The Latest Breaking News from Taiwan

Taiwan businessman offers funds to train civilian marksmen

One of Taiwan's richest men, Robert Tsao, said on Thursday he would provide T$1 billion ($33 million) to two civilian defence training programmes, in a private effort to strengthen the island's defences amid heightened tension with China.

Reuters · Sep 1, 2022

China has been simulating attacks on U.S. Navy ships, Taiwan says

China has been simulating attacks on U.S. Navy ships and is aiming to prevent foreign forces from coming to Taiwan's aid in the event of a war, Taiwan's defence ministry said in a strongly worded report raising the alarm on Beijing's military designs.

Reuters · Sep 1, 2022

Taiwan tycoon to train 3m 'civilian warriors'

A colourful Taiwanese tycoon unveiled plans Thursday to train more than three million "civilian warriors" to help defend the democratic island in the event of a Chinese invasion, donating TW$1 billion (US$33 million) of his own money.

Bangkok Post · Sep 1, 2022

Deterring China requires boost in defence capacity

Following US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, China fired missiles into six areas surrounding Taiwan and sent fighter jets across the midline of the Taiwan Strait. Some of those missiles landed in Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), threatening fishing boats from the island of Yonaguni, just…

Bangkok Post · Aug 31, 2022

US Must Dispel Pelosi’s ‘Negative Influence’ before Climate Talks, Says China

China said on Wednesday that a condition for the resumption of bilateral climate talks with the United States was Washington dispelling the "negative influence" left by US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan earlier this month. In response to the visit on Aug. 2-3, China on Aug.…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Aug 31, 2022

Taiwan stocks up on US weapons helping Ukraine thwart Russia

TAIPEI: Taiwan is stockpiling US-made weaponry that Ukraine has used to hold off Russia’s military, a sign Taipei is applying lessons from the conflict to deter China from following through on threats to take the island by force if necessary.

The Times of India · Aug 31, 2022

Japan plans longer-range missiles to counter China, Russia

Japan has become increasingly alarmed about China and Russia’s ambitions amid a number of territorial disputes.

Al Jazeera · Aug 31, 2022

Taiwan forces fire at drones flying over island near China

Taiwan's military has fired warning shots at drones from China flying over its outposts just off the Chinese coastline

The Independent UK · Aug 31, 2022

Taiwan Vows to ‘Counter-Attack’ if China’s Forces Enter its Territory

Taiwan said on Wednesday it would exercise its right to self-defense and "counter-attack" if Chinese armed forces entered its territory, as Beijing increased military activities near the democratic island. Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its own against strong objections by the government in Taipei, has held military exercises around the…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Aug 31, 2022

Japan, seeking arms buildup, makes opaque budget request

Japan’s Defense Ministry has made a budget request for next year without specifying the costs of missiles and other arms or its development plans

The Independent UK · Aug 31, 2022