Taiwan’s president recently stated unequivocally that Taiwan is, of course, a country. This declaration serves as a direct rebuke to China, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has consistently threatened military action should the island formally declare independence. The statement’s significance lies in its unambiguous nature; it breaks from the previously more ambiguous official pronouncements from Taiwan, which carefully navigated the complex geopolitical landscape. This assertive stance shifts the dynamics of the Taiwan Strait significantly.
The president’s words represent a bold move, potentially escalating tensions with China. For years, Taiwan has maintained a delicate balance, asserting its own sovereignty while carefully avoiding a direct declaration of independence to lessen the risk of immediate conflict.… Continue reading
China dispatched a record-breaking 74 military aircraft toward Taiwan, with 61 crossing the Taiwan Strait median line. This large-scale deployment, encompassing various aircraft types and naval vessels, follows a British warship’s transit through the strait, which China condemned as a disturbance to regional peace and stability. Taiwan’s defense ministry responded to the Chinese action with its own air and naval forces. The motivations behind China’s actions remain unclear, but it is consistent with its strategy to assert control over Taiwan.
Read More
A Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) destroyer, the Takanami, transited the Taiwan Strait on June 12, marking the third such passage in the last year. This action, closely monitored by the Chinese military, follows a June 7-8 incident where a Chinese fighter jet dangerously approached a Japanese patrol plane. The transit, along with a subsequent joint exercise with the Philippine Navy in the South China Sea, demonstrates Japan’s increasing assertiveness in the face of growing Chinese pressure on Taiwan and in regional waters. This represents a shift in Japanese policy regarding the Taiwan Strait, reflecting concerns over China’s expanding military activities.
Read More
Taiwan’s military swiftly responded to unexpected Chinese “live-fire” drills by deploying its army, navy, and air force to the waters off its southern coast. This decisive action underscores the escalating tensions in the region and highlights the precarious geopolitical situation. The deployment wasn’t a leisurely maneuver; it was a direct reaction to what Taiwan’s defense ministry described as a blatant violation of international norms.
The Chinese military’s exercises, involving around 32 aircraft and taking place approximately 40 nautical miles off Taiwan’s coast, were announced without prior warning. This lack of notice, according to Taiwan, created significant risks to international shipping and flights, adding fuel to the already tense atmosphere.… Continue reading
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong warned that escalating U.S.-China tensions, potentially leading to economic decoupling, risk global catastrophe, even a third world war. He stressed the importance of non-alignment for Southeast Asian nations, urging against forced choices between the U.S. and China. While complete decoupling seems unlikely due to economic interdependence, Wong highlighted the dangers of such a division, particularly concerning regional flashpoints like the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. He emphasized the potential for miscalculation and the need for diplomacy to prevent a disastrous split.
Read More
President Xi Jinping reiterated China’s unwavering commitment to “reunification” with Taiwan in his New Year’s address, asserting that this historical trend is unstoppable. Beijing’s increased military presence near Taiwan, characterized by near-daily incursions, underscores this commitment. While Taiwan’s government rejects China’s claims of sovereignty, maintaining its residents’ right to self-determination, Xi emphasized the shared familial bond between both sides of the strait. Rising tensions, particularly following the election of President Lai Ching-te, further highlight the precarious situation in the Taiwan Strait.
Read More
Taiwan’s defense ministry announced the arrival of 38 advanced M1A2 Abrams tanks, the first delivery of a 108-tank order placed in 2019. These tanks, representing a significant upgrade to Taiwan’s aging fleet, arrived late Sunday and were transferred to a training base. The acquisition, costing over US$1.2 billion, strengthens Taiwan’s defensive capabilities against potential Chinese aggression. This substantial arms purchase underscores Taiwan’s reliance on the US for bolstering its defenses against increasing threats.
Read More
China conducted its largest military drills near Taiwan since the 1990s, involving over 50 aircraft, 90 ships, and spy balloons. These unprecedented maneuvers, lasting several days, simulated blockades and attacks on foreign vessels, prompting concerns from Taiwan and its allies. Although Chinese forces subsequently withdrew, Beijing asserted its right to further actions to achieve reunification with Taiwan, highlighting the escalating tensions in the region. Taiwan’s government, while acknowledging the threat, remains resolute in its self-determination, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical challenge.
Read More
China’s Xi accused the US of trying to trick him into invading Taiwan, but said he won’t take the bait. This statement sparked a wave of reactions and speculations, with many viewing it as a strategic political move. The notion that the US would attempt to manipulate China into a conflict over Taiwan seems plausible, given the current geopolitical tensions in the region. However, Xi’s response to this alleged provocation raises questions about China’s intentions and long-term plans regarding Taiwan.
The idea that the US would orchestrate a scenario to push China into invading Taiwan may sound far-fetched to some, but in the realm of international politics, such tactics are not unheard of.… Continue reading
China’s military drills encircling Taiwan, with the intention of testing its ability to “seize power”, seems like a rather unwise move on their part. The act of encircling an island and actually invading it are two vastly different scenarios. The challenges of executing a successful amphibious assault on Taiwan, with its rugged terrain and well-equipped military, are immense and not to be taken lightly.
The potential consequences of a full-scale invasion of Taiwan by China would be catastrophic, not just for Taiwan but for China as well. The economic repercussions alone, with the loss of foreign investment and trade partnerships, would be significant.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker