2016
Beijing steps up warnings on Taiwan independence
Beijing stepped up its rhetoric against Taiwanese independence on Saturday (Mar 5), with Premier Li Keqiang warning against “separatist activities” on the island and pledging to safeguard China’s “territorial integrity”
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/beijing-steps-up-warnings/2575568.html
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201603050016.aspx
http://english.chinamil.com.cn/news-channels/2016-03/05/content_6944119.htm
China announces 7.6-pct
24 FEBRUARY 2016
Taiwan policy unchanged after elections: Mainland
A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday promised no major change in its Taiwan policy in the wake of the island’s recent leadership elections.
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/nation/2016-02/24/content_15389568.html
23 FEBRUARY 2016
China urges Taiwan to ratify controversial trade pact
China’s commerce minister on Tuesday urged Taiwan to ratify a controversial trade pact that has languished in the island’s parliament after protests over trade dealings with Beijing
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/china-urges-taiwan-ratify-controversial-trade-pact
21 FEBRUARY 2016
Don’t make us suffer even more, Taiwanese businessmen on Chinese mainland tell president-elect Tsai Ing-wen
Taiwanese businesspeople based on the mainland fear cross-strait economic relations could be harmed by the incoming pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party government.
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/1915118/dont-make-us-suffer-even-more-taiwanese-businessmen
12 FEBRUARY 2016
US urges China-Taiwan talks amid uncertainty after election
The Obama administration says it is urging China and Taiwan to maintain dialogue amid concern that the election of an independence-leaning party on the island could heighten tensions in one of Asia’s security hotspots.
http://news.yahoo.com/us-urges-china-taiwan-talks-amid-uncertainty-election-050541341.html
10 FEBRUARY 2016
Taiwan’s energy conundrum
The newly elected Taiwanese government led by President Tsai Ing-wen and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) will be faced with significant challenges in energy policy. Most urgently, viable replacements for Taiwan’s ageing fleet of nuclear reactors must be found.
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2016/02/10/taiwans-energy-conundrum/
5 FEBRUARY 2016
Securing Taiwan Starts With Overhauling Its Navy
Tsai Ing-wen must make maritime-strategic affairs a priority as president
http://nationalinterest.org/feature/securing-taiwan-starts-overhauling-the-navy-15122
28 JANUARY 2016
Taiwan president visits disputed islands despite US criticism
The outgoing president of Taiwan Ma Ying-jeou has flown to Itu Aba, the largest island controlled by Taipei in the disputed South China Sea region. Taiwan’s ally US called his trip “extremely unhelpful.”
http://www.dw.com/en/taiwan-president-visits-disputed-islands-despite-us-criticism/a-19008594
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/nation/2016-01/28/content_15379710.html
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/01/29/2003638307/1
27 JANUARY 2016
What the United States Owes to Taiwan and its Interests in Asia
On January 16, the people of Taiwan elected a new president, setting the stage for the third peaceful transfer of power between parties in the island’s history. That achievement would seem routine by now, were it not for the vastly different political situation on the other side of the Taiwan Strait.
http://warontherocks.com/2016/01/what-the-united-states-owes-to-taiwan-and-its-interests-in-asia/
25 JANUARY 2016
War with China ‘likely’ if Taiwan continues to seek independence, says ex-PLA general
“We have promised that Chinese people never fight against Chinese people, but if the pro-independence forces continue to press us, we will have no other chance but [to seek] reunification through use of force,” says Luo Yuan, a hawkish retired People’s Liberation Army major general.
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/1904873/war-china-likely-if-taiwan-continues-seek-independence