Missile Buildup and Defense

Defense Minister’s Visit to the U.S.

EU Arms Embargo

~ 2000 ; 2001 ; 2002 ; 2003 ; 2004

[News] [Papers]

Defense Minister Urges Exodus If Budget Fails
(Taipei Times, Dec. 31, 2004) Lee Jye urged those who are able to do so to flee to the US if there is continued legislative interference with the country's defense budget.

China Targets Taiwan in White Paper, MND Says
(CNA, Dec. 29, 2004) A new special report by China on its defense forces shows that the country's military modernization is targeted at Taiwan, the Ministry of National Defense.

Military Balance Could Shift Toward Beijing: MND
(China Post, Dec. 15, 2004) The Ministry of National Defense reiterated warnings on threats from China and the possible tilt in the military balance toward Beijing.

China Warns Taiwan Against Provoking Conflict
(Reuters, Nov. 16, 2004) Armed conflict may be unavoidable if Taiwan keeps provoking China and pushing for independence, one of Beijing's top Taiwan policy-makers said, but he spelt out a condition for reopening dialogue.

Taiwan Will Never Develop Nukes, Vows Chen
(Taiwan News, Nov. 11, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian declared that Taiwan will "absolutely not develop" nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction and "solemnly" urged China to "openly abandon the development and use of weapons of mass destruction."

Taiwan President Diverts Over Chinese Jets
(AP, Nov. 10, 2004) The Taiwanese president's flight to an outlying island several weeks ago was diverted because 28 Chinese fighter jets were spotted in the area, a major Taiwanese newspaper reported.

DPP Fails Again to Get Arms Deal on Agenda
(China Post, Nov. 10, 2004) The administration's last-ditch attempt to schedule a review of the controversial massive arms purchase plan ahead of next month's elections was blocked yesterday by the opposition-dominated Legislature.

Pan-blues, Social Groups Join Against Arms Budget
(Taipei Times, Nov. 9, 2004)  Social and political groups mobilized against the passage of a controversial arms budget statute yesterday, with pan-blue legislative caucuses promising to boycott the statute.

China 'Likely' to Use Force, MAC Head Says
(CNA, Nov. 7, 2004) Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairman Joseph Wu warned that Beijing is increasingly prone to use military force against Taiwan.

Taiwan Won't Discuss US Arms Package Yet
(Reuters, Nov. 3, 2004) Taiwan opposition lawmakers yesterday prevented a NT$610 billion arms Budget from being included in the legislative agenda.

Warning on Arms Purchase Angers Taipei Opposition
(Reuters, Oct. 7, 2004) Taiwan legislators lashed out at a top US defense official for warning of 'repercussions' if the island rejects an US$18-billion budget to buy weaponry from the United States.

U.S. Official Warns of 'Repercussions' If Taiwan Fails to Approve Weapons Deal (AP, Oct. 6, 2004) Washington has warned that Taiwan's failure to approve a massive U.S. arms deal would have "repercussions" in America, and a popular Taiwanese lawmaker responded by comparing the United States to a mafia leader demanding protection money.

China a Threat by 2015, Defense Minister Says
(Taipei Times, Oct. 5, 2004) China will gain the upper hand militarily within 12 years, the defense minister said, noting its development of more accurate missiles.

Taiwan Plans to Test-Fire Cruise Missile, Paper Reports
(AFP, Oct. 4, 2002) The military-controlled Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology plans to test-fire before year-end the weaponry refitted from the indigenous "Hsiung Feng" anti-ship missile, Taipei's Apple Daily said.

Taiwan Will Buy Arms Despite PRC, Says Chen
(Taiwan News, Oct. 2, 2004) "We will not give up the weapon purchase plan just because China accuses Taiwan of seeking independence," Chen said.

No 'Balance of Terror' in the Works, MND Says
(Taipei Times, Oct. 1, 2004)  Minister of National Defense Lee Jye stressed that the military has no policy of adopting a "Cold War-style `balance of terror'" to counter China's military threats.

Taiwan Threat to Attack Shanghai Angers China
(Reuters, Sep. 29, 2004) China accused Taiwan Premier Yu Shyi-kun of clamoring for war with threats to fire missiles at Shanghai if the People's Liberation Army (PLA) attacks the self-ruled island.

China Says Taiwan War-Mongering
(BBC, Sep. 29, 2004) China has stepped up its war of words with Taiwan, accusing the island's premier of "clamouring for war".

US Tells Taiwan Not to Fuel Tensions with China
(AFP, Sep. 28, 2004) The United States delivered a soft rebuke to Taiwan, telling it and China not to fuel cross-strait tension after Taiwanese Premier Yu Shyi-kun threatened massive retaliation for any Chinese attack on the island.

Half of Citizens Oppose Arms Purchase Plan, Survey Finds
(AFP, Sep. 27, 2002) Half of Taiwan people object to the government's plan to spend some NT$600 billion for the purchase of weapons, an opinion poll published showed.

Yu Heralds a 'Balance of Terror'
(Taipei Times, Sep. 26, 2004) "The best scenario will see a `balance of terror' being maintained across the Taiwan Strait so that the national security is safeguarded," Premier Yu Shyi-kun said. "If you fire 100 missiles at me, I should be able to fire at least 50 at you. If you launch an attack on ... Kaohsiung, I should be able to launch a counterattack on Shanghai."

Protest in Taiwan against US Arms Sales
(Reuters, Sep. 26, 2004) Thousands of protesters marched through Taiwan's capital, urging the government to scrap a massive US weapons package that they said would trigger an arms race with China and squeeze social welfare.

Defense Chief Lee Threatens to Resign over Weapons Deal
(China Post, Sep. 30, 2004) Defense Minister Lee Jye traded verbal blows with an opposition legislator over the controversial NT$610.8 billion arms purchase plan, vowing to quit if the Legislature blocked it.

Beijing Warns Washington over Arms Deal with Taipei
(AP, Sep. 24, 2004) China said that it "strongly opposed" a weapons deal worth billions between Taiwan and the US, calling it a breach of a long-standing agreement between Beijing and Washington.

PRC Would Most Likely Invade Taiwan in 2012, MND Warns
(Taiwan News, Sep. 23, 2004) The People's Liberation Army would be more likely to invade Taiwan in 2012 than in 2006 or 2008 as some have speculated, a Defense Ministry report released contended.

Yu Defends Advanced Arms Procurement
(CNA, Sep. 22, 2004) Premier Yu Shyi-kun said the government's plan to purchase advanced weapons from the United States is mainly aimed at beefing up Taiwan's self-defense capabilities and safeguarding Taiwan's national character and dignity.

Former Generals, Academics to Rally Against Arms Deal
(China Post, Sep. 21, 2004) A huge number of people, including retired generals and academics, plan to stage a large-scale protest against the government's special NT$610.8 billion  arms procurement budget.

Taiwan Urges EU Not to Lift Arms Ban on China
(Reuters, Sep. 15, 2004) Taiwan called on the European Union to keep an arms embargo on China, saying lifting it would encourage Beijing to use force against the self-ruled, democratic island.

Taiwan Scraps US Training for Pilots
(AFP, Sep. 13, 2004) Taiwan had informed the US Department of Defense that it was calling off the program, which cost the island US$30 million a year, Jane's Defense Weekly said.

US Official Denies US Reconsidering Arms Sales to Taiwan
(CNA, Sep. 11, 2004) An anonymous official said Washington has no intention of reconsidering the arms sales offer made by President George W. Bush to Taiwan in 2001.

Blocked Arms Sales
(Washington Times, Sep. 10, 2004) The Bush administration is bowing to pressure from China to curb arms sales to Taiwan at a time when the Pentagon is urgently trying to get the island's government to buy U.S. defensive arms.

Officials Lobbying EU to Maintain Arms Sales Ban
(CNA, Sep. 10, 2004) The government is trying to dissuade the EU from lifting its ban on arms sales to China, Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairman Joseph Wu said.

Taiwan Says It Breaks Chinese Spy Ring, Arresting Three
(AFP, Sep. 5, 2004) Taiwanese officials said they have uncovered a Chinese espionage ring and arrested three people for spying on the air force's Mirage 2000-5 jet fighters.

Peace Means Preparing for War, Chen Says
(Taipei Times, Sep. 3, 200) While Chen stressed the need to upgrade the nation's defensive capabilities, the national defense minister asked legislators to approve the arms budget.

Publicity Stunt by Chen, Says China
(Reuters, Sep. 2, 2004) Taiwan's cancellation of a major military exercise slated for Sept 9 has been dismissed by China as a publicity stunt by Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian.

US Welcomes Moves by China, Taiwan to Reduce Tensions
(AFP, Aug 31, 2004) The United States welcomed moves by China and Taiwan to reduce cross strait tensions following cancellation of their war games.

Taiwan Cancels Live-Fire Military Exercise
(AP, Aug. 31, 2004) Taiwan's president said he made a goodwill gesture toward rival China, canceling a major live-fire military exercise shortly after Beijing reportedly called off massive war games near Taiwan.

MND Confirms China Pulling Troops from Drill
(Taiwan News, Aug. 31, 2004) The Ministry of Defense confirmed that China's military had withdrawn most of its troops from Dongshan Island where it was to hold an annual war game.

Premier Says China Wants a War
(Taipei Times, Aug 23, 20040 Speaking to a group in New York, the premier said it was an open secret that China wants to push the US out of the Asia-Pacific.

U.S. Denies Sale of AEGIS Ships to Proceed Soon
(Taiwan News, Aug. 17, 2004) The United States will not announce the sale of four AEGIS-equipped warships next year, a defense source close to the U.S. Department of Defense said in dismissing a report on the sale.

Report: U.S. to Approve Sale of Aegis Ships to Taiwan
(Reuters, Aug. 16, 2004) The United States will announce the sale of four Aegis missile-defense warships to Taiwan next year with delivery likely to begin in 2011, China Times said.

Taiwan Premier Says China Practicing for War
(Reuters, Aug. 15, 2004) China has been practicing an attack on Taiwan's capital and capturing the island's leaders to simulate a so-called ``beheading action,'' Taiwan Premier Yu Shyi-kun said.

Taiwan Could Fend Off China Attack for 2 Weeks – Paper
(Reuters, Aug. 12, 2004) Taiwan could withstand an attack from China for two weeks, military sources told the China Times, in comments seen aimed at assuaging fears raised by a computer simulation showing that Taipei could be captured in six days.

Taipei Tries to Slash Cost of US Arms Deal
(AFP, Aug. 12, 2004) Taiwan aims to slash about 16 per cent off a planned NT$610 billion arms purchase from the United States after lawmakers said the controversial package was too expensive, the Defence Ministry said.

Army Completes Live-fire Exercise off Kinmen
(TN, Aug. 5, 2004) Taiwan's army conducted a live-fire exercise on the small Taiwanese island of Kinmen, just kilometers off the coast of China.

'No' to Halting Arms Sales to Taiwan
(Straits Times, Aug. 4, 2004) US senator says Washington's sale of weapons to Taiwan is a result of China's own military build-up.

Taiwan Brushes Off China's Latest Threat to Attack
(Reuters, Aug. 3, 2004) Taiwan's military brushed off China's threat to crush any independence attempt by the democratic island, showing no alarm at the latest volley in the war of words between the arch-foes.

Taiwan President Makes Rare Submarine Dive
(Reuters, July 29, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian took part in a rare submarine dive to boost military morale and to assure Washington of Taiwan's commitment to buying U.S. weaponry.

Taiwan Displays Military Force on Beach Facing China
(AFP, July 28, 2004) Taiwan's military flexed its muscle with a fleet of attack helicopters and heavy artillery demonstrating their determination to fend off any attack on a beach facing the Chinese mainland.

Taiwan Halts Visit by US Military Delegation
(AFP, July 27, 2004) Taiwan has quietly cancelled a visit by a US military delegation due to growing domestic objection to a controversial plan to buy advanced US weaponry worth billions of dollars.

Taiwan Has Missiles on Island off China, Janes Reports
(AFP, July 26, 2004) Taiwan has built a major missile and radar complex on an island off China aimed at restricting its rival's air force and naval capability in the Taiwan Strait, the authoritative Janes defense Weekly says.

PRC Tells U.S. to Stop Military Contact with Taiwan
(AFP, July 24, 2004) Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing told the commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific that military exchanges with Taiwan must stop, given the "seriousness" of the cross-strait standoff.

Beach Exercise Held to Compete with China Posturing
(AFP, July 23, 2004) Taiwan held anti-amphibious landing drills in its southern coastal towns, continuing a major annual military exercise.

Poll: Taiwanese Do Not Expect War with China Soon
(AP, July 22, 2004) More than half the poll respondents - 52 percent - expected Washington to send troops, and 59.3 percent said Taiwan did not have the power to resist a Chinese invasion on its own.

US Asks China, Taiwan to Exercise Restraint over Military Exercises (AFP, July 22, 2004) The United States urged China and Taiwan to ensure that military exercises they conduct are not provocative and do not add to cross strait tension.

Taiwan Turns Highway Into Flyway
(Associated Press, July 22, 2004) Taiwanese fighter jets practiced landing on a highway yesterday in a rare drill to prepare pilots for the possible bombing of their bases by China.

Taiwan Prepares for Possible Air Attack
(AP, July 21, 2004) Taiwanese fighter jets practiced landing on a highway that was temporarily closed to traffic, a rare drill to prepare pilots for the possible bombing of air bases by China.

Taiwan's Military Urges Public Not to Worry About Chinese War Games (AP, July 20, 2004) Taiwan's military urged the public not to worry about large-scale military exercises that China is holding this month close to the island, dismissing them as routine drills that are usually held this time of year when the weather is good.

Pentagon War Game Based on China Threat to Taiwan
(Reuters, July 16, 2004) A crisis-simulation drill based on a growing Chinese military threat to Taiwan was played out this week by U.S. decision makers, Pentagon officials said.

26-year-old Military Drill Revived in Taiwan
(Reuters, July 15, 2004) Taiwan will turn part of a busy highway into an emergency runway for its fighter jets next week, reviving a military drill last practised 26 years ago.

US Says Taiwan Arms Sales Will Continue
(VOA, July 15, 2004) The Bush administration said Wednesday that sales of American defensive arms to Taiwan will continue despite a new warning from China that the sales threaten the United States' relationship with Beijing.

Taiwan Has Plan to Attack Mainland - Local Media
(China Daily, July 6, 2004) After the "Ministry of National Defense" denied reports of US suggest to attack the Three Gorges dam, Taiwan military confirmed for the first time on July 2 that the island indeed had plan to attack the mainland in case of war.

MND Requests New Price for Purchase of Submarines from U.S.
(China Post, June 29, 2004) The Ministry of National Defense has formally requested the U.S. government reassess the prices for the sale of eight submarines.

Decision to Build Subs in Taiwan Unchanged: Gov't
(China Post, June 28, 2004) Taiwan's building of part of its own submarines is a decision that has obtained the legislature's endorsement, and therefore will not change.

MND Denies Russia Could Supply Submarines
(CNA, June 27, 2004) Taiwan and U.S. officials have never discussed the option of purchasing Russian-built Kilo-class submarines, the Ministry of National Defense asserted.

Russia Could Make Subs for Taiwan
(Taipei Times, June 26, 2004) Russia may become the source for eight diesel-powered submarines that Taiwan intends to buy from the US, the Washington Times reported.

Lawmakers Ask U.S. to Re-Evaluate Arms Costs
(TN, June 24, 2004) A delegation from Taiwan's Legislature has requested that the U.S. re-evaluate the cost of eight diesel-electric submarines.

Taiwan Urged to Buy US Weapons
(Taipei Times, June 23, 2004) According to the delegation visiting Washington, US officials said that if Taiwan does not treat its national defense seriously, then the US won't either.

Defense Minister Confirms Computer Simulation Games Successful (Taiwan News, June 22, 2004) Defense Minister Lee Chieh confirmed that computer simulation games used in annual military exercises can now be connected to the simulators used by foreign countries.

US-Taiwan Military Ties Deepening
(Straits Times, June 22, 2004) Greater US involvement in Taiwan's just-concluded computer-simulated war games signals the deepening military relations between Washington and Taipei.

Protestors Rally Against Arms Deal
(AFP, June 20, 2004) Activists marched against the government's plans to purchase weapons from the United States, saying the money would be better spent on education and environmental protection.

Taiwan May Resort to Terrorist Tactics: Beijing
(AFP, June 19, 2004) Pro-independence supporters in Taiwan could resort to terrorist tactics to split the island from mainland China, Chinese state media charged.

Delegation in U.S. to Discuss Arms Deal
(Reuters, June 18, 2004) Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng left for the United States with a group of lawmakers yesterday for talks on a huge arms deal.

Taiwan Tests US-built Patriot Missiles
(AP, June 16, 2004) Taiwan has successfully test-fired two US-built Patriot missiles, shooting down two unmanned drone aircraft that simulated incoming enemy fighter jets.

Lawmakers to Visit U.S. Military Bases Before Finalizing Weapons Procurement Plan (CNA, June 15, 2004) The United States will arrange for a group of Taiwan lawmakers to visit major U.S. military bases later this week to seek their support for a huge budget for Taiwan's new arms procurement projects

Israel, Russia Arms Sales to China Concern U.S.
(Reuters, June 15, 2004) The United States would face an increasingly lethal Chinese army modernized by Washington's friends and allies if it had to defend Taiwan in a war with Beijing.

Two Sides of Taiwan Strait Should Establish Mutual Military Trust (Central News Agency, June 12, 2004) Joseph Wu, chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, said that it is necessary to establish a mechanism for mutual military trust.

Pass Arms Bill Now: Chen
(Taipei Times, Jun 11, 2004) "The president said that if the legislature does not consent to the purchases soon, the US might begin to doubt Taiwan's sincerity. In addition, if the plan is delayed for too long, the US election at the end of the year might affect the plan."

China Opposes Reported Visit by U.S. General to Taiwan
(AFP, June 10, 2004) China has complained to the United States over a reported visit to Taiwan by Major General John Allen, a top aide to U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

Cabinet Dismisses Missile Proposal
(Taipei Times, June 9, 2004) A report that China is willing to withdraw its missiles targeting this country in exchange for a halt in US arms sales to Taiwan was rejected as a ploy.

China May Attack, Says Taiwan Defense Minister, Seeking Budget Boost (AFP, June 9, 2004) "The Chinese communists are likely to conduct small-scale or partial attacks in 2006 or 2008," Taiwan's Vice Defence Minister Tsai Ming-hsien said in parliament.

Taiwan Holds Live Fire Drill
(AFP, June 4, 2004) Taiwan staged a live fire military drill ahead of large-scale wargames to be held by rival China, officials said.

Cabinet Seeks NT$610.8bn to Purchase Arms from US
(Taipei Times, June 3, 2004) The Cabinet approved a special budget of NT$610.8 billion (US$18.25 billion) for procuring arms from the US. The money is to be spent over the next 15 years.

US Expands Defense Ties with Taiwan
(Taipei Times, May 22, 2004) The US Congress passed a bill allowing senior US military officials to visit Taiwan, paving the way for greater cooperation.

Taiwan Appoints New Defense Minister
(AP, May 12, 2004) Taiwan appointed Lee Chieh, former navy commander-in-chief and chief of the general staff, as the new defense minister.

Navy's Missiles to Protect Land-Based Radar Infrastructure
(Taipei Times, May 11, 2004) In a unconventional move, the military is to install 20mm Phalanx close-in weapons systems (CIWS) on ships to defend land-based radar installations.

Taipei Military Rejects Coup Charges by Chen
(AFP, Apr. 28, 2004) Taiwan's Defence Ministry insisted that the island's military remained politically neutral after allegations by President Chen that he had survived an aborted coup attempt by the opposition.

Government Eyes Military Exercises to Boost Readiness
(China Post, Apr. 21, 2004) The government plans to launched massive annual military exercises to evaluate Taiwan's defense capabilities against the threat of attack from China.

Cheney Affirms U.S. Resolve to Sell Taiwan Arms
(AP, Apr. 16, 2004) U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney affirmed his country's policy of selling defensive weapons to Taiwan, rebuffing Chinese lobbying for such sales to end.

Taiwan to Buy PAC-3 Anti-Missiles in June
(Reuters, Apr. 13, 2004) Taiwan will buy advanced anti-missile systems from the United States in June to counter the threat from hundreds of warheads pointed at the island by rival China, a local newspaper said.

Planned US Radars' Sale to Taiwan Within Policy Framework: Wolfowitz (AFP, Apr. 3, 2004) US Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz said that a planned US sale of advanced radar systems to Taiwan is in line with Washington's policy of maintaining good cross-strait relations.

Pentagon Announces Plans to Sell Radars to Taiwan
(WP, Apr. 1, 2004) The Pentagon announced plans to sell Taiwan two long-range early-warning radars and equipment totaling nearly $1.8 billion.

US, Taiwan Teams Discuss War Games
(TT, Mar. 1, 2004) US military sent a delegation to Taiwan to discuss details of joint exercises that the two countries are to hold in two years.

Kidd-class Destroyers Back on Track for Taiwan Navy
(Taiwan News, Feb. 23, 2004) The United States-based VSE Corporation recently began work on a US$99.9 million contract it was awarded last year to reactivate four Kidd-class destroyers.

U.S. Won't Sacrifice Taiwan to Improve Its Ties with China
(China Post, Feb. 8, 2004) The United States should not and will not sacrifice Taiwan to improve U.S. relations with China, the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia said in Washington.

US-China Review Commission Discusses Taiwan's Defense
(VOA, Feb. 7, 2004) The U.S. government is emphasizing its support to Taiwan's right to defend itself, saying it is especially concerned with China's build-up of missiles targeting the island.

Taiwan Seeks Demilitarized Zone
(AP, Feb. 3, 2004) Taiwan's leader proposed setting up special envoys, liaison offices and a demilitarized zone with China - measures designed to blunt criticism that he has been recklessly provoking the communist giant.

Military Not Worried About Lifting of Arms Embargo
(Taipei Times, Jan 28, 2004) Defense officials said improved relations between China and the EU are probably a response to the US' growing power and do not necessarily threaten Taiwan.

China Parades 7 'Spies' Ahead of Taiwan Elections
(Reuters, Jan. 17, 2004) China paraded seven men accused of being Taiwanese spies in front of reporters in an apparent bid to embarrass the island's president before elections in March.

China Greets Myers, Opposes Taiwan Arms Sales
(Reuters, Jan. 15, 2004) China is firmly opposed to U.S. weapons sales to its diplomatic arch-rival Taiwan, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said moments before meeting America's top general.

Navy Shows Off Its Missile Boats with Simulated Assault
(Taipei Times, Jan. 14, 2004) The navy demonstrated its ability to stop the enemy from penetrating the capital city through the Tamsui River.

U.S. Pushing Taiwan to Upgrade Intelligence Tools
(AFP, Jan. 9, 2004) The United States is pressing Taiwan to procure two intelligence-gathering devices to correct an intelligence "blind spot" over the activities of China's army.

Navy Looking for a Replacement for Its Knox-class Frigates
(Taipei Times, Jan. 3, 2004) The navy is planning to purchase six to eight new fighting ships over the next 10 years to replace all the Knox-class frigates it had bought from the US.

Defense Sector Warns of Chinese Laser-Cannon Threat
(Taipei Times, Dec. 22, 2003) China has successfully developed a laser cannon with a range of over 100km and might have already deployed it in Fujian Province facing Taiwan, defense sources said.

Taiwan Arrests Military Officer on Spy Charges - the Third Such Case in Month (AP, Dec. 3, 2003) Taiwan has arrested an intelligence officer on charges of spying for rival China. It was the third espionage case announced by the military in less than a month.

Taiwan and US to Hold Defense Talks Later This Month
(AFP, Dec. 2, 2003) Taiwan and the United States will hold comprehensive defence talks and a computer war simulation later this month, on the heels of a high-profile trip by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to the US.

Taiwan-US Shady Arms Deal
(People’s Daily, Nov. 19, 2004) Taiwan authorities think that spending huge sums of money on buying munitions is just like buying insurance, because that makes the United States duty-bound to protect Taiwan's security.

Rush of Equipment Orders from PLA
(Straits Times, Oct. 30, 2004) SEVERAL factories in China are working overtime to rush out huge orders from the Chinese military for new naval vessels, helicopters and other equipment.

Taiwan's Controversial Arms Deal By Caroline Gluck
(BBC, Oct. 27, 2004) Ever since Taiwan's cabinet approved plans for a special budget to buy $18bn of weapons from the United States, the issue has proved highly controversial.

Submarine Decisions Show Lack of Creativity By Wendell Minnick
(Taipei Times, Oct 16, 2004) In 2001, the US offered Taiwan a cheaper alternative to the current plan to purchase eight new diesel-electric submarines.

'Offensive' Weapons Are Needed By Wendell Minnick
(Taipei Times, Oct 14, 2004) Taiwan recently submitted a letter of request for the AGM-88C High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile and the GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition. Such weapons are often characterized as offensive.

Politics Puts Hold on Taiwan Arms Purchase By Edward Cody
(Washington Post, Oct. 10, 2004; Page A28) A proposed $18.2 billion purchase of U.S. weapons by Taiwan has bogged down in the island's hard-fought electoral politics despite repeated warnings from the Bush administration.

Taiwan's Threats to China a Bluff: Analysts
(AFP, Oct. 5, 2004) Taiwan's threat last month that it could launch retaliatory missile strikes on mainland China if it is attacked by Beijing were a bluff, according to military analysts.

Peace in Our Time, or Peace on Our Terms? By Tsai Ming-hsien
(Taipei Times, Oct. 5, 2004) Taiwan is reacting to the continuous pressure from China, but in seeking to maintain the military balance in the Taiwan Strait, the Ministry of Defense has acted with great caution, always purchasing a minimum of armaments to counter China's buildup.

Taiwan Nervous about Possible End of EU Arms Embargo for China (AP, Oct. 3, 2004) The Taiwanese argue that dropping the ban would shake up the delicate military balance in Asia and increase the threat of war with Taiwan.

Threat to Retaliate Does Not Make Taiwan Safer
(Editorial, China Post, Oct. 1, 2004) Maintaining a belligerent stance with regard to relations with mainland China can only raise cross-strait tensions further.

Yu's Threat: Bluster and Nonsense, Say Chinese Analysts
(AFP, Sep. 28, 2004) Chinese analysts shrugged off a warning by Taiwan last week of massive retaliation against any Chinese missile attack, saying the island simply did not have the military capability.

Taiwan Trying to Shore Up Weapons Support
(Associated Press, Sep. 25, 2004) Taiwan's military is desperately trying to whip up public support for a plan to spend billions on a huge U.S. weapons deal it says is essential to fending off a Chinese attack.

Taiwan to Boost Military as War Drums Beat Louder
(Straits Times, Sep. 18, 2004) Taipei's $30.4b proposal to buy US weaponry is a response to the more than 500 missiles pointing its way, a signal of the Chinese threat.

Taiwan Needs Weapons for Safety By Bill Chang and Lee Wen-Chung (Taipei Times, Sep. 14, 2004) After 2008, if there is no upgrading of Taiwan's military strength and a significant imbalance develops, then China is likely to adopt a strategy of de-stroying Taiwan's infrastructure followed by an invasion.

US-Taiwan Military Moves Lead Nowhere By Gong Kaigu
(People’s Daily, Sep. 12, 2004) In their attempts to look after purely their own interests, the United States and Taiwan leaders have just taken all sorts of measures to strengthen Taiwan's military capability.

Public Say in Arms Deal Needed By Chang Ya-chung and Hsieh Ta-nin (Taipei Times, Sep. 9, 2004) The arms purchase bill affects our national security, the direction of cross-strait relations and government spending. This expensive purchase will siphon off money that could otherwise be spent on education and social welfare.

Calling Off War Games a Smart Strategy by Chen By Lawrence Chung (Straits Times, Sep. 1, 2004) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian's decision to cancel a major military drill is a smart move to pre-empt China as well as convince the world that he is not a reckless troublemaker.

Taiwan Needs Nuclear Deterrent
(Editorial, Taipei Times, Aug. 13, 2004) In the end this comes down to Taiwan's need for nuclear weapons. The ability to obliterate China's 10 largest cities and the Three Gorges Dam would be a powerful deterrent to China's adventurism.

How Far Can Taiwan Authorities' "Arms Purchase Diplomacy" Go? Analysis (People’s Daily, Aug. 8, 2004) The case of arms sales worth 610.8 billion New Taiwan Currency has always been questioned by outsiders whether it has something to do with the general election of the United States.

US Not Panicking over Chinese War of Words on Taiwan By Roger Mitton (Straits Times, July 26, 2004) Washington pundits say China is serious but not yet ready for war in spite of rhetoric and sabre-rattling on all sides.

Survey on Taiwanese Public Perception of Cross-strait Security  (Taiwan Business Weekly, July 22, 2004) In case there is a cross-strait war, far more people think that the U.S. will send military forces to assist Taiwan than those who don’t think it will. 52% of the subjects think the U.S. will send troops; 23.3% think it won’t. More people value peace over independent sovereignty.

Beijing Growing Restless over Taiwan By Robert Marquand
(Christian Science Monitor, July 21, 2004) For the next few weeks on a spit of land called Dongshan along the Taiwan Strait, a Chinese military force will practice making offensive strikes.

China, U.S. Each Hold Major War Exercises By John M. Glionna
(LA Times, July 20, 2004) China and the United States are conducting separate military exercises this week in displays of might amid tensions between the mainland and Taiwan over the island's sovereignty, military analysts say.

No Choice Except to Face PRC Threats
(Editorial, Taiwan News, July 6, 2004) Unless the world community embraces Taiwan and provides collective security guarantees, Taiwan has no choice but to take Beijing's threat seriously and adopt its own measures.

US Lobbying Taiwan Authority to Buy Weapons
(People’s Daily, June 29, 2004) Recently, the United States has not only expanded its weapons sales to the island, but also repeatedly sent off wrong signals to the Taiwan authority and fanned up the flame of "Taiwan independence".

Arms Procurement Aimed at ensuring Taiwan Strait Peace: President (CNA, June 28, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian said the Ministry of National Defense had carefully evaluated Taiwan's defense needs before coming up with a priority weaponry procurement list for U.S. reference.

Deterring Conflict in the Taiwan Strait: The Successes and Failures of Taiwan’s Defense Reform and Modernization Program By Michael D. Swaine (Carnegie Endowment, July 2004) Taiwan’s defense reforms are focused primarily on four key issue areas: (1) civil-military relations’ (2) military modernization; (3) improvements in national security and military strategy; and (4) procurement of weapons and technology.

U.S. Commander Worried about Taiwan Strait War
(CNA, June 20, 2004) US Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Thomas Fargo said that he is concerned about the possibility of war breaking out in the Taiwan Strait due to a miscalculation by the governments on either side.

Taiwan, China Gear Up for Arms Race By Willy Lam
(CNN.com, June 19, 2004) China's generals have stepped up efforts to seek approval from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership for more funds and "faster war preparation" in response to moves by Taipei to secure sophisticated weapons from the United States.

Watch Out for Accidental War
(Editorial, China Post, June 9, 2004) The world is duly informed that rivals Beijing and Taipei, as well as Washington, will stage war games in the Taiwan Strait simultaneously this summer.

China-Taiwan War Unlikely Before 2010, Says US Report By Ching Cheong (Straits Times, June 7, 2004) If the Pentagon's latest report on China's military strength is accurate, then it implies that Beijing's unification war with Taiwan will not take place before 2010.

All Eyes on Imaginary Line in Taiwan Strait By Ching Cheong
(Straits Times, June 5, 2004) If China crosses sensitive ceasefire boundary in coming military exercises, it will be seen as sign of greater pressure on separatist Taipei.

Taiwan: No Farewell to Arms, But Sales Slow By John Feffer
(Asia Times, May 8, 2004) Three years after the United States approved one of its largest arms packages for Taiwan, few of the weapons have reached the island.

A Mighty Offense Is the Nation's Best Defense By Dennis Hickey, Mike Welken (Taipei Times, Apr. 29, 2004) Taipei will be better situated to deter a Chinese attack if it possesses an indigenous offensive military capability.

Listen Up, Taiwan Generals: Reform or Perish By Mac William Bishop (Asia Times, Apr. 17, 2004) Taiwan is attempting its own military transformation, although on a far smaller scale than China. Taipei focuses on two major areas of military reform: acquisition of advanced weaponry and hardware and restructuring its forces.

The Year to Fear for Taiwan: 2006 By Wendell Minnick
(Asia Times, Apr. 10, 2004) Most analysts estimate that China's military strength will surpass Taiwan's defense capabilities by 2005. So 2006 - the Year of the Dog - is clearly the year to fear.

United States Can't Be Trusted on Taiwan
(China Daily, Apr. 5, 2004) The United States' sales of advanced weaponry to Taiwan, a gesture of connivance to the island's separatist factions, are a serious affront to China's sovereignty.

US: China Has Credible Taiwan Attack Options By Stephen Blank
(Asia Times, Mar. 2, 2004) In the event of a war, Taiwan's very survival will be at stake, and China's ability, and the right of the government and communist party to remain in power will be brought to the fore and take priority above all other considerations.

China Trying to Twist US' Arm over Taiwan By Richard Halloran
(Straits Times, Feb. 26, 2004) Chinese diplomats are seeking to link their support for the US in nuclear negotiations with North Korea with a none-too-subtle demand that the US back China in its running dispute with Taiwan.

China-Taiwan Arms Race Quickens By Stephen Blank
(Asia Times, Feb. 24, 2004) The rising military tensions in and around Taiwan have not been widely reported, but there is no doubt that the arms race is heating up on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Strait DMZ Not in U.S. Interests: Expert By Chris Cockel
(China Post, Feb. 21, 2004) President Chen Shui-bian's proposal to establish a demilitarized zone (DMZ) with mainland China is not in the interest of countries in the region, nor is it in the interest of the United States.

Reform of the Military Is Slow, But Progressing By Dennis Hichey
(Taipei Times, Feb. 16, 2004) Numerous security analysts have expressed concern about the campaign to reform Taiwan's military. To be sure, Taiwan's defense reforms are being accompanied by growing pains, but these difficulties should not be exaggerated.

Power Balance Across Taiwan Strait Tipping By Tim Johnson
(Kansas City Star, Feb. 13, 2004) The military balance of power across the Taiwan Strait is tipping in China's favor, unsettling Pentagon war planners and raising U.S. concerns about Taiwan's ability to thwart a sudden Chinese attack.

Challenge to Update Taiwan's SIGINT By Wendell Minnick
(Jane’s Intelligence Review, Feb. 1, 2004) Taiwan is facing new challenges in upgrading its signals intelligence (SIGINT) as China continues to improve its communications systems.

Taiwan Sees Military Balance Tipping to China by Next Year By Benjamin Kang Lim (Reuters, Jan. 11, 2003) Taipei sees the military balance in the Taiwan Strait tipping in Beijing's favor as early as next year, but believes China will not have the confidence to attack the self-ruled, democratic island for another five years.

Two Bulls, One China Shop By Macabe Keliher and Craig Meer
(Asia Times, Nov. 21, 2003) Beijing's military threats were, in essence, empty. The same is very likely true of this week's rhetoric from China's Taiwan Affairs Office that "war will break out if the island declares independence".

Cohen Urges Taiwan to Beef Up Self-Defense
(China Post, Nov. 19, 2003) Former U.S. Defense Secretary William S. Cohen urged Taiwan to enhance its defense capabilities and warned against taking American assistance for granted in the event of an attack.

US Likely to Aid Taiwan Against China, Says Expert
(Straits Times, Nov. 19, 2003) The United States could race to Taiwan's defence if China attacks the island, despite their growing trade ties and Washington's promise to stay neutral if the conflict had resulted from Taiwan seeking independence, Charles Hawkins said.

U.S..-Taiwan Defense Relations in the Bush Administration By Peter Brookes (Heritage Lecture #808, Nov. 14, 2003) President Bush's policy has clearly moved from one of "strategic ambiguity" to one of greater "strategic clarity." The Bush Administration has been quite clear about its view of Taiwan's security.