~ 2000
[News] [Papers]
Submarine
Fleet Vital to National Security, Says MND Division Chief
(CNA, Dec. 29, 2001) Building a submarine fleet to deter a possible Chinese
naval blockade should be one of the top goals of Taiwan's military buildup, a
senior Ministry of National Defense (MND) official said. "As China is
likely to use its large submarine fleet to impose a blockade on Taiwan, we
should beef up our anti-submarine combat capabilities."
Mirage Radar Upgrade
May Counter Chinese Missiles
(Taipei Times, Dec. 24, 2001) The air force will upgrade the radar system for
French-made Mirage 2000-5 fighter planes to enable them to have anti-cruise
missile capabilities. After the upgrade, the Mirage 2000-5 should be capable
of spotting and tracking cruise missiles fired from China.
Taiwan Vows Arms
Equality with China as F-16s Enter Service
(AFP, Dec. 19, 2001) Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian vowed to keep step
with arch-rival China's military build-up as he commissioned the island's
first wing of 70 US-made F-16 fighter jets. "Our military build-up is
only aimed at retaining the military balance between the two sides of the
Taiwan Strait, because only armed with a deterrent can Taiwan avoid
war," he said.
Taiwan 'Rejects Deal
on Four Subs'
(AFP, Dec. 18, 2001) Taiwan has turned down a proposed deal to buy four used
submarines from India amid concerns that Washington's offer to sell it eight
diesel submarines may be aborted, a report said.
Locally Developed
Missile Defense Considered
(AFP, Dec. 17, 2001) The government is planning on using a locally developed
missile shield rather than buying the US-made Patriot weaponry to defend the
central and southern part of the nation against attacks from China, it was
reported.
Taipei Urges
Establishment of Cross-Strait War-Prevention Mechanism
(CNA, Dec. 12, 2001) Minister of National Defense Wu Shih-wen urged the
establishment of a mechanism to prevent war across the Taiwan Strait. Under
these circumstance, he said, the two sides should learn from the experiences
of European countries and set up a mutually acceptable mechanism to prevent
conflict.
US Group Alleges
Taiwan is Building Ballistic Missiles
(AP, Dec. 12, 2001) Taiwan is actively researching a ballistic missile that
could strike China, a US think tank says, a weapon that could drastically
alter the military balance in one of the world's most dangerous hot spots.
Such a medium-range missile could hit targets about 1,000km away, according
to the new Rand Corp
study.
Military Scales Down
Its Spy Operations in China
(Taipei Times, Dec. 12, 2001) The Military Intelligence Bureau conceded that
six of its major intelligence programs in China have been suspended or scaled
down for reasons the bureau did not want to specify. "The
suspension or scaling down of these programs will not impact our intelligence
operations in China too much."
Arrival of AIM-120
Missiles to Boost Air-Force Capability
(Taipei Times, Dec. 10, 2001) Taiwan has received delivery from the US of
some of its long-awaited AIM-120 medium-range air-to-air missiles, which will
greatly boost the air force's strike capabilities. The delivery was
made in July in a shipment to the Hualien port in eastern Taiwan.
Army Units to
Specialize in Psychological-Warfare
(Taipei Times, Dec. 7, 2001) The army on Jan. 1 will activate its first
modern psychological-warfare unit to counter the Chinese military's build-up
in the same field in recent years. The structure and operation of the
unit are modeled on the 4th Psychological Operations Group of the US Army.
China Protests
Against U.S. Submarine Sales to Taiwan
(Reuters, Nov. 21, 2001) China repeated its objection to U.S. sales of
submarines to Taiwan after a newspaper on the island reported that U.S.
manufacturers may be trying to fill an order for the craft offered by
Washington in April. Beijing is particularly alarmed by the prospect of
Taiwan obtaining a fleet of modern submarines which could thwart any Chinese
blockade of the island.
Firms 'Present Plans
for Taiwan Subs'
(AFP, Nov. 19, 2001) Seven shipbuilding companies have presented plans to
construct eight diesel submarines for Taiwan, the island's China Times
reported. The companies met during a closed-door meeting on Friday in
Washington hosted by the US navy's Naval Sea System Command (Navsea).
US Says Arms Sales to
Taiwan Won't Change Relations
(Taipei Times, Nov. 3, 2001) Announcements of weapons sales to Taiwan had no
particular political importance to the US position on cross-strait relations.
"The sales represent the way the long, convoluted process of US overseas
arms sales go through the US bureaucratic process rather than the timing of
the latest announcements," said James Kelly, the assistant secretary of
state for East Asia and Pacific affairs.
Schroeder Vows Not to
Shell Subs to Taiwan
(AP, Nov. 3, 2001) German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, on a trip to boost
business ties with China, promised not to sell military submarines to
Taiwan. Answering questions from
students after a speech at Peking University, Schroeder said Germany's
"one-China policy" rules out submarine sales to Taiwan.
US to Sell
Weapons Systems to Taiwan
(China Times, Nov. 1, 2001) The U.S. Defense Department announced it has
agreed to sell Taiwan certain military aircraft components, costing US$280
million. This is the fourth such sale to Taiwan this year. The total value of U.S. military
sales to Taiwan this year is US$1.82 billion.
U.S. Considers
Sale of Spare Fighter Parts to Taiwan
(Reuters, Oct. 31, 2001) The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said it had
notified Congress of a possible agreement that would give Taiwan spare parts
and logistical support for the F-5E/F, C-130H and F-16 fighter jets, as well
as for U.S. systems belonging to the Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF)
aircraft.
US Defence Sales
Offer to Taiwan Questioned
(FT, Oct. 29, 2001) Taiwan's military has welcomed a US offer to sell it 40
anti-tank missile systems, raising new questions about the democratic
island's relations with China.
Taiwan Welcomes Possible
U.S. Anti-Tank Missiles
(Reuters, Oct. 27, 2001) Taiwan welcomed a decision by the United States to
consider selling the island an anti-tank missile system. The United States
said it is considering selling 40 Javelin anti-tank missile systems to Taiwan
for an estimated $51 million.
Military, US Hammering
out Sub Deal
(Taipei Times, Oct. 17, 2001) Washington and Taipei have reached an agreement
on how Taiwan's order for eight diesel-powered submarines will be fulfilled.
The navy said procedures for buying eight submarines had been decided, but
refused to confirm reports that the first sub will not be completed until
2010.
Intermittent Talks to
Replace Annual Arms Sales Discussions
(Taipei Times, Oct. 16, 2001) Annual arms sales talks between Taiwan and the
US will be replaced by irregular discussions between the nation's military
and the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). The planned change is being
viewed as a sign by military officials that the US now regards Taiwan in the
same way as it does its diplomatic allies when it comes to arms sales.
MAC Says China Attack
Unlikely
(TT, Oct. 9, 2001 ) Tsai Ing-wen, chairwoman of the Mainland Affairs Council,
said that her department consulted with other government departments and
evaluated the situation objectively. They concluded that China wouldn't take
advantage of the global crisis situation. She, however, warned that
preparedness against possible Chinese attacks are still necessary.
Military Says It's Not
Prepared for Biological Attack
(Taipei Times, Oct. 4, 2001) The Ministry of National Defense said earlier
that it was prepared for attacks using biological weapons but now it admits
that it's not ready for such threats. The contradiction is considered to be further proof of the lack
of synchronization between the military administrative system.
Military Wants to Buy
US Destroyers to Protect against China
(AP, Oct. 2, 2001) Taiwan's military said that it wants to buy four destroyers
that the United States is willing to sell the island, warships that could
help the Taiwanese break a naval blockade or repel an invasion by neighboring
China. The military has spent months debating whether to buy the Kidd-class
destroyers.
Air Force Greatly
Expands Flight-Training Capacity
(Taipei Times, Sep. 25, 2001) The air force has greatly expanded its combat
flight-training capacity as part of its efforts to upgrade its overall combat
strength in 2001. The combat flight training capacity has been expanded
three-fold due to the enhancement of the capabilities of the service's air
combat maneuvering instrumentation system.
China's Missile
Buildup Worries US
(CNA Agency, Sep. 9, 2001) Pentagon officials are stressing the US' defense
obligations to Taiwan and say the stockpiling of missiles across the strait
poses a threat to stability. "Taking it one step further, the United
States has certain defense obligations as stipulated under the Taiwan
Relations Act. And we take that very seriously and so does Congress,"
Peter Brookes, deputy assistant secretary of state, added.
US to Sell Taiwan
40 Maverick Missiles
(United Daily News, Sep. 7, 2001) The U.S. Department of Defense announced
its intention to sell 40 AGM-65G Maverick Missiles and related equipment to Taiwan,
to be used to upgrade the capacity of Taiwan's F-16 fighter jets to counter
an amphibious assault. The total value of this military sale is about US$18
million.
US War College Details
New Taiwan Attack Scenario
(WP, Aug. 31, 2001) "War over the Taiwan Strait could some sooner rather
than later," predicts a provocative essay just published by the Army War
College. ... calls for a reexamination of the conventional wisdom that
China's armed forces are too technologically unsophisticated to launch a
sustained, large-scale attack on Taiwan.
Taiwan Army to Take
Delivery of New Radars
(Taipei Times, Aug. 20, 2001) The first batch of a U.S.-made, short-range
air-defense radar that the Taiwan Army has bought for its Dual-Mounted
Stinger (DMS) missile system is to be delivered to Taiwan this month. The
first set of radar systems, Portable Search and Target Acquisition Radar
(PSTAR), have been built and tested.
Two F-16 Wings to
be Commissioned Early 2002
(CNA, Aug. 14, 2001) Two F-16 jet fighter wings will be commissioned into
service in the ROC Air Force early next year, Air Force Commander-in-Chief
Chen Chao-min announced. So far, the air force has completed commissioning of
a squadron of E2-T airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, two
wings of Ching-kuo indigenous defense fighters (IDFs), and one wing of
French-made Mirage 2000-5 jet fighters.
Taiwan's Military
Gains Access to Israeli Spy Satellite
(AFP, Aug. 13, 2001) Taiwan's ability to eavesdrop on China has been boosted
by access to an Israeli spy satellite. Taiwan's military intelligence is now
partly plugged into the EROS-1 (Earth Resource Observation Satellite) which
transmits photos with a resolution of up two meters.
Army Forms Its First
Electronic-Warfare Unit
(Taipei Times, July 31, 2001) The army has established its first
electronic-warfare battalion in an attempt to upgrade its capabilities to the
levels of advanced countries, according to defense sources. The electronic-warfare
battalion was put to the test in a field exercise between two armored
brigades in northern Taiwan two weeks ago.
Beijing Warns Taipei
Against Arms Alliance
(Washington Times, July 27, 2001) China's military warned Taiwan yesterday
not to join a cooperative missile defense with the United States and Japan.
The official military newspaper Liberation Army Daily said Chen Shui-bian,
the president of the Republic of China (Taiwan), was "playing with
fire" by seeking a military alliance with the two nations.
Taiwan Military
Offered Hardware Worth US$725m
(AFP, July 22, 2001) The US Pentagon will sell Taiwan advanced military
communication equipment worth US$725 million as part of Taiwan's efforts to
modernize its forces. The Joint Tactical Information Distribution Systems
(JTIDS) will be used to enhance communication links between Taiwan's defense
command and its fighters and warships.
Pentagon Reveals
Meetings with Officials
(Taipei Times, July 20, 2001) The Pentagon confirmed Wednesday the existence
of a series of secret talks between US and Taiwanese officials on matters
related mainly to Taiwan's security. Calling the talks part of routine
exchanges between the two sides, the spokesman said that officials from the
two countries "do meet regularly to discuss issues concerning security
and regional stability."
US has Taiwan Strait
Emergency Response Plans
(China Times, July 19, 2001) The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed that
the United States has a variety of emergency response plans relating to the
situation in the Taiwan Strait. If the U.S. president orders that Taiwan is
to be assisted in time of crisis, the military will do its best to complete
the mission. This is the first time that the U.S. has officially acknowledged
the existence of such plans.
Military Says US
National Missile Defense an Option
(Taipei Times, July 18, 2001) Taiwan will consider joining the US' missile
defense program if the US invites it to participate, the Ministry of National
Defense said. "So far, we have not received an invitation from the US to
participate in its missile defense program. If we receive an invitation and
feel we need the missile defense, we will seriously consider whether or not
to join the program."
Taiwan's Navy to
Inaugurate New Anti-Submarine Helicopter Squadron
(Taipei Times, July 5, 2001) The navy is to inaugurate a newly-delivered squadron
of new S-70C(M)-2 anti-submarine helicopters on July 9 in Hualien, eastern
Taiwan, the navy confirmed yesterday. Eleven of the helicopters are to
formally enter service on July 9, becoming the navy's second squadron of
S-70C-series anti-submarine helicopters.
Military Denies Cruise
Missile Project
(Taipei Times, June 27, 2001) The military's Chung Shan Institute of Science
and Technology denied a local media report that it is developing a cruise
missile code-named Hsiung Feng-IIE. Rear Admiral David Soong, vice president
of the institute, said the Hsiung Feng-IIE is not a cruise missile, but
rather an anti-ship missile.
Navy Puts Itself to
Test in Live-Fire Drill
(Taipei Times, June 22, 2001) The ROC Navy Thursday launched a live-fire
practice shooting on seas off Taiwan's northern-most territory - Pengchia
Islet - firing from three aging Gearing-class destroyers that have been in
commission for nearly three decades.
Taiwan Says
Patriot Test-Firing Successful
(Reuters, June 20, 2001) Taiwan successfully test-fired three of its
U.S.-made Patriot missiles on Wednesday in the first of a battery of trials
for the defensive weapon system. All three Patriot missiles, launched from a
military base in south Taiwan's Pingtung county, hit a target missile and
aircraft.
Taiwan Denies
Developing Medium - Range Missile
(Reuters, June 18, 2001) Taiwan, ever sensitive to relations with China,
issued a statement on Monday denying a newspaper report that it was secretly
developing a medium-range ballistic missile to counter China's growing
missile threat.
ROC Military
Officers Attending US Workshop
(CNA, June 12, 2001) A group of 20 ROC military officers are in Washington,
D.C. to attend a two-week workshop designed especially for them. The officers
also called at the Pentagon to exchange views with officials of the U.S.
Department of Defense.
US Approves Patriot
Missile Test
(China Post, May 20, 2001) Taiwan is scheduled to test-fire the U.S.-made
Patriot missile system in June after Washington gave the island the green
light, Minister of National Defense Wu Shih-wen confirmed. The test-firing of
the anti-missile weaponry would be the first such exercise ever conducted
outside the United States.
Taiwan Vows to
Continue Arms Development Despite US Arms Package
(AFP, May 15, 2001) TAIPEI - Taiwan's Vice Defense Minister Chen Pi-chao said
Tuesday the island would go ahead with its weapons development plans despite
the biggest US arms sale since 1992.
US Should be Able to
Deliver on Submarines
(Taipei Times, May 3, 2001) Where is the US going to get the eight
diesel-electric submarines they have offered Taiwan? Germany, the Netherlands
and Sweden have all denied knowing anything about the deal. This increases
the suspicion that the US is promising more than it can deliver.
Chen Hopes for German
Help to Build Submarines
(AP, May 2, 2001) Taiwan's president said he hoped Germany could help Taiwan build
the eight diesel submarines which the United States has allowed to sell to
the island as part of a recent arms sale package.
Taiwan Ties Arms
Buys to Beijing Missile Cuts
(Washington Times, Apr. 30, 2001) Taiwan is prepared to reassess its planned
weapons purchases from the United States if China cuts its missile buildup on
the mainland, Taiwan´s top diplomatic representative in the United States
said in an interview.
Bush to Drop Annual
Review Of Weapons Sales to Taiwan
(Washington Post, Apr. 25, 2001) President Bush said that he will scrap the
annual review of arms sales to Taiwan, ending a policy used by the United
States since 1982 to provide the island with weapons to defend itself against
China.
U.S. Says It Can
Find Way To Build Subs for Taiwan
(Washington Post, Apr. 25, 2001) The Bush administration asserted yesterday
that it would find a way to provide submarines to Taiwan, even though German
and Dutch government officials said they would not allow their designs and
technology to be used to build the ships.
Taiwan Affirms US
Arms Sales Decision
(China Times, Apr. 25, 2001) The ROC government appreciates the U.S.
government's decision to sell to Taiwan what news reports are describing as
the largest package of arms in nearly a decade, according to an official
statement.
China's Concern
Matches Taiwan's Delight
(CNN.com, Apr. 24, 2001) China criticised the U.S. decision to provide the
biggest arms package to Taiwan in a decade, while Taiwan's initial reaction
indicated satisfaction. Despite being denied the advanced radar system they
had hoped for, Taiwan politicians and analysts Tuesday welcomed the sale.
Taiwan to Get Variety
of Arms
(Washington Post, Apr. 24, 2001) President Bush has approved the largest
package of arms sales to Taiwan in nearly a decade, including Kidd-class
destroyers, submarines and sub-hunting planes, but steered clear of the
weapons system China had objected to most vociferously.
Weapons the U.S. Will
Sell Taiwan
(AP, Apr. 23, 2001) The United States will sell the following to Taiwan,
according to the White House. Unless specified, it is unclear how many of
each item Taiwan will receive. –Four Kidd-class destroyers ready by 2003. –12
P-3C Orion aircraft. –Eight diesel submarines designed to counter blockades
and invasions. ...
China Warns Arms
Sales to Taiwan Can Hurt Sino-U.S. Trade
(AFP, Apr. 23, 2001) China warned against U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, saying a
deterioration in relations between Beijing and Taipei could hurt Sino-U.S.
trade. "The United States will definitely lose more than it will gain if
it continues to sell weapons to Taiwan."
Taiwan Fired by
Hopes of American Weapons
(Financial Times, Apr. 20, 2001) Missiles, rockets, bullets and shells
churned the normally quiet blue waters off Taiwan's Haikou Beach on Friday as
the island launched its biggest live-fire exercises in years under the glare
of the spring sun and the international media.
Bush Team Urges
Holding Off Ship Radar Sale to Taiwan
(NYT, Apr. 18, 2001) President Bush's senior national security aides have
recommended that he defer the sale to Taiwan of advanced destroyers equipped
with a highly sophisticated ship-borne radar system but have advised him to
provide a range of less advanced weapons to counter China's growing arsenal.
Spy Plane Episode
Sharpens Debate Over Taiwan Arms
(NYT, Apr. 15, 2001) As President Bush nears a decision on which arms to
provide to Taiwan, China is warning that a sale of advanced weapons would
endanger relations that have already been strained by the spy-plane
collision. China understands that it cannot stop all of the potential sales.
US Urged To Sell
Weapons to Taiwan
(AP, Apr. 14, 2001) President Chen Shui-bian on Saturday urged Washington to
sell his country high-tech weapons, saying advanced arms can help the island
maintain a crucial military balance with rival China.
Congress Pressing US
on Taiwan Arms
(AP, Apr. 13, 2001) Lawmakers angered by China's detention of U.S. military
personnel are pressing the Bush administration to sell Taiwan the most
sophisticated defensive weapons it wants. President Bush is expected to
decide by the end of the month.
Taiwan Naval
Chief in US for Talks
(Reuters, Apr. 12, 2001) In a confluence of events that officials sought to
downplay, the chief of Taiwan's navy was in the US on Tuesday for
consultations with his American counterparts as Washington continued to
negotiate an end to the spy plane crisis with China.
Arms Sales Talks to
Go Ahead as Planned
(China Times, Apr. 11, 2001) U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher
Monday elaborated upon statements by Secretary of State Colin Powell, saying
that if the crew of the U.S. Navy EP-3 surveillance aircraft downed on April
1 cannot return home at an early date, Congress is certain to call for increased
weapons sales by the U.S. to Taiwan, and it will be difficult not to link the
two issues .
U.S.-China
Diplomatic Crisis Could Impact Arms Sale to Taiwan, Says Powell
(AFP, Apr. 9, 2001) U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said the diplomatic
crisis caused by a collision between a U.S. spy plane and a Chinese jet
fighter could influence U.S. lawmakers' opinion over arms sales to Taiwan.
"The Taiwan arms sales stands alone and apart (from the standoff with
China), and we do that with respect to Taiwan's defensive needs."
Taiwan Air Force
Prepares to Test AIM-120 Practice Missiles
(Taipei Times, Apr. 5, 2001) The air force has received delivery of practice
versions of the AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile, with which
it plans to train F-16 fighter pilots in anticipation of receiving the real
missile, a defense source said yesterday.
Secret U.S. Study
Concludes Taiwan Needs New Arms
(New York Times, Apr. 1, 2001) A confidential review by United States naval
officers has concluded that Taiwan needs a significant infusion of new weapons,
including a sophisticated ship-borne radar system that China has put at the
top of the list of arms it does not want Taiwan to have.
US Urges Chinese
Restraint on Taiwan
(AP, Mar. 28, 2001) The commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific urged
restraint by China, saying Wednesday that Beijing's continuing buildup of
missiles on the Strait of Taiwan can only increase the potential for a
conflict that could draw in the United States.
ROC Military United
Behind Aegis Request
(China Times, Mar. 26, 2001) Various signs, including the current
international situation, and information coming from within the ROC's armed
forces, indicate that the military is likely to take a cautious approach and
wait for a full assessment of the situation before mapping out its budget,
whether or not the U.S. agrees to sell Aegis-class warships to Taiwan.
Jiang Has Caution For
U.S.: China's Leader Says Taiwan Arms Deal Would Spur
Buildup
(Washington Post, Mar. 24, 2001) President Jiang Zemin urged the United
States today not to sell advanced weapons to Taiwan, warning that such sales
would only spur China to accelerate its military modernization program. But
at the same time, he said China is searching for "common ground"
with the United States and expects U.S.-China ties to continue "moving
forward."
China Warns U.S. on
Warship Sale to Taiwan
(Washington Post, Mar. 21, 2001) China's most seasoned diplomat, Vice Premier
Qian Qichen, who meets with President Bush on Thursday, warned yesterday that
the U.S. sale of advanced destroyers to Taiwan could torpedo U.S.-China
relations and raise the chances of military conflict. Qian said selling the
Aegis destroyers would be a "grave violation" of a 1982 agreement
limiting U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.
U.S.-China Ties
Face Setback
(CNN, Mar, 21, 2001) China has said that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan would be a
"very serious setback" for Sino-American relations. Chinese Vice
Premier Qian Qichen said an arms sale to be decided in April was an issue
that would change China's stand of "peaceful reunification" with
Taiwan into "a military solution."
White House Reveals
Plans for New Taiwan Arms Sale
(New York Times, Mar. 17, 2001) The Bush administration officially told
Congress for the first time today the details of Taiwan's request for
advanced weapons, and appeared to be paving the way for a package of arms
sales to Taiwan that China vigorously opposes.
China Places Second
Missile Base Near Taiwan
(Washington Times, Mar. 15, 2001) A U.S. spy satellite detected a newly
completed Chinese missile base opposite Taiwan in the past two weeks, The
Washington Times has learned. The base is located where China has placed its
newest short-range missiles, which target the island, U.S. intelligence
officials say.
US Mulls Selling
Weapons to Taiwan
(AP, Mar. 15, 2001) China has about 300 missiles that can strike Taiwan and
appears to be adding some 50 more a year – a buildup that could prompt
Washington to sell high-tech weapons to boost the island's defenses, the
commander of U.S. Pacific forces said.
Missile Developed to
Face Up to China
(Taipei Times, Mar. 13, 2001) Taiwan has successfully developed a short-range
ballistic missile capable of reaching China's southeastern coast, a move
arousing both doubt and worry on the part of the Chinese military.
Senate Report Urges
Arms for Taiwan
(Washington Times, Mar. 12, 2001) A new Senate staff report concludes that Taiwan
urgently needs advanced weaponry, intelligence warning data and joint
exercises with U.S. forces to counter the growing military threat from China.
Chinese Radar Locks onto
Mirage Fighter Jet
(Taipei Times, Mar. 12, 2001) Chinese anti-aircraft radar locked onto a
Mirage 2000-5 fighter plane last week as the jet cruised along the middle
line of the Taiwan Strait, a defense source said yesterday.
Taiwan Military Says
AEGIS Will Not Spark an Arms Race
(Taipei Times, Mar. 8, 2001) The AEGIS guided missile destroyer Taiwan hopes
to buy from the US is a defensive weapons system and will not cause an arms
race in the Taiwan Strait, Deputy Minister of National Defense Chen Bi-chao
said. "Theoretically, the deployment of defensive weapons will not
trigger an arms race between the two countries. History shows this to be so.
China Lobbies to Block
An Arms Sale to Taiwan
(Washington Post, Mar. 3, 2001) China has launched a diplomatic offensive to
head off the sale of a high-tech weapons system to Taiwan, dispatching two
diplomatic delegations to Washington and preparing to send a third just six
weeks after the Bush administration took office.
Chinese Military Bases
to be Targeted by New Missile
(Taipei Times, Mar. 3, 2001) With the assistance of computer software
provided by the US, a new type of anti-ship missile which Taiwan is to buy
from the US will be able to attack China's most important military assets
along its southeast coast, defense sources said yesterday.
Construction of
Taiwan Navy's Eighth Perry-Class Frigate Begins
(CNA, Feb. 22, 2001) State-owned China Shipbuilding Corp. (CSC) began
construction of the Republic of China Navy's eighth modified Oliver Hazard
Perry-class guided missile frigate Thursday, with an estimated delivery time
of 36 months.
Arms Sales Find
Support in US Capitol
(Taipei Times, Feb. 18, 2001) A bipartisan letter has been endorsed by members
of both the US House of Representatives and Senate urging US President George
W. Bush to sell AEGIS-equipped destroyers, P-3 anti-submarine aircraft and
diesel-powered submarines to Taiwan in April this year.
Chen Appeals to
Beijing to Stop Threats of Force
(Taipei Times, Feb. 13, 2001) President Chen Shui-bian told Taiwan's military
leadership that he will push for the country's economic and political
integration with China if it renounces the use of force against Taiwan. Chen
cautioned at the same time against a potential outbreak of war in the Taiwan
Strait because of miscalculations by the Chinese leadership.
CIA Director Warns of
Chinese Military
(Taipei Times, Feb. 9, 2001) China's military build-up could make relations
across the Taiwan Strait more volatile in the future -- especially as
Sino-Russian relations improve, the director of the CIA, George Tenet, said
on Wednesday.
Military to Build
Arms, Reduce Forces
(Taipei Times, Feb. 8, 2001) National Defense Minister Wu Shih-wen announced
an arms build-up program yesterday that will take place over the next five
years. He also said that armed forces personnel will be downsized during the
same period.
China Adding
Missiles Aimed Toward Taiwan
(Washington Times, Feb. 5, 2001) China is continuing a destabilizing buildup
of short-range missiles opposite Taiwan and now has up to 300 missiles
deployed, according to a senior military official.
Taiwan to Test-Fire
Supersonic Ship-to-Ship Missile: Report
(AFP, Feb. 4, 2001) Taiwan's weapons researchers plan to test-fire their
supersonic Hsiungfeng III anti-ship missiles at a military exercise in April.
The test, to coincide with the island's biggest annual military exercise
codenamed "Hankuang 17 (Han Glory)," would be conducted at the
military base of Chiupeng in the southern-most county of Pingtung, the China
Times Express evening newspaper said.
New Anti-Ship Missile to
be Tested in April
(Taipei Times, Feb. 2, 2001) The military plans to test-fire the domestically
developed Hsiung Feng-III anti-ship missile in April as part of the final
trials of the new weapon system before putting it into service, according to
defense sources.
Air Force
Plans Reforms
to Tackle Pilot
Shortage
(Taipei Times, Jan. 31, 2001) Taiwan's air force announced yesterday its
decision to launch a series of major systematic reforms including the
extension of minimum service for pilots from eight to 14 years.
US Helps Taiwan
Upgrade Intelligence Network: Report
(AFP, Jan. 29, 2001) The United States has helped Taiwan improve its ability
to collect and process military intelligence despite a lack of diplomatic
ties between Taipei and Washington.
Taiwan's Patriots To
Be Test-Fired
(CNA, Jan. 17, 2001) Ministry of National Defense official confirmed
yesterday that the military has completed deployment of the Patriot
anti-missile defense systems and will test-fire the new defensive weapon
later this year.
Taiwan Plans Army
Exercises in Face of Chinese Military Threat
(AFP, Jan. 16, 2001) Taiwan's defense ministry said Tuesday it had scheduled
a series of exercises to beef up its combat readiness in the face of China's
military threats. The island's annual Han Kung (Han Glory) 17 exercise, the
largest of its kind, will be held between March and April to test Taiwan's
combat capability.
Taiwan Ill-prepared
for China's Any "First Strike"
(AFP, Jan. 14, 2001) Taiwan is ill-prepared for a military first strike by
rival China despite continuous efforts by the island to build up its
defenses, it was reported Sunday. "Taiwan's air and naval bases, radar
stations, and other major military facilities were weak in the capability of
resisting bombing," the Taipei-based China Times quoted a military
source as saying.
Taiwan Is Likely to
Ask the U.S. to Sell It 4 Destroyers
(New York Times, Jan. 8, 2001) Taiwan has signaled that it may ask the Bush
administration to sell it four Kidd-class guided-missile destroyers to
counter China's recently purchased Russian-made destroyers, the second of
which is now steaming toward the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan's Military
Needs to Use Its NCOs By Wendell Minnick
(Taipei Times, Dec. 23, 2001 ) Frustration among American technicians over
the way Taiwan runs its military is epidemic. The biggest complaint uttered
by American technicians is Taiwan's noncommissioned officer (NCO) program. Americans
are increasingly becoming Taiwan's de facto NCOs.
Learning to 'Talk'
Across the Pacific
(Editorial, Taiwan News, Dec. 19, 2001) If a comparison is to be made between
the differences of the Chen Shui-bian administration's dealings with the
United States and those of past Kuomintang governments, the main
accomplishment of the Chen administration is quite likely the increase in
Taiwan-U.S. military exchanges, both in terms of quality and quantity.
Coming About
By David Lague
(Far Eastern Economic Review, Dec. 13, 2001) Those who said Taiwan would not
get a fleet of submarines from the U.S. may be proven wrong. There is no
shortage of interest in building the fleet. The U.S. Navy confirmed on
November 20 that seven domestic and overseas companies had submitted design
and construction proposals.
Military Eyes
Ballistic Missile Force By Brian Hsu
(Taipei Times, Nov. 22, 2001) The military plans to establish an independent
tactical ballistic missile force, similar to the Second Artillery in China's
military. The ballistic missile force is to be armed with short-range
surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, which are being developed by the
military-run Chun Shan Institute of Science and Technology.
Taiwan Wants to
Test Waters with More Submarines By Alice Hung
(Reuters, Aug. 30, 2001) The crew of Taiwan's Sea Tiger submarine went on
combat alert after radars detected a suspicious object. Torpedo tubes were
flooded and ready for firing. It was a routine drill aboard the Dutch-made
Zwaardvis class submarine, The Sea Tiger, and its identical sister vessel,
the Sea Dragon -- Taiwan's only combat-ready submarines.
Global Arms Sales
Rise Again, and the U.S. Leads the Pack By Thom Shanker
(New York Times, Aug. 20, 2001) American manufacturers signed contracts for
just under $18.6 billion, or about half of all weapons sold on the world
market during 2000, with 68 percent of the American weapons bought by
developing countries. Russia followed, with $7.7 billion in sales, then
France with $4.1 billion, Germany with $1.1 billion, Britain with $600
million, China with $400 million and Italy with $100 million.
U.S. Promised Subs
to Taiwan It Doesn't Have By Jim Mann
(LA Times, July 15, 2001) Barely three months after taking office, President
Bush reversed three decades of American foreign policy in Asia by opening the
way for Taiwan to buy eight diesel submarines. There was one catch: There are
no submarines to sell Taiwan. And
ever since then, U.S. officials have been struggling to figure out where
Taiwan's submarines will come from.
End to Arms Race
Crucial for Peace By Chien Hsi-chieh
(Taipei Times, June 24, 2001) With Taiwan and China continually expanding
their military might, the situation becomes more volatile. If both sides
procrastinate and are unable to let go of their animosity, continuing the
arms race without self-restraint, only a minor crisis or a misjudgment may be
enough to cause the powder keg to blow up, creating a situation beyond all
help, with the two sides on the tragic road to mutual destruction. The
mistrust between the two sides creates a never-ending vicious circle, much
like the prisoner's dilemma.
Military Balance Needs
Assessment By Holmes Liao
(Taipei Times, May 18, 2001) This year, the US decided to sell Taiwan eight
submarines. Although the submarines are yet to be built, they may have
prompted the navy of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) to deliberate how
to strengthen their anti-submarine capabilities. The change in the
cross-strait military balance resulting from the weapons acquisition appears
to be advantageous to Taiwan.
Edging Taiwan in
From the Cold By Kurt M. Campbell
(Washington Post, Apr. 25, 2001) The higher profile given to the changing
security situation and the subtle reestablishment of contacts with the Taiwan
military are likely to have much more profound long-term implications than
any weapons system agreed upon today. .. more contact with the militaries on
both sides may help promote a degree of military confidence-building -- a
distant prospect now, with visas and spy planes flying fast and furious, but
something to earnestly work toward once the initial dust from this Taiwan
arms sales package settles in Beijing.
Assessing New U.S.
Arms Sales to Taiwan By James H. Nolt
(World Policy Institute, Apr. 2001) On paper, China seems to have one of the
world's most powerful submarine fleets. A recent Pentagon study says that the
Chinese navy will possess 60 submarines by 2005. The U.S. will have better
relations with all nations in the region if it maintains its long-standing
policy of restraint in selling advanced and offensive weapons to Taiwan.
Introducing more modern submarines into the region would be especially
provocative.
U.S. Weapons Help
Taiwan Stave Off Threat By Michael R. Gordon
(New York Times, Apr. 25, 2001) The array of weapons President Bush has
offered Taiwan will substantially improve the island's ability to cope with
one of the main worries: the threat of a Chinese blockade. So the Bush
administration's decision to give Taiwan the chance to buy submarines, P-3
maritime patrol planes, Kidd-class destroyers and mine-sweeping helicopters
is a calculated effort to strengthen Taiwan's navy and help the island stand
up to China's political pressure.
Also on Taipei's
Radar: Reform By John Pomfret
(Washington Post, Apr. 25, 2001) Taiwan's armed forces need not only weapons,
military officers here acknowledge, they also need top-to-bottom reform.
Morale, corruption in the arms procurement process, weak leadership, undue
influence of the army over Taiwan's navy and air force, lax training and
problems in integrating weapon systems from around the world constitute just
some of Taiwan's troubles
U.S.
Arms Sales to Taiwan: A Complaint List By Cheng-yi Lin
(Peace Forum, Taiwan Research Institute, Apr. 21, 2001) The timing of
Beijing's release of the U.S. EP-3E surveillance plane crew was very much in
China's interest, given that the U.S. government is to enter into arms sales talks
with Taiwan later this month. Both Taipei and Washington want to deal with
the mid-air collision incident separately from U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.
Taipei appreciates continuous U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. However, Taipei is not entirely satisfied
with U.S. arms sales and the role that China has played in them
Taiwan Faces Divide
Over Possible U.S. Radar Deal By John
Pomfret
(Washington Post, Apr. 20, 2001) As the Bush administration weighs a major
arms sale to Taiwan, the Taiwanese government and private security experts
here are divided over whether the controversial Aegis advanced radar system
should be part of the package. To Taiwan and China alike, the Aegis has great
political significance because of its association with a U.S. plan for a
regional missile defense system.
Military Analysis:
Taiwan's Guppy-Size Force By Michael R. Gordon
(New York Times, Apr. 18, 2001) The key to Taiwan's security no longer rests
with its army but with its air force and navy. They would be used to thwart
any Chinese amphibious invasion across the 100-mile- wide Taiwan Strait,
contest a blockade or defend against bombing raids as Taiwan tried to keep
China's military at bay in the hope that the United States would come to its
aid. Taiwan officials say their navy needs 8 to 10 subs, not including the
aging Guppies, to practice anti-submarine warfare, contest a possible Chinese
blockade, hunt for Chinese subs in time or war and possibly retaliate against
Beijing's fleet in the event of a Chinese attack.
The Right Arms for
Taiwan By Michael O'Hanlon
(Washington Post, Apr. 14, 2001) To cope with the risk of blockade, Taiwan
needs to improve the naval balance across the strait. ... the United States
should grant Taiwan its request for P-3 aircraft specializing in
antisubmarine warfare and sea control. It should also sell ships with improved
antisubmarine and air defense capabilities, such as the four Kidd-class
destroyers the U.S. Navy no longer needs. The United States should also
seriously consider selling Taiwan submarines.
Taiwan Arms Sales --
Cross-Strait Security Dilemma By Philip Yang
(Taipei Times, Apr. 12, 2001) The
three parties -- China, the US and Taiwan -- do not therefore have completely
conflicting positions and goals as far as arms sales are concerned. Maintaining
the status quo is their common focus. All three want to deal with
cross-strait relations by peaceful means, and safeguard peace and stability
in the Strait. Taipei and Washington share a common view about strengthening
Taiwan's capabilities for self-defense. Beijing apparently holds different
military and political standpoints in this regard. If Taiwan and China lack
long-term mutual trust and goodwill, however, the arms sales issue will come
back to haunt them every year.
Don't Simplify Arms
Sales Issues By Arthur Ding
(Taipei Times, Apr. 9, 2001) The interactions between the US, China and
Taiwan are extremely complex. They certainly cannot be correctly interpreted
by making simplistic observations. The situation truly is as President Chen
Shui-bian clearly pointed out -- military means alone can not guarantee
Taiwan's security. We must also promote security by improving cross-strait
relations. However, a strong military capability is still a necessary factor
for security.
Arms Sales to
Taiwan: The Annual Dilemma By Bates Gill
(Brookings Institution, Mar. 23, 2000 ) Because of China's steady build-up of
short-range ballistic missiles opposite Taiwan—now numbering around 250 to
300 according to U.S. intelligence estimates—the Bush Administration must
take this threat to Taiwan seriously. Moreover, under U.S. law, as required
by the Taiwan Relations Act, the President is obligated to support Taiwan's
defense, in part through the transfer of weapons, to face threats from the
Chinese mainland. Hence, the new president is under great domestic pressure
to go forward with the Aegis sale in spite of the damage it would likely
cause to U.S.-China relations and the likely troublesome reactions of the
Chinese.
The Taiwan Arms
Decision
(Editorial, Washington Post, Mar. 25, 2001) And the first principle must be
that Taiwan has a right to defend itself. China objects to the weapon sales
because it wants Taiwan to remain vulnerable to bullying and, if it comes to
that, attack. By the same token, the United States should make clear that it
will assist Taiwan in resisting Chinese aggression. The point is not to be
inflammatory; a public declaration may not be the best way to make the point.
A third principle is that the United States should seek to cooperate where
possible with China.
Taiwan Shopping for
U.S. Destroyer By William Foreman
(Associated Press, Mar. 24, 2001) For decades, the Taiwan Strait has served
as a 100-mile-wide barrier, discouraging China from sending a flotilla of
ships and fishing boats loaded with troops to attack the island – one of
America's best friends in Asia. But an amphibious invasion is no longer
Taiwan's biggest nightmare. A missile barrage fired by China's rapidly
modernizing military is far more frightening. That's why the Taiwanese are
shopping for U.S. destroyers equipped with the most advanced radar system for
tracking missiles.
China Comes
Calling
(Editorial, New York Times, Mar. 21, 2001) Selling the Aegis would diminish,
not increase, security across the Taiwan Strait. No Aegis- equipped ship
could be delivered to Taiwan for eight years. But announcing a sale could cut
off the promising diplomatic explorations now going on. If the military
threat from China increases, it may become appropriate to revisit the sale
proposal at a later date. But for now diplomacy offers the best hope for
stable relations between Taiwan and the mainland and between China and the
United States.
China Says Higher
Defense Spending not Aimed at Taiwan
(Agence France Presse, Mar. 12, 2001) The largest increase in Chinese defense
expenditure in two decades is not aimed at Taiwan, a senior army officer said
quoted by state media Monday issuing a new threat against the island. This
year's 17.7 percent rise is not "in any way directly linked with the
Taiwan question," the China Daily said, citing Lu Fengbin, the
military's ranking political officer in Fujian province just across the
Taiwan straits. "We prefer peaceful means (of unification with Taiwan),
but we are preparing for war to prevent Taiwan authorities from going too
far," Lu said.
Risky British Arms
Sales to China? By Richard D. Fisher Jr.
(Washington Times, Feb. 7, 2001) Our most important alliance partnership,
that with the United Kingdom, is already troubled, and is about to be more
so. It appears the British government of Prime Minister Tony Blair is
determined to sell China military technology that could be used against
Taiwan, and against American forces that may have to come to Taiwan's rescue.
According to British and U.S. government sources, over the objections of the
Pentagon in the last year, London is proceeding with the sale of 80 to 90
Rolls Royce Spey turbofan engines that will used to power one or more
squadrons of Chinese Xian JH-7 fighter-bombers.
Retired Admiral Says
Diesel Subs Not the Best Option for Taiwan
(Associated Press, Feb. 6, 2001) For several years, Taiwan has tried to
purchase diesel-powered subs from the US to counter the growing naval threat from
the mainland. However, Washington has been reluctant to sell the weapons to
Taiwan, fearing the deal would provoke Beijing. Retired Rear Admiral Eric
McVadon said he was not "terribly enthusiastic" about the
possibility of Washington selling the submarines to Taiwan during annual arms
negotiations, expected to conclude next month or April .
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