Biden admin threatens response if China militarizes Solomon Islands (Page 149 of 151)
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Remember yesterday's post about the Lai Admin wanting to hand out NT$10,000 dollars to citizens. The previous three times this was talked about, not much happened. This time, however, Wow! Taiwan audit office warns past cash handouts lack effectiveness assessments Office says government still needs to raise NT$869.6 billion for 2025 and special budgets TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Taiwan's National Audit Office warned in its 2025 General Final Accounts of the Central Government, released July 24, that the government's previous cash handouts lacked adequate planning before implementation and effectiveness assessments afterward. Citing a survey published by Academia Sinica in July, the office suggested the previous two cash handouts had limited effects on boosting consumption, per ETtoday. It added that research from the US and Japan found that roughly one-third of cash handouts are spent on consumption, instead of saving or repaying debt. The office noted that the government estimated in September 2025 that its NT$10,000 (US$314) cash handout would increase GDP by 0.145%. However, the estimate was based on the effects of previous stimulus vouchers rather than research on cash handouts. To address the issue, the office requested in 2024 that the Ministry of Finance include effectiveness assessments in its plans for cash handouts. The office said the ministry responded that follow-up studies would be conducted if sufficient time and resources were available. The office recommended adjusting Taiwan's industrial structure to address economic challenges. It stressed that Taiwan still needs to raise NT$869.6 billion for fiscal 2025 and ongoing special budgets, per UDN. President Lai Ching-te's ( ) announcement of a planned NT$10,000 cash handout in 2027 has drawn criticism from those who had opposed the opposition's NT$10,000 cash handout proposal in 2025 alongside the DPP. Hsuan Chuang University Professor Shih Chao-hwei ( ) urged the government to allocate the funds to Taiwan's struggling industries or more vulnerable members of society, per Liberty Times. NPP Chair Wang Wan-yu ( ) warned that cash handouts do not leave lasting benefits, such as infrastructure, for Taiwan, per Z.Media. She said the NT$230 billion spent on the 2025 cash handout could have funded enough social housing for 84,000 households, offsetting some of the 100,000-unit reduction from Lai's campaign pledge. In related news, DPP Legislative Caucus Secretary-General Chuang Jui-hsiung ( ) said that because the cash handout is tied to the budget, the legislature could decide whether the public could receive the money before the Lunar New Year, per Mirror Media. Chuang stressed the government had allocated funding for key projects before proposing the cash handout. TPP Legislative Caucus Convener Chen Ching-lung ( ) said Lai's proposal would not affect how his party reviews the government's 2027 budget, per UDN. TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang ( ) previously argued that returning surplus tax revenue to the public through cash handouts was a rational policy. KMT Legislator Lai Shyh-pao ( ), meanwhile, called on the government not to give the opposition a reason to reject the government's budget, per SETN. He asserted that the ruling DPP's decision not to countersign the Special Act on Taiwan Future Accounts and other legislation passed by the legislature amounted to the executive branch overriding the legislature. Premier Cho Jung-tai ( ) became the first premier in Taiwan's history not to countersign a law passed by the legislature, citing the paralysis of the Constitutional Court at the time. Under Taiwan's Constitution, if the legislature passes the same legislation after the Cabinet requests reconsideration, the premier is required to enforce the legislation or resign. In Taiwan's constitutional system, countersigning is intended to give the premier a mechanism to restrain the president, per Taiwan FactCheck Center. However, because the president has the power to appoint the premier at will, the mechanism has rarely, if ever, been used. DPP suggests Taipei City Government should fund extra cash handout DPP lawmakers point to Taipei surplus after Chiang seeks NT$20,000 TAIPEI (Taiwan News) DPP Spokesperson Lin Chu-yin ( ) suggested Tuesday that Taipei could use its budget surplus to provide an additional cash payment on top of the central government's planned NT$10,000 (US$313) handout. Kaohsiung mayor calls for fairer distribution of central government funds Chen Chi-mai backs NT$10,000 payment but urges fiscal law revision TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai ( ) on Tuesday called for another revision of the fiscal allocation law, saying central government funds are not fairly distributed among local governments. Taiwan opposition calls DPP hypocritical over proposed NT$10,000 cash handouts KMT legislative caucus urges government to establish formal rules for distributing surplus tax revenue TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Taiwan's opposition parties on Monday criticized the ruling DPP over what they described as a shifting stance on cash handouts.
I would say, knowing practically nothing about Taiwanese politics, not knowing the culture, not knowing the language, that the DPP is looking pretty good going into the election period. We haven't heard from our Hero, Puma Shen, in a while, so here's a story about him: Puma Shen introduces 3 Taipei youth policy proposals Policies provide further financial and job support for Taipei youth TAIPEI (Taiwan News) DPP legislator and Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen ( ) shared three youth policy proposals at a party press conference on Tuesday. Shen said he planned to establish an urban youth fund for those aged between 18 and 22, CNA reported. As long as one parent lives in Taipei and the applicant has been registered in the city for a certain period, the city government would contribute NT$1,500 (US$46.99) per month into a dedicated account. The fund would be managed as a long-term savings scheme, and young people would be encouraged to add their own savings to grow the principal, per CNA. Combined with the Cabinet's child development allowance savings program, this fund could help students accumulate nearly NT$500,000 by the time they graduate from university, Shen said. For disadvantaged youth, the monthly contribution would be increased to NT$3,000. If participants are convicted of offenses such as drug use or fraud during the program, only their own contributions would be returned, Shen said. The legislator proposed a youth AI platform that connected different AI models and managed usage quotas. Under this program, Taipei-registered university and master's students aged 18 to 25 would receive NT$300 per month, according to CNA. For AI-intensive courses, teachers or schools could apply to raise their monthly stipend to NT$500 1,000 to support learning and hands-on practice, Shen said. For projects, competitions, or cases requiring heavy data or video generation, an additional one-time subsidy of NT$2,000 to NT$10,000 would be available. In the future, the program would also support Taiwanese AI startups, CNA reported. Shen also devised a follow-up support program for Taipei youth who join the education ministry's Youth Overseas Dream Fund. The scheme would offer professional consultation, training, venues, and startup funding to bring overseas talent back to the city. Johnny Chiang has been a very good mayor and a very able administrator. He's made numerous unforced errors during this season with the aide of the KMT which leads me to suspect that many in the KMT would like it if Johnny Chiang were to lose and then disappear from the scene. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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Last block!! First story is with each passing day, the battle lines are hardening!! Taiwan condemns Malaysia prime minister comments backing 'one China' principle Foreign ministry reaffirms Taiwan's sovereignty TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The foreign ministry on Tuesday rejected Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's remarks in an interview that Taiwan is a part of China. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Ibrahim also supported China's readiness to use force against Taiwan. The foreign ministry said in a statement that Taiwan is a sovereign country, while Taiwan and China are not subordinate to one another. "This fact will not change because of any false claims made by anyone," the ministry said. The ministry pointed out that Malaysia is a democratic country and Ibrahim has portrayed himself as a defender of human rights. "As such, he should uphold universal values such as democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, and respect the will of the people," the ministry said. The ministry said that any political rhetoric that supports unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait harms Taiwan's commitment to defending democracy and undermines political trust between Taiwan and Malaysia. It also noted that Taiwan and Malaysia have maintained close economic and trade ties. "Given the close link between national sovereignty and economic security, Ibrahim's support for China could negatively affect the confidence of Taiwanese businesses investing in Malaysia," the ministry added. Taiwan prepares to receive new F-16V fighter jets Yeah, I keep posting this story!! That's because I can't wait for Taiwan to get the new version! It's exciting!! A new plane!!!! Aircraft have more thrust and beyond-visual-range capability TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The first batch of F-16V Block 70 jets will soon be flown from the US to Chihang Air Force Base in Taitung, according to a military source. The source did not specify when they would arrive, per CNA. The newly built fighter jets have more thrust, an optimized airframe, and beyond-visual-range capabilities. They are also equipped with active electronically scanned array radars capable of electronic warfare. The Air Force allocated NT$247.23 billion (US$7.7 billion) in funding from 2020 to 2026 to acquire 66 new F-16V jets under the Feng Hsiang Project, CNA reported. All aircraft were originally scheduled to be delivered to Taiwan this year, but the timeline has been delayed due to production line relocation and supply chain disruptions. Lockheed Martin reportedly increased work to two shifts to speed up production. Under a separate Feng Chan Project, Lockheed Martin and Taiwan's Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. upgraded Taiwan's 140 F-16A/B fighters to the F-16V Block 20 standard, per CNA. All retrofitting was completed in December 2023. Taiwan opened an F-16 maintenance center in Taichung in 2020 to handle repairs for its fleet. The facility cost approximately NT$110 billion and is authorized by Lockheed Martin to service the aircraft. And last, but not least!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Army conducts first-person-view drone strikes during drills FPV drones armed with explosive armor-piercing munitions TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Army recently held a joint live-fire exercise, in which its three artillery commands conducted first-person-view (FPV) drone strikes for the first time. The Army's 21st, 43rd, and 58th Artillery Commands, along with the Marine Corps 66th Brigade and the Military Police's drone company, conducted drills simulating real combat conditions, Liberty Times reported. The drones were equipped with 3.5-inch high-explosive armor-piercing munitions to conduct precision strikes against retired CM12 tanks and CM24 armored vehicles. Units followed a firing sequence before flying armed FPV drones into target zones and launching both single- and dual-drone strikes. Multi-drone coordination and target engagement procedures were included in evaluations to test operators' skills and teamwork, per Liberty Times. The drills also verified drone operation and integration of explosives. The exercise was a sign that the Army is looking beyond conventional weapons to boost its firepower and combat tactics, according to Liberty Times. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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...and another story that I've forgot to do!! Trump orders Pentagon to cut back military exercises with South Korea President Donald Trump on Sunday instructed the Pentagon to "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with long-term Asian ally South Korea, citing the cost of the drills and Seoul's refusal to take part in actions against Iran. Hours before exercises were scheduled to begin, Trump said on his Truth Social site he was "not happy" that the U.S. had agreed to participate and highlighted his "very good relationship" with Kim Jong Un, the leader of nuclear-armed and heavily sanctioned North Korea. "These exercises are not only costly... but send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile, to a Country that, as long as Donald J. Trump has been President, has been unthreatening and respectful," Trump wrote. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercises are scheduled to run until August 27, with about 18,000 South Korean military personnel participating. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff told Reuters the drills started on Monday as scheduled. South Korea's presidential Blue House said it was reviewing Trump's post and "hopes that the friendly relationship between the U.S. and North Korean leaders will lead to meaningful dialogue between the two countries, opening discussions aimed at advancing peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," it said. The allies would continue coordinating on their combined defense posture and military exercises, it said. Responding to Trump's claim that President Lee Jae Myung had refused to join U.S. efforts to denuclearise Iran, it said Seoul was discussing potential military contributions, while considering its defense readiness on the Korean Peninsula and domestic legal procedures. A Pentagon spokesperson referred questions on the matter to the White House, which did not immediately respond to a request for details. Up and down relationship Trump has long sought to end or curtail military exercises with South Korea while clashing with Seoul over sharing the costs of stationing 28,500 U.S. troops in South Korea and their role in securing the broader region. North Korea, still technically at war with the South, routinely denounces the U.S.-South Korean exercises as preparations for an invasion. Pyongyang last week fired a ballistic missile from its eastern coast towards the Sea of Japan, days after a similar North Korean short-range ballistic missile launch. "This decision may be part of a larger effort to create a diplomatic opportunity with Pyongyang, as Trump has consistently wanted since coming back to office, although the haphazard nature of this move is unlikely to make much of an impression in Pyongyang," Jenny Town, head of the Stimson Center think tank's 38 North program, said in an email. The relationship between Trump and Kim has been a roller coaster for years. Trump once mocked the North Korean leader as "little rocket man" and threatened Pyongyang with "fire and fury," while Kim boasted that he would "tame the mentally deranged U.S. dotard with fire." Yet they also took part in three summits, with Trump declaring, "we fell in love" after exchanging letters with Kim. None of these efforts led to changes in North Korea's nuclear weapons or ballistic missile development. Even as Trump on Sunday spoke warmly of North Korea, he pointed to South Korea's stance on the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. "While somewhat unrelated (?), I recently asked the President of South Korea if they would like to join us in the Denuclearization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and they said, 'No thanks!'" Trump wrote. Exercises shift to simulations It's unclear how the drills could be cut back, but in recent years, they have shifted away from live-fire exercises to computer-simulated missile and cyberattacks. Victor Cha, head of the Korea program at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Trump may be seeking greater influence over North Korea as Pyongyang has been heavily engaged in support of Russia in Ukraine. "The other way to look at this is that Trump wants to engage Kim as a way to impede the Russia-NK ties," said Cha. U.S. military officials have said North Korean troops, who have fought alongside Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, have gained experience from the conflict, while Ukraine said last week that North Korean-made missiles were used in a Russian ballistic missile attack on a steel plant in Zaporizhzhia. A high-ranking U.S. Northern Command official, Lieutenant General Joseph Jarrard, last week warned that North Korea had successfully tested intercontinental ballistic missiles with "enough boost to deliver a nuclear payload anywhere in North America." Economic factors While Trump has repeatedly called for South Korea to shoulder a bigger burden of defense costs, a U.S. official this year called Seoul a "model ally" committed to increasing defense spending in line with U.S. regional strategy. There are also broader economic tensions. A former U.S. official who worked in the first Trump administration told Reuters he believed Trump is "frustrated with the intransigence" of the South Korean administration in addressing economic issues. "The Lee government has repeatedly pursued policies antagonistic to American companies and shown little interest in following through on the historic investment deal with the United States," the official said. The countries signed a trade deal last year to lower Trump's auto tariffs in exchange for Seoul's commitment to invest $350 billion. South Korea has not announced details of its investment plan. The allies have been at odds over a dispute involving U.S.-listed e-commerce company Coupang, which is being investigated by Seoul over a massive data leak. On the other hand, and as we've been following, now that the South Korean government has decidedly turned towards Beijing, it cannot be unexpected. Countries have no friends. Can't afford them! They either have "interests" they share, or antithetical positions. Even way back when during the fuedal times when lords ruled kingdoms and one was either a vassal or master, no vassal could serve two masters. We'll see what the South Korean government chooses to do. In the meantime, here's a report on the diplomatic response by South Korea: South Korea's president highlights US alliance after Trump reduces joint exercises South Korea's president on Tuesday sought to highlight the more than 70-year alliance with the United States after President Trump over the weekend announced he had directed the Pentagon to "substantially reduce" its joint military exercises with Seoul. Speaking in a regular Cabinet meeting, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said that "national security will be further strengthened when the alliance is solid," referring to the military alliance with the U.S., The Associated Press reported. "When we build up our strengths, our value and importance as an ally will further grow," Lee said. The U.S. military has been participating in joint war games with South Korea for more than 70 years to bolster military readiness against possible aggression from North Korea. But a day before the start of the most recent annual drill, Ulchi Freedom Shield, Trump announced he had ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to greatly downsize the exercises. It's unclear which parts of the drill were being scaled back. The war games, scheduled to run Aug. 17-27, are a major part of a mutual defense treaty between the U.S. and South Korea signed in the early 1950s and consist of "live, virtual, constructive and field-based training," according to the U.S. military. In a Truth Social post Sunday, the president explained the move by citing South Korea's refusal to aid the U.S.'s ongoing military campaign against Iran and his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The directive was met with surprise and concern from U.S. allies as well as Democrats, as Washington did not consult with Seoul before the announcement. "Decisions about joint exercises need to be made jointly and not announced unilaterally by social media," New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim (D), whose parents immigrated to the U.S. from South Korea, said in a Sunday social media post. Trump has criticized the exercise in the past. In 2018, during his first term, he said he was suspending the drills after meeting with Kim. However, diplomacy with the North Korean leader quickly fell apart in 2019, and the drills resumed. Also in the first Trump administration, the president reportedly sought to pull the roughly 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea from the country but never followed through. We might as well do the Pfffft Report! It's not that embarrassing for the Chinese today: PLA Activities 2026.08.19 Issuing Authority Political Warfare Bureau 1.Date: 6 a.m. Aug. 18 (Tue.) to 6 a.m. Aug. 19 (Wed.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities: 20 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN ships and 6 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 15 out of 20 sorties entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. Area 2 had more than one fighter jet at a time in the area!! Kind of a big deal. Here's the score card from the 1AUG to yesterday: Attached File |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
| https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1018966/1st-laad-participates-exercise-tenacious-archer-26 |
Deckard “nobody wants to know the truth, nobody” Cobra Kai Johnny Lawrence “she’s hot and all those other things” Tucker Carlson 1/10/2018 “I used to be a liberatarian until Google”https://mobile.twitter.com/Henry_Gunn
| https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/08/19/2003862741 |
Deckard “nobody wants to know the truth, nobody” Cobra Kai Johnny Lawrence “she’s hot and all those other things” Tucker Carlson 1/10/2018 “I used to be a liberatarian until Google”https://mobile.twitter.com/Henry_Gunn
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I feel the need to apologize as there are four blocks of news today! I think it's due to the same factors here. We have the daily grind of political entities that really don't want the status quo of the Country to exist, and that includes those in government; then we have spies as well!!!!! I've always maintained that since 2010 when Obama with one genius move, eliminating Pax Americana through his managed destruction, and then people all over the World wanting War, that we've been living the lead up to WWI again. They got the wars they wanted with those moves, and the Spartacus league was there! We have our version of the Spartacus League here, and Taiwan now has the KMT there: Changhua magistrate's absence from KMT campaign sparks concerns KMT chair says candidate Wei Ping-cheng needs to earn Wang Hui-mei's support TAIPEI (Taiwan News) KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun ( ) on Wednesday dismissed rumors of a potential conflict between Changhua County Magistrate Wang Hui-mei ( ) and the party, following Wang's continued absence from campaign events for KMT Changhua magistrate candidate Wei Ping-cheng ( ). Cheng said that although Wei began campaigning later than Chen Su-yueh ( ), she has confidence in his ability to win the race, per UDN. She added that Wang's achievements have given the KMT confidence that it can continue governing the county. Wei said he is the best candidate to continue Wang's policies, citing his business acumen and legal knowledge, per UP Media. He said he would build on Wang's achievements to help Changhua become Taiwan's seventh special municipality. Cheng also revealed that Wang had invested significant effort in securing her preferred successor, but those efforts did not yield results. She suggested that Wang remains undecided about whom to support and said Wei needs to prove himself to earn Wang's backing. KMT Vice Chair Li Chien-lung ( ) expressed confidence that Wei would secure Wang's support, per Z.Media. He acknowledged that Wei had gotten off to a slow start but said he has ample room to improve before election day. Wang responded in a Facebook post, saying her actions are motivated by what she believes is best for Changhua County residents, per UDN. She said her search for a magistrate candidate, after two of her deputy magistrates entered the primary, was also motivated by that belief. Wang said she learned about Wei's nomination while she was abroad. She added that she believed the KMT could win under the leadership of KMT Changhua County Branch Chair Hsiao Ching-tien ( ) and Cheng. Wang's continued absence from Wei's campaign trail came into sharper focus after she appeared at an event with Premier Cho Jung-tai ( ) and Chen Su-yueh, per Liberty Times. Wang later clarified that she attended the event to express gratitude to the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Cabinet for their support, although the event was not on her public itinerary. Sources within the KMT suggested that Wang's behavior could amount to campaigning for the DPP. Media commentator Chen Min-feng ( ) said Wang's continued absence could signal a major defeat for the KMT, adding that supporters of KMT Changhua County Council Speaker Hsieh Tien-lin ( ) had reportedly switched their support to the DPP candidate, per Z.Media. KMT Taipei City Councilor Chin Huei-chu ( ) said it was reasonable for Wang to appear at the same events as Cho or President Lai Ching-te ( ), but said her continued absence from Wei's campaign events was problematic, per TVBS. She also suggested that the KMT lacks the means to punish Wang and bring her in line. However, when asked who should be responsible if the KMT loses Changhua, Chin said Cheng should bear responsibility for bypassing the ongoing primary and directly nominating Wei. Yesterday we found that that if the Premier doesn't "countersign" legislation it means something!! Sort of, I think. The stories allude to everything from nothing to dissolving the Legislative Yuan and hold a new election if a vote of no-confidence over the Premier fails. Fuck if I know, but it seems like a political hot potato to them. The KMT has been trying to muzzle Premier Cho for a couple of years now, and they've been "meeting all expectations in their abilities" to get him.  Taiwan legislative speaker clashes with premier over refusal to countersign laws Cho Jung-tai says refusal to countersign authorized by Constitution TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu ( ) clashed with Premier Cho Jung-tai ( ) on Tuesday after Cho announced Monday that he would refuse to countersign two more bills passed by the legislature. Han cautioned the Cabinet against refusing to countersign the Act Governing Savings Accounts for Future Education and Development of Children and Youth and amendments to the Cable Radio and Television Act, per Tai Sounds. He warned that if the Cabinet believes it can refuse to enforce or countersign legislation passed by the legislature, Taiwan's constitutional order would be put in peril. Han questioned the Cabinet's legal authority to use the premier's countersigning power as a veto over passed legislation. He stressed that the executive branch should not treat the Cabinet as the Constitutional Court, which serves as a mechanism for resolving disputes between Taiwan's branches of government. Part of the strategy by the KMT is to obstruct President Lai at every turn, just like here with the Democrats. And what do they have in common (KMT and Democrats)? Chinese money!!! Cho responded by citing Article 37 of the Constitution, which states that laws promulgated or orders issued by the president require the premier's countersignature, per Liberty Times. He argued that he has the authority to refuse to countersign legislation passed by the legislature. Cho also cited Article 91 of the Budget Act and Article 70 of the Constitution, arguing that the legislature has no authority to pass legislation that would increase the executive branch's fiscal burden, per UDN. He said the executive branch was forced to respond to what he described as "the legislature's repeated attacks against Taiwan's constitutional order under Han." Cho said he hoped to resolve the imbalance in the constitutional system. Sources close to Han suggested that after Han publicly criticized KMT Caucus Convener Fu Kun-chi ( ) to help push through the 2026 budget, the government's refusal to countersign two more bills prompted his Facebook criticism, per UDN. DPP Legislative Caucus Secretary-General Chuang Jui-hsiung ( ) echoed Cho's argument, saying the Constitution authorizes the premier to refuse to countersign legislation, per NOWNews. He said that while the executive branch is not above the Constitution, a legislative majority cannot violate the supreme law at will. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai ( ) suggested that the root of the dispute was the opposition's boycott of Constitutional Court nominees, per CNA. While the Constitutional Court was briefly paralyzed by a lack of new nominees, it has since resumed operations following a controversial ruling. TPP Legislative Caucus Convener Chen Ching-lung ( ) criticized Cho's use of the countersigning power, noting that under the Constitution, the Cabinet should request reconsideration of legislation it believes would be difficult to enforce, per Z.Media. KMT Legislator Hsu Yu-chen ( ) argued that Lai should have intervened to resolve the legislative deadlock rather than allowing the conflict between the executive and legislative branches to worsen, per Tai Sounds. On whether Cho has the authority to refuse to countersign legislation passed by the legislature, pro-DPP legal commentator and lawyer Huang Ti-ying ( ) argued that the opposition's refusal to initiate a vote of no confidence legitimizes Cho's decision, per SETN. If a vote of no confidence succeeds, Lai may dissolve the legislature and trigger a new legislative election. Soochow University Professor Su Tzu-chiao ( ) said the countersigning mechanism was designed to check presidential power in a semi-presidential system, per UDN. However, former President Lee Teng-hui ( ) consolidated the power to appoint premiers under the sole discretion of the president, rendering the mechanism largely moot. Su said the Cabinet should ask the legislature to reconsider bills it believes may be difficult to enforce. He stressed that the repeated use of the refusal to countersign, which was first used when the Constitutional Court was paralyzed, is a major concern now that the court is functioning again. Su recommended that the Cabinet seek recourse through the Constitutional Court, adding that the legislature should also consider asking the court to intervene over the use of the countersigning power. Retired Tunghai University Professor Lin Teng-yau ( ) noted that the constitutional provision concerning countersigning appears in the chapter governing presidential powers, per ETtoday. He said requirements such as countersigning or legislative authorization for certain presidential powers were designed as safeguards against potential presidential abuse of power. Lin warned that before the Constitutional Court rules a law unconstitutional, the Cabinet does not have the authority to unilaterally declare it unconstitutional. He cautioned that reinterpreting a constitutional mechanism could become a means of expanding executive power. Joseph Heller wrote a book called, "Catch-22." Overall it was about very bad management, but somehow, and no one knows how, things still got done and moved in the right direction. The US still won the War after all. I understand it's all fictional. I read the book twice when I was in the 7th grade because the first time I finished it, I didn't believe a damn bit of it and then read it again. Then I got it!!! That book, coupled with concurrent puberty at time, made me the man I am today!!!  Anyway, what I'm getting at is that the subversion of process by both the KMT there and the Democrats here have not been working for either of them at all as we and the Taiwanese seem to be moving in the correct direction still. It's been a rough road though. That's all a lot to take in. I would not be upset if you went to management and lodged a complaint about me. Next story is President Lai undercutting another KMT talking point: Taiwan introduces NT$4,000 military personnel allowance Lai says allowance is for troops who support sustained combat operations TAIPEI (Taiwan News) President Lai Ching-te ( ) announced a new military allowance on Wednesday. Speaking to troops at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base in Taichung, Lai said the Type-3 combat unit allowance was introduced on July 1. In addition to the existing Type-1 and Type-2 allowances, this new category provides an additional NT$4,000 (US$125.14) per month to personnel in units at the brigade level and below that support sustained combat operations, the president said. Conscripted officers and enlisted personnel serving in combat units will, from July 1, receive the same combat unit allowance as volunteer service members, Lai said. Additionally, civil servants, public school teachers, and military personnel will see increases in professional and supervisory allowances by NT$2,000, which were also introduced in July, Lai said. Beginning in January next year, salaries will rise by another 4%. The adjustments "are intended to better reflect the responsibilities, risks, and professionalism of service members, ensuring that pay appropriately matches different roles and duties in line with operational needs," he said. The president pledged that the government is the military's strongest supporter and will continue improving service conditions. That's the politics!! Next is the daily grind of running a government. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
|
The Daily grind. It never ends. Deputy education minister warns schools over false China exchange reports Says schools failing to correct violations could face penalties TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Deputy Education Minister Chang Liao Wan-chien ( ) said Wednesday that schools could face subsidy cuts if they submit false or incomplete information about student exchange programs with China. Chang Liao said the education ministry is working with the Mainland Affairs Council to improve an online reporting system for cross-strait school exchanges. Schools must accurately report exchange activities, and those found violating the rules through inspections or complaints will be required to correct the problems, CNA reported. Violations will also be included in school performance reviews. Chang Liao said schools that fail to improve could face tougher penalties, including subsidy cuts for exchange programs, school activities, or equipment purchases. SETN News reported that a Control Yuan investigation found problems with the reporting of cross-strait student exchanges. Some schools had failed to report students traveling to China, leaving authorities without a complete picture of exchange activities. The report also warned that China has increasingly targeted younger students through influence campaigns. It said the number of Taiwanese students traveling to China for exchanges rose sharply after pandemic restrictions eased in 2023. DPP Legislator Chen Hsiu-pao ( ) cited the report during a meeting of the legislature's Education and Culture Committee on Wednesday. She said the number of university students taking part in exchanges with China rose from 2,196 in 2022 to 5,745 in 2025. Participation also increased among younger students. The number of high school and vocational school students rose from 676 to 1,161 over the same period. Junior high school participation increased from zero to 1,021 students. The number of elementary school students taking part rose from 38 to 1,045. The number of teachers accompanying student groups also increased from 661 to 1,281. Chen said the sharp increases showed the need for stronger oversight, particularly as more younger students joined exchange programs. Chang Liao said schools have repeatedly been told to improve internal checks. He said students and teachers should not use school-approved leave to take part in exchange activities in China during the school term. Programs held during summer and winter vacations must still be properly reported, he said. The ministry wants cross-strait exchanges to operate properly rather than become channels for Chinese political influence. It may have a different mechanism, but the projected outcome is very similar to here: Judicial Yuan official says Taiwan's justice system nearing collapse Criminal cases rose 36% in 4 years while judge numbers grew just 2.7% TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Judicial Yuan Secretary-General Kao Chin-chih ( ) said Wednesday the judiciary is nearing collapse as criminal caseloads rise far faster than the number of judges and court clerks, CNA reported. At a legislative committee meeting reviewing proposed changes to the Code of Criminal Procedure to ease court workloads, Kao said district courts received 555,058 new first-instance criminal cases in 2025, up 36.2% from 2021. She said limited growth in staffing has left courts struggling to keep pace. The number of judges rose from 2,125 in December 2021 to 2,182 in June 2026, an increase of 2.7%. Court clerks increased from 3,173 to 3,525 over the same period, or 11.1%, per UDN. KMT Legislator Weng Hsiao-ling ( ), who proposed the amendments, said rising criminal caseloads have placed heavy pressure on judges and court staff. She said the proposal would handle cases differently based on their complexity, make greater use of technology, and reduce repeated procedural work. The proposal would expand the use of simplified trials and procedures allowing prosecutors and defendants to agree on how appropriate cases are handled. It would also allow more flexible trial records and simplify evidence procedures when both sides agree on the evidence, per Economic Daily News. Weng said the changes are not intended to weaken procedural protections. She said they would reduce unnecessary work and allow courts to devote more resources to complex cases requiring lengthy investigations. Kao said organized fraud and money laundering cases are taking up an increasing share of court resources. She said such cases are often repetitive and have contributed significantly to rising workloads. Kao added the number of people sentenced for violating the Money Laundering Control Act increased from 646 in 2020 to 18,943 in 2024, while the number of defendants in aggravated fraud cases also rose 152.4%. She commented the sharp increase in fraud and money laundering cases has added further pressure to the court system. Kao said the judiciary needs more personnel to cope with the growing caseload. She added that courts also need to manage existing staff and resources more efficiently. Did you guys know that the US may be the biggest transhipping point for both drugs and guns in the World? It's a huge amount of money, and for that, you need access to politicians, banks, lawyers, all the things that a stable democratic society provides for its citizens. Welcome to the Majors, Taiwan! Taiwan cuts migrant worker visa applications from Philippines Measure is temporary response to application surge TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Taiwan's representative office in the Philippines has limited the daily number of applications for migrant worker visas to 250 due to a surge of interest, reports said Wednesday. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines ceased accepting applications due to flooding in Manila on Aug. 10 and the move of its consular offices on Aug. 11, per UDN. After the two days of closure, the number of applications surged to 450 per day, a number exceeding the capabilities of staff. As a result, the office announced on Aug. 14 it was limiting the daily number to 250 applications, beginning on Aug. 17. Each broker was only allowed to apply for 30 workers per day. The restrictions have begun to affect the operations of tech firms in Taiwan, UDN reported. However, the Taiwan office emphasized that the limit is only temporary and would be removed at a later time. The temporary measure intends to avoid long lines and complaints from other tenants in the building, officials said. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
|
Spy Stories!! Taiwan sentences Chinese surveillance camera representatives for talent poaching We just did a story about yesterday about this activity Executives managed illegal offices with Singapore company as cover TAIPEI (Taiwan News) New Taipei District Court on Wednesday sentenced two executives of a Chinese surveillance camera manufacturer to suspended sentences and a company from Singapore to a fine for poaching engineers. Appeals against the sentences are still possible, per Liberty Times. The suspects had established an office in Taiwan on behalf of Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co., Ltd., a company blacklisted by the US for its assistance with the Chinese repression of the Uyghur population in Xinjiang. The Taiwan office never registered with the Ministry of Economic Affairs but instead recruited engineers and registered them with Slasify Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based company, Liberty Times reported. Chien Ting-an ( ) opened an office in Taipei in 2022, while a Chinese national, Liu Weilong ( ), managed an office in Taichung. They recruited six engineers and cooperated with the manager of a Singapore company, Wang Hsiang-yu ( ), to pay salaries and rent with funds received from China. The court ruled the three suspects had harmed business procedures and national security, but because they had admitted their actions and cooperated with the investigation, it decided on suspended sentences. Chien and Liu received four-month prison terms, and Wang five months, in each case suspended for two years and replaceable by fines. Each of the suspects also needed to pay between NT$100,000 (US$3,000) and NT$200,000 to the national treasury, while Slasify was fined NT$300,000, per Liberty Times. The judge said it was up to the authorities whether Liu, as a Chinese national, should be deported. Taiwan charges retired intelligence agent with helping China in Palau Beijing wanted intel about Palau support for Taiwan's World Health Assembly bid TAIPEI (Taiwan News) A retired National Security Bureau lieutenant colonel allegedly traveled to Palau to collect information for China about the diplomatic ally's support for Taiwan's membership of the World Health Assembly, reports said Wednesday. After Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office recently concluded its investigation into the former officer called Shih ( ), it decided to charge him with breaking the National Security Act, per Liberty Times. Even though the information he provided to China was not secret, it could be analyzed and interpreted to obtain a clearer picture of Taiwan's foreign policy objectives, prosecutors said. Shih served in the NSB from 1983 to 1996, but after he retired, he came into contact with a Chinese official linked to the foreign ministry. In 2021, China sent him to Palau to find out details about the country's level of support for Taiwan's annual bid to attend the WHA in Geneva, per Liberty Times. In 2022, China asked Shih to report from Palau about Taiwan's delegation at the "Our Ocean Conference." He provided information about the members, their hotel, the content of the conference, and pictures of the participants, investigators said. The prosecutors said the aim of the National Security Act was not just to prevent government officials from passing on sensitive information, but also to stop them from putting their experience, professionalism, and contacts at the disposal of the enemy side. Taiwan military drone maker detained over alleged use of Chinese parts Drone maker accused of falsifying certificates of origin and concealing Chinese-made components in Army training drones TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The head of a drone company and the technology officer of another company have been detained on suspicion of using Chinese-made chips and flight control boards in training drones delivered to the Army. The company is also accused of further attempting to evade procurement requirements by falsifying certificates of origin and removing or obscuring markings on Chinese-made components, the Ciaotou District Prosecutors Office said Tuesday, per SETN. The investigation began after the Army's 8th Field Army received the drone shipment last month and conducted an inspection that reportedly uncovered the suspected violations. Investigators subsequently searched the company on Aug. 11 and summoned its head, surnamed Chang ( ), and a technical supervisor from another company, surnamed Luo ( ), for questioning. Following questioning, prosecutors asked the court to detain the two men on suspicion of violating the National Security Act by delivering or providing products from China. They also face charges under the Criminal Code for attempted fraud. The court approved their detention incommunicado, noting that defense procurement involves national security and directly affects the combat capabilities of the armed forces. It added that suppliers must strictly comply with contract requirements and relevant laws and regulations, per SETN. The domestic drone manufacturer won a bid to supply training drones to the Army's 8th Corps for NT$2.95 million (US$92,558), reportedly offering the lowest price last year. The case is the first in Taiwan involving the procurement of defense drones in which violations of the National Security Act have been alleged, per PTS. Experts said drone manufacturers are aware that military tenders prohibit the use of China-made components but may still take the risk. Legislators call upon the military to strengthen oversight, rather than waiting until final acceptance to verify the origin of components. DPP Legislator Wang Ting-yu ( ) said, "We cannot allow Chinese-made components and chips to be used in our drones. This is not only related to our acquisition of key spare parts but also to related military security considerations," per PTS. Taiwan reserve soldier indicted for allegedly selling military secrets to China Chiang Wen-hao reportedly contacted Chinese agents over debt problems TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office has indicted Army Reserve Sergeant Chiang Wen-hao ( ) for allegedly selling military secrets to Chinese intelligence agents and filming videos pledging allegiance to the Chinese government. Prosecutors alleged that Chiang contacted Chinese intelligence agents codenamed "Gucci" and "San Ge" ( ) on Telegram in 2022 over his debt problems, per Liberty Times. Chiang reportedly joined the Wolong Society, a group allegedly established by Chinese intelligence, and filmed a video opposing Taiwan independence, pledging not to resist in the event of war in exchange for NT$200,000 (US$6,275) and assistance with his debts of more than NT$1 million. Contact agents - story doesn't say how, but I hope they use the promise of a long prison sentence to find out Agents have you join a social club, so you can be seen in together innocently Agents have you make incriminating document. Prosecutors said Chiang used his security clearance as a military police noncommissioned officer (NCO) to access Army manuals on joint operations, Patriot missile battery operations, the Heng Shan Command Center's situation assessment system, and 56 other state secrets. The prosecution noted that Chiang was discharged in January 2025 but rejoined the military as a reserve NCO under the direction of a Chinese intelligence operative codenamed "Shu Shu," per ETtoday. Prosecutors said Chiang rejoined the military in June 2025 to continue his intelligence work. He reportedly received roughly NT$600,000 for selling state secrets to Chinese intelligence agents. Prosecutor Kao Yung-han ( ) accused Chiang of abusing his position to betray his allegiance to the state and leak state secrets, per UDN. Prosecutors charged Chiang with breaking the National Security Act and bribery laws over the alleged sale of military secrets to China. Former Missile Command officer Chou Yu-ping ( ) said military manuals may not pose an immediate threat to national security, but said the less information potential adversaries have, the better, per PTS. He added that information from the Heng Shan Command Center could provide insight into troop deployments and the status of its weapon systems. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
|
Defense news: Defense analyst urges Taiwan to reassess attack helicopters Changing threats raise questions over survivability TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Taiwan should determine what role attack helicopters can still play due to increasingly capable air defenses, a defense analyst argued Wednesday. Jyh-Shyang Sheu ( ), an assistant research fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said Taiwan should consider acquiring or developing longer-range drones and anti-tank missiles, per INDSR. Sheu pointed to Russian attack-helicopter losses in Ukraine and the threat posed by man-portable and battlefield air-defense systems as reasons for militaries reconsidering how closely helicopters must approach their targets. One alternative is extending their weapons range. A US Apache used a 32-kilometer-range Spike NLOS missile against a maritime target during an exercise near Hawaii in July, while US Army testing has also paired Black Hawk helicopters with multiple loitering munitions, he noted. Sheu also highlighted US plans to equip upgraded AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters with weapons including L3Harris' Red Wolf, which the analysis puts at a range of about 370 km. He argued that such systems could allow helicopters to strike from greater distances, increasing their usefulness while reducing their exposure to enemy air defenses. In a conflict, Taiwan's attack helicopters could face PLA naval air defenses while operating with diminished air superiority, according to Sheu. He argued the military should therefore define the missions those helicopters would be expected to perform before deciding which long-range weapons and other capabilities warrant investment. Once again, we need to say that the Taiwanese have come a very long way in just about 3 years: Army tests troop response to simulated tank turret failure Tank crews fired at targets with turret stabilization system turned off TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Army's Armor Training Command conducted a live-fire exercise on Tuesday as part of its tank leader specialist course. Trainees first prepared ammunition and completed crew assignments on CM11 Brave Tiger and M60A3 Patton tanks, Liberty Times reported. Tank commanders conducted communications checks to ensure commands could be given without issue. Once firing began, commanders issued instructions via headset, and trainees engaged targets 1,000 meters away with M240 coaxial machine guns. The loader was responsible for clearing and inspecting the weapon, as well as assisting with troubleshooting malfunctions. The tanks' turret stabilization systems were deliberately turned off to simulate system failure. Trainees were required to fire while stationary and on the move, according to Liberty Times. They had to compensate for the tank's movement and vibrations while continuously tracking targets at different positions. They also rotated through roles as commander, gunner, and loader to familiarize themselves with all crew positions. The exercise was designed to ensure that even without electronic assistance, troops could still engage targets effectively and adapt to changing combat scenarios. The tank leader specialist course lasts six months. Its curriculum includes equipment operation, staff planning, and leadership training, according to Liberty Times. Also, I would like to apologize for all the stories! It's a lot, but I've never seen a day like this in news coverage. Just might be the Sea Change the Taiwanese needed. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
|
More election news!! Here's a round up of stats: Taiwan to elect 11,051 local officials in November Nearly 20 million voters eligible to cast ballots Nov 28 TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Taiwan will elect 11,051 local officials on Nov. 28, the Central Election Commission announced Thursday as it formally launched the 2026 local election process. CNA reported that commission Chair You Ying-lung ( ) said the elections will cover 8,906 electoral districts and use 18,244 polling stations. About 19.65 million people are expected to be eligible to vote, including more than 600,000 first-time voters. Nearly 250,000 election workers will be needed, You said. If referendums are held on the same day, staffing could rise to more than 300,000 workers. Election authorities will also prepare 8,906 types of ballots for the many local offices and electoral districts. You said the vote will be highly complex because of the large number of offices, ballot types, polling stations, and workers involved. You said election authorities will work to ensure voting runs smoothly. He added that free elections are central to democracy and thanked election workers for helping organize the vote. Possible referendums could add to the workload on election day. The Legislative Yuan on Aug. 14 approved three referendum proposals on legalizing caning, ending the nuclear-free homeland policy, and using traffic fines specifically to improve road safety. The commission postponed its review of the proposals from Friday to Aug. 28 after receiving the legislature's documents later than expected. This is a follow up to yesterday's story about the KMT cutting a portion and freezing the rest of the "presidential office funds." Presidential Office says funding reductions affected Lai's ability to support charities Pan Men-an urges public to purchase mooncakes from sheltered workshops TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an ( ) on Thursday urged the public to purchase mooncakes made by charitable groups, saying recent NT$30 million (US$940,000) in cuts and freezes to State Affairs Funds have limited the Presidential Office's ability to support such organizations. At a news conference Thursday, Pan apologized to charitable groups for canceled mooncake orders resulting from the reduction in State Affairs Funds, per UDN. The funds cover expenses incurred by the president in carrying out official duties, including support for charitable groups and emergency responders, per Liberty Times. Pan said that when the legislature passed the 2026 budget, it required President Lai Ching-te ( ) to promulgate five bills that had been prevented from taking effect by Premier Cho Jung-tai's ( ) refusal to countersign them. Pan stressed that the president's State Affairs Funds had never been cut before 2025. KMT Legislator Weng Hsiao-ling ( ) criticized the government's framing of the funding freeze, saying it was a response to Lai's inability to promulgate legislation passed by the legislature, per ETtoday. She added that if Lai wanted to use NT$20 million for charity, he should promulgate the laws blocked by Cho. Weng also criticized the use of State Affairs Funds for charitable purposes, saying Lai should use his own money for charitable work. TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang ( ) echoed the criticism, saying Lai should support vulnerable groups through government policies, per Z.Media. Huang said officials should not tout charitable spending when it is funded by taxpayers. He said he had ordered 100 mooncake gift boxes from a sheltered workshop and called on Lai to follow his example by supporting charitable groups with his salary. In response to Weng, Pan likened her remarks to an arsonist returning to the scene of a fire and asking firefighters how to put it out, per Tai Sounds. Lai reportedly spent NT$200,000 on mooncake gift boxes. The Social and Family Affairs Administration said Tuesday that mooncake sales by charitable groups supporting people with disabilities were roughly 23% of the level recorded in 2025, with about a month remaining before the Mid-Autumn Festival, per UDN. Administration Deputy Director-General Yu I-chen ( ) called on the public to support charitable groups, noting that government purchases account for a significant portion of their sales. Yu said Mid-Autumn Festival sales can account for roughly one-quarter of charitable groups' annual revenue, and a continued slump could negatively affect their operations. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
|
In part 2 of election news, we have a few KMT and China stories. First story us an update from yesterday. It also uses a photo of Mistress Cheng. I swear you can smell the cabbage! Former Changhua magistrate calls for poll to decide KMT candidate Cho Po-yuan says Wei Ping-cheng lacks resources to sustain campaign TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Former Changhua County Magistrate Cho Po-yuan ( ) on Thursday called on the KMT to hold a poll to determine whether it should replace its candidate there, citing an August poll showing the KMT's Wei Ping-cheng ( ) trailing DPP candidate Chen Su-yueh ( ) by 17 percentage points. In an interview, Cho called Changhua County Magistrate Wang Hui-mei ( ) the KMT's greatest campaign asset, but said the party's decision to nominate Wei without consulting Wang had caused her to distance herself from his campaign, per Liberty Times. He also suggested that Wei had not received sufficient political donations to fund his campaign. Cho defended Wang's loyalty to the KMT, saying the party's insistence on backing Wei had pushed her into a more passive role. He proposed that the KMT conduct a poll involving Wei, Changhua County Government Counselor Ko Cheng-fang ( ), former Deputy Magistrate Hung Jung-chang ( ), and KMT Legislator Hsieh Yi-fong ( ) to determine the party's strongest candidate. Cho said some of his supporters were switching their support to former Changhua City Mayor Chiu Chien-fu ( ), who left the DPP to run as an independent, because of Wei's poor electoral prospects, per SETN. Hsieh and Ko responded to Cho's criticism of the nomination process, per China Times. Hsieh said responsibility falls on the KMT's central leadership and local branch to help Wei win the election. Ko agreed with Cho's recommendation, saying directly nominating a candidate with no grassroots support or lead in the polls amounted to "violating the party's nomination mechanism." He stressed that he has always opposed replacing grassroots input with directives from party leadership. Changhua County Branch Chair Hsiao Ching-tien ( ) acknowledged that Wei lacks campaign resources, per CNA. He said the local branch still hopes Wang will take charge of Wei's campaign. Wang responded to Cho by saying she is simply a party member and does not hold a position on Wei's campaign team, per Liberty Times. Lukang insiders said that although Wang is a second-generation politician, she has always taken charge of her campaigns when running for public office, per Liberty Times. They said Wang's firm stance means that increased media coverage of her absence from Wei's campaign would likely only harden her position. Wang reportedly favored New Taipei Deputy Mayor Liu Ho-jan ( ) as her successor and was preparing to establish campaign funds before Liu rejected the offer, per UDN. Liu's rejection, followed by the KMT's decision to directly nominate Wei while Wang was abroad, reportedly turned her against Wei's campaign. At some point, this isn't incompetence; it's deliberate. Mistress Cheng wants more pro-Chinese politicians, and therefore less pro-Taiwan politicians in the KMT. Taiwan court sentences association official over pre-election China trip Chinese officials told visitors to vote for KMT presidential candidate TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Taipei District Court on Thursday sentenced an official of an association representing people from China's Anhui Province to four years and six months in prison for organizing a group trip to China to influence voting in the 2024 presidential election. Taiwan Anhui Association Secretary General Lee An-tai ( ) violated the Anti-infiltration Act and the Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act, the court ruled. The ruling can be appealed, per Liberty Times. At the request of Chinese officials in Anhui, Lee and Taipei Anhui Association Chair Sung Kuo-chien ( ) organized a trip for 24 association members, friends, and local neighborhood leaders to Anhui in October and November 2023. During the trip, they were called on to vote for KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih ( ) in the January 2024 presidential election, prosecutors said. While participants had to pay for flights between Taiwan and Anhui and their first night at a hotel, the province's Taiwan Affairs Office spent an estimated NT$33,000 (US$1,000) per person on other expenses, including food and transportation. During dinners, Taiwan Affairs Office representatives delivered speeches repeating known Chinese government views, including the "one China principle" and opposition to Taiwan independence, Liberty Times reported. Although Lee knew that Chinese government departments were behind the trip, he still proceeded with it, the court said. Sung faced similar charges but was acquitted by the Taipei District Court on Thursday. Taiwan third-party leaders reject calls to join DPP Commentator calls on smaller parties to join DPP to unify pro-Taiwan factions TAIPEI (Taiwan News) New Power Party Chair Wang Wan-yu ( ) on Thursday cautioned against tying the pro-Taiwan cause exclusively to the DPP, rejecting political commentator Wang Hao's ( ) call for her to join the DPP. Wang Hao on Wednesday called on Taipei City Councilor Miao Po-ya ( ), Wang Wan-yu, and leaders of other smaller parties to follow the example of DPP Legislator Fan Yun ( ), who was previously a member of the Social Democratic Party, and join the DPP to consolidate Taiwan's pro-Taiwan political forces, per Liberty Times. He said he believed the fragmentation of the pro-Taiwan camp could allow the KMT to return to power. Wang Hao suggested smaller parties could continue operating as NGOs or join the DPP and form factions within the party. He said Taiwan needs a pro-Taiwan camp that is "diverse but not splitting, competing but not fracturing." Wang Wan-yu cautioned against the proposal, saying that tying Taiwan's identity to the DPP could cause negative perceptions of the party's governance to affect public support for the broader pro-Taiwan cause, per ETtoday. She stressed that safeguarding Taiwan requires contributions from all political parties, rather than relying on a single party to protect the country. Green Party Co-convener Gan Chong-wei ( ) said supporting Taiwan should not mean abandoning oversight of the DPP. He said previous analyses of third-party voters found that supporters of the NPP, Green Party, and other smaller parties came from similar sources as those of the TPP, rather than primarily from the DPP, per FTNN. Gan warned that reducing Taiwan's political landscape to a DPP-versus-KMT and TPP contest could risk losing support from third-party voters. Taiwan Statebuilding Party Chair Wang Hsing-huan ( ), citing a recent survey, said roughly half of respondents opposed both China and the DPP, per FTNN. He stressed that diversity is necessary for the pro-Taiwan camp to safeguard the country. Taiwan Obasang Political Equality Party Co-convener Lin Shih-han ( ) said the formation of the Taiwan Go Go alliance, comprising her party, the Taiwan Statebuilding Party, the Green Party, and the NPP, was an effort to consolidate pro-Taiwan forces, per Newtalk. She said the alliance aims to pool support and create an oversight force for the DPP within the pro-Taiwan camp. Lin added that smaller parties can promote non-mainstream voices that may be overlooked by the DPP. The Taiwan Statebuilding Party (TSP or SBP; Chinese: ; pinyin: T iw n J j n; Pe h- e-j : T i-o n Ki-ch n) is a political party in the Republic of China (Taiwan). The party was established in 2016 as Taiwan Radical Wings.[4] The party is considered a rather close ally of the Democratic Progressive Party,  while fighting to replace opposition parties whom TSP unilaterally claims as "not loyal to Taiwan",[9] such as Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party. In the 2024 Taiwanese legislative election, TSP failed to gain any seat in the Legislative Yuan and lost its status as a national political party. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
|
Last two stories!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a big week! Diplomat urges Europe to learn from Taiwan's gray-zone defense Taiwan's EU representative says nation's whole-of-society approach should be shared TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Europe should look to Taiwan for lessons on countering gray-zone tactics, Jhy-Wey Shieh ( ), Taiwan representative to the EU and Belgium, said Wednesday. In a Euractiv opinion article, Shieh said Taiwan has faced China's gray-zone activities for years, giving it extensive experience in responding to them. China sends military aircraft and ships daily into Taiwan's air defense identification zone and waters, the representative said. It also uses legal warfare as a form of coercion, he added, citing the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law as an example. Chinese authorities could use the law to persecute those who support Taiwan independence or are critical of the Chinese Communist Party, according to Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council. Additionally, Taiwan's submarine communication cables have been severed multiple times, including in February 2023, which left thousands of residents isolated, Shieh said. As a result, Taiwan built a redundant cable network. "For us, these challenges are not future scenarios discussed in seminars; they are realities that have become part of governance," he said. Taiwan gradually embraced a whole-of-society approach against these gray-zone tactics, Shieh said. "Rather than treating resilience solely as a defense issue, Taiwan views it as something that belongs to society as a whole." The representative said Taiwan has been dealing with what Europeans now call "hybrid threats" or "grey-zone coercion" in its everyday policymaking for years. Military readiness is still important, Shieh said. Taiwan's annual Han Kuang drills are expanding, with longer reserve call-ups and better coordination between the military and civilian emergency services, he said. The Coast Guard Administration is also closely monitoring suspicious ships, and recent court cases over damaged submarine cables have clarified how to differentiate between accidents and foreign sabotage, he added. "Perhaps the time has come for Europe to take a closer look at Taiwan," Shieh said. Taiwan urged to outsource aerial surveillance against China gray-zone threats Researchers argue for contractor-owned, contractor-operated surveillance program TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Kitsch Liao ( ), associate director of the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub, and Fu S. Mei ( ), director of the Taiwan Security Analysis Center, urged Taiwan to rethink its approach to maintaining maritime domain awareness. Liao and Mei argued in a US Naval Institute article that a contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) fixed-wing airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) program paired with aircraft equipped with military sensors will significantly strengthen Taiwan's maritime domain awareness. "Taiwan needs to see into its waters clearly enough to detect maritime infiltration and respond before a gray zone action becomes a fait accompli," they said. However, no such program currently exists. Strengthening maritime domain awareness Under a COCO framework, the contractor is responsible for airframe ownership, sensor procurement, aircrew certification, and operation and maintenance, they said. The government only needs to pay a service fee and issue mission orders. No new units, major spending, or training programs are required, and operations could start within months after signing a contract, Liao and Mei said. Taiwan's Navy has already used contractor-operated systems for target towing for years, and the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) also relies on contractors for parts of its shore-based surveillance network. "The intellectual framework is therefore familiar, but the Navy must be willing to apply it at the scale the (maritime domain awareness) requirement demands," they said. In addition to COCO operations, Taiwan requires fixed-wing maritime patrol aircraft equipped with a "low-SWaP (size, weight, and power) synthetic aperture radar with Maritime Moving Target Indication capability" that can detect and track both large ships and small boats that do not broadcast their location. The system must also be able to detect and track vessels in all weather and at night, the researchers said. The aircraft should also be equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors so targets can be visually identified, Liao and Mei said. There also needs to be onboard data processing, a secure communications link, and a built-in command-and-control interface that can connect directly to Taiwan's network for sharing and using the information, they added. Clear advantages Liao and Mei said the COCO framework helps strengthen whole-of-society defense by keeping experienced Taiwanese military veterans and retirees involved. Aviation contractors hire qualified former military aircrews, allowing them to maintain their skills and stay operationally ready even outside official military personnel limits, they said. The COCO model is already proving effective, the researchers said. In Ukraine, private defense companies working under authorization from Ukraine's defense ministry and integrated into its air force have already intercepted Russian drones, including Shahed and Zala types, they said. Although the CGA is now responsible for handling China's gray-zone operations, it lacks sufficient capacity to do so, they said. Taiwan's Navy and Air Force face the same problem. Every hour an F-16 or MQ-9 drone is used to monitor routine gray-zone activity is an hour that aircraft cannot be used for more important intelligence and surveillance missions. "By applying continuous pressure without sparking armed conflict, China forces Taiwan's most crucial military assets into unsustainable attrition," Liao and Mei said. Chinese gray-zone threats Over the past two years, the CGA has increased the number of ships it monitors from about 300 to around 1,900 based on intelligence on China's gray-zone activities, according to the researchers. However, identifying these ships does not mean they can all be effectively tracked. Liao and Mei pointed out that between 128 and 209 Chinese-flagged fishing vessels show "state-directed behavior patterns." These ships turn off their tracking systems an average of 998 times per year each, change their registered names over 1,300 times annually, and tend to gather in areas used for People's Liberation Army Navy exercises rather than in normal fishing zones, they said. During China's "Justice Mission 2025" military exercise in December, there were at least 130 sorties and 32 vessels on the first day, Liao and Mei said. Separately, on Christmas Day, approximately 2,000 maritime militia vessels gathered in waters northeast of Taiwan, forming a 466-kilometer L-shape to simulate cutting off foreign shipping lanes. Liao and Mei called these activities "a structured probing campaign to map Taiwan's maritime response latencies and identify when surveillance coverage collapses." The CGA currently relies on shore-based radar, patrol vessels with automatic identification system (AIS) receivers, and an aerial drone program, Liao and Mei said. However, Taiwan's National Audit Office has identified multiple issues in the drone program, including poorly trained operators, inability to operate in bad weather, and readiness levels below operational needs. Urgent changes needed The researchers said the use of the SeaVision platform is a step in the right direction, but its data aggregation and track-blending process introduces delays. They cited defense analysts tracking Taiwan's maritime domain awareness efforts as saying that key irregularities, such as ships changing their AIS identity while at sea, are usually only discovered after they happen. By the time analysts detect that a vessel has gone dark, it is already too late to respond. Taiwan officials and lawmakers already acknowledge Taiwan's maritime domain awareness challenges and are calling for changes, Liao and Mei said. Wang Ting-yu ( ), convener of the Legislative Yuan Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, has said the CGA lacks sufficient equipment to close the maritime awareness gap. Meanwhile, Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling ( ) has said that both crewed and uncrewed systems are needed. "A COCO fixed-wing ISR program is a bridge capability Taiwan can deploy within months, without new formations, capital investment, or long procurement lead times," Liao and Mei said. Aircraft equipped with military-grade sensors can provide the continuous, expansive surveillance Taiwan requires, they added. The only problem I see is how are the planes going to be flagged? As Taiwanese Air Force planes with mostly civilian crews or "undetermined" civilian planes with possible Taiwanese military officers on board? Over the years we've seen the Chinese fly into planes and try and FOD out their engines with flares. I don't think they'd give two shits over shooting down an "unmarked" plane flying over what others consider "international waters in international airspace" and then totally lying about it. It's a good idea though to get a program like this up and running, but it may be better to have unmanned aircraft to avoid the coming loss of life...unless we're ready to go to War. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
| https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/20/asia-pacific/taiwan-defense-budget-boost/ |
Deckard “nobody wants to know the truth, nobody” Cobra Kai Johnny Lawrence “she’s hot and all those other things” Tucker Carlson 1/10/2018 “I used to be a liberatarian until Google”https://mobile.twitter.com/Henry_Gunn
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Those bastards worked way too hard for a Friday!! The news has piled up!! First though, let's take a big dump on Mistress Cheng's leadership abilities!! KMT rejects reports municipal candidates are avoiding chair on campaign trail Reports suggest candidates in special municipalities are keeping their distance from Cheng Li-wun over previous remarks TAIPEI (Taiwan News) KMT Vice Chair Li Chien-lung ( ) on Friday rejected reports that KMT municipal candidates are avoiding Chair Cheng Li-wun ( ) on the campaign trail. A KMT campaign insider told the Liberty Times that Cheng has made campaigning more difficult for KMT candidates, suggesting that candidates from all six special municipalities are keeping their distance from her. The insider said that unless Cheng makes better use of her agenda-setting role as party chair, fewer candidates will seek her assistance. The insider said Cheng's remarks that Taiwan is not a country had diverted attention from more meaningful topics for the local elections. The insider also noted that when Cheng praised KMT Pingtung County magistrate candidate Su Ching-chuan ( ) by saying he makes a lot of money from running a hospital, Su quickly denied making a profit. Li rejected the characterization, saying the party had not received such feedback, per Tai Sounds. KMT Kinmen County magistrate candidate Chen Yu-jen ( ) also dismissed the reports, saying Cheng's planned visit Sunday would benefit her campaign, per NOWNews. When Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen ( ) appeared at the same event as Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu ( ) and Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an ( ) on Thursday, Lu said the three could play key roles in helping the KMT regain power, per TTV. Chiang later said his focus remains on Taipei, stressing that he is seeking reelection, per UDN. In related developments, an unnamed KMT insider said the biggest difference between the 2026 local elections and those in 2022 and 2018 is the lack of an effective party coordinator, per Liberty Times. The insider noted that former KMT Chair Eric Chu ( ) was able to rally support in Taoyuan behind former Premier Chang San-cheng ( ), while Cheng has so far been unable to consolidate party factions behind Changhua County magistrate candidate Wei Ping-cheng ( ). The insider said Cheng's repeated campaigning for Wei, while key local figures such as Changhua County Magistrate Wang Hui-mei ( ) and KMT Legislator Hsieh Yi-fong ( ) remain distant, could further highlight her inability to unify the party. Next is more details about Johnny Chiang, the Mayor, not the purple one, trying to campaign, but being undercut: KMT defends limits on Taipei mayor campaigning for TPP candidates TPP candidates criticize limiting Chiang Wan-an to joint events, barring him from campaigning for individual candidates TAIPEI (Taiwan News) KMT Taipei City Branch Chair Tai Hsi-chin ( ) on Friday defended the KMT's decision to use vote allocation and limit Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an ( ) to joint campaign events with TPP candidates, saying individual parties must seek to maximize their number of seats. In an interview Thursday, Tai said the KMT's goal in the election remains winning a majority in the Taipei City Council, per Liberty Times. He noted that the KMT would, for the first time, use vote allocation across all electoral districts in Taipei. Tai said that because the KMT and TPP share some supporters, stronger TPP performance in certain electoral districts could cost the KMT seats. As a result, Chiang would not campaign for individual TPP candidates and would instead be limited to joint KMT-TPP campaign events. Tai also said joint campaign events should preferably be kept to a minimum and held as far from election day as possible. The TPP Taipei City Branch responded by calling on its supporters to vote exclusively for TPP candidates, per Mirror Media. A TPP Taipei City Council candidate told Mirror Media that although some TPP supporters currently support the KMT because of their opposition to President Lai Ching-te ( ), the KMT's unfriendly attitude toward the TPP could cause it to lose support. TPP Hsinchu County Council candidate Yu Ya-ting ( ) also criticized Tai, saying opposition cooperation has historically benefited the KMT disproportionately, per ETtoday. She previously said that if cooperation results in one side receiving all the benefits, it is more akin to annexation. Huang the Boy speaks: TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang ( ) said the TPP should not dwell on the KMT's tactics in Taipei's local elections, as the KMT has its own calculations to make, per Z.Media. He stressed that by pooling votes behind six candidates, the TPP believes it can increase its presence in the Taipei City Council. Chiang said the KMT's plan was aimed at maximizing the opposition's presence in the Taipei City Council, per Liberty Times. Responding to the criticism, Tai said the vote allocation system was necessary because the KMT nominated more candidates than the TPP, per UDN. He said the arrangement regarding Chiang was made after receiving feedback from KMT city council candidates. KMT Taipei City Councilor Chin Huei-chu ( ) previously commented on the prospects for opposition cooperation in Taipei's local elections, per Liberty Times. In an interview, she echoed Tai's concerns, saying KMT supporters are more likely to support TPP candidates than TPP supporters are to support KMT candidates. When asked whether Chiang's refusal to campaign for individual TPP candidates would mean TPP supporters were free to withhold their support, Chin said TPP voters could vote for DPP Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen ( ) if they wished, per Storm Media. She stressed that how KMT municipal leaders support TPP candidates should depend on local circumstances. Mainland Affairs Council says most Taiwanese reject China unification Nearly 70% in Taiwan back status quo, reject unification TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Mainland Affairs Council said Thursday that nearly seven in 10 people in Taiwan support maintaining the cross-strait status quo while rejecting unification with China. CNA reported that the council's survey found 68.9% supported maintaining the status quo without moving toward unification. Another 81.2% opposed China's proposed "one country, two systems" principle. The poll also found that 83.6% supported the government's approach to maintaining the cross-strait status quo. In addition, 83.9% said Taiwan's future should be decided by its 23 million people. On recent cross-strait developments, 70.5% said Chinese coast guard patrols in waters east of Taiwan showed "malicious intent." The survey also found that 76.4% supported tougher penalties for foreign nationals who commit violent crimes in Taiwan. The latter question followed a recent case in which a Chinese national surnamed Liao ( ) attacked commentator Akio Yaita in Taiwan. The council cited the case as an example of concerns over pressure and intimidation extending across borders. The Mainland Affairs Council said the results showed that most people in Taiwan continue to oppose "one country, two systems" and unification with China. It said Beijing has continued using gray-zone pressure and transnational repression to create instability in Taiwan. The council said the government will continue measures aimed at strengthening Taiwan's defense and social resilience. It also called on Beijing to recognize that Taiwan and China are not subordinate to each other and to hold talks with Taiwan's elected government without preconditions. The council commissioned National Chengchi University's Election Study Center to conduct the telephone survey from Aug. 13-17. It surveyed 1,086 Taiwan residents aged 20 and older and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.97 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, per FTV News. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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Now, let's switch over to those meddling Chinese Taiwan court gives Chinese spouse additional 18-month sentence Zhou Manzhi followed instructions from China to campaign for legislative candidate TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Qiaotou District Court on Friday sentenced Chinese spouse Zhou Manzhi ( ) to an additional 18 months in prison for taking part in election campaign activities on instructions from China. In a separate case in July, the Supreme Court rejected Zhou's final appeal against an eight-year prison sentence for forming pro-China groups. Friday's ruling found her guilty of violating the Anti-Infiltration Act and the Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act, per Liberty Times. The court found that Zhou knew the organizations with which she interacted were controlled by the Chinese Communist Party's United Front Work Department but continued to follow their instructions in Taiwan. She was also instructed to campaign for Labor Party legislative candidate Chan Hsiu-ying ( ) in Kaohsiung. The court said Zhou used her position as chair of the Taiwan New Immigrants' Association to help Chan, also a Chinese spouse, campaign for a legislative seat with the backing of pro-China organizations. The ruling can be appealed. Taipei Songshan Airport deports 7 Chinese for fraudulent family claims National Immigration Agency tracks false claims TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The National Immigration Agency looks out for Chinese who try to enter Taiwan making false claims of family visits, reports said Friday. During the first half of 2026, immigration officials at Taipei Songshan Airport uncovered seven cases, per UDN. While the Chinese visitors said they were traveling to Taiwan to visit relatives, they were unable to provide details about them, the agency said. In some of the cases, the Chinese visitors planned to work in Taiwan illegally. The agency uncovered 26 similar cases at Songshan in 2024 and 55 last year. While on the surface, the Chinese travelers held legal documents allowing them to enter Taiwan to visit family, investigations and questioning showed they did not know any relatives in the country. The individuals in question would be refused entry and deported, but not fined, the agency said. A note would be left in their files and considered in future reviews if they applied for family visits again, UDN reported. Etihad Airways misrepresents Taiwan as 'China Taiwan' in onboard announcement Foreign ministry demands correction, apology over disputed wording TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Etihad Airways referred to Taiwan as "China Taiwan" in a Chinese-language onboard announcement before landing at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, SETN News reported Friday. A passenger wrote on social media that the English announcement said, "Welcome to Taiwan," while the Chinese version said, "Welcome to China Taiwan." The Chinese announcement also warned that passengers carrying prohibited meat products could be fined by the "China government." The passenger asked cabin crew whether the wording represented Etihad Airways policy. The cabin manager said the crew was reading from a prepared script and advised the passenger to contact the airline directly, UDN reported. Taiwan's foreign ministry strongly protested the wording, saying it undermined the country's sovereignty. It said Taiwan and China are not subordinate to each other and rejected any attempt to diminish Taiwan's sovereign status. The ministry said it instructed Taiwan's representative office in Dubai to coordinate with the Civil Aviation Administration and lodge a protest with Etihad Airways headquarters and its representative in Taiwan. It demanded that the airline correct the wording, apologize, and outline corrective measures. The Civil Aviation Administration also asked Etihad Airways to revise the announcement. Airport staff raised the issue with the airline after the incident, and the Chinese announcement was corrected by the following day, Liberty Times reported. Etihad Airways began flying to Taiwan in September 2025. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier is one of the major airlines in the United Arab Emirates. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
|
In this block we're adding the also meddlesome Russians as their plans seem to be jelling!! MOSCOW, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks in Moscow on Tuesday with Myanmar's junta chief-turned-president, Min Aung Hlaing, discussing a wide range of issues including prospective energy deals. Russia is the first non-neighbouring country Min Aung Hlaing has visited since becoming Myanmar's president in April, a sign of the two countries' deepening ties in the face of pressure from the West. In remarks after the meeting, Putin described Min Aung Hlaing as a friend of Russia and said the two countries were cooperating across a range of sectors, including energy, defence and even space exploration. Putin said Russia was in talks with Myanmar on the construction of an oil refinery as well as on hydrocarbon production and exploration, including on Myanmar's continental shelf. He also said there were good prospects for supplies of Russian liquefied natural gas to Myanmar, including for onward transit to other countries. The former general, Min Aung Hlaing, is the target of a raft of Western sanctions and has been on a quest for international legitimacy since winning a vote in parliament to become president, which came after an election dominated by an army-backed party in the absence of a viable opposition. Like China, Russia backs Myanmar's military. Moscow has expanded defence cooperation and sought opportunities for Russian energy companies in Myanmar. Myanmar has been in turmoil since 2021, when its military ousted the administration of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering a civil war. Min Aung Hlaing has visited Russia several times as Myanmar's leader. He and Putin held talks in the Kremlin last year, an occasion marked by Min Aung Hlaing gifting Russia six elephants and an agreement for Russia's state nuclear power corporation to build a small-scale nuclear plant in Myanmar. and now for the specific news: My News Myanmar military offensive targets land for Russia-backed port project Summary - Myanmar military has deployed hundreds of troops into region since July - sources - Conflict monitor says Myanmar soldiers have raided villages and killed civilians - Some Russian firms are evaluating investments, including power plant, source says Aug 21 (Reuters) - Myanmar's military has deployed hundreds of troops to forcibly clear areas marked for a Russia-backed special economic zone in the country's south, burning villages and sealing off surrounding tracts of land, according to resistance fighters and a local activist with direct knowledge. The offensive around the Dawei Special Economic Zone (SEZ) that includes a planned deep-sea port and power plant on the Andaman Sea is the clearest sign yet that Myanmar's military-backed government is willing to use force to revive a project touted as a strategic alternative to the Strait of Malacca. The push also coincides with a diplomatic charm offensive: junta chief-turned-President Min Aung Hlaing pitched Dawei as a potential gateway to South and West Asia during a landmark visit to Thailand this month and discussed the project again this week in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Since July, the military has pumped hundreds of soldiers into the southern Tanintharyi Region, bordering Thailand, where Dawei is located, sparking battles with local resistance groups who have been forced to retreat, according to two sources. "The military is advancing its columns and conducting area-clearance operations. Some villages and homes have been burned down," Saw Dah Ko of the Tanintharyi Region People's Defence Force told Reuters. A second resistance fighter from the Dawei District No.1 battalion operating under the shadow National Unity Government, said troops had torched houses in at least three villages and killed three aid workers who were supporting displaced communities. "They want to run this Dawei SEZ, so they want to clear the area here," the second fighter said, referring to the military and asking not to be named. The three aid workers were detained and killed after encountering an advancing military column in Yebyu Township on July 9, local civil society group MAGGA Initiative said in a statement. Reuters could not independently verify the accounts, and the Myanmar government and Russia's embassy in Myanmar did not respond to requests for comment. FREQUENT SKIRMISHES The intensification followed a late-June visit to southern Myanmar by armed forces' deputy chief Kyaw Swar Lin, who urged soldiers to protect "strategic projects" such as Dawei. "Since then, a column of approximately 700 soldiers has been advancing into relevant surrounding areas, raiding villages and killing civilians," conflict monitor ACLED said in an August report. The offensive around the Dawei SEZ has been reinforced by air and naval attacks, overwhelming loosely organised local resistance groups, according to Saw Dah Ko and a local activist. "They enter the region, and once reinforced by the navy, they launch offensives into the villages situated within the deep sea port project area," said Min Lwin Oo of the Democracy Movement Strike Committee, referring to the military. "When they launch these offensives, skirmishes occur frequently." The Dawei push reflects a broader strategy by the military to reclaim strategic territory and border zones it lost to opposition groups since a 2021 coup, which triggered a civil war that has killed some 100,000 people and displaced over 3.5 million. The military engineered a widely criticsed election in December and January, with no substantial opposition allowed to run, clearing the way for Min Aung Hlaing to become president. ALTERNATE TO MALACCA STRAIT Originally launched in 2008 as a joint venture with Thailand, the project aimed to facilitate trade between Southeast Asian countries and West and East Asia. But work on the Dawei SEZ stalled in 2013 due to local opposition and funding shortages. In January 2021, just weeks before the coup, the committee overseeing the SEZ said it had moved to terminate 2015-2016 agreements for nine projects in the initial construction phase. "We will now focus our efforts on finding new partners to unlock the potential of the Dawei Special Economic Zone," the committee's chairman said in a statement. Myanmar's new government is now looking to revive the project with the support of Russia, a key ally for Min Aung Hlaing and the military. At a business forum in Moscow on Wednesday, Tanintharyi Region Chief Minister Zaw Naing Oo said that the project could enable cargo to move four to six days quicker than if it were to traverse the Strait of Malacca. State media reported that he also touted the port's proximity about 45 km (28 miles) to Myanmar's major offshore gas fields. Russian companies intend to work with Dawei SEZ, aiming to expand trade and create new jobs, including in small and medium businesses, Russia's Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said this week in a meeting with Min Aung Hlaing. The project could give Russia greater market access in Southeast Asia and a port footprint in the Indian Ocean region, according to a source with knowledge of Moscow's thinking, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter. "The risk in Myanmar is still very high," the source said, "Russian investments will have to be linked to connectivity with Thailand for the project to make sense." Maps!!!! Attached File I couldn't find a map that included Bangladesh in it which is at the North North West of the Bay of Bengal: Attached File The Chinese are doing their best not to get caught in the trap that is the South China Sea, a trap of their own making, I will add!!!! Next story is an update of another controversial statement earlier this week: Malaysian figures respond to prime minister's Taiwan comments Politicians and academics stress importance of regional stability TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent remarks on Taiwan have prompted reactions from Malaysian politicians and academics, CNA reported Thursday. Anwar's comments, made during a recent interview with Al Jazeera, were interpreted as supporting China's use of force against Taiwan. In response, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Anwar's remarks on the use of force to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait would threaten regional peace and stability and damage political trust between the two countries. Several Malaysian politicians and academics have said Malaysia's recognition of the one China policy does not mean it supports the use of force against Taiwan. The policy refers to a country's recognition of the government in Beijing as the government of China, while China considers Taiwan part of its territory, according to the BBC. Haim Hilman, a Kedah state executive councilor, described Anwar's remarks as a serious and unnecessary diplomatic mistake. He said Malaysia has a clear position on the one China policy but does not need to comment on whether the use of force against Taiwan is justified. Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman economics professor Wong Chin Yoong said the comments departed from Malaysia's longstanding position on the Taiwan Strait. He said successive Malaysian prime ministers have adhered to the one China policy while opposing unilateral changes to the status quo and avoiding confrontation between major powers. Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew, publicity director of political party Parti Bangsa Malaysia, said Malaysia should protect its own national interests rather than become an agent for either Washington or Beijing. He warned that a war in the Taiwan Strait would affect the wider region, while disrupting global semiconductor production, shipping, and financial markets. Former Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice president Chua Tian Chang said recognizing the policy does not mean supporting unification through force. He added that Malaysia has longstanding cultural and economic ties with Taiwan and does not want its society and economy to be damaged by war. Haim also noted that while China is one of Malaysia's most important economic partners, Taiwan has significant economic, trade, investment, and technology ties with Malaysia, particularly in the electrical and electronics and semiconductor sectors. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
|
Finally, the last block!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! China slows key material shipments to Taiwan Sources cite longer lead times for quartz and germanium-based materials TAIPEI (Taiwan News) China is restricting or delaying exports to Taiwan of key materials used in optical, semiconductor, and aerospace applications, creating supply-chain bottlenecks for Taiwanese companies, Nikkei Asia reported Thursday. Several optical technology manufacturers have faced lengthy customs checks and delays in obtaining germanium- and quartz-based materials from Chinese suppliers since last year, people familiar with the matter told Nikkei Asia. "It's an industrywide issue," one optical industry executive said. "Many of my peers have encountered the same problem, and it could significantly extend lead times across our business." The source requested anonymity because of concerns about retaliation from Beijing. Germanium is used in infrared lenses for thermal imaging and other defense and industrial applications, as well as fiber optics and photonics. Quartz is essential for optical components and semiconductor manufacturing. China is a major global supplier of both materials. One person familiar with the matter said some Chinese suppliers had been summoned by authorities and questioned about their customers and shipments. "We have already lost some orders because longer lead times for certain materials mean we can't meet our customers' delivery schedules," the person said. The reported delays have also affected chip equipment makers, with one executive saying his company's product lead time had been extended by months because tighter supplies of quartz had affected production. "The quality and precision for quartz is very strict for the chip industry, and currently we don't have an alternative source from China," the executive said. Aerospace companies have faced similar problems with some permanent magnets from China, sources said. Neodymium permanent magnets are used in motors, including those for advanced robotics, while an aerospace supplier said finding cost-effective alternatives elsewhere has been difficult, per Nikkei Asia. China has increasingly used export controls on strategic and dual-use materials amid trade and geopolitical disputes, Nikkei Asia reported. Beijing has required licenses for exports of gallium and germanium since 2023, while in December 2024 it tightened controls on certain dual-use items destined for the US, including by generally denying licenses for gallium, germanium, antimony, and superhard-material dual-use items. Taiwan is also working to reduce its reliance on foreign sources of critical materials, with the Ministry of Economic Affairs supporting the Industrial Technology Research Institute in developing domestic rare-earth technologies. The government aims to establish a pilot production line within three years, part of broader efforts to strengthen Taiwan's supply of materials needed for advanced manufacturing. Taiwan tracks Chinese research ship near Penghu, Xiaoliuqiu Ship did not appear to lower equipment into sea TAIPEI (Taiwan News) A Chinese research ship approached Penghu and Xiaoliuqiu without dropping any instruments into the water, the Coast Guard Administration said Friday. The Tongji first appeared 46 kilometers northwest of Huayu in Penghu County at 11:33 p.m. Thursday, per Liberty Times. The ship continued on a southwesterly course without releasing any scientific equipment into the water, according to the Coast Guard. The patrol vessel Lienchiang reached the scene at 11:40 p.m. and told the Chinese crew to leave restricted waters around Penghu. The Chinese ship reappeared Friday at 10:15 a.m., 52 km west-southwest of Xiaoliuqiu in Pingtung, moving southeast at a speed of 18.5 km per hour. The Coast Guard said it would continue to use a combination of observation methods to track the movement of Chinese ships in the waters near Taiwan. Patrol vessels will be positioned to protect the nation's sovereignty and ensure the security of its waters, the administration said. I have two budget stories, but as the 2026 budget took 350 days to be dealt with by the KMT, we're just cataloging here!! So, only the links in case you'd like to read them: Taiwan Cabinet approves NT$3.93 trillion 2027 budget Defense, welfare, and local government funding top NT$1 trillion Taiwan proposes record NT$1.12 trillion defense budget for 2027 Plan would push military spending above 3% of GDP F-16V jets for Taiwan spotted in Hawaii Fighter jets expected to arrive at Taitung base during weekend TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The first two F-16V Block 70 jets for Taiwan have arrived in Hawaii, DPP Legislator Wang Ting-yu ( ) said Friday. He spotted pictures of their landing at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu on Thursday on an Instagram account of an airplane fan, he said on Facebook. Their next destination will be Guam, with their arrival at Chihang Air Force Base in Taitung now expected around Sunday, per Liberty Times. The two aircraft form part of an order of 66 F-16V fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin. The first two left the factory in South Carolina on Monday. After they arrive in Taitung, they will immediately undergo testing, with officers starting training, Liberty Times reported. Delays made the delivery of all 66 jets by the end of the year impossible, but the manufacturer promised to speed up production. Delivery will continue throughout 2027 and be completed in 2028, according to the new timetable. In addition to the 46 single-seat and 10 twin-seat jets, Taiwan also had 141 F-16A/B jets upgraded to F-16V level. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
| https://theaviationist.com/2026/08/20/japan-intercepts-chinese-tb-001/ |
Deckard “nobody wants to know the truth, nobody” Cobra Kai Johnny Lawrence “she’s hot and all those other things” Tucker Carlson 1/10/2018 “I used to be a liberatarian until Google”https://mobile.twitter.com/Henry_Gunn
| https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/21/chinese-military-practices-strike-us-missile-defenses-humvees/ |
Deckard “nobody wants to know the truth, nobody” Cobra Kai Johnny Lawrence “she’s hot and all those other things” Tucker Carlson 1/10/2018 “I used to be a liberatarian until Google”https://mobile.twitter.com/Henry_Gunn
|
Finally!! an Easy Day! We have some interesting stories, plus one video I told myself to post earlier this week, and I didn't do it. I will be noting this in my file!!! Let's get it on!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The interesting part of this story is that no matter how many times or how hard the Chinese have fucked over successive Thai governments, the Thais have always wanted more...except for these guys... Thai opposition leader acknowledges meeting with Taiwan representative Analyst says disclosure indicates party prepared to face possible Chinese displeasure amid warming relations TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The leader of Thailand's largest opposition party has publicly acknowledged meeting Taiwan's representative to Thailand. Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, head of the People's Party, said in a Facebook post Thursday that he had dinner the previous night with Lan Hsia-li ( ), Taiwan's representative to Thailand, and staff from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), according to CNA. In the same post, Natthaphong noted he was heading to Chiang Mai to look into cross-border drug issues and outlined the party's recent flood relief and recovery work. He framed the Taiwan dinner as part of a broader schedule. TECO confirmed the meeting, saying the two sides exchanged views on Taiwan-related topics of interest and welcomed further dialogue, CNA said. The People's Party won 120 seats in February's general election, making it the second-largest party in parliament and the main opposition force behind the 192-seat Bhumjaithai Party. Hung Ming-chien ( ), a Taiwan Thailand exchange association board member, called the public disclosure unusual. CNA quoted Hung as saying past interactions between the People's Party and Taiwan mostly occurred at public events, with little direct bilateral engagement and even less public acknowledgment. Hung said the post suggests the party is prepared to face possible Chinese displeasure while showing "a continued rise in friendliness toward Taiwan." He described this as positive for democratic-leaning interactions between the two sides. He added that as Thailand's ruling party pursues a relatively China-friendly line, the opposition could differentiate itself by emphasizing oversight of Chinese "gray industry" activities while also adopting more pro-Taiwan and pro-US positions. This would give voters clearer policy choices. Next story is about flood damage in Taiwan, and in a post from the week before last, I said, and I'm paraphrasing myself here, that China usually gets crushed with the typhoons and rain, and then I hinted I would post the video. BUT I DIDN'T DO IT!!! First just the link on the Taiwanese flood damage because they have their shit under control, and then the video: Kaohsiung mayor inspects flood damage after heavy rain Chen Chi-mai calls for faster work on drainage and flood-control projects  What is Happening in China?! It's about 8 minutes long. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
In this block we're starting off with another China Uncensored video that highlights a threat to the Islands by the Chinese at the 11:35 to 12:36 time hacks. China Says The Philippines "Will Be Taken Over" The other stories are
US Navy patrol aircraft transits Taiwan Strait US 7th Fleet says move demonstrates commitment to free and open Indo-Pacific TAIPEI (Taiwan News) A US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft transited the Taiwan Strait on Friday, with China saying its military tracked and monitored the flight throughout. China's Global Times, citing an unnamed Chinese military source, reported that the People's Liberation Army maintained surveillance of the aircraft throughout its transit, per UDN. The source added the "situation was under control." The report came after flight-tracking data showed the aircraft took off from Okinawa, Japan, and flew at 6,400 meters, according to Flightradar24 data monitored by a military-focused social media account. The aircraft's route closely followed the western side of the Taiwan Strait median line before turning through southwestern Taiwan and heading toward the Bashi Channel south of Taiwan, UDN reported. The US 7th Fleet said in a statement the move "demonstrates the US' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," according to Reuters. The P-8A is a US Navy maritime patrol aircraft equipped for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering missions. It has made transits previously, including flights reported on April 17, 2024 and March 11 this year. US Navy vessels pass through the strait every few months, while allies including Australia, Britain, Canada, and France have also conducted occasional transits, per Reuters.  Next story is weird, so I'm only posting the link. The Taiwan News gets its information for the flight tracker from the MND. The Taiwan News posted this late last night my time (PDT): Taiwan tracks 3 Chinese military aircraft and 15 ships The MND posted this about this about 5:50 PMish PDT and (when I noticed it): PLA Activities 2026.08.21 Issuing Authority Political Warfare Bureau Date 6 a.m. Aug. 20 (Thu.) to 6 a.m. Aug. 21 (Fri.) (UTC+8) PLA activities 7 PLAN ships and 6 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. Illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe. It's word as of now! ETA (23AUG26): I'm correcting my boo boo!!!!! It seems that the MND was behind in their "public" announcements! Ignore all of the Pffffft Report, please. Apologies for the mistake, but i'm keeping the word "magnatudninal." |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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We start off with a couple of "big deals!" South Taiwan cancels work and classes as 4 storm systems hit West Pacific Taiwan, Japan disagree over status of weather system TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Pingtung decided to cancel work and classes Sunday, while Typhoon Saudel was expected to gain strength as Taiwan and Japan disagreed about the nature of another storm system Saturday. Four different storms were active in the region, with Typhoon Saudel most likely to impact Taiwan in the long term, per Liberty Times. The typhoon was located 2,600 kilometers east of Taiwan and moving northwest at a speed of 22 km per hour, but was not expected to reach the area north of Taiwan until Aug. 27-28, the Central Weather Administration said. However, Taiwan and Japan differed Saturday over whether a weather system 350 km east of Taiwan was still Tropical Depression TD22 or had already intensified to become Tropical Storm Gaenari, per CNA. Taiwan's Central Weather Administration said several elements, including its weak structure, showed it was not a tropical storm. Japan's meteorologists announced at noon Saturday that the depression had strengthened to become the 20th tropical storm of the season. Taiwan's forecasters said they would closely monitor developments and upgrade the depression if necessary. Two other weather systems were unlikely to have an impact on the weather in Taiwan, forecasters said. Tropical Storm Narra formed Saturday morning near the Chinese provinces of Hainan and Guangxi, while Tropical Depression TD23 emerged 1,950 km east-southeast of Taiwan. The latter was located east of the Philippines and was likely to move north before weakening, CNA reported. Separate from the storm systems, southern Taiwan was likely to face heavy rain at least until Tuesday. Kaohsiung battled with torrential rain Saturday, with Sandimen Township in Pingtung and Taoyuan District in Kaohsiung canceling classes and work during the afternoon. Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Pingtung decided to keep offices and schools closed throughout Sunday. The Directorate-General of Personnel Administration provided updates on its website. Lai visits Kinmen to commemorate 823 Artillery Battle Ceremony honors 587 servicemen killed in 1958 bombardment AIPEI (Taiwan News) President Lai Ching-te ( ) visited Kinmen on Sunday to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the 1958 August 23 Artillery Battle. Lai honored the servicemen who fought and died during the battle. He also highlighted Taiwan's commitment to defending its territory and maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait, per UDN. Also referred to as the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis, the conflict began with Chinese forces firing more than 25,000 artillery shells in the first few hours. The confrontation lasted 44 days. Kinmen was a frontline military position during decades of confrontation across the Taiwan Strait because of its location just off China's southeastern coast. The confrontation eventually subsided, but Kinmen remained heavily militarized for decades. Lai visited Taiwushan Cemetery, where he paid tribute to servicemen killed in the battle. During this year's commemoration, Lai emphasized that peace should not be taken for granted and that Taiwan must maintain the ability and determination to defend itself. Despite the heavy rain, Lai laid flowers to pay tribute to the soldiers who died in the battle. During a luncheon with veterans and their families, he said peace does not fall from the sky and that peace agreements that sacrifice sovereignty and amount to surrender bring only humiliation, not genuine peace, per UDN. "The victory in the August 23 Artillery Battle is the best proof of ensuring peace through strength," Lai said. At the luncheon, Lai said he had come to Kinmen despite the weather to express, on behalf of the nation, his sincerest respect and gratitude to the heroes who united regardless of ethnicity or when they had arrived in Taiwan to repel the communist totalitarian invasion and protect Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. Lai also thanked their families for providing vital support to those fighting on the front lines, where the ROC armed forces defeated the People's Liberation Army. He said the victory laid an important foundation for 68 years of peace and thwarted China's ambitions for aggression against the first island chain and Indo-Pacific region. It was also the first time in history that AIM-9s were used!! Second Taiwan Strait Crisis The Second Taiwan Strait Crisis, also known as the 1958 Taiwan Strait Crisis, was a conflict between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC). The PRC shelled the islands of Kinmen (Quemoy) and the Matsu Islands along the east coast of mainland China in an attempt to take them from the ROC, governed by the Kuomintang (KMT), and to probe the extent of American commitment to defend the Republic of China. The conflict also involved air, naval, and amphibious operations. Then U.S. secretary of state Christian Herter reportedly described it as the "first serious nuclear crisis".[5] Big deal? Yes! One could even say, "huge deal" and "magnitudinal" in its scope! Here's the map that is provided by wikipedia: Attached File The reddish areas are the islands the Chinese were shelling. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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Last stories of the day!! Taiwan's National Security Council expands role in countering Chinese pressure We've posted numerous stories about how quickly the Taiwanese changed the military from a force that existed for political oppression to what it is today in less than 3 years. NSC bolsters asymmetric warfare capabilities and whole-of-society resilience TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Taiwan's National Security Council (NSC) has taken on a broader role in countering Chinese coercion, according to Nikkei Asia. Nikkei Asia cited multiple sources as saying the council is driving military and civil defense reforms aimed at bolstering asymmetric warfare capabilities and whole-of-society resilience. The sources said the council is also coordinating with other government ministries and conducting diplomatic outreach to garner international support for Taiwan. Referring to the military's focus on drones, Tristan Tang, a nonresident fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research, said, "The NSC is important because it helps the president develop and coordinate that policy, track how the defense ministry is implementing it, and identify problems that may require intervention," per Nikkei Asia. "Militaries are naturally conservative institutions, so political authority from NSC can be important in pushing major defense reforms forward," Tang said. Over the past 10 years, the NSC has taken on a broader role because the boundaries among security, foreign policy, and domestic policy have become less clear, a former senior NSC official told Nikkei Asia. Issues such as international trade policy and technology restrictions are now more closely linked to Taiwan's foreign affairs and national security decisions rather than being treated separately. "The NSC has emerged as the core executive power of security and intelligence and policymaking," the former official said. An official from a G7 government, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the NSC has played an important role in improving Taiwan's maritime security, Nikkei Asia reported. The official also praised NSC Deputy Secretary-General Lin Fei-fan ( ) for "truly impressive" work on urban resilience. "I'm not sure other countries could pull together such an ambitious agenda, at all levels of government, this fast," the official added. However, a Western official warned that the NSC and the government must accelerate reforms in asymmetric warfare and civil defense, according to Nikkei Asia. "The urgency is implementing the changes in the armed forces, not think-tank style discussions," the official said. British lawmaker Tom Tugendhat said Taiwan is already facing online and offline attacks, as well as maritime intimidation. Without better coordination, he warned, Taiwan could be "divided and overwhelmed by Beijing before it can mount any meaningful response." Britain and Japan have recently moved to establish new intelligence bodies. Philip Shetler-Jones, an Indo-Pacific security expert at the UK's Royal United Services Institute, said there was room for cooperation between the NSC and these agencies. Given Japan's acknowledgment that a Taiwan emergency is also a Japanese one, "it is natural that the new intelligence services would benefit from a link with Taiwan's NSC as a source of information to complete assessments on a potential crisis," Shetler-Jones said. Earlier this month, NSC Secretary-General Joseph Wu ( ) told Nikkei Asia that the council had not changed its mission but had expanded its priorities. "In the old days, defense of Taiwan was a responsibility of the (Ministry of National Defense)," Wu said. "But nowadays, thinking about the resilience of Taiwan's government or Taiwan society as a whole, we need to coordinate among government agencies so that when a crisis comes, whether it's a natural or man-made disaster, society can understand how they can survive, how they can help themselves, and how they can help others." Taiwan Army simulates response to airborne airport attack Taitung Area Command battalion uses armored vehicles to repel simulated attack TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Taitung Area Command's First Combined Arms Battalion held a combat-readiness drill in Taitung on Saturday, simulating an enemy airborne assault on an airport. The battalion launched patrols in the Taitung area with CM21 armored personnel carriers and light vehicles, Liberty Times reported. The exercise included loading operations, reconnaissance drills, and rapid dismounting. After completing preparations, a reconnaissance platoon moved first to key target locations. CM21 armored vehicles then departed the base to stage a counterattack. Upon reaching tactical positions, troops quickly dismounted, used the surrounding terrain for cover, and advanced. Gunners aboard the armored vehicles adjusted the aim of 50-caliber machine guns and 40 mm grenade launchers to simulate engaging enemy forces, testing individual combat skills and the unit's overall training, according to Liberty Times. Since the Han Kuang exercise concluded, military units have been reviewing combat tactics and plans. According to military sources, Lieutenant General Shao Chih-chun ( ), commander of the Fifth Theater Command, recently presided over a post-exercise review, bringing together key officers to assess mission execution, preparedness measures, and issues identified by observer teams, per Liberty Times. The review also examined command and control, unit coordination, and battlefield management to inform improvements and future operational planning. The Matsu Defense Command also convened units to review issues identified during the Han Kuang exercise. Topics discussed included force preservation, decentralized command and control, civil-military cooperation, and the integration of new systems such as drones and the Tactical Assault Kit. Indigenous Weapons story time!!!! NCSIST releases information on Strong Bow missile Hypersonic missile equipped with directional warhead TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology has released information about its new Strong Bow missile on its website. The Strong Bow is a land-based, mid-tier system designed to counter tactical ballistic missiles, according to the institute. It can intercept incoming tactical ballistic missiles at medium altitude and form a layered interception network with lower-tier missile defense systems, it added. The missile uses thrust-vector control during its terminal phase, maintaining excellent maneuverability even in the thin atmosphere, the institute said. It is equipped with precision guidance and a directional warhead, along with an integrated composite rocket motor that improves manufacturability. Its active electronically scanned array radar supports target classification and identification, engagement of multiple tactical ballistic missile targets, electronic counter-countermeasures, and high-precision tracking. Each mobile launcher contains four missile canisters. The military plans to build at least 128 Strong Bow missiles. The system will be deployed alongside Sky Bow III and Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptors as part of the layered T-Dome air defense network. 
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Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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okey dokey, I've been waiting for some substantial video reports about Eric Swalwell and the Chinese spy, Christine Fang. Most of them are either masturbatory or dwelling on the immorality which is also masturbatory, but hey! Sex sells. I want to do this in two blocks. As I was born in San Francisco and lived in the Bay Area except for the 9 years I was in the Air Force...I know stuff. First block, well, allow me to demonstrate with the first 40 seconds of this news clip from the local Fox News Corp affiliate, KTVU, Channel 2:  Declassified FBI files expose Eric Swalwell's ties to alleged Chinese spy These people love their pretty lies. At first, I was amazed. Now, I'm entertained. Here's the Fox News Channel presentation which is substantially more useful:  NEW DETAILS: Explosive FBI Swalwell files RELEASED It's 3:47 long, and you can increase the speed if you've installed the proper extension from you browser. CA has a Chinese Spy problem that has only gotten substantially worse since the 1970s. The Chinese also have money which is always available to the Democrats. We've covered the Chinese spy who was elected mayor in a city in the Southland. San Francisco had this woman who had her people with all the major politicians of the area: Rose Pak Political ties to the People's Republic of China Pak was an overseas executive director of the China Overseas Exchange Association (COEA), a united front organization overseen by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office (OCAO), at the time under the State Council of the People's Republic of China.[1][21][22] At various times she spoke out in favor of the Chinese government's views, e.g. in 2012 calling all "overseas Chinese" to "defend the homeland" in the conflict about the Diaoyu Islands, and in 2008 opposing a resolution of the SF Board of Supervisors that criticized China for the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre and other repression measures, passed on occasion of the 2008 Summer Olympics torch relay reaching San Francisco.[1][23] As revealed in a 2018 Politico report after Pak's death, among U.S. intelligence officials "there were widespread concerns that Pak had been co-opted by Chinese intelligence".[24] These also extended to her work in organizing many "junket" trips to China for leading Bay Area politicians, exposing them to surveillance and recruitment efforts (although there is no evidence Pak directly participated in such efforts herself).[24] Pak was critical of the Falun Gong movement in San Francisco and in 2004 she banned the group from participating in the city's annual Chinese New Year's Parade.[2] The group and others, including San Francisco Supervisor Chris Daly, subsequently alleged that Pak had connections to the Chinese Communist Party.[2] Pak consistently denied any ties with Beijing.[2] Here's my favorite part of the Rose Pak story: She went to China for a Kidney transplant! It's going to seem mean as fuck if I write it up, so let me get it from a website: 17 Facts About Rose Pak 13. In May 2016, Rose Pak returned to San Francisco after an extended medical stay in China, where she had received a kidney transplant, announcing to a welcoming committee of Chinatown elders, local politicians and city officials that her health had been restored. 14. Rose Pak died in San Francisco on September 18,2016, aged 68. These people are committed. They don't care how well it turns out just as long as it turns out in their favor. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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In this block we have three videos and the links to the declassifed FBI report. The three videos tell the same basic story. Where they differ is in the connections the presenters and the interviewees make. Most of it is extremely interesting!!!! I can guarantee that!! First up is Michael Schellenberger as the interviewee:  New FBI Docs Reveal SHOCKING Details About Eric Swalwell and “Fang Fang” the first 8:50. Next we have OAN's Channel Rion who at least used to be a GD favorite interviewing Eric Eggers:  Eric Eggers on Eric Swalwell, Fang Fang & China’s Influence Operation | Fine Point It's the first 4:50. Lastly we have "Finnerty" from NewsMax. I've never heard of this guy before, but the video was good, so he's in!!!  Bombshell Swalwell files reveal more about romps with suspected spy: Bob Brooks It's the first 5:20. What do we learn from all of these videos? We learn, besides that the "ambien" story is total bull shit, just how interconnected this story is with everything else that was going on during the Obama period, including his Third Term led by Joe Biden, and how important it was to maintain the connection between the CCP and the Democrat Party. That's the real meaning of this story. Here are the links to the report: https://justthenews.com/sites/default/files/2026-08/FBI%2056D-SF-4662117%20Packet%20-%20FINAL%20-%20REDACTED%208.14.26.pdf https://justthenews.com/sites/default/files/2026-08/FBI-Chronological%200342-SF-2754538%20%2B%20200D-SF-146143%20Packet%20-%20FINAL%20REDACTED%208.14.26.pdf The second link is the report on good ole Rusty Thumbs. On a personal note, in the Finnerty video, there's a clip of Swalwell proclaiming that he was shocked to find out that Fang Fang was a suspected spy. No sir, he was not. To be seduced, you have to want to be seduced, and he wanted it. He knew full well what he was getting into because he understood how it was all going to benefit himself. Fuck yeah, he did it and would do it all over again with some changes, so he doesn't get caught the second time around. I bring this up because I used to have what some would say was a super duper security clearance, and I saw a number of young men, like myself, who got caught up/trapped, actually, saying the wrong thing to the wrong woman and paid a huge fucking price for it. and now these pieces of shit, like Swalwell, like Hillary Clinton, give out classified information that gets people killed and they get away with it every fucking single time. At first I was amazed. Now I'm entertained. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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Three blocks today: crime, politics and Defense related news has three stories!! 9 indicted over alleged AI server sales to China Nvidia Taiwan manager among those charged in B300 server case TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Taiwan prosecutors on Monday indicted nine people, including a manager at Nvidia's Taiwan branch, in a case involving the alleged illegal sale of high-end AI servers to China. The Keelung District Prosecutors Office said the defendants allegedly used false documents to circumvent internal sales controls governing Supermicro AI servers equipped with Nvidia B300 GPUs, per UDN. Prosecutors said the defendants knew Nvidia and Supermicro controlled the servers' destinations, end users, and intended uses. The investigation began after the Coast Guard Administration uncovered suspected illegal exports of the servers. Prosecutors launched their first round of searches on May 20 and later traced the alleged scheme to employees of Supermicro Taiwan and other Taiwanese companies before identifying a senior partner manager at Nvidia Taiwan surnamed Chang ( ) as a defendant. Prosecutors indicted the nine defendants on charges including breach of trust, document forgery, and special breach of trust under the Securities and Exchange Act. Three defendants face special breach-of-trust charges over the alleged misappropriation of assets from Taiwan-listed Albatron Technology Co. The defendants include people linked to Nvidia, Supermicro Taiwan, Taiwanese distributors, trading companies, and data center service providers. A company executive surnamed Chen ( ), who allegedly operated a server trading business, remains at large and has been placed on a wanted list. The defendants allegedly provided false information about the servers' end users, intended uses, and other details during the application process, per Fount Media. They also allegedly arranged for a data center to undergo inspection, leading the manufacturers to believe the servers would be used in Taiwan as declared and allowing the orders to pass internal reviews. After obtaining the servers, the defendants allegedly resold them to Chinese buyers, with some shipments routed through Indonesia, Japan, and Hong Kong before reaching China. Of the 130 B300 servers obtained, 74 were allegedly sent to China, while the remaining 56 were intercepted before export. Prosecutors identified Chang as a key figure in securing approval for the B300 orders, Fount Media reported. Chang allegedly concealed information that the buyer lacked sufficient funds and that some payments came from Chinese companies while downplaying other irregularities in the transactions. For the alleged server-export offenses, prosecutors requested prison terms ranging from 18 months to five years. They requested the statutory maximum of five years for Chang and three other defendants, citing their greater involvement in the case. Prosecutors search KMT Legislator Chen Hsueh-sheng's office Investigation reportedly concerns CPC Corp's canceled contract with Kin Hsing Marine TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Taipei District Prosecutors Office on Monday searched the office of KMT Legislator Chen Hsueh-sheng ( ) as part of an ongoing corruption investigation. Anti Corruption Team Head Prosecutor Tseng Yang-ling ( ) led a group of Investigation Bureau personnel in searching Chen's legislative office, per CNA. The prosecutors' office said Chen is being investigated for allegedly violating the Anti-Corruption Act. The Legislative Yuan issued a statement saying it did not know about the investigation, per Liberty Times. Tseng previously led a search of the office of independent Legislator Ciwas Ali ( ) in February as part of an investigation into allegations that she fraudulently claimed assistant fees and illegally imported Chinese medical equipment, per ETtoday. The investigation into Chen reportedly concerns Kin Hsing Marine Co., which is owned by the family of former Kinmen County Magistrate Wang Cheng-wu ( ), per Business Today. The company handled CPC Corp.'s fuel transportation between Kaohsiung and Kinmen from 2003 to 2019. When a Kin Hsing oil tanker malfunctioned in 2019, the company allegedly bribed Chen to pressure CPC Corp. into terminating its contract without requiring Kin Hsing to arrange an alternative transporter, as stipulated in the contract. Chen responded to reports of his alleged involvement at the time, saying that the coverage had overstated his role. The Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office searched Kin Hsing Marine's Kaohsiung office in June and July 2025, per SETN. DPP Legislative Caucus Secretary-General Chuang Jui-hsiung ( ) declined to comment on the ongoing investigation, per Newtalk. He said, however, that investigations should remain fair and impartial regardless of how senior the individuals under investigation are. Matsu insiders said Chen began his career as an accountant and that the local political community was surprised by the search, per UDN. Chen is known for his grassroots connections with local residents and his advocacy for improved China relations. "the company allegedly bribed Chen to pressure CPC Corp. into terminating its contract without requiring Kin Hsing to arrange an alternative transporter, as stipulated in the contract." and "Chen is known for his grassroots connections with local residents and his advocacy for improved China relations." Here, somebody that could walk into your office and get you to violate a contract you signed (or else) and then be known for "grassroots connections" would be Mob connected. Easily. That isn't a "one man" operation. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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Politics! This is the update from last week where Mistress Cheng said "X" was the candidate that nobody wants. It's good for morale and party discipline!!!! Changhua's Wang Hui-mei faces KMT backlash after praising Lai Wang has kept her distance from party nominee since her preferred candidate declined to run TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Changhua County Magistrate Wang Hui-mei ( ) has drawn backlash from KMT supporters after praising President Lai Ching-te ( ), amid her ongoing absence from KMT magistrate candidate Wei Ping-cheng's ( ) campaign. Wang praised Lai on Facebook after he announced that the Ministry of the Interior would finish reviewing a proposal for a plumbing hardware industrial park in the county by the end of 2026, per Storm Media. She faced criticism from KMT supporters in the comments, with some questioning her loyalty to the party. Wang has kept her distance from Wei's campaign since the KMT decided to nominate him after she failed to persuade her preferred candidate, New Taipei Deputy Mayor Liu Ho-jan ( ), to enter the race. The party selected Wei over the three other candidates, and Wang later revealed that the KMT did not consult her before making the nomination. KMT Taipei City Councilor Li Ming-hsien ( ) suggested Sunday that the party risks losing the county if it fails to consolidate its support, per China Times. He noted that Wang has skipped four campaign events for Wei. A local insider said the KMT's repeated requests for Wang to campaign for Wei, combined with the fact that Wei did not assist Wang during her previous campaign, have alienated her, per KNews. The insider also pointed to a recent incident in which Wang reprimanded Wei for wearing his campaign vest at a county government event, noting that Wang banned such behavior four years ago. A high-ranking source within the DPP campaign said that while Wei's numbers have improved with KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun's ( ) help, coverage of his campaign has largely focused on the KMT's internal divisions. The source said DPP candidate Chen Su-yueh ( ) should be able to defeat Wei by focusing on her own campaign and allowing KMT infighting to continue. The KMT's situation may be improving, however, with Liu reportedly agreeing to chair Wei's campaign, per UDN. Wei said Liu is more likely to campaign for him after mid-September, when he is less occupied with city administration. Still, a local campaign insider warned that with Legislator Hsieh Yi-fong ( ), former Deputy Magistrate Hung Jung-chang ( ), and Changhua County Government Counselor Ko Cheng-fang ( ) still absent from the campaign trail, Wei still has significant work to do to consolidate the party. Changhua County KMT Branch Chair Hsiao Ching-tien ( ) noted that Wang remains popular in Changhua because of her governance record, per China Times. He said Wei's campaign would highlight her achievements, even if she continues to distance herself from the campaign. Hsiao said that while the party does not understand all of Wang's actions regarding the magistrate race, it still relies on her to retain control of the county. Cabinet says budget cut restricts Cho's disaster response travel Cho uses remote meetings while local governments assess flood damage TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Cabinet Spokesperson Michelle Lee ( ) said Monday that a 90% cut to the Cabinet's policy implementation liaison fund has limited Premier Cho Jung-tai's ( ) disaster response travel, per CNA. Heavy rain has caused flooding across southern Taiwan in recent days. Lee said Cho has contacted local governments by phone and video to assess damage and learn what assistance they need. Cho said the central government has established standards and procedures for providing aid after typhoons and floods. He said he has relied on remote communication with local officials in recent days and plans to visit affected areas when conditions permit. Lee said Cho received a briefing on the disaster situation at a Cabinet meeting Monday morning. He was also scheduled to visit the Central Emergency Operation Center at 2:30 p.m. for video meetings with local government leaders. The legislature cut 90% of the Cabinet's policy implementation liaison fund, which has been used to support the premier's visits to disaster areas and post-disaster recovery work. Lee said the reduction has made it harder for Cho to travel during the current emergency, per UDN. Heavy rain and difficult road conditions in southern Taiwan have also affected travel. Lee said Cho is initially using phone and video calls to avoid disrupting local governments' emergency response work. Local governments will continue collecting information on damage and recovery needs. Lee said Cho has instructed officials to work within the reduced budget, visit affected areas when conditions allow, and help local governments with recovery and reconstruction under existing rules. By cutting the various budgets, the KMT hopes to see the Lai Admin not get something completed in order to then highlight how poor the Lai Admin is doing its job. Same as here with the government shut downs or the influx of unvaccinated illegal aliens who are spiking multiple communicable diseases, and the now the Democrats blame the Trump Admin. Or Obama allowing weapon sales to unqualified buyers who then smuggled these weapons to Mexico, and then turn around and blame it all on the 2nd amendment advocates. Same exact thing. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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Originally Posted By cyclone: Taiwan should have developed nuclear weapons The highlights are China explodes its first nuke to yield in 1964. Taiwan starts a program in 1968ish. US was stationing nukes on the island up to 1974 (I may be back to edited these dates if I'm wrong!!!!!) Nixon, Carter and Reagan all put pressure on Taiwan to drop the program which they said they did in 1988. That's the rough outline. With the way that the Chinese have infiltrated the government, the KMT, and society in general, if the program still exists at any large size, there would have been more than whispers about it. ETA!!!!! I have three sources which agree on the outline, but not the specifics! So, it looks like the Taiwanese program was running in 1968, and probably agreed to in 1966, and then got off the ground in 1967!! Now, everybody's right!!!! I also forgot that a Taiwanese scientist defected to the US and that's what ended the program. Here are the three sources, and as an added bonus they're pretty good stories, and of course they differ a bit. It would be weird if they didn't!!!!! Taiwan and weapons of mass destruction China's Greatest Fear Almost Came True: Taiwan Armed with Nuclear Weapons Taiwan's Nuclear What-If: Implications for U.S. Strategy and Global Security |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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Defense related news Taiwan Army to stage Tianma exercise in Pingtung Live-fire drill expected to include drones, TOW missiles TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Army will hold the Tianma live-fire exercise in Pingtung on Wednesday. The exercise is expected to involve weapons such as TOW anti-armor missiles, Liberty Times reported. Fourth Theater Command Commander Lieutenant General Liu Wei-hsin ( ) has instructed participating units to integrate drones into their tactics for better reconnaissance, target acquisition, and intelligence transmission. According to an Army firing notice, the exercise will take place in Jialutang, Fangshan Township, and will include live fire at targets at sea. A designated danger zone has been established with a minimum radius of 10 nautical miles (18.52 kilometers) and an altitude restriction of 8,000 feet (2,438.4 meters). A military source said Liu recently presided over a mission briefing for the heavy-artillery tactical firing and Tianma exercises. Liu instructed units to adhere to realistic training principles, adapt their deployments to the terrain and operational scenarios, and consider the use of troops and firepower from the enemy's perspective. Liu also called for information sharing across units to track battlefield developments, build a common operational picture, and improve coordination between reconnaissance and strike operations. Taiwan military rolls out 14 measures to boost recruitment Number of draft-eligible men expected to fall below 80,000 next year TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The defense ministry is rolling out 14 measures to boost recruitment as the number of men eligible for compulsory service is expected to fall below 80,000 next year amid a declining birth rate. The military recruited 18,900 people in 2023, 17,971 in 2024, and 17,113 last year, with recruitment declining each year since 2023, per Liberty Times. The military's personnel fill rate stood at 80% in 2023, 78% in 2024, and 80% last year. The measures include recruitment partnerships with 116 universities and 432 high schools and vocational schools, higher recruitment bonuses, and increased salaries for volunteer service members. Other measures include improving recruitment organization, expanding media outreach, increasing recruiter staffing, and providing career development opportunities. The military will also expand campus outreach and invite prospective recruits to visit military academies. It plans to provide more support for new recruits and adjust assignments based on personnel's household registration locations, Liberty Times reported. Recruitment centers in northern, central, and southern Taiwan will coordinate with military units to promote service opportunities in schools and communities. Recruiters will be assigned targets for specific recruitment programs and intake cycles, with their performance evaluated monthly, quarterly, and every six months. Those who produce no results during an entire quarter could be replaced or reassigned, while those who meet their targets will receive public recognition and rewards. Taiwan Navy to hold large-scale exercise next month Fighter jets, helicopters, and drones will be deployed TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Navy will conduct a large-scale exercise from Sept. 9 to 24 in waters off southeastern Taiwan. According to a Fisheries Agency notice, the Navy will carry out live-fire drills against sea and air targets. They are scheduled for Sept. 9 10, 16 18, and 21 24. No specific weapons were listed, but the notice said fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance drones will be deployed. The Navy has designated three warning zones. Zone 1 is located in waters east of Taimali in Taitung to Eluanbi in Pingtung. Zone 2 extends from the Taitung Pingtung border eastward to waters off Green Island and Orchid Island. Zone 3 is situated in waters east of Chenggong and Taimali in Taitung. In the past three years, the military has deployed a range of weapons during precision munitions live-fire drills, including Hsiung Feng anti-ship missiles and Patriot and Sky Bow air defense missiles, per Liberty Times. Last year, the Kuai Chi attack unmanned surface vessel and Chien Hsiang-series attack drone were unveiled during drills. The exercise announcement comes two weeks after China held navigation exercises, including communications and at-sea replenishment, with an Indonesian Navy frigate in waters east of the country. Taiwan's foreign ministry condemned the move, saying that China disregarded "international norms and responsibilities" and escalated regional tensions. There has been an increase in Chinese gray zone and military activities near Taiwan's eastern waters this year. In late July, Chinese coast guard vessels, the Xiushan and Chongming, were found 280 kilometers and 80 km east of Lanyu, respectively. The Chinese coast guard claimed they were conducting a routine law enforcement mission. National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu ( ) said in July that China has deployed a record of more than 110 military and coast guard ships along the First Island Chain. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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Today, we begin anew!! Let's start with stories about the antagonist in our story First story is a phrase that we've repeated many a time in the last over four years: Taiwan official says China overstates maritime actions Beijing announces Taiwan Strait 'traffic controls' and touts exercise with Indonesian warship TAIPEI (Taiwan News) China has made a series of maritime claims around Taiwan this month, but the actions behind them have been limited, according to a Taiwan security official. The official told Liberty Times that Beijing first announced "traffic controls" in the Taiwan Strait during Typhoon Dolphin, then presented a routine passing exercise with an Indonesian warship off Taiwan's east coast as a significant joint naval exercise. The moves appeared designed to test the boundaries of the existing international order while using information operations to amplify the impression of a growing Chinese maritime presence, the source said. On Aug. 5, China cited typhoon safety concerns when it announced traffic controls for vessels traveling north through the southern entrance of the Taiwan Strait and issued maritime broadcasts instructing vessels to follow directions from Chinese maritime authorities. The official said China's actions amounted largely to the broadcasts, with no evidence of enforcement beyond them. The Maritime and Port Bureau and Mainland Affairs Council condemned the move as an attempt to expand Chinese authority in international waters, Liberty Times reported. The US State Department said Washington "opposes any actions that interfere with high seas freedoms of navigation and overflight that apply in the Taiwan Strait," per CNA. On Aug. 12, China unilaterally announced that it had conducted a joint exercise with an Indonesian Navy frigate in waters off Taiwan's east coast. The source said the Indonesian vessel had previously visited and conducted exercises in Russia, then trained with Japan in the Sea of Japan before sailing south and conducting passing exercises with Japan, China, and the US Navy's Seventh Fleet along its return route. The official said the encounter with the Chinese vessel was essentially a communications test conducted when the ships met in international waters, according to Liberty Times. By describing it as a naval exercise, Beijing sought to mislead the public into believing China has substantive jurisdiction over waters off Taiwan's east coast and create the impression that Indonesia shares China's position on Taiwan. The US responded to both developments, warning against Chinese actions that undermine peace and stability and urging other countries not to amplify Beijing's destabilizing narratives. The official said Washington's rapid responses reflected concern that Chinese gray-zone activities around Taiwan could affect major maritime routes connecting the Pacific and the Taiwan Strait, which are critical to global high-tech supply chains. Another Arab nations joins China. No idea what's going on. A couple of years ago with China as a "peace broker" in the region only amounted to some very nice lunches, but nothing else. I'm not sure what it is the China is offering, but we know it isn't conventional weapons. Taiwan condemns Jordan's endorsement of 'one China' principle Foreign ministry says Chinese pressure strengthens resolve to defend democracy TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Taiwan's foreign ministry on Tuesday condemned Jordan's support for the "one China" principle. Jordan and China issued a joint statement Monday following talks between King Abdullah II and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, backing Beijing's claim over Taiwan. The foreign ministry rejected the statement, saying Taiwan is a sovereign country that is not subordinate to China. "This has long been the objective reality and is widely recognized by the international community," it said. The status quo in the Taiwan Strait cannot be changed by unilateral or improper claims made by any country, the ministry said. "Pressure or intimidation from China will only further strengthen Taiwan's determination to defend its democratic system and resist authoritarian expansion." The ministry criticized the Chinese government for using meetings with foreign heads of state to deliberately issue false statements that diminish Taiwan's sovereignty and mislead international opinion. It urged the international community to recognize China's authoritarian expansionism and reject its disinformation campaign. The ministry said Taiwan remains committed to upholding the universal values of democracy and freedom. It also pledged to continue working with diplomatic allies and like-minded partners to maintain peace and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the region. Foreign ministry says Taiwan missions prepared for transnational repression Taiwan's overseas offices ordered to update emergency response plans TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Taiwan's foreign missions have updated their emergency response plans for possible cases of transnational repression, Lin Shih-hsin ( ), deputy director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of Policy Planning, said at a press conference Tuesday. Lin said Taiwan takes a localized approach to emergencies abroad rather than applying a uniform standard operating procedure. All missions are required to continuously update their plans as circumstances change to provide citizens with maximum protection. Lin's comments come amid concerns that China may intensify its intimidation of Taiwanese citizens abroad after its "Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress" took effect in July. Lin said that since China introduced the law, countries including the US, Germany, and the UK have responded to it. Taiwan's foreign ministry has also urged the international community to closely monitor developments and remain vigilant. Asked whether there was a framework for a collective security network, Lin said cooperation would be pursued through bilateral and multilateral government and civil society channels. This would include strategic communication with countries such as the US and Japan, as well as European nations. Lin said Taiwan had already launched several related initiatives, including an inaugural seminar on countering transnational repression, a Global Cooperation and Training Framework session on the issue, and the Ketagalan Forum. In remarks at the Ketagalan Forum, President Lai Ching-te ( ) said China's ethnic unity law "infringes upon Taiwan's sovereignty and persecutes religions and minority groups." "By using forms of transnational repression, it imposes political censorship in all parts of the world, creating a chilling effect," Lai said. "The entire international community should come together and staunchly oppose this malicious law," he added. I have been waiting for this story for a while now!!! Honduras industrial chief calls for resumption of trade ties with Taiwan Fernando Garcia says Chinese cooperation has not lived up to expectations Fernando Garcia, president of Honduras' National Association of Industrialists, urged the Central American nation to resume trade relations with Taiwan. Under Honduran President Xiomara Castro, the country switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 2023. "We should not allow any country to dictate who we can or cannot engage with," Garcia said in an interview with Radio America on Saturday, per El Heraldo. Honduras had a very good relationship with Taiwan and substantial trade with China, he said, calling for the situation to be "reassessed." Garcia pointed to the US and other countries that maintain ties with both Taiwan and China, arguing that Honduras should define its international relations based on what best serves its own interests. "I have not seen China contribute anything to us. All that talk of cooperation was a lie," Garcia said. He complained that Honduras is flooded with Chinese products of uncertain quality that sellers don't want checked, according to El Heraldo. Garcia also said there are doubts about whether the prices are fair. He said it is necessary to review products imported from China to ensure they meet national standards. "There are many issues we need to examine to determine whether China or Taiwan truly benefits us more." The association president added that while China has funded or built infrastructure projects in other countries in the region, including a soccer stadium in Costa Rica and a library and hospital in El Salvador, "Honduras has received nothing," El Heraldo reported. President Nasry Asfura, who took office in January, has begun reviewing treaties with China signed under Castro before making a final decision on whether to restore diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Asfura had pledged to do so during his campaign. Han Chih-cheng ( ), director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs, said in April that Taiwan is gradually re-engaging with Honduras. Han said small and medium-sized Honduran businesses have been affected by the dumping of low-cost Chinese products, adding that Honduras' trade deficit with China has continued to widen since 2023. 6 months is a long time to make an easy decision for the laziest amongst us, and Nasry bubala has had 7 months. Below are a couple of links to stories with how Taiwan aids and assists other countries with neither country needing to break promises or to be indebted to each other: Taiwan discusses funding development bank in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Foreign ministry says proposed NT$63.75 million grant remains under discussion Taiwan pledges NT$63 million to assist fisheries sector in Pacific allies Taiwan is a founding member of Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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Politics!!!!! (I hate it!!!!) A couple of updates on stories we've been covering. First up is from either yesterday or last week about KMT budget cuts. Let's listen in... Cho's Pingtung visit draws criticism after budget-cut claim Opposition lawmakers say cuts targeted discretionary funds unrelated to disaster response TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Premier Cho Jung-tai ( ) surveyed areas of Pingtung County affected by recent severe rainfall Tuesday after saying Monday that budget cuts meant he could only assess conditions by telephone. Cho said he and President Lai Ching-te ( ) had already arranged visits to Pingtung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, per Tai Sounds. He said visiting Pingtung provided more insight into the difficulties facing farmers. When asked about alternative funding proposed by the opposition to facilitate his visit, Cho said he would gladly accept proposals to use the secondary reserve fund or other funds to overcome cuts to policy implementation liaison funding, per NOWNews. He added that although the secondary reserve fund and disaster reserve fund were not cut during the budget review, passing the 2026 budget 351 days after the legislature received it was a serious matter. Cabinet Spokesperson Michelle Lee ( ) also rejected opposition claims that Cho's attendance at events hosted by medical associations Sunday amounted to campaigning, per Z.Media. Her comments came in response to KMT lawmakers who said Cho's appearances at events in Taipei and Taichung, accompanied by the respective DPP mayoral candidates, appeared to be campaign activities, per UDN. Cho's comments continued to draw criticism from the opposition. KMT Legislator Weng Hsiao-ling ( ) said her proposal to freeze four months of Cho's salary and cut roughly 90% of his NT$6 million (US$188,220) discretionary spending fund would not affect his ability to survey the impact of torrential rain in southern Taiwan, per Liberty Times. She added that Cho could finance a chartered flight to Japan at his own expense but could not afford to visit southern Taiwan. For the orange part, Thank you KMT Legislator Weng Hsiao-ling for saving me the effort of recounting your nefarious budget cutting, and thank you for the purple highlight!!! Previously you said that Premier Cho had the government pay for his trip to Japan! Did you have the doctors pull your head out of your ass, or did perhaps friends or family did it for you? (I may come back and edit this out as it is very gratuitous but not "beneath" me.) KMT Taipei City Council candidate Chen Kuan-an ( ) said the disaster reserve fund was increased to NT$5 billion in the 2026 budget from the NT$2 billion typically allocated before 2025, per UDN. He said the cuts directly affecting Cho concerned his discretionary spending fund, which Chen argued had little to do with disaster relief. TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang ( ) said Cho's visit Tuesday contradicted his comments Monday, per Liberty Times. He called on Cho to focus on southern Taiwan and his duties. DPP lawmakers came to Cho's defense. DPP legislative caucus Secretary-General Chuang Jui-hsiung ( ) said Cho's initial comments were a reminder that legislative oversight of budget cuts was not sufficiently precise, resulting in a 90% reduction in necessary spending, per CNA. DPP Legislator Chung Chia-pin ( ) said opposition lawmakers were asking Cho to work without providing the necessary funding. He added that the Cabinet has always been at the forefront of providing aid in recent years. Puma goes on the attack! In his editorial photo, he's hair isn't combed, so he means business!!!! Puma Shen presses Chiang Wan-an over Xinyi parasol project DPP candidate raises five questions, calls for regular policy debates TAIPEI (Taiwan News) DPP Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen ( ) on Tuesday urged Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an ( ) to answer questions about the city's NT$50 million (US$1.57 million) parasol project in Xinyi District. The project involves installing eight large mushroom-shaped parasols at pedestrian crossings in Xinyi District to provide shade during hot weather. Shen said the city government should answer five questions amid the ongoing controversy, per NOWNews. He asked why the project began before funds were allocated, why the city government disregarded expert advice, why the administration concealed roughly NT$100 million in funding connected to the project, why the parasol was added to the original oral agreement, and why installation would not be completed until winter. Shen also called on Chiang to hold regular debates on city governance. In response to Chiang's statement that debates were unnecessary because he addresses residents' concerns daily, Shen said Chiang's daily engagement suggested he had sufficient time to debate him. The Xinyi District project has attracted criticism from TPP and DPP Taipei city councilors. TPP Taipei City Councilor Chen You-cheng ( ) said the city government missed its original completion deadline at the end of August and moved it to Jan. 15, 2027, per Storm Media. Chen urged the city to address the delays and consider private-sector solutions. DPP Taipei City Councilor Chien Shu-pei ( ) said the project remained unfinished more than a year after Chiang instructed the city administration in May 2025 to proceed with it, per UP Media. Chiang said Sunday that the project had been delayed because it failed to meet construction standards, per Tai Sounds. The Taipei City Government's New Construction Office said contractors had found that some welds did not meet standards and were instructed to improve their methods, per Liberty Times. Former DPP Spokesperson Chuo Kuan-ting ( ) said the parasols have a two-year warranty and that subsequent repairs would be funded through the road-lighting maintenance budget, per Liberty Times. He questioned the city government's claim that the parasols could last at least 30 years when their bases have a five-year warranty and the umbrellas themselves have a two-year warranty. There really isn't much more to complain about between these two, but it's the political season, so here we are. I don't think Puma will win because Johnny Chiang is a pretty good mayor although the Mistress Cheng faction has tried four times to screw him over in this campaign. Mistress Cheng and her ilk want to remove the "old" from the KMT to make it even more able to snap to for the CCP. Lai backs expanded flood-control plans near Tainan university City to work with campus on underground detention facilities TAIPEI (Taiwan News) President Lai Ching-te ( ) on Tuesday backed plans to expand flood-control facilities near Kun Shan University in Tainan after heavy rain flooded roads around the campus. Lai inspected conditions outside the university's main gate and received briefings from Tainan's Water Resources Bureau and Mayor Huang Wei-che ( ), per CNA. He said the flooding showed that further improvements were needed despite years of investment in flood-control infrastructure. Lai said more than 50,000 hectares of Tainan were flooded during Typhoon Morakot, compared with about 400 hectares during the latest rainfall despite similar cumulative precipitation, per Liberty Times. He attributed the reduction to cooperation between central and local governments and investment in flood-control infrastructure. Lai said improvements around Kun Shan University during his tenure as Tainan mayor included widening and deepening the Sanye River, raising embankments, reducing the number of piers at Wandai Bridge, and leasing university land for a pumping station. Lai said he supported plans to build a drainage channel to the pumping station and underground detention facilities on university land, with the Ministry of the Interior and Water Resources Agency providing budget support. Huang said the city also plans to install box culverts along Kunda Road and work with the university on an underground detention basin and forebay, potentially combining the facilities with parking or recreational space. and now a little story for me: Taiwan's first F-16V Block 70 jets reach Guam First batch of 2 aircraft will undergo ground inspections following handover TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Taiwan's first batch of two F-16V Block 70 fighter jets has reached Guam and is now awaiting a safe flight window with favorable weather conditions to continue to Chihang Air Force Base in Taitung. A military source said on Monday that US pilots are flying the two aircraft, with serial numbers 6727 and 6728, Liberty Times reported. Before heading to Taiwan, US Air Force insignia stickers will be removed, and Taiwan Air Force insignia will be shown. The aircraft will join the Air Force after a formal handover, they said. Once the two fighter jets arrive in Taitung and formally enter service, they will immediately undergo ground inspections and subsequent conversion training, per Liberty Times. The US has pledged to accelerate production and deliver more F-16s within the year, seeking to transfer the remaining aircraft by 2028. The F-16Vs have more thrust, an optimized airframe, and beyond-visual-range capabilities. They are also equipped with active electronically scanned array radars capable of electronic warfare. The Air Force allocated NT$247.23 billion (US$7.7 billion) in funding from 2020 to 2026 to acquire 66 new F-16V jets under the Feng Hsiang Project. All aircraft were originally scheduled for delivery to Taiwan this year, but the timeline has been delayed due to a production line relocation and supply chain disruptions. Lockheed Martin reportedly increased work to two shifts to speed up production. Under a separate Feng Chan Project, Lockheed Martin and Taiwan's Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. upgraded Taiwan's 140 F-16A/B fighters to the F-16V Block 20 standard. All retrofitting was completed in December 2023. Taiwan opened an F-16 maintenance center in Taichung in 2020 to handle repairs for its fleet. The facility cost approximately NT$110 billion and is authorized by Lockheed Martin to service the aircraft. 
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Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
|
Today, the effects of the latest Typhoon are being felt, so there's more political news than anything, but we should start with China and then move to the consequences of the KMT/TPP circuses in the second block. First story is a good reminder that when traveling to another country, use a second clean phone. These people don't need to store photos of your kids or grab your chats to your dealer. Taiwan warns new cybersecurity rules could allow phone inspections when entering China Council warns overseas political speech could trigger scrutiny when traveling to China TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Shen Yu-chung ( ) warned Tuesday that China's new cybersecurity rules could allow authorities to inspect travelers' phones and scrutinize political speech. China announced new cybersecurity inspection rules for public security authorities, which are scheduled to take effect Oct. 1, per Mirror Media. Shen said county-level public security authorities can conduct physical mobile phone inspections and that online statements or political positions expressed outside China could potentially violate Chinese regulations. More than 400 cases in recent years have involved Taiwanese who went missing, were questioned, or were detained in China for religious or political reasons, Mirror Media reported. The common feature of China's new laws and regulations, according to Shen, is their "vague and abstract" language, which gives enforcement agencies broad discretion and creates considerable uncertainty, per CNA. He warned that this could encourage officials to err on the side of excessive enforcement and abuse their powers rather than risk overlooking violations. Shen said the measures reflect an increasingly restrictive environment in China, particularly as controls over cyberspace are tightened. He warned that people could face consequences for expressing political views or making other statements, potentially leading to situations in which they could enter China but be unable to leave. Shen urged the public to be aware of the risks of traveling to China, according to CNA. He recommended avoiding unnecessary travel to China, Hong Kong, and Macau and registering trips online before departure, while stressing that the government does not prohibit healthy and orderly cross-strait exchanges. Chinese weapon system story. Please take with a grain of a salt: China develops hypersonic weapons able to hit long-range strategic targets TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Chinese military has developed hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) that can launch air-to-air weapons to hit strategic targets thousands of kilometers away, per Bloomberg. HGVs are highly maneuverable warheads that can travel at speeds of at least Mach 5. They can also reach the atmosphere and change course after being released from their rocket boosters, according to a May US Congress report. "No other country is known to operate weapons that combine an HGV with air-to-air missiles," Bloomberg said. A hypersonic glide vehicle deployed from a DF-17 missile could travel about 2,400 km, nearly reaching Guam, which houses key US military facilities, Bloomberg reported. The DF-27 missile has a maximum range of about 8,000 km, which puts Hawaii in striking distance. US defense officials said the Chinese HGV can make "extreme maneuvers" during flight, which would allow it to breach US ballistic missile defenses, the congressional report said. China also retrofitted air-to-air capabilities to some hypersonic cruise missiles and incorporated anti-ship capabilities into several types of missiles, Bloomberg cited a source with direct knowledge of the matter. This advancement is part of China's efforts to use its missiles for all military purposes, the source said. This could seriously threaten US air operations in a potential conflict with China. Bloomberg pointed out some drawbacks to these advanced missiles, saying, "To be sure, using what is essentially a ballistic missile to attack a distant aircraft is costly, difficult and risky." They can take 20 minutes or more to reach distant targets, so they need very accurate targeting data, Bloomberg said. This long process of gathering and sending information makes them easier to disrupt. They can also be mistaken for nuclear missiles, which makes them risky to use, especially in a major war, because they could accidentally trigger a nuclear response, Bloomberg added. China began to increase missile production last year, according to Bloomberg. The Pentagon estimated that China had at least 3,150 ballistic missiles and 300 ground-launched cruise missiles as of 2024, it said. Meanwhile, the US has developed the AIM-174B, which is based on the RTX SM-6 air defense missile. Its exact range is classified, but the ground-launched SM-6 has a range of at least 400 km, per Bloomberg. Retired Taiwan major recruited 2 sons in military to spy for China Spy ring passed military secrets to China for about 6 years TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Taiwan High Court handed prison sentences to a retired major and one of his sons Tuesday in a spying case involving military secrets passed to China. After retiring from the military decades ago, Lee Hai-peng ( ) found work organizing trips to China, per Liberty Times. During one of those trips, Chinese intelligence officers recruited him to spy for China, the court said. He asked a former colleague and his two sons, who were both serving in the armed forces, to collect confidential information. The group obtained military secrets for about six years before being discovered, the court said. The Investigation Bureau verified with the Ministry of National Defense that the intelligence passed to China was genuine. In the initial High Court trial, Lee's former colleague Lee Wen-sheng ( ) and his two sons received prison sentences ranging from 26 to 38 months. After retrials and appeals, Lee Wen-sheng's 15-year sentence and Lee Yu-sheng's ( ) sentence of two years and one month were finalized by the Supreme Court in December. On Tuesday, the High Court sentenced Lee Hai-peng to 11 years and six months and his other son, Lee Chu-hsiang ( ), to 16 years. The court ruled that Lee Hai-peng had cooperated with the authorities, while Lee Chu-hsiang had failed to admit his full role in the spying, Liberty Times reported. Appeals against the latest High Court verdicts are still possible. That's the one thing I've noticed about the spy world (or spy game for a hollywood reference) in Asia: nobody becomes a traitor out of a genuine moral conviction or for ideological reasons. It's all for money and very transactional. This is a juxtaposition for our next story with the other Chinese National being a member of the TPP: Former TPP lawmaker Lee Chen-hsiu announces bid for Zhubei mayor May face eligibility challenges over nationality as she seeks return to public office TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Former TPP Legislator Lee Chen-hsiu ( ) announced her bid for Zhubei mayor Wednesday, after being expelled from the party following a series of intraparty conflicts. Lee proposed policies addressing transportation, education, entertainment, the environment, and city governance, per Tai Sounds. She focused on improving existing regulations and infrastructure to make roads safer and the environment cleaner for residents. Lee said her proposals were based on her experience as a mother and resident of the city. The TPP initially defended Lee against the government's controversial attempt to remove her from office under the Nationality Act. However, the party eventually expelled Lee after she repeatedly disclosed sensitive issues within the party and publicly clashed with its leadership. The TPP was fine and comfortable with her being a Chinese citizen with no way to determine her political allegiance, but they weren't fine with her leaking TPP secrets. Please contemplate on this. Several TPP politicians responded to Lee's announcement. TPP Zhubei mayoral candidate Chiu Chen-yuan ( ) said he had been aware of Lee's intention since last week and would seek to win support as the party's nominated candidate, per UDN. TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang ( ) said he respected every citizen's right to participate in elections and would refrain from commenting extensively on the issue, per UDN. However, he suggested that Lee's candidacy might not have a significant impact on Chiu's campaign. TPP Legislator Chen Chao-tzu ( ) expressed a similar view, stressing that Lee is no longer barred by party rules from running for Zhubei mayor following her expulsion, per SETN. However, Chen questioned whether the Ministry of the Interior would seek Lee's removal under the Nationality Act if she won the election. I'm still at the "amazed" phase, and hopefully will soon transition to "entertained." Lee faces two issues concerning her eligibility for public office. First, the interior ministry has sought to apply the Nationality Act while setting aside the special law governing eligibility of Chinese nationals for public office. Second, the Mainland Affairs Council has issued new interpretations of the special law's eligibility requirements, under which Chinese nationals must have held Taiwanese household registration for 10 years before becoming eligible for public office. Central Election Commission Chair You Ying-lung ( ) responded to questions about Lee's announcement, saying the Hsinchu County Election Commission would handle the matter, per CNA. He said the nationality issue was not a concern, but that the MAC's determination that the eligibility period begins when individuals submit documents renouncing their Chinese household registration could affect Lee's eligibility. You added that unless controversies arise over her candidacy, the CEC would not intervene. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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Speaking of You from the CEC, we have an update on the KMT trying to get referendums into the voting schedule for this November's elections. As a reminder, the KMT and TPP have also cut the budget of the CEC and also have not voted in the new members. Taiwan CEC chair against combining referendum questions on ballot You Ying-lung warns proposal could increase errors and complicate vote counting TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Central Election Commission Chair You Ying-lung ( ) on Wednesday strongly opposed putting multiple referendum questions on one ballot, warning the change could disrupt elections. CNA reported that the legislature could pass the proposed Referendum Act amendment on Friday. You urged lawmakers to delay it, saying the CEC had identified 11 major problems. The proposal would place several referendum questions on one ballot instead of using a separate ballot for each question. Supporters say this could reduce the number of ballots voters collect and make voting more efficient, per UDN. You said fewer ballots would not necessarily make voting or counting faster. Election workers would still need to count each referendum question separately. He also rejected comparisons with the US, where multiple questions and candidates can appear on one ballot. You said the US uses different ballot designs, optical scanners, electronic counting systems, worker training, and voting procedures, per TTV News. Taiwan cannot adopt only one part of the US system without changing the equipment and procedures that support it, You said. He warned the proposal could create more problems than it solves. The commission said the change could increase invalid ballots, make some voting choices harder, and create difficulties for visually impaired voters. It could also complicate vote monitoring, recounts, decisions on ballot validity, and storage of election materials. Local election commissions have also raised concerns about the proposal. You said Taiwan has less than 100 days before the Nov. 28 election and not enough time to make the necessary changes, per TVBS News. Rushing the new system into use could increase the risk of election errors, he said. You added that the issue was not simply technical, but whether Taiwan's election system could safely and effectively carry out the change. We'll see what happens in a couple of more days!! As a reminder about the "mooncake" story: The KMT/TPP cut a portion of President Lai's discretionary budget and frozen the remainder. One purpose for this budget could be for charitable giving. In the story from last week, you may recall that a KMT member mouthed off to say that he bought 100 boxes for charity, and that if Lai felt that strong, he should use his own money to do likewise. Then a story from another newspaper was about Lai spending NT$200,000 on Charity. It's a discretionary budget, not a personal one which is how the KMT must have always treated it. Mooncake orders spark fight over Taiwan president's discretionary fund Opposition budget cuts trigger dispute over canceled sheltered-workshop purchases and the use of State Affairs Funds TAIPEI (Taiwan News) DPP Spokesperson Wu Cheng ( ) criticized opposition lawmakers Wednesday for encouraging purchases of mooncake gift boxes from sheltered workshops, saying the purchases could not make up for the impact of cuts to the State Affairs Fund. KMT lawmaker Weng Hsiao-ling ( ) proposed and secured approval for an NT$10 million (US$314,252) reduction and an NT$20 million freeze in the Presidential Office's State Affairs Fund, per UDN. She said Sunday that the frozen funds would be released if President Lai Ching-te ( ) promulgated laws that Premier Cho Jung-tai ( ) had refused to countersign. Under Taiwan's Constitution, the premier can ask the legislature to reconsider passed bills. If the legislature upholds a bill after reconsideration, the premier must accept it. If the Cabinet believes a bill may violate the Constitution, it can refer the legislation to the Constitutional Court for a ruling on its constitutionality. Weng's proposal drew criticism. Political commentator Huang Wei-han ( ) noted that former President Ma Ying-jeou ( ) had also used discretionary funds for charitable purposes with the backing of KMT lawmakers, per Liberty Times. Huang said Lai could not promulgate a bill into law if Cho refused to countersign it. He added that the president has the constitutional authority to appoint the premier. The Parents' Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability criticized the opposition's budget cuts for their potential impact on sheltered workshops, per UDN. While acknowledging the need for government oversight, the association said vulnerable groups should not bear the political cost of disputes between political parties. The association also called for greater integration of workers with disabilities into society. Rather than relying on seasonal orders, it said consistent year-round demand could allow workers to contribute more fully to the economy instead of depending on charitable support. Opposition lawmakers and municipal officials have promoted additional purchases from charitable organizations and sheltered workshops. KMT Caucus Convener Fu Kun-chi ( ) said the KMT makes such purchases every year and would be willing to contribute more, per FTNN. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen ( ) accused the Presidential Office of "maliciously" canceling the orders, per ETtoday. She said the Taichung City Government would step in to cover losses suffered by charitable organizations in the city. DPP lawmaker Wang Shih-chien ( ) pushed back against Lu's characterization, saying the government was forced to cancel the orders rather than doing so with malicious intent, per Newtalk. He called on both political camps not to tarnish charitable efforts with unfair political framing. Wu said the opposition's efforts to make up for the roughly 15,000 canceled orders from sheltered workshops showed that opposition lawmakers understood the consequences of their cuts, per Tai Sounds. He argued that the controversy ultimately stemmed from what he called unreasonable reductions to the government budget. KMT lawmaker Hsu Chiao-hsin ( ) rejected the DPP's attempt to link the budget reduction directly to charitable purchases, per NOWNews. She said the government is already required to allocate a certain percentage of its procurement to charitable organizations or sheltered workshops, meaning the State Affairs Fund cuts should not necessarily have such a significant impact on sales. Hsu nevertheless urged the opposition to be cautious about its cuts, noting that the loss of even a single order could harm organizations serving some of society's most vulnerable people. If alternative funding is available to support sheltered workshops, she said, the issue should not be framed simply as whether the government can make purchases without using the State Affairs Fund. Hsu said the central issue should instead be whether public budgets are being used properly and whether the government's existing programs effectively support vulnerable groups. And AGAIN as a reminder, the KMT/TPP cut out the funding out of the Special Defense Budget for Drones. Taiwan legislators to vote on military drone bill after negotiations fail Thursday vote will decide unresolved oversight and funding disputes TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Legislators will vote Thursday on a bill supporting drone and uncrewed vehicle industries after party negotiations failed to resolve disputes over oversight, funding, and spending. CNA reported that Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu ( ) held cross-party talks Wednesday on 14 versions of the bill submitted by the Cabinet and political parties. Legislators also agreed to move Friday's legislative session to Thursday because of the approaching Typhoon Saudel. The main disputes involve which ministries should oversee the program, whether funding should come from regular annual budgets or a special budget, and how much money should be allocated. After nearly 30 minutes of private talks, Han focused the negotiations on those three issues. TPP Legislator Hung Yu-hsiang ( ) said his party supports giving the defense ministry responsibility for defense procurement, research, technology imports, cybersecurity reviews, and testing. The party also favors annual budgets, with government agencies setting funding levels based on need, per UDN. KMT Legislator Hsu Yu-chen ( ) said the party wants the bill to cover both defense procurement and industry development. She said the economics and defense ministries could each oversee areas under their responsibilities. The KMT supports annual budgets and proposes NT$240 billion (US$7.5 billion) over six years, or NT$40 billion a year. Hsu said this approach would allow the legislature to review spending every year. DPP caucus whip Chuang Jui-hsiung ( ) said the economics ministry should oversee industry development, supply chain upgrades, and domestic production. He said it could also be reasonable for both the economics and defense ministries to share responsibilities, per Economic Daily News. However, Chuang said a special law and special budget would be more suitable for a long-term program requiring continued defense planning. Unlike regular annual budgets, a special budget could provide separate funding for the multiyear program. Han ended the talks after the parties failed to reach an agreement and said the bill would be handled during Thursday's legislative session. Legislators are expected to settle the remaining disputes through votes. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
|
Today, we're not starting with China!! We're starting with the KMT!! Because they're in a marked retreat from when "grlboss" Mistress Cheng took over in November!!! Taiwan passes NT$240 billion drone development, procurement law KMT-backed measure replaces Cabinet's special procurement proposal The KMT cut this portion of the Special Defense Budget because they said it should be placed in the General Defense Budget, so they can vote on it every year. Let's see what they did?????? TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The legislature passed a six-year, NT$240 billion (US$7.3 billion) law Thursday covering unmanned vehicle development and procurement, adopting a KMT-backed framework instead of the Cabinet's NT$210 billion special procurement proposal, per Economic Daily News. The Legislative Yuan voted 60 50 to adopt the KMT caucus version of legislation titled the Act to Strengthen National Defense Self-Reliance and Promote the Development of the Unmanned Vehicle Industry. The measure is an ordinary law rather than a special procurement act and will take effect six months after promulgation, with certain details to be set by the Cabinet. The Cabinet proposed its legislation in June after drones and unmanned boats were excluded from the NT$780 billion special defense procurement law passed in May. Its NT$210 billion proposal focused on gradually acquiring three categories of military systems through December 2031, according to the Executive Yuan. Thursday's law retains those three categories while providing for broader support for Taiwan's unmanned vehicle industry through annual government budgets. The statute designates the Ministry of Economic Affairs as the lead agency, while the Ministry of National Defense will oversee military procurement. Procurement, research and development subsidies, imports of critical technologies, cybersecurity reviews, and test-range zoning will be coordinated with the relevant ministries. Under the law, the central government will allocate funds through its annual budgets for six consecutive years, totaling NT$240 billion. Annual spending is set at NT$40 billion in principle, though the total and annual amounts may be increased as needed. Funding may come from ministry budgets or designated government funds. The Cabinet will establish a National Unmanned Vehicle Industry Development Strategy Special Committee to coordinate and supervise national policy. The committee will meet at least twice a year and may convene emergency sessions in response to major events. The committee will have 15 to 19 members, be chaired by the vice premier, and include the heads of relevant government agencies as well as experts recommended by the legislative caucuses. The lead agency will coordinate with other ministries every four years on an unmanned vehicle industry development program, with reviews conducted every two years. The program must be reviewed by the committee and approved by the Cabinet before being submitted to the legislature for reference. For military procurement, the defense ministry must acquire unmanned attack and reconnaissance systems suited to the different phases of a potential amphibious operation. The systems include the Cabinet-approved coastal surveillance drones, coastal attack drones, and small one-way attack unmanned boats, per CNA. Organizations that use products posing national security risks may be disqualified from receiving subsidies, required to repay them, and fined one to three times the amount received. False applications may result in fines of NT$1 million to NT$5 million, while companies refusing inspections face fines of NT$500,000 to NT$3 million. Drone manufacturers may apply for tax breaks, investment credits, deferred taxation, and other assistance available under existing industrial innovation, small-business, defense industry, and tax laws. Companies found to have committed violations within the previous three years will be excluded from tax incentives and required to repay benefits received. The immediate conflict it set up between the Mistress and actual smart people was that the Taiwanese Drone industry is in a heavily KMT affiliated area. She essentially shut off money to people of whom she needs their votes. But wait! There's more!! The KMT is not done retreating. Next story is about Mistress Cheng's factional leader: Fu!!! KMT secures new caucus official after prolonged recruitment failure Lawmakers concerned clash between legislative speaker and party caucus could hurt electoral prospects Speaker Han recently took on Mistress Cheng by attacking Fu and putting the entire blame of the KMT not passing the National budget all on Fu who's attendance record was beyond piss poor. it was smooth. TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The KMT legislative caucus drafted lawmaker Hung Meng-kai ( ) on Thursday to serve as chief deputy secretary-general in the next session, while retaining Fu Kun-chi ( ) as caucus convener and promoting Hsu Yu-chen ( ) to secretary-general. Despite plans to hold elections for caucus positions Thursday, no lawmaker had registered to compete by noon, per UP Media. As a result, the KMT decided to directly appoint Hung as chief deputy secretary-general. Hung said in an interview that Fu called him to ask him to serve in the caucus until Jan. 31, 2027. Explaining his decision, Hung noted that during the two legislative sessions preceding a general election, caucus positions are customarily filled by at-large legislators. With KMT Legislative Caucus Secretary-General Lin Pei-hsiang ( ) set to retire from his position Sept. 1, Fu had been seeking a new candidate to serve as chief deputy secretary-general, per NOWNews. A KMT lawmaker who attended an Aug. 14 discussion on candidates for the new caucus position said most lawmakers would need to campaign in their districts during the November local elections, making at-large legislators more likely to take on caucus roles. A former caucus official said the narrow seat difference between the KMT and DPP, combined with the need to negotiate with the TPP, has increased pressure on caucus officials. Another KMT lawmaker said tensions between Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu ( ) and Fu have made serving in the caucus particularly precarious. The lawmaker said that "if serving the party might risk being singled out and ridiculed by fellow party members, lawmakers are more inclined to stay away from the role," per NOWNews. A source within the KMT legislative caucus said that because Fu has never allowed other caucus officials to share power, most KMT lawmakers are reluctant to participate. During caucus negotiations Aug. 11, Han singled out Lin and asked whether Fu had authorized him to sign official documents for the negotiations, per UDN. Han then criticized Fu for not attending the meeting and not authorizing Lin to act on his behalf. After the meeting, Lin said decisions are made through the consensus of the three caucus officials or the caucus as a whole, and he was therefore unwilling to claim he had been authorized by Fu, per Z.Media. He added that he understood why Han was in a hurry to advance legislative business and did not blame him for singling him out. Fu responded by saying his absence was a protest against what he described as the executive branch's ongoing interference with legislative prerogatives, per CNA. He said his respect for Han had prompted him to oppose the Cabinet's refusal to countersign bills passed by the legislature. Next we have the referendums that the KMT wanted to inject in the upcoming elections: Taiwan opposition pulls referendum reform proposals from legislative agenda Election commission chair warns changes may cause trouble in November's local elections TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The legislature decided Thursday to postpone consideration of referendum reforms that would allow multiple referendum questions to appear on a single ballot. The KMT and TPP legislative caucuses had been poised to pass the referendum reform and drone legislation on the final day of the current legislative session. During caucus negotiations chaired by Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu ( ), the KMT backed down and agreed to postpone the referendum reform, per ETtoday. It's looking like Speaker Han (remember: retired General and old school KMT) is exerting force over the Mistress Cheng faction. KMT Caucus Convener Fu Kun-chi ( ) said the party had received a request from Central Election Commission Chair You Ying-lung ( ) and would strive to accommodate it, per SETN. He noted that the reforms would not take effect in the 2026 local elections, giving the CEC time to adapt and prepare. You strongly objected to the opposition's referendum reform proposal Wednesday, warning that rushed implementation could increase the risk of election-administration errors. He stressed that introducing changes less than 100 days before an election could create more problems than they solve. The parties' positions on the reform proposal largely fell along partisan lines. Premier Cho Jung-tai ( ) cautioned against the proposal, noting its potential impact on voting and vote counting, per Tai Sounds. DPP legislative caucus official Fan Yun ( ) echoed Cho's warning, stressing that "elections could not be treated like experiments," per Liberty Times. Among opposition lawmakers, You's comments drew pushback. KMT lawmaker Lai Shyh-pao ( ) said the proposal was intended to avoid the chaos experienced during the 2018 local elections, when a large number of referendum questions significantly increased voting and vote-counting times, per UDN. He suggested that You's criticism of the opposition's reform proposal, without providing a workable alternative, was an attempt to reduce the number of referendum proposals. TPP Legislative Caucus Convener Chen Ching-lung ( ) rejected You's characterization of the reform proposal as a "bad idea," noting that the TPP's version of the amendment would give the CEC greater flexibility, per FTNN. He argued that You had deliberately disregarded the TPP's goodwill. Let's see what awaits us in the last story of this block: KMT punishes members for breaking ranks and attacking party lawmakers Expelled former official accuses party of becoming a CCP-controlled body in Taiwan TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The KMT Central Standing Committee on Wednesday approved the Party Disciplinary Committee's recommendation to expel former KMT official Ting Yu ( ) from the party and extend former KMT Spokesperson Hsiao Ching-yan's ( ) suspension by two years. Hsiao's membership had already been suspended for one year over his attacks on KMT lawmakers during the recall campaign targeting KMT legislators, per UDN. Disciplinary Committee Chair Chang Ya-ping ( ) said Hsiao's latest actions were less severe than those that resulted in his initial suspension but warranted an additional two-year penalty because they occurred while he was already suspended. Regarding Ting's expulsion, Chang said his public opposition to the party's cross-strait exchange policy, its position on military procurement, and its anti-tainted-oil resolution and July 25 rally, as well as his call for voters not to support Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's( ) reelection bid, constituted clear violations of party disciplinary rules. He said the Taipei branch's disciplinary committee had recommended expulsion based in part on Ting's attitude after the violations. The Central Standing Committee supported the recommendation and unanimously passed the two motions, per Liberty Times. Ting responded by accusing the KMT of attempting to humiliate the "real KMT" and said the move represented "the founding of a CCP branch in Taiwan," per Up Media. Ting called on his supporters to vote against the KMT in the November local elections. He also attempted to attend Wednesday's Central Standing Committee meeting, saying in a statement that Sun Yat-sen ( ), founder of the Republic of China, and former ROC leaders Chiang Kai-shek ( ) and Chiang Ching-kuo ( ) had asked him to attend in a dream, per Tai Sounds. DPP Legislative Caucus Secretary-General Chuang Jui-hsiung ( ) criticized the expulsion, saying the KMT only dared to punish minor figures rather than prominent members such as KMT lawmaker Weng Hsiao-ling ( ), who recently proposed cuts to the president's discretionary fund, per Liberty Times. He argued that the KMT's local factions were losing influence to factions favoring closer ties with China. KMT Legislative Caucus Secretary-General Lin Pei-hsiang ( ) rejected comparisons between Ting and Weng, per ETtoday. He said Ting and Hsiao had attacked fellow KMT lawmakers during the recall campaign, while Weng was exercising her duties as a legislator. Lin said comparing Weng's actions with those of Ting and Hsiao was inappropriate. Here's a link to that story: Former KMT spokesperson withdraws from New Taipei council primary We, of course, will be on the look out for retaliation by the other factions. It's not only fair; it's also right. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
|
Block 2 = China Flu (relax, it just rhymes; we don't need a sub-forum for this!) China urges citizens to leave Taiwan ally Eswatini over 'security risks' Eswatini says warning misrepresents security situation after 40 Chinese nationals detained The King of Eswatini sent his plane to pick up Lai in Taiwan and return him after the events. TAIPEI (Taiwan News) China has urged its citizens to leave Taiwan's diplomatic ally Eswatini, citing "extremely high security risks" after local media reported that Chinese nationals had been detained over suspected online gambling. China's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday advised Chinese citizens against traveling to Eswatini and urged those already there to leave or relocate to "relatively safer areas," including South Africa, per Tai Sounds. It said those who remain could face delays in receiving assistance. The warning came the same day the Times of Eswatini reported that 40 Chinese citizens had been detained since last month after attempting to leave the country. The report said they were among more than 100 foreign nationals arrested in March during raids in and around the capital, Mbabane, targeting suspected illegal online gambling operations. It looks like another Chinese criminal gang was setting up shop in Eswatini when the Police there developed intel and evidence of this Chinese gang setting up shop because as we've seen previously, time and time again, the Chinese have a 4700 year old history of using criminal gangs to pursue government policies. First set up the gangs in small criminal enterprises and work your way up to prostitution and moving drugs and weapons the entire purpose is to break the morality norms of a nation/Country/culture. Look at here!!!!! According to the report, lawyers for the Chinese nationals wrote to Eswatini's attorney general and Ministry of Home Affairs, stating that the detainees had pleaded guilty to breaching immigration laws and paid court-ordered fines. The lawyers said the group was released under a High Court order and that their re-arrests contravened the ruling. At a Wednesday press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian cited a "complex security situation" in Eswatini, saying telecom fraud and online gambling were rampant and safety risks were extremely high. He said travel advisories were common practice and that China had issued similar warnings before. Lin did not directly answer when asked whether the warning was related to Eswatini's lack of diplomatic relations with China, according to Tai Sounds. Eswatini's government said in a statement Wednesday that China had the sovereign right to issue travel advisories to its citizens, but that any suggestion the country faced unusual or widespread security risks was inconsistent with the actual situation. Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli called the warning regrettable. Mdluli said recent law enforcement actions involving foreign nationals, mainly Chinese citizens, targeted suspected organized cybercrime and were carried out strictly in accordance with Eswatini law. She rejected suggestions that the operation indicated a failure of public security or that Eswatini had become a center for cybercrime. She described Eswatini as a peaceful, stable, law-governed country where citizens, residents, and foreign visitors are protected by the constitution. The government rejected attempts to portray a single law enforcement operation as evidence of systemic crime. Mdluli stressed that Eswatini's foreign policy and diplomatic relations were sovereign decisions and that the country would not accept coercion or destabilization for exercising that sovereignty. China and Eswatini do not have diplomatic relations, while Eswatini maintains formal ties with Taiwan. Beijing has long pressured Taiwan's diplomatic allies to sever relations with Taipei and establish ties with China. In April, President Lai Ching-te ( ) faced a disruption to his planned flight to Eswatini after Taiwan accused Beijing of pressuring Madagascar, Seychelles, and Mauritius to revoke airspace clearances for his presidential plane. Lai subsequently made a surprise trip to Eswatini aboard Eswatini King Mswati III's Airbus A340. In February, China announced that imports from 53 African countries would receive zero-tariff treatment, excluding Eswatini, per AFP. Next story is about conclusions drawn from data that's hard to refute: Taiwan says Xiaohongshu scam cases fell after access blocked MAC says financial losses linked to platform dropped 66% in 8 months TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said Thursday that reported scams linked to Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu fell sharply after authorities blocked access to the platform last year. MAC Deputy Minister and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh ( ) said 145 scam cases involving Xiaohongshu were reported from December 2025 through July, resulting in NT$33.88 million (US$1.07 million) in losses, per CNA. That compared with 525 cases and NT$98.90 million in losses from April through November 2025. The figures represent a 72% decline in reported cases and a 66% drop in financial losses between the two eight-month periods. Liang said Taiwan stopped resolving Xiaohongshu's domain name in December as part of a temporary one-year restriction intended to combat fraud. He said the platform had failed to respond to requests from the Taiwan government on preventing scams, prompting authorities to impose the block. The decline in cases and losses showed the measure had produced clear results, Liang said, adding that the data indicated Xiaohongshu had been favored by fraud rings. He said Taiwan hopes the platform will respond to government requests, warning that authorities may take further measures if it continues to refuse. The comments came after Zhang Han ( ), a spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, criticized the block at a news conference Wednesday. I'm not going to separate into a new block: Defense News Taiwan warns of surge in Chinese maritime gray zone tactics Coast Guard Administration tracked Chinese vessels near Taiwan 244 times in July TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration (CGA) has warned of an intensifying situation as Beijing steps up maritime gray zone tactics around the country. "When we say the situation is becoming increasingly severe, we mean that the number of their government vessels in the waters surrounding Taiwan has increased, and there was a marked increase in July," a senior CGA official told Agence France-Presse (AFP). Chinese ships have been tracked 1,247 times around Taiwan since May, according to CGA figures. The CGA detected Chinese government vessels around Taiwan's main island a record 244 times in July, around eight per day, according to official data shared with AFP. Chinese ships were tracked 58 times last July. Approximately 60% of the ships are coast guard cutters, while oceanographic research ships and other government ships make up the rest, according to AFP. This data excludes PLA vessels, which sail around Taiwan nearly every day. The increasing number of ships has raised concerns that China could launch a maritime quarantine or full blockade by cutting off energy shipments and commercial shipping lanes, per AFP. China has a fleet of more than 120 oceanographic research vessels, the CGA said, adding that it monitors 41 that operate near Taiwan, AFP reported. While civilian scientific organizations run these ships, the data they collect is shared with the Chinese military. "That kind of data/knowledge is highly useful for Chinese naval forces, which will operate in these waters in the event of a conflict," Ryan D. Martinson, a China maritime strategy specialist at the US Naval War College, told AFP. "It is especially important for anti-submarine warfare and submarine warfare." Martinson said he had noticed a recent rise in Chinese research vessels in waters east of Taiwan. "This is not a new 'play' in its 'playbook.' Rather, the novel aspect is that the scale of these operations around Taiwan is unprecedented," he said. The Chinese research vessel "Xiang Yang Hong 03" was recently observed operating over key undersea communication cables and deep-sea areas in Taiwan's and Japan's exclusive economic zones, according to Jason Wang, COO of geospatial firm ingeniSPACE. A Chinese coast guard cutter and a maritime militia fishing vessel accompanied the research vessel. "This is the first time we have seen maritime militia escort a research vessel in Taiwan's waters," Wang said. Wang explained that the ship aimed to collect "fresh hydrographic data of the Ryukyu Trench and East Taiwan Trench to conduct anti-submarine warfare" and "deny US and other allied vessels from doing the same." Martinson emphasized that these coordinated naval, militia, and scientific movements form a unified strategic campaign. "All of these developments are connected, I believe," he said. "They represent a clear escalation in Beijing's efforts to exercise jurisdiction over the waters surrounding Taiwan, putting pressure on the country's leadership and undermining its sovereignty and sovereign rights." Attached File ETA: I realized a little while ago that one table has very little context, so lets look at last year's August (2025) as it would have similar weather: Attached File Big difference!!!! Taiwan signs NT$26.9 billion deal for more than 2,000 Altius drones Delivery of Altius-700M and Altius-600ISR systems to begin in fourth quarter TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Taiwan has signed an NT$26.9 billion (US$847 million) contract to acquire more than 2,000 US-made attack and reconnaissance drones as it expands its asymmetric capabilities. The Ministry of National Defense announced the contract Thursday through the government's electronic procurement system. It covers 1,554 Altius-700M loitering munitions and 478 Altius-600ISR reconnaissance drones, per Liberty Times. The systems are manufactured by US defense technology company Anduril Industries and are expected to be deployed primarily with Army units. The contract covers the drones, associated systems, and launch equipment, while the overall US arms package, previously announced at about NT$34.9 billion, includes additional components. The signing of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance formalizes the purchase. The Army previously acquired 291 basic Altius-600M drones through its regular budget, with the systems reportedly achieving a 100% hit rate in a recent live-fire maritime exercise, Liberty Times reported. The performance helped support plans to significantly expand the drone fleet through the special budget. The Altius-700M is designed to strike targets such as heavy armored vehicles and air defense systems, per China Times. It can carry a 14- to 15-kilogram heavy warhead capable of destroying modern main battle tanks or fortified positions, with destructive power nearly equivalent to that of an AGM-114 Hellfire missile. The Altius-600ISR is an unmanned aerial vehicle designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, including battlefield searches, target designation, and electronic warfare. With the same endurance as the Altius-600M, it can loiter over target areas for extended periods to conduct surveillance and support coordinated operations. Initial deliveries of the new drones are expected to begin in the fourth quarter, with the full order scheduled for completion by June 2033, according to Liberty Times. The Ministry of National Defense said the acquisition will strengthen Taiwan's defense resilience, while the Army has established a dedicated unit to develop unmanned systems and integrate them into its joint command structure. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
|
Hi! Remember me? There's a story that I completely forgot about!!! The story is about a study that specifically looks at "transgenders" and their beliefs in political violence. As they're generally leftists and the believe in "left wing authoritarianism", we can expand the findings to leftists in general...because I said we could!! Nolte: Study Finds Shocking (Not Really) Connection Between Trans Beliefs and Violence It's another John Nolte essay: A just-released study from Rutgers University, the Network Contagion Research Institute, and the Manhattan Institute has found something not at all surprising [color=#ef6c00]"These findings suggest that gender ideology is associated with LWA [left-wing authoritarianism] and willingness to justify political violence."[/color] Knock me over with a feather. Here's the rub: Finally, broader research on perceived victimhood, moralization, and political violence suggests that identities organized around grievance, perceived victimization, and injustice, when paired with authoritarian or punitive dispositions, can predict support for anti-democratic or violent political action Taken together, these literatures suggest a common mechanism: ideological content that names an oppressor class, certifies ongoing victimization, and locates remedy in coercive institutional or social action which may supply authoritarian psychology with morally justified targets. The study, which is titled, "Where the Clinic Meets the Movement: Does Gender Ideology Arm Left-Wing Authoritarian Psychology?" surveyed 1,208 U.S. adults and makes clear it is a correlational study and that no cause or effect is established. Of those 1,208 adults, the study looked to identify where they fell on the Clinical Gender Affirmation Scale (CGAS) which gauged how strongly they supported gender ideology. These were some of the statements used:
LWA was measured this way:
The "correlation" was between the CGAS and LWAs. The study closes with these conclusions: Research frameworks for understanding authoritarianism have historically focused overwhelmingly on the political right, while 15 16 HHS Report: Gender Ideology& Left-Wing Authoritarianism analogous left-wing pathways have received far less attention This study suggests that the same psychological machinery operates on the extreme left, and that it may be running through institutional channels clinical guidelines, professional standards, credentialed expertise that current threat-detection frameworks are not well designed to recognize. Violence connected to gender ideology remains largely undocumented in the academic literature. This study provides a first systematic empirical look at the psychological infrastructure that makes such violence conceivable. Duh. The Left have continued to call themselves The Left. Those that oppose The Left are logically the anti-Left. The title "conservative" means different things to different people through out the years and countries. However, The Left has always been The Left no matter which historical time period or which Country or which culture in the modern era, you would care to look at. It has not changed - except in tactics and techniques which is what Friedrich Engels encouraged The Workers to do in one of the Communist Manifesto he edited and wrote the preface for. (Cant' remember wihich! CRS again. It was after Marx died otherwise, he wouldn't have dared.) Again, The Left has always been The Left, and will always be The Left. We know this to be axiomatically true!!! How? What happens when a revolution succeeds in replacing the old order with the new order? The Left continues being the Left and goes after its own. It's structure and culture does not allow it to be anything other than what it is. The anti-Left doesn't do this. You take a group of people who are already mentally fragile, you tell them that whoever does not affirm their delusion is committing a genocide, and then turn them loose into a world that they cannot control. This is not only a deliberate recipe cooked up by the left and their media allies to activate violent Manchurian Candidates who will always target the people the left and media hate (anyone to the right of Joseph Stalin), but it's an act of cruelty against transsexuals. From the spiraling of the original "George Floyd" riots with the billions of dollars worth of infrastructure damage, to the large number of people murdered, to the even larger number of people that were simply beaten up, it didn't end until the Democratic National Committee noticed that Democrats were slipping in the Polls! Then it magically disappeared. It's the same thing now!!! (DOGE got USAID, so the paymaster is no longer here.) The DNC is now playing the same game: we no longer like Hasan Piker; Woke 1.0 was a crazy time like with the Covid and like with the crazy things; nobody wants to defund the police - that's like crazy; etc., etc. Same game! Just a different time frame. Most transsexuals do not commit violence. Instead, because of this "affirmation" propaganda, they live a life of bitterness and anger in a world that they have been told wants them dead and erased. You don't do this to people. If you want people to live with peace of mind, you teach them the exact opposite: that the world will never conform to what you want it to be. Therefore, you must learn to accept the world for what it is and people for who they are. Raging against what you cannot and never will be able to control will only make you bitter and unhappy. America has lived among cross-dressers, transvestites, and transsexuals since America began. There was none of this tension until recently because until recently both sides took a live-and-let-live attitude. That all changed for the worse, especially for the transsexuals, when the left and their confederates in the media told transsexuals that anyone who doesn't "affirm" you is not only evil, but a physical danger to your very existence. The left and the corporate media want conservatives and Christians targeted for violence. That's why they manufacture all this division and delusion, why they deliberately pit us against one another and claim we are an existential threat. Where the Clinic Meets the Movement: Does Gender Ideology Arm Left-Wing Authoritarian Psychology? |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
|
Block 1 is all China, all the Time! China pulls artists from Gwangju Biennale over 'Taiwan Pavilion' name Chinese ambassador objects after organizers restore Taiwan's name TAIPEI (Taiwan News) China began pulling its artists from the Gwangju Biennale in South Korea on Friday after organizers approved the name "Taiwan Pavilion." Chinese exhibition staff and others preparing the pavilion exhibition at the Ha Jung-woong Art Museum in Gwangju withdrew at the request of the Chinese Embassy, per MBC. The move followed a visit to Gwangju on Thursday by Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing and Chinese Consul General in Gwangju Gu Jingqing, who expressed regret over the approval of the "Taiwan Pavilion" name. The meeting was intended as a courtesy visit following the launch of Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City and Min's inauguration as mayor. However, Yonhap News reported that the naming dispute was raised during the meeting. Dai reportedly expressed regret and concern, over the organizers' decision to accept Taiwan's request. Min reportedly responded that "political considerations should not affect the field of art." The dispute began in June, when the foundation changed the pavilion's name to "NTMoFA Pavilion," using the abbreviation for the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. Taiwan criticized the move as political censorship, while the foundation attributed the change to differences over the name of the participating entity. The Gwangju Biennale Foundation said on Tuesday that, after reviewing an application for approval of a name change submitted by the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, it approved the pavilion's name as Taiwan Pavilion. MBC reported that the foundation agreed to allow the change after Taipei threatened to withdraw if the name could not be used. China tells Japanese lawmakers ties hinge on Taiwan stance Cross-party delegation makes Beijing visit amid strained relations TAIPEI (Taiwan News) China told a visiting delegation of Japanese lawmakers Thursday that it would not change its policy toward Japan unless it revises its position on Taiwan, The Japan Times reported Thursday. CCP International Department deputy head Lu Kang told the cross-party delegation that Japan should "honestly and earnestly handle the Taiwan issue in accordance with the one-China principle," according to a department readout. The delegation's visit is the first by Japanese lawmakers since Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae said in November that Chinese military action around Taiwan could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan. The designation could allow Tokyo to exercise its right to collective self-defense and respond militarily, per The Japan Times. Isa Shinichi, a Lower House member of the Centrist Reform Alliance who led the delegation, said Lu told lawmakers that China would not change its policy toward Japan unless Tokyo changed its understanding of the Taiwan issue. Isa described the meeting as "a difficult exchange of views," but said it was "an important step toward the next stage." The delegation also called for the early release of Japanese nationals detained in China and the lifting of Chinese export restrictions on rare earths and other materials. The delegation, which includes Liberal Democratic Party Lower House lawmaker Hashimoto Gaku and Komeito Upper House member Kawamura Yudai, arrived in Beijing earlier this week at China's invitation. The visit comes as relations between the two countries remain strained over Taiwan and economic issues. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
|
We're going to do two stories of just links for historical context. The stories deal with how the KMT is not fulfilling its side of the cooperation agreement with the TPP much to the shock of literally no one but the leader of the TPP, Huang. All of this was entirely predictable, just as the prediction that Master Ko will run the TPP from inside a jail cell...one day soon. Opposition cooperation in Zhubei mayoral race breaks down TPP accuses KMT of breaking promise and endangering future cooperation Ko Cheng-fang mulls Changhua magistrate race after KMT overlooks him Government counselor says supporter delivered registration form that prompted him to consider his next move Next story deals with the issue of the referendums again, but it is an update!! Taiwan election commission rejects caning referendum but approves nuclear vote Commission also dismisses referendum about use of traffic fines TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Central Election Commission on Friday rejected proposals for referendums about caning and traffic fines, leaving only a vote about nuclear energy on the ballot for Nov. 28. The KMT supported a proposal to ask voters about corporal punishment for sexual assault, child abuse, major fraud, and aggravated fraud, with the opposition majority at the Legislative Yuan approving the plan on Aug. 14. Opponents said the referendum would damage Taiwan's international image as a supporter of human rights. During a meeting lasting more than two hours Friday afternoon, seven out of eight voting members of the commission rejected a caning plebiscite because it did not meet the legal requirement that the subject of a referendum should be an important policy, per UDN. For the same reason, commission members voted four to three against the TPP proposal for a referendum about the use of traffic fines for road improvements, Commission Chair You Ying-lung ( ) told reporters after the meeting. In contrast, seven commission members agreed that an opposition proposal about ending the DPP's nuclear-free homeland policy was important enough for a referendum, UDN reported. As a result, the nuclear vote will go ahead on Nov. 28, the same day as the local elections. The referendum needs at least 25% of the more than 19 million eligible voters to vote in favor, with supporters exceeding opponents. The follow up to the drone controversy. (The KMT, if the current leadership continues into the future, will just stop funding the drones again next year.) Taiwan political parties spar over newly passed drone bill DPP claims political interference while KMT worries about budget scale TAIPEI (Taiwan News) There was a sharp exchange of opinions Friday on the drone procurement bill passed Thursday over budget scale, flexibility, and leadership lapses. The DPP criticized the constant budget deadlocks, whereas the KMT said the reading accommodates all required drones with additional funding. The Legislative Yuan passed the Act to Strengthen National Defense Self-Reliance and Promote the Development of the Unmanned Vehicle Industry on Thursday. The NT$240 billion (US$7.6 billion) in costs will be financed over six years, with NT$40 billion (US$1.26 billion) to be allocated each year. It is presided over by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, with the Ministry of National Defense providing oversight on defense purchases. DPP Legislator Lin Yueh-chin ( ) said that both parties can contest the six-year allocation. She added the annual reviews may result in more delays for military reform and industrial development. Lin also questioned the structure of the National Unmanned Vehicle Industry Development Strategy Special Committee. She said expert opinion may conflict with the defense ministry, leading to stalemates. DPP Spokesperson Wu Cheng ( ) said the committee's creation raises concerns that the legislature may be overstepping its oversight and budgetary review powers. Wu added that for unmanned vehicle development, the defense ministry should best understand what the military requires. On the six-year annual budget, Wu said the problem is stability, as companies require capital for research and development and production. He said the annual budget approach could lead to political delays in the legislature. KMT Cultural Communications Department Chair Chen Yi-hsin ( ) said the reading includes coastal surveillance, coastal attack drones, and small one-way attack unmanned surface vessels, and increased the Cabinet's NT$210 billion (US$6.3 billion) proposal to NT$240 billion. He added that the law allows appropriations to ensure domestic drone development. Chen said special budgets are financed by fiscal surpluses or borrowing, and cannot bypass procedures for expedience. He accused the Office of the President and the Cabinet of misleading the public. Chen said that with the passage of the drone bill, the Cabinet should countersign and proceed. Last story is about the second worst woman in the KMT. Ma! She appears to be able to take this wild ass nonsense statements about defense issues to heart! KMT lawmaker defends cuts to Taiwan Army's parachuting training facility Ma Wen-chun calls on military to address potential overlap between training installations TAIPEI (Taiwan News) KMT lawmaker Ma Wen-chun ( ) defended Friday her decision to cut funding for the Ministry of National Defense's NT$510 million (US$16.1 million) high-altitude, low-opening (HALO) parachuting training facility, saying she was focused on preventing overlap with existing installations. When proposing the cuts in June, Ma questioned the need for the Army to spend NT$510 million to construct HALO insertion training facilities, including a tower housing simulators and related vertical wind tunnels, per UDN. She noted that the Army had already spent NT$100 million on eight virtual reality training systems at its Pingtung base. Ma asked the Army to explain which parts of its jump training course require vertical wind tunnels and whether existing facilities could no longer meet its needs. She argued that her proposal to remove NT$200 million from the project's budget was not intended to undermine efforts to strengthen the military. Ma defended the cuts Friday, saying they targeted the HALO training facility rather than the Army's parachute training budget for special operations units, per Liberty Times. She called on critics not to characterize her oversight efforts as opposition to defense spending, stressing that the military needs to address concerns raised by legislators. Citing a Facebook account, the Liberty Times reported that vertical wind tunnels are used to train personnel before parachute deployment, while virtual reality facilities are used for training after deployment. The newspaper suggested that expanding the use of simulators could reduce the risks of accidents and the material costs associated with parachute towers and other traditional training methods. The Liberty Times also suggested that maintaining parachuting capabilities for special forces could reduce the risk posed by man-portable air-defense systems when deploying quick-reaction forces to critical installations. It added that special operations personnel could remain in mountainous areas and provide information to US forces if Taiwan's air and naval defenses were to falter. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
|
Today everything is in one block!! First story is only important in this one regard: China, just like they do here, is playing on both sides of this issue in Taiwan: Taiwan environmentalist group slams nuclear referendum Union accuses opposition parties of pro-nuclear bias TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Environmentalists slammed the opposition for its repeated backing of referendums in support of nuclear energy, reports said Saturday. The Central Election Commission on Friday approved a proposal about nuclear energy to be put on the ballot for Nov. 28, the same day as the local elections. The referendum will ask whether voters want to terminate the DPP's nuclear-free homeland policy. The proposal for the vote was approved first in the Legislative Yuan by the opposition KMT and TPP. The Taiwan Environmental Protection Union on Saturday said the parties were abusing the referendum system to promote nuclear energy. The group said the vote will not only not boost Taiwan's economy, but also waste public funds and damage direct democracy, per UDN. The commission said the November referendum will cost NT$810 million (US$25.6 million), CNA reported. The document informing voters about the referendum will not mention the views of government departments and of social action groups, the environmentalists said. As a result, the process will harm the public's right to know, according to the union. The November referendum will need at least 25% of the more than 19 million eligible voters to vote in favor, with supporters exceeding opponents. The manner in both how GDP or GNP is calculated will see "growth" of a new industry as a positive, and that is a "boost" to the economy. Also, isn't the only job for The Taiwan Environmental Protection Union to propagandize their position on this matter? Do they really expect their political opponents to do the Union's work for them? That's what makes this Union sound like nothing more than an agitprop organization. Taiwan fortifies Penghu as frontline against China Missile deployments and civilian drills underscore archipelago's role in deterring invasion TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Troops on Penghu are training for a potential war with China, rehearsing how to repel an invasion fleet and hold the archipelago that military planners see as the likely first target in any People's Liberation Army assault, Reuters reported Friday. Penghu a cluster of about 90 islands and islets 50 km off Taiwan's southwest coast is seen by senior Taiwanese security officials and defense experts as a critical frontline that would be hit in the first wave of any attempted Chinese invasion. Holding Penghu allows Taiwan to resist a potential PLA invasion fleet heading toward the main island. It would then be able to threaten Chinese forces assembling along the coast before they even set out across the strait, a senior Taiwanese official told Reuters. "If Penghu were taken, the entire Taiwan Strait would effectively fall into China's hands," the official was quoted as saying. Sitting at the midpoint of the Taiwan Strait, Penghu gives missile batteries a rare dual-coverage advantage, with launchers able to engage PLA navy vessels approaching from the east and west, Storm Media reported earlier this month. Citing defense sources, it said mobile launcher vehicles armed with Hsiung Feng II and Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missiles were dispatched to the archipelago on Aug. 9, the fifth day of the Han Kuang 42 drills. They practiced rapid deployment and tactical firing positions to verify coordination between coastal and Naval elements. "If PLA ships tried to attack Taiwan while bypassing Penghu, these ships could be struck by missiles from Penghu," Reuters reported the Institute for National Defense and Security Research's Su Tzu-yun ( ) as saying. "That forces the PLA to attack Penghu before it can attack Taiwan." Beyond military drills, Reuters said Taipei is bolstering civilian resilience on the islands. About 1,200 Penghu residents have been certified under the government's whole-of-society defense resilience program, trained in first aid, ration distribution, fortification work and countering enemy propaganda. Local authorities have signed agreements with grocery stores, pharmacies and construction firms to secure emergency supplies. Some officials are advising households to keep more than half a month's worth of food and essentials at home. In a 2025 war game involving retired US, Taiwanese and Japanese officers, Penghu fell within a day after simulated Chinese long-range strikes. The result has since been factored into adjustments to defensive planning, according to a summary report that Reuters said it had seen. Despite the risks, many residents say they are prepared to resist. "If my homeland were invaded, there's no way I could just stand by," a taxi driver on the islands, William Chen, was reported as saying. Here's the editorial photo: Attached File I hope they spread themselves out in real life. Taiwan raises benefits for conscripts injured in line of duty Adjustment to ease financial burden on service members TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Ministry of the Interior said Saturday it will raise condolence payments and care allowances for conscripts injured in the line of duty by up to 30% starting Tuesday. Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang ( ) announced the increases after the ministry amended regulations governing benefits for military conscripts and alternative service draftees who are injured or killed in the line of duty, per CNA. Under the revised standards, holiday condolence payments will range from NT$16,000 (US$500) to NT$66,000 depending on the degree of disability, per UDN. Payments will increase by NT$6,000 for people with complete paralysis, NT$4,500 for those with lower-body paralysis, and NT$3,000 for other disability levels. Monthly care allowances will also rise, from NT$3,200 to NT$3,900 for people with lower-body paralysis and from NT$7,463 to NT$9,100 for those with complete paralysis. The ministry said the adjustments take into account long-term care needs, changes in the consumer price index, and higher living costs in recent years. Liu said the increases are intended to ease the financial burden on injured personnel and their families. The ministry said it will continue improving assistance for conscripts and alternative service draftees who become disabled after line-of-duty injuries, including those who have already completed their service. This next story I only need the last paragraph, so that's all I'm doing for it: US backs Taiwan's participation in Pacific Islands Forum State Department says it remains committed to open and secure Pacific PIF has 18 members, including Taiwan's three Pacific diplomatic allies Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu. Taiwan joined the forum in 1993, however, it was not invited to last year's forum in the Solomon Islands after pressure from Beijing. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
|
We start with a very "smooth move" by Taiwan: Taiwan highlights Pacific partnerships at Palau exhibit Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung says Taiwan eager to share experience with allies TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung ( ) attended the opening ceremony of Palau's Pacific Prosperity Exhibit on Friday, where he viewed the results of long-term regional cooperation among Taiwan, Palau, other Pacific allies, and like-minded partners. The exhibit was held in connection with the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), which Palau is hosting. Lin said Taiwan has long participated in the PIF as a development partner and supports the shared vision outlined in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, according to the foreign ministry. They could've done those things, but they didn't. In the face of transnational challenges, Taiwan is willing to continue sharing its development experience and work with like-minded partners to address the practical needs of Pacific nations through mutually beneficial cooperation, Lin said. He added that the Taiwan government is bringing together resources from government agencies, industry, and civil society through its Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. By leveraging Taiwan's strengths in technology, healthcare, agriculture, energy, digital governance, and sustainable development, the project helps address the development needs of diplomatic allies and like-minded countries, Lin said. The foreign minister said the Pacific Prosperity Exhibit is a concrete example of this cooperative model, showcasing accumulated achievements and underscoring Taiwan's commitment to sharing its experience. This year's PIF centers on "Building Economies, Life, Action, and Unity." Next two stories here and then the last two stories in the second block are about weapons Taiwan expects 6 new rapid minelaying ships by year-end Navy will have fleet of 10 ships to bolster nearshore defense TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Navy plans to operate a fleet of 10 rapid minelaying ships to boost its nearshore defense. Four are already in service in the Navy's 192nd Fleet, Liberty Times reported. Lung-Teh Shipbuilding Corp. is building the remaining six ships, which are expected to be delivered by the end of this year. A military officer said the new rapid minelaying boats can significantly shorten response times in combat, thanks to an automated minelaying system developed by the National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology, per Liberty Times. The new system is fully digital, allowing a single operator to control mine deployment from a console on the bridge or by remote control. The system can deploy a range of mines, including the domestically produced Wanxiang Type I and II bottom and moored mines, as well as US-made Mk-6 mines. Once a mine is deployed, the computer instantly records its precise coordinates. This improves accuracy during operations and facilitates safe clearance after a conflict. Once the fleet is operational, it is expected to deter enemy naval forces from imposing a blockade or launching landings near Taiwan. Taiwan Navy modernizes Dutch-built subs with new combat system Subs will be able to launch Mk-48 torpedoes and Harpoon missiles TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Navy's two Dutch-built Hai Lung-class submarines, the Hai Lung and Hai Hu, are nearly finished with upgrades. The two submarines, built in the 1980s, have been undergoing a combat system upgrade since 2018 for NT$7.41 billion (US$234.2 million), Liberty Times reported. The Navy has allocated a final payment of NT$208.588 million. The National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology and Lockheed Martin are replacing outdated systems that have been in service for more than three decades, per Liberty Times. Upgrades include a new integrated combat management system, digital optronic periscopes, next-generation sonar, and the digitization of the weapons launch system. The new weapons launch system allows the submarines to launch US-made Mk-48 Mod 6 AT torpedoes and UGM-84L submarine-launched Harpoon missiles. The submarines will conduct their first live-fire tests of these missiles next year. The Hai Lung has already completed all upgrades and defect corrections and has returned to the Navy, according to Liberty Times. The Hai Hu entered shipyard maintenance in May 2025, and work is progressing smoothly. Upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of this year. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
|
Harpoon Coastal Defense System passes critical US Navy test Land-launched Harpoon missile successfully struck ship target TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The land-based Harpoon Coastal Defense System (HCDS) successfully hit a target vessel during a developmental test at the Point Mugu Sea Range in California in July, the US Navy said Friday. The test confirmed the system's ability to target and eliminate maritime threats, the Navy said. Captain Sarah Abbott, Precision Strike Weapons program manager, said, "The flawless execution of this test is a direct testament to the unparalleled expertise and relentless dedication demonstrated by the entire team." The Harpoon missile was launched from land and successfully hit a target ship in nearshore waters, according to the Navy. The system is designed to provide land-based anti-ship defense, using the proven Harpoon missile to protect key coastal areas and sea routes, it said. Abbott added that the test "represents a significant milestone in our mission to deliver a vital, high-priority defense capability to the field." Taiwan has purchased 400 RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II missiles and 100 launchers for NT$72.7 billion (US$2.3 billion), according to Naval News. A Littoral Combat Command was established in July, incorporating the Navy's mobile radar units, missile vehicle units, and unmanned aerial vehicle forces under a new operational structure. The command will rely on Taiwan's domestically produced Hsiung Feng-series anti-ship missiles and the HCDS to bolster coastal defense. Taiwan's 205th Arsenal ramps up T112 rifle production Automated facility plans to meet military demand, pursue overseas order TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Taiwan's 205th Arsenal has established automated production lines for six key components of the military's T112 combat rifle as it increases output of the new weapon. The arsenal expects to supply tens of thousands of rifles over the next five years, with robotic arms and automated machinery now handling portions of the machining process, per CNA. Private manufacturers supply accessories such as slings and stocks, while the arsenal keeps production of six critical T112 components in-house. These include the firing pin, upper and lower receivers, barrel, bolt mechanism, and bolt. Most machinery on the new lines comes from Taiwan suppliers, although the arsenal imported its forging equipment. The six-component automation project was finished in 2025 with technical assistance from the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, per Radio Taiwan International. A T112 bolt component is machined on five types of equipment before undergoing heat and surface treatment, while barrel production spans 11 stages. Robotic arms move workpieces between parts of the production line, and optical systems are used to check machining quality. Military units receive the rifles only after they clear final testing. Officials said automation has increased production capacity while reducing manpower requirements. The arsenal also plans to seek overseas orders when domestic demand leaves capacity available. I tried to find out everything about this rifle, but I have failed. Most of the "specs" don't have information on how the spec was achieved. For example, "maximum effective range." I couldn't find out how they defined this and then say it is changed from the (T91) 400 meters to the (T112) 600 meters. The new rifle is still using what they called "NATO 5.56 mm ammunition." One thing I did like is that they're using a two-round burst which is way smarter than a three-round burst. (We ended up with the three-round because that's what the SPIW program had, but that rifle used a completely different type of ammunition -flechette darts.) It has semi and auto, and I assume SAFE as well on the selector. Since they're going to an "automated" factory system, I am assuming, no cast parts! Everything is forged to machined, or stamped/punched. The barrel is hammer-forged polygonal heavy barrel with an expected life span of 10,000 rounds. Now for the controversial stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's a short-stroke system which I guess comes in handy for Pride month. It has no Forward Assist!!!!!! Yay!!!!!!!! |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
|
We start of with just a taste of the nefarious activities of both China and the KMT today!! Taiwan warns of China travel risk after reported Shanghai interrogation Mainland Affairs Council urges people considered high-risk to assess travel necessity and register trips with government TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Mainland Affairs Council on Sunday urged citizens considered high-risk to assess the necessity of traveling to China after a social-media user reported that his son was questioned for about six hours after arriving in Shanghai because he had previously worked for Amnesty International. The user, whose Threads account is identified as vincentchou08, said his son arrived in Shanghai on Saturday afternoon for a business trip and was stopped at immigration before being taken to a private room for questioning. According to the post, three plainclothes officers questioned the man extensively about his previous work with the human rights organization, per CNA. The officers allegedly asked about his responsibilities; whether he had worked on reports or human rights advocacy involving China, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, or Tibet; the organization's sources of funding; and his contacts with Taiwanese and international politicians and human rights activists. The man was also allegedly asked to unlock his phone so officers could examine his chat history and work-related files, according to the post. The man told his father that he had not been a decision-maker or core member of the organization and had already left his job. He also said his trip was for personal reasons and had no political purpose. The post said the man ultimately decided not to enter China and returned to Taiwan later that evening. The account holder questioned how Chinese authorities had learned about his son's previous employment, suggesting that Chinese intelligence agencies may have compiled lists of employees, interns, and volunteers associated with international human rights organizations and major Taiwanese NGOs. The claim about such intelligence lists could not be independently verified. The father said he was relieved that his son did not "become another Lee Ming-che ( )," referring to the Taiwanese pro-democracy activist who was detained by Chinese authorities in March 2017 and later sentenced to five years in prison for subversion of state power. Lee was released in April 2022 after completing his sentence and returned to Taiwan the following day. MAC said Sunday that the individual involved had not reported the incident to the government but that the account was consistent with other cases previously handled by the council. The council encouraged Taiwanese to share their experiences of difficulties encountered while traveling in China, saying such accounts help raise public awareness of potential risks, per CNA. The council said China has shown intolerance toward criticism involving democracy and pluralism and has been hostile toward personnel from overseas NGOs working on issues including human rights, environmental protection, oversight of public power, labor rights, and gender diversity. It also warned that people who were politically active in Taiwan earlier in their lives but later moved into nonpolitical fields could still face scrutiny or punishment by Chinese authorities. The council said China's new "Revision of Exit and Entry Administration" is scheduled to take effect Sept. 15, significantly increasing personal safety risks for Taiwanese traveling to China. The council has urged Taiwanese to register their trips through its online registration system for citizens visiting China, which allows the government to contact travelers and provide emergency assistance. Taiwan security chief warns China exit rules enable transnational repression Joseph Wu advises against travel to China Next story is about Master Ko!!! Moving forward!!! Not letting a little thing like Jail time stopping him as we predicted!!! Ko Wen-je urges TPP and KMT to negotiate on Zhubei mayoral candidate Ko says KMT primary rules require negotiations with TPP to jointly nominate candidate TAIPEI (Taiwan News) TPP founder Ko Wen-je ( ) urged Sunday Chair Huang Kuo-chang ( ) and KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun ( ) to negotiate opposition cooperation in the Zhubei mayoral race. After KMT Zhubei mayoral candidate Wu Hsu-chih ( ) officially registered for the race, the TPP began accusing the KMT of going back on its promise to allow TPP Zhubei mayoral candidate Chiu Chen-yuan ( ) to run on the opposition ticket. Ko called on Cheng and Huang to initiate talks as soon as possible, reminding both leaders to better manage their supporters' expectations, per CNA. Ko also called on KMT Hsinchu magistrate candidate Hsu Hsin-ying ( ) to address the situation rather than relying on party spokespersons, per UP Media. He noted that when the KMT held its mayoral primary, the registration form already specified that the KMT candidate needed to negotiate with the TPP over a jointly nominated candidate. Chiu echoed Ko's demand for Hsu to address the issue, saying that speaking through spokespersons does not adequately convey her sincerity, per UDN. He said the TPP is under immense pressure from its supporters over the situation. Huang noted that while he has not heard from Cheng or other high-ranking KMT officials, Hsinchu County Magistrate Yang Wen-ke ( ) has conveyed his concerns about the development, per NOWNews. He stressed that trust built up through years of cooperation could be destroyed by one wrong move. Huang also said some KMT lawmakers had phoned him to express support for Chiu. He urged TPP supporters to limit their response to the controversy to Hsinchu County and not affect other areas where KMT officials have kept their promises to the TPP. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen ( ) urged the two parties to continue cooperating, stressing that the coalition will hold in Taichung, per Liberty Times. Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang ( ) urged the parties to continue negotiations to maximize opportunities for cooperation. The KMT reportedly conducted an internal survey of the Zhubei mayoral race, showing Wu leading Chiu by double digits, per UP Media. However, a TPP internal survey conducted in early August showed Chiu had cut the gap to within the margin of error. A KMT insider suggested that, since the party has already put forward a mayoral candidate, Chiu would need to compete with Wu in polling to secure the opposition ticket. A local KMT campaign source suggested that limited movement in Chiu's polling numbers, along with the importance of Zhubei, led the KMT to put forward its own candidate, per UDN. Soochow University Assistant Professor Chang Yuan-hsiang ( ) suggested that the breakdown in cooperation highlighted the two parties' inability to work together outside official frameworks, per SETN. He argued that if neither party is willing to compromise, the trust built up between the two parties could be damaged. Attached File That's pretty long. Forget it. This is some interesting news especially in light of the upcoming "summit" between Ximan and Trump. (I don't think that's going to be a fun time.) US initiatives encourage students to study tech in Taiwan AIT director says education links will support semiconductor workforce and investment TAIPEI (Taiwan News) American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene announced two initiatives Monday to encourage more US students to study technology in Taiwan, CNA reported. Speaking at the Freedom 250 Workforce First Summit, Greene said closer education ties would help train workers for future investments and technology cooperation. He announced a US$20 million donation supporting University of Arizona students pursuing study-abroad opportunities, including in Taiwan, and two Fulbright semiconductor scholarships for master's students at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in 2027. Greene said Taiwan-US ties are stronger than ever, especially in high technology and advanced manufacturing. Taiwan's direct investment in the US reached a record high last year and is supporting US industrial development, he said. Strong economic ties also depend on having enough skilled workers, Greene said. Taiwan and the US therefore need more education programs that prepare students for careers in semiconductors and other critical technology industries. Greene said the initiatives could encourage other universities and organizations to create similar scholarships and academic programs. Such programs could help develop future workers and leaders in important technology fields. Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao ( ) said Taiwan-US cooperation in semiconductors and microelectronics is expanding beyond industry into education and workforce development. US students studying in Taiwan can learn directly from local universities, researchers, engineers, and semiconductor companies, per Economic Daily News. Cheng said the exchanges would also give Taiwanese students greater international exposure. Stronger education links could help connect talent, knowledge, experience, and ideas across the Pacific, he said. The summit followed discussions held during the NAFSA international education conference in the US in May. Greene said the Taipei meeting brought together government, university, and industry representatives to turn earlier discussions into practical cooperation. The SEMI Foundation and Taiwan's Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education also signed a letter of intent on workforce development during the summit. Greene and Cheng attended the signing ceremony. China sends over a bulk unit of 300,000 "students" for a two-year student visa every year!! Can't say that's doing us any good after 4.5 years of this thread. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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Now for some reportage from the Defense Sector!!! A public statement of a series of goals (it's election season after all): Taiwan defense ministry vows cost-efficient military modernization Ministry prioritizes drone, ship and missile procurement TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The defense ministry on Monday pledged to maintain efficient defense procurement that maximizes value and controls costs while ensuring military readiness. In a report, the ministry listed the weapons and systems it plans to purchase to strengthen national defense, per CNA. The ministry plans to procure portable counter-drone systems and new combat and armored vehicles. Funds will also be allocated to upgrades of the Navy's Hai Lung-class submarines and underwater trials for the Narwhal submarine, according to CNA. The Navy will build a submarine rescue vessel and a replenishment ship, as well as buy more attack drones and unmanned surface vehicles, the ministry said. The ministry said it will procure Strong Bow interceptors designed to counter tactical ballistic missiles, along with other missile systems, to build a layered T-Dome air defense network, CNA reported. It will also establish a digitized communications network to support decentralized command. Regarding US arms purchases, Taiwan will acquire M109A7 self-propelled howitzers, HIMARS rocket systems, Switchblade 300 systems, and ALTIUS 600ISR and ALTIUS 700M loitering munitions. As new equipment is gradually introduced, the military will phase out outdated systems that no longer meet future operational requirements, the ministry said, per CNA. Equipment and organizational structures in reserve forces will be reviewed and adjusted based on operational scenarios and mobilization readiness. The ministry said China uses coast guard ships, maritime militia, legal warfare tactics, and economic coercion to tighten control over the Taiwan Strait and increase pressure on Taiwan. This next story is making the rounds throughout the various media. They're tying it into the fact that there's still only Xi and his yes man sitting on the Central Military Commission (CMC) Taiwan military says China amphibious assault capacity still limited Defense ministry report says amphibious operations extremely complex TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Beijing still lacks sufficient amphibious landing capabilities, the Ministry of National Defense said in its 2026 report on Chinese military power released on Monday. The ministry said that amphibious operations are among the most complex military tasks for the PLA, Liberty Times reported. They require simultaneous multi-point landings, air and sea superiority, and sustained troop and logistics support, the ministry said. Though current PLA capabilities remain insufficient, amphibious forces continue to train alongside naval and airborne units, the ministry warned. It said that the PLA is also incorporating civilian roll-on/roll-off ferries, cargo ships, and semi-submersible vessels into joint landing exercises with amphibious and army aviation forces, per Liberty Times. China continues to develop new bridge-type amphibious landing craft and amphibious ships to bolster landing and logistics capabilities, the ministry said. In terms of gray zone activities, Chinese military aircraft and drones continuously fly across the Taiwan Strait median line and into Taiwan's air defense identification zone, the ministry said, according to Liberty Times. Meanwhile, Chinese naval vessels sail near Taiwan to conduct joint combat readiness patrols, it said. The ministry pointed out that China uses military exercises to intimidate Taiwan. Through its cyber warfare forces, China integrates resources and continues to invest in technology and personnel to strengthen capabilities for cyberattacks and malware deployment, the ministry said, per Liberty Times. China regards cyberspace as a key domain of modern warfare, adopting a model of peacetime infiltration and wartime disruption, it said. The ministry added that the PLA integrates firepower resources across branches to establish a joint strike system. Depending on mission requirements, it has targets set on key military facilities and critical infrastructure in Taiwan. China focuses on saturation and surprise attacks to disrupt Taiwan's command and communications, air defense, and logistics. Taiwan military aligns more closely with US combat practices Taiwan military adopting US practices in training, special forces operations TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The US is increasingly influencing Taiwan's combat tactics and equipment, according to a Business Insider report. Chieh Chung ( ), a senior analyst at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, told Business Insider that Taiwan is following more US recommendations on training, target identification and strikes, and special forces operations. "This makes it necessary for the US side to observe live exercises to assess the effectiveness and shortcomings of its recommendations and of bilateral military exchanges, providing a basis for subsequent adjustments and revisions," Chieh said. This year's Han Kuang exercises introduced the "backbrief" for the first time, per Business Insider. It is a US military practice in which junior commanders relay their understanding of a mission and its orders to their superiors. Taiwan is now adopting it as part of efforts to train and authorize lower-level commanders to make their own decisions if communication with superiors is lost. Lin Ping-yu ( ), New Taipei City councilor and former Taiwanese special forces paratrooper, said, " This highlights an area where Taiwan's military culture urgently needs to evolve," according to Business Insider. "The traditional mindset of 'mission accomplished at all costs' is ill-suited to modern battlefields," he added. When asked about US military presence during the Han Kuang exercise, a US State Department spokesperson told Business Insider that the US remains committed to its "one China" policy and to maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait. The spokesperson did not confirm if there are military personnel on the ground. However, they said the US helps provide Taiwan with the necessary arms and related support to defend itself. Some of those weapons were featured during the Han Kuang exercise, including Patriot missiles, M1A2 Abrams tanks, F-16Vs, and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, according to Business Insider. Taiwanese troops were also seen launching Anduril's Altius 600M loitering munitions during drills. Anduril co-founder Palmer Luckey said in June that he hopes to expand manufacturing in Taiwan. Earlier this month, Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo ( ) said that Taiwan-US military cooperation "is far closer than you might imagine," per a Wall Street Journal report. "The public sees only the arms sales, but in fact, it's multifaceted and involves so much more," he said. "Through military exchanges, we have been learning so much practical combat experience from the US," Koo said. However, the defense minister stressed that Taiwan's plan for a potential cross-strait conflict does not rely on US military intervention, WSJ reported. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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Chinese President Xi Jinping signed Presidential Order No. 83 into law today. Which is the revised National Defense Mobilization Law of the People’s Republic of China. While not necessarily a sign of imminent war, it is a clear indicator of enhanced long-term readiness and contingency planning for potential high-intensity or prolonged conflicts. Someone should do a big write up on it. Lots of good details in it. |
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Originally Posted By Longshore87: Chinese President Xi Jinping signed Presidential Order No. 83 into law today. Which is the revised National Defense Mobilization Law of the People's Republic of China. While not necessarily a sign of imminent war, it is a clear indicator of enhanced long-term readiness and contingency planning for potential high-intensity or prolonged conflicts. Someone should do a big write up on it. Lots of good details in it. Originally Posted By Longshore87: Chinese President Xi Jinping signed Presidential Order No. 83 into law today. Which is the revised National Defense Mobilization Law of the People's Republic of China. While not necessarily a sign of imminent war, it is a clear indicator of enhanced long-term readiness and contingency planning for potential high-intensity or prolonged conflicts. Someone should do a big write up on it. Lots of good details in it. I'll look more tomorrow, but tonight we make a new friend! Everyone! this is North American Wong Lu (I don't think the guy's Cantonese, but it's all I know how to do). Somebody translated the youtube video for which we should be all grateful for!! It's about 12 minutes and some seconds. We did the story today of the law that goes into effect on 15SEP (once I got off my lazy ass), and this new law goes into affect on 1OCT26. You know, it's funny how politicians all over the world get the same idea at the same time. The EU wants to take the saving from Europeans and show them where to invest it properly; the Democrats sneak stuff in through out the decades to remove money out of Americans' savings accounts (if the economic disasters we've been experiencing since Clinton and his Third Way doesn't get our money first); and now China. Hell of a coincidence.  ??????????????83??!???????10/1??:????????,9/15????????!|Xi’s Order 83: China Prepares for War? Here's the video write-up: 22,916 views Aug 28, 2026 #Xi Jinping Order #83 Defence Mobilisation Act Xi Jinping officially signed Presidential Decree No. 83, and the new version of the National Defense Mobile Law will take effect on October 1st! Most notably, the old law's "required of civil resources" has been changed to "expropriation and requirement," incorporated equalitys, factors, jobs, production capacity, and even technology, data, software, and personality Simultanely, new entry and exit management regulations came effect on September 15th, allowing for legal claims on exit in certain national security, industrial security, and technical security situations. This isn't a declaration of war on October 1st, but it describes that Beijing is legally strongning its wartime scalability in terms of people, finances, production capacity, and supplied chains. What are your thoughts on this biggest change the shift from "requisition" to "expropriation"? Is this just normally national confession form, or is it an early representation for wartime operations? If you have worked in Chinese enterprises, logistics, or the technology industry, or have an encountered port consultation or effort anguish, please share your experiences in the comments. Do you believe China is planning for war? "yes" or "no" and explain your reasons! |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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Let's start with China China China We have the milquetoast version of the revised Presidential Order #83: China's revised defense mobilization law expands national wartime powers New provisions include 'development interests' and 'expropriation' TAIPEI (Taiwan News) China's revised National Defense Mobilization Law expands the government's ability to mobilize economic and social resources for national defense and broadens the grounds for state intervention in private property and economic development. The revised law, China's first major overhaul of the legislation since it took effect in 2010, defines national defense mobilization as measures taken to respond to threats to national sovereignty, unification, territorial integrity, security, and development interests, per Liberty Times. It also requires the country to ensure a rapid transition from peacetime to wartime and convert economic and social resources into national defense capabilities. The revised law takes effect Oct. 1. The law would allow China to more rapidly place personnel, transportation, communications, energy, medical services, and media resources under wartime controls once authorities declare a state of national defense mobilization. Chinese men aged 18 to 60 and women aged 18 to 55 would also be required to perform national defense duties under the law. Second, how long does this period last? The Duration, or for a specified period of time and then has to be renewed? Here's a scenario: Whichever level of gov't declares this into effect; Gov Agents confiscate/expropriate either a unit of land or or a unit of equipment; Will it be returned to the original owner or sold off? The CCP is always on the look out for attractive opportunities!!!!! Hung Pu-chao ( ), deputy executive director of Tunghai University's Center for China Studies, said the revision reflects China's broader effort to strengthen its ability to mobilize in response to national security threats and war, Liberty Times reported. He said it reflects a concept of "total mobilization" in which the military, economy, industry, manpower, and broader society would be mobilized to support wartime needs. Yang Tai-yuan ( ), a researcher at Tamkang University's Center for Advanced Technology, noted that the revised law newly includes the term "expropriation," per RTI. The previous law used "requisition," which implied that property would be returned after use or that other compensation would be provided, whereas expropriation involves a transfer of property rights. "It is essentially giving them a blank check," Yang said. Whether a company is state-owned, foreign-invested, or privately owned, he said, it could be expropriated or requisitioned if it operates in China and authorities consider such action necessary. Shen Ming-shih ( ), a research fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said the revised law adds "development interests" to the purposes of national defense mobilization, RTI reported. The term is broad and includes competition with other countries in technology, meaning mobilization is no longer limited to traditional security concerns such as war or regional conflict. Shen said development interests could enable authorities to use national defense mobilization to ensure economic stability or control key areas of economic development, even outside wartime. The provision gives China greater flexibility to cite economic, industrial, or technological development as grounds for mobilization, he said. As always, way more questions than answers!!! China protests Taiwan presence at Pacific Islands Forum in Palau Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung attends forum to deepen Taiwan-Palau ties TAIPEI (Taiwan News) China's special envoy to the Pacific, Qian Bo, on Tuesday protested Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung's ( ) presence at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. Bo told reporters that Beijing had "serious concerns" about Taiwan's participation in the forum, which kicked off Monday, per ABC. "There will always be consequences this should not have happened. We think it's very inappropriate," he said. "We have made our position very clear to the government of Palau and the secretariat," Bo added. Lin arrived in Palau on Thursday and has met with Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. Speaking at the Pacific Prosperity Exhibit on Friday, Lin said Taiwan is willing to continue sharing its development experience and work with like-minded partners to address the practical needs of Pacific nations through mutually beneficial cooperation. He added that the Taiwan government is bringing together resources from government agencies, industry, and civil society through its Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. Taiwan has participated in PIF activities since 1993 as a development partner. It maintains diplomatic relations with three PIF members: Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu. Whipps defended Palau's ties with Taiwan in June, saying, "You cannot tell me that I cannot recognize Taiwan. That's our sovereign choice as a country," per Kyodo News. Beijing has tried many times to use economic offers to convince Palau to drop Taiwan, but he said only Palau has the right to decide its diplomatic ties, not larger countries. Small island countries should be allowed to choose who they work with, the president said. Whipps also said that Chinese ships were conducting research and surveys in Palau's waters without approval, and Palauan officials have evidence that equipment has been set up there, per Kyodo News. These types of activities violate international law and harm sustainable ocean management, he said, adding that Palau continues to support a rules-based "free and open Indo-Pacific." In 2024, Whipps revealed that China has weaponized tourism to suppress Palau's tourism industry and force it to switch diplomatic recognition. China's Consular Service issued a notice last month warning Chinese travelers to "exercise caution" when visiting Palau. "In recent years, multiple cases of theft and robbery targeting tourists have occurred in Palau, with victims suffering significant losses," the notice said. It also claimed that Palau's search-and-rescue capabilities and medical resources are limited and that Chinese tourists frequently experience accidents in the country. Taiwan officials warn of risks as China seeks to lure Twice's Chou Tzu-yu Taiwan official says entertainers who heed Beijing face unfavorable outcomes TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Officials warned Monday that Taiwanese entertainers who accommodate Chinese demands often face unfavorable outcomes, as China reportedly seeks to lure Twice Taiwanese member Chou Tzu-yu ( ). Mirror Media reported that China has identified Chou, known by her fans as Tzuyu, as a new target for recruitment and contacted her family through entertainment agent Chao Shao-wei ( ). The report said the Chinese side was exploring whether Tzuyu would leave JYP Entertainment after her contract expires at the end of the year and pursue opportunities in China. According to sources cited by Mirror Media, China had offered to help Tzuyu gain access to its entertainment industry if she publicly endorsed positions including the "one China" principle and the claim that "Taiwanese are Chinese." The reported assistance could include connections with broadcasting groups, concert organizers, and talent agencies in cities such as Beijing. Straits Exchange Foundation Vice Chair Luo Wen-jia ( ) said the CCP has long used threats and incentives to persuade Taiwanese entertainers and cultural figures to endorse its political agenda, including statements such as "I am Chinese" and "the motherland is great," per Liberty Times. Entertainers who have entered the Chinese market can have their opportunities abruptly halted if they refuse to cooperate, while those who comply more closely can receive greater access to the market, he said. Luo said this approach has continued for the past decade and that the careers of Taiwanese entertainers who cooperate with Beijing inevitably reach a peak that does not last. "Once they have been used up and have no more value, they are discarded," Luo said, adding that past cases show entertainers who gave Beijing the statements it wanted often ended up in unfavorable circumstances. Culture Minister Li Yuan ( ) said that he welcomes all artists to seek their own development opportunities, per CNA. However, he warned Taiwanese entertainers seeking to develop their careers in China to be mindful of "the many conditions and united front tactics employed by China." |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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It's the KMT's turn KMT's Fu Kun-chi apologizes over budget cuts affecting sheltered workshops DPP says KMT purchase offer highlights consequences of its own budget cuts TAIPEI (Taiwan News) KMT caucus leader Fu Kun-chi ( ) apologized Tuesday after cuts to the Presidential Office's discretionary fund disrupted planned Mid-Autumn Festival purchases from sheltered workshops. CNA reported that Fu bowed alongside KMT caucus secretary-general Hsu Yu-chen ( ) and Legislator Lo Ting-wei ( ). He said the caucus would take responsibility and cover the gift box orders the Presidential Office could no longer fulfill. The legislature cut NT$10 million (US$316,000) and froze another NT$20 million from the Presidential Office's NT$30 million discretionary fund. The office said the money had been used for expenses including purchases from organizations that support people with disabilities, Rti reported. The Presidential Office had planned to buy about 15,000 Mid-Autumn Festival gift boxes from sheltered workshops this year. Officials contacted suppliers in June and July but later canceled the orders because of the budget cuts. Fu said the KMT did not intend for the budget cuts to affect sheltered workshops and apologized. He said the caucus would support buying three times as many sheltered-workshop mooncakes when lawmakers review the Presidential Office's 2027 budget, per Liberty Times. KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun ( ) separately offered to purchase all 15,000 gift boxes. She said people with disabilities should not bear the consequences of political disputes, per Economics Daily News. The DPP criticized the KMT's offers to replace the canceled orders, saying they highlighted the consequences of the opposition-backed budget cuts. DPP Spokesperson Wu Cheng ( ) said purchases from sheltered workshops would not have been disrupted if the funding had remained intact. Presidential Office Deputy Secretary-General Ho Chih-wei ( ) said last week that he had visited the legislature more than 20 times to discuss the budget before lawmakers approved the cuts. He said the discretionary fund also supports disadvantaged groups and expressed regret that negotiations failed to preserve the funding, per CTS News. Cho says four-month salary freeze will not affect work Premier urges legislature to complete budget reviews on time TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Premier Cho Jung-tai ( ) said Tuesday that a four-month salary freeze would not affect how he performs his duties, while urging the legislature to complete government budget reviews within legal deadlines. Speaking at an offshore wind farm completion ceremony in Taichung, Cho said government officials should carry out their responsibilities according to law rather than seek the approval of individual lawmakers. Financial pressure would not change how he performs his duties, CNA and UDN reported. Cho said his main concern was whether the legislature could complete budget reviews on time so government policies and infrastructure projects could proceed as planned. He added that he would continue carrying out his duties according to what he considered lawful and fair. SETN News reported that the opposition-controlled legislature approved the 2026 central government budget on Aug. 14 and voted 59-51 to freeze Cho's salary from September through December. The motion was proposed by KMT Legislator Weng Hsiao-ling ( ). Weng said the measure was intended to pressure Cho to comply with laws and budget requirements passed by the legislature. Under the motion, the salary can be released after the Cabinet includes the required appropriations in its budget, countersigns the relevant laws, and submits a written report to the legislature's Internal Administration Committee for approval, per UDN. Weng has criticized the Cabinet for not including funding required under legislation covering military pay and retirement benefits for police officers and firefighters. She has also accused Cho of failing to countersign and implement legislation passed by lawmakers. The salary freeze took effect Monday, the first working day of September, and covers about NT$1.49 million (US$47,200) in pay over four months, per UDN. Cho said neither financial incentives nor financial pressure would influence how he carries out his responsibilities. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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Taiwanese Foreign Affairs First story reminder = China has already publicly threatened Japan with "bad relations" if Japan doesn't end relations with Taiwan. You see, China's love is different than the love of a square.... Taiwan eyes closer Japan security cooperation Deputy legislative speaker meets with Japanese lawmaker Nakatani Gen TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang ( ) on Monday met with a four-member delegation led by Japanese Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Nakatani Gen. Chiang noted that during Nakatani's tenure as Japan's defense minister in 2025, he repeatedly emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, according to the Legislative Yuan. Nakatani has continued to support Taiwan through concrete actions, demonstrating the deep friendship between Taiwan and Japan, Chiang said. The deputy speaker said that Taiwan and Japan share democratic values and face similar security challenges. Regional peace, security, and stability depend on deeper exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, Chiang said. Given Nakatani's extensive experience in defense and security policy, Chiang said he hoped to draw on his insights to create more opportunities for future cooperation. On parliamentary exchanges, Chiang said he has visited Japan three times since taking office, and that the current Legislative Yuan has received 55 Japanese delegations so far. He welcomed more Japanese friends from all sectors to visit Taiwan and promote broader cooperation. Nakatani said that as the Indo-Pacific security situation grows increasingly complex, Japan is paying close attention to regional peace and stability and continues to review its security policies. These include promoting the use of emerging technologies such as drones and strengthening overall defense capabilities. He also stressed the importance of the US-Japan alliance and regional partnerships, noting that peace and stability along the first island chain are critical to overall security. All parties should enhance security awareness and deepen communication and cooperation, particularly in information sharing, he said. Nakatani mentioned that during his visit to Taiwan in August for the Ketagalan Forum, he stressed the importance of protecting freedom and democracy amid increasingly complex global security challenges. He said Japan will continue to strengthen its security policies and information capabilities to help maintain regional peace and stability Foreign ministry pushes Taiwan's UN participation as General Assembly opens Ministry says Resolution 2758 does not bar Taiwan from UN system TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday it will push for Taiwan's participation in the United Nations when the General Assembly opens in New York on Sept. 8, CNA reported. Vice Foreign Minister Baushuan Ger ( ) said Taiwan remains excluded from the UN system as China increases political and military pressure on the country. He said Beijing has misrepresented UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 to argue that it has the right to represent Taiwan at the UN. The ministry outlined three priorities for this year's campaign. First, it said Resolution 2758 does not exclude Taiwan from meaningful participation in the UN system and should not be used to bar the country from UN activities. Second, the ministry said peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are important to global security and prosperity. Taiwan will continue to defend the status quo and oppose unilateral attempts to change it, it said. The third priority is to resolve disputes peacefully and uphold international law and the UN Charter. Ger said any attempt to change the cross-strait status quo by force would violate the charter's principles prohibiting the use of force. The ministry said China has increased pressure on Taiwan through military threats, cyberattacks, and economic coercion. Ger also warned that a new Chinese ethnic unity law could be used to extend Beijing's control overseas and support transnational repression. Ger said stability in the Taiwan Strait is important to global trade and supply chains. He said Taiwan will work with allies and like-minded countries to expand its participation in international organizations. US official calls Taiwan key partner in securing critical technologies Jacob Helberg backs stronger ties and resilient supply chains TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Taiwan and the US are key partners in securing critical technologies and building resilient supply chains, US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg said Tuesday. In a prerecorded message to the Semicon Network Summit in Taipei, Helberg said semiconductors are among the most important technologies of the current era, per CNA. They will help determine leadership in AI, influence defense capabilities, and shape the global economy in the coming decades, he said, per Reuters. Helberg said Taiwan has been at the center of the global semiconductor industry for decades and is now expanding investment in the US while working with Washington to strengthen its manufacturing base. He said highly concentrated and vulnerable supply chains have demonstrated the need for greater resilience. Helberg highlighted Pax Silica, an initiative aimed at building a network of trusted partners committed to the rule of law and secure technologies, per RTI. He said it seeks to ensure that critical technologies are not put at risk by the failure of any single link in the supply chain. Helberg called on Taiwan and its partners to continue investing in cutting-edge technologies and strengthening ties among trusted economies. He reiterated that the US and Taiwan are important partners in shaping the future of the global economy. The Global Semiconductor Forum is organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industrial Technology Research Institute, and SEMI, bringing together government officials and business leaders. |
Like a midget at a urinal, I had to be on my toes--Lt. Frank Drebin
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
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Taiwan Navy to expand drone fleet to enhance maritime domain awareness Navy plans to purchase Albatross II and V-Bat drones TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Navy has revealed plans to acquire 32 Albatross II and 280 V-Bat drones to bolster maritime domain awareness and surveillance capabilities. The Navy has allocated NT$16.78 billion (US$530 million) from 2026 to 2029 to procure 32 Albatross II drones, eight control stations, and 48 transport vehicles, CNA reported. It also earmarked NT$36 billion in the same period to purchase 280 V-Bats, 140 control systems, and 82 transport vehicles. The Navy emphasized the importance of fielding different unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor indicators of potential Chinese military actions against Taiwan, according to CNA. The Albatross II and V-Bat drones will strengthen maritime search and target identification and guard against strikes on command-and-control systems in the early stages of a conflict, it said. The National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology designed the Albatross II UAV to have a modular payload configuration, per CNA. Depending on mission requirements, it can carry equipment such as sonobuoy pods or the Chien Feng I attack drone. It has an endurance of up to 16 hours and a control range exceeding 300 kilometers. The V-Bat is developed and produced by US defense technology startup Shield AI. It uses a single-engine ducted fan design, allowing it to take off and land vertically in confined spaces or on ship decks, per CNA. It can then transition to horizontal flight. The drone is also capable of conducting independent reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and target designation even in GPS-denied or heavily jammed environments. Taiwan to procure 178 Cheetah armored vehicles Army plans to deploy vehicles on outlying islands and east coast TAIPEI (Taiwan News) The Army Command will procure Cheetah armored vehicles to enhance its mobile strike and rapid reaction capabilities. According to the 2027 defense budget report released on Monday, the Army will allocate NT$57.07 billion (US$1.8 billion) from 2027 to 2033 to procure 178 Cheetahs, Liberty Times reported. The first batch will include eight vehicles, followed by deliveries of 14, 28, 36, 36, 36, and 20 in the following years. The Cheetah is 2.9 meters tall and is equipped with a 105mm gun, according to Liberty Times. It also carries a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a 12.7mm remote weapon station. The turret system features dual-axis servo stabilization, allowing the vehicle to fire while moving. The main gun can penetrate 500 mm steel plates at a range of 2,000 meters. In addition, it features a "hunter-killer" system similar to that of the M1A2T Abrams tank. It has a top speed of 100 kph and a range of 500 kilometers. The Army Command said the vehicle is extremely mobile and has precise digital fire-control systems, per Liberty Times. The vehicles are suitable for operations in Taiwan's outlying islands and in Hualien and Taitung, it added. The Cheetah will replace the M41D tanks deployed on outlying islands to enhance defense of key infrastructure, such as ports and airports, and to deter potential Chinese military operations. Here's the final count of PLA aircraft and ships: Attached File Blue font of the date means that there was no "combat air patrol by the PLAAF. Orange Fill of the date cell means that aircraft covered at least half the perimeter of Taiwan. Dark Red Fill of the date cell means that aircraft covered at least 3/4 or more of the perimeter of Taiwan. Purple Fill in the field of the Table means that the highest number of the month. |
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SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’
SixtyNine (7AUG21) "very interesting, thanks"
Pres. Joe Biden (16FEB21) Biden dismisses Uighur genocide as part of China’s ‘different norms’