:::
- U.S.' New Arms Sales will Boost Taiwan Combat Capabilities: Tsai (2019-04-17)
(CNA, By Yeh Su-ping, Yang Sz-ruei, Matt Yu and Emerson Lim) At a visit to Magong Air Base in Penghu, President Tsai Ing-wen stated that arms sales by the U.S. will help boost Taiwan's military capabilities. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense Security Cooperation Agency issued a statement stating that the State Department has approved a possible US$500 million arms deal with Taiwan that includes pilot training program and logistics support for F-16 aircraft. (Accessed 2019-04-18> - Bills on Cross-Strait Deals Flawed: Union (2019-04-17)
(Taipei Times, By Ann Maxon) The Economic Democracy Union remarked that the proposed bills by both the ruling and opposition parties to monitor cross-strait agreements are seriously flawed. Union convener Lai Chung-chiang explained that none of the proposed bills guarantee legislative oversight, public participation, transparency or a preliminary impact evaluation for cross-strait deals signed before their actual enactment. <Accessed 2019-04-18> - China's Insistence on Force 'Destabilizes Ties' (2019-04-17)
(Taipei Times, By Stacy Hsu) During a keynote speech at the Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue, former U.S. House of Representatives speaker Paul Ryan remarked that China's persistence on using force against Taiwan is the most destabilizing factor of cross-strait relations. Ryan also stated that the international community is watching whether China treats Taiwan with the respect that it deserves as this will further show whether China can take on the leadership role globally. <Accessed 2019-04-18> - Arms Sale in Line with Taiwan Relations Act: U.S. (2019-04-17)
(CNA, By Chiang Chin-yeh and Flor Wang) The U.S. Department of State has confirmed its approval for a US$500 million arms sale to Taiwan. The State Department explained that the arms deal is in line with the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and the United States' support for Taiwan's self-defense capabilities, particularly in light of China's increasing aggression toward Taiwan. <Accessed 2019-04-18> - Saint Kitts Prime Minister in Taipei to Improve Ties (2019-04-17)
(Taipei Times, By Su Yung-yao and Jake Chung) Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Timothy Harris is in Taipei to discuss measures to strengthen bilateral ties between both nations. Besides praising Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen for her "extraordinary leadership", Harris also stated that his country continues to support Taiwan's participation at international events. <Accessed 2019-04-18> - Taiwan Should Get Invite to Interpol Assembly: MOFA (2019-04-17)
(Taipei Times/CNA) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) spokesman Andrew Lee remarked that Taiwan should be invited to participate in the International Criminal Police Organization's (Interpol) general assembly in Chile in October. Lee explained that since Taiwan does not belong to China, Taiwan should not be represented by China on the international stage. <Accessed 2019-04-18> - Terry Gou Touts Willingness to Run in KMT Presidential Primary (2019-04-17)
(CNA, By Yu Hsiang, Liang Pei-chi, Wang Hong-kuo and Evelyn Kao) Taiwanese tycoon Terry Guo, chairman of Hon Hai Precision Industry Company, announced that he is willing to take part in the Kuomintang (KMT) primary. Meanwhile, the KMT has to resolve Guo's eligibility to participate in the KMT primary due to his lapsed party membership, as Guo did not re-register in 2000. <Accessed 2019-04-18> - Bills on Oversight of Cross-Strait Agreements Pass Committee Stage (2019-04-17)
(CNA, By Chen Chun-hua and Emerson Lim) On Wednesday, the Legislature's Internal Administration Committee passed a few versions of a bill that seeks to monitor cross-strait agreements. However, there was no consensus on the title or other aspects of the proposed bill. The bill will allow the Taiwanese public to participate and monitor cross-strait agreements. <Accessed 2019-04-18> - 'Unification Not in the US' Favor' (2019-04-15)
(Taipei Times, By Ann Maxon) During a speech at a conference to mark the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), Former American Institute in Taiwan director William Stanton remarked that a unification between Taiwan and China is not in the United States' interests. Stanton further remarked that the US should present "a clear statement" that the US does not support unification unless China becomes a free and democratic country. <Accessed 2019-04-16> - Rest of World Should be More Like Taiwan: Ex-U.S. House Speaker (2019-04-15)
(CNA, By Joseph Yeh) Speaking at a reception in Taiwan, former US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan remarked that the rest of the world could "be more like Taiwan" and Taiwan is a reliable partner. Ryan further added that a democratic Taiwan presents a better path for all Chinese people and praised Taiwan's leadership for upholding democracy, free markets, rule of law, religious freedom and human rights. <Accessed 2019-04-16> - Canadian Officials Back Taiwan's Participation in WHA (2019-04-15)
(CNA, By Elaine Hou, Tai Ya-chen, Hu Yu-li, Elizabeth Hsu and Chi Jo-yao) Several Canadian officials expressed their support for Taiwan's participation in the upcoming World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland stated that Taiwan's participation would furnish important contributions to the global public good. <Accessed 2019-04-16> - U.S. Will Work with Whoever Wins Taiwan's Presidential Election: AIT (2019-04-15)
(CNA, By Joseph Yeh) American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chairman James Moriarty remarked that the US would respect the decision of the Taiwanese people and continue to cooperate with the leader whom the Taiwanese people will elect in the 2020 presidential election. Moriarty further stressed that the US does not wish to be involved in the Taiwan election and its goal is to have a free and fair process that is a reflection of the Taiwanese people's will. <Accessed 2019-04-16> - U.S. Supports Taiwan's Participation in WHA, Interpol, ICAO: Envoy (2019-04-15)
(CNA, By Joseph Yeh) Brent Christensen, director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), stated that the US will continue to support Taiwan's participation in the international community. Christensen further remarked that the US will continue to work with like-minded nations to urge international organizations to put health, security and economic well-being above politics. <Accessed 2019-04-16> - Ex.House Speaker Reaffirms U.S. Support for TRA (2019-04-15)
(CNA, By Wen Kuei-hsiang and Evelyn Kao) Paul Ryan, the former U.S. House of Representatives Speaker, stated that the US continues to strongly support the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) that was passed 40 years ago. Ryan remarked that the Congress supports the TRA due to the shared values between both nations and emphasized that both nations share a vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. <Accessed 2019-04-16> - Numerous Chinese Military Aircraft Operate Near Taiwan: MND (2019-04-15)
(CNA, By Matt Yu and William Yen) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced that several Chinese military fighter jets and surveillance and transport planes were operating near Taiwan on Monday. The MND stated that Taiwan's military responded by sending aircraft and surveillance ships to closely monitor the situation and ensure that Taiwan's national airspace and sea areas are safe. <Accessed 2019-04-16> - China's Military Actions Challenge Regional Status Quo (2019-04-15)
(CNA, By Wen Kuei-hsiang and Ko Lin) Presidential Office spokesman Alex Huang stated that China's repeated military actions toward Taiwan not only disrupt the peace and stability in the region but are also irresponsible. Huang remarked that China's actions are not welcomed by the international community. Huang assured the Taiwanese public that the Ministry of National Defense (MND) is closely monitoring the situation to ensure national security. <Accessed 2019-04-16> - China Has No Rights to Represent Taiwan at Interpol: MOFA (2019-04-13)
(CNA, By Elaine Hou and Ko Lin) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) urged the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to invite Taiwan to participate in its general assembly this year. MOFA spokesman Andrew Lee remarked that since Taiwan is not part of China, China does not have the right to represent Taiwan internationally. <Accessed 2019-04-14> - Pro-China Party Cancels Rally, Citing Security Concerns (2019-04-13)
(CNA, By Chao Li-yan, Hsiao Po-yang and Chung Yu-chen) Pro-Beijing Chinese United Promotion Party (CUPP) decided to cancel its rally in Taichung due to security concerns. Chinese scholar Li Yi, who advocates the use of force to achieve unification between Taiwan and China was scheduled to speak at the forum. However, Li was deported from Taiwan for violating the terms of his entry permit. <Accessed 2019-04-14> - DPP Says Free Speech Not a Shield for Media Outlets (2019-04-13)
(Taipei Times, By Jason Pan) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus stated that media outlets should not take advantage of freedom of speech to spread fake news that would harm democracy. According to DPP Legislator Kuan Bi-ling, Taiwan still lags behind in implementing effective measures to combat fake news compared to other countries such as the US, Germany and France. <Accessed 2019-04-14> - Referendum Proposals Harm Act: KMT (2019-04-13)
(Taipei Times, By Sean Lin) The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) stated that the Executive Yuan's proposal to amend the Referendum Act would undermine the law and allow the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to strengthen its governance. KMT caucus secretary-general John Wu remarked that the proposed amendments would allow the Central Election Commission to rig referendums. <Accessed 2019-04-14> - No Words Expected Until July About US Fighter Jets (2019-04-12)
(Taipei Times/CNA) Ministetr of National Defense Yen De-fa announced that Taiwan will have to wait until July for the United States' decision whether to sell new fighter jets to Taiwan. According to president Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan is planning to purchase F-16Vs from the United States. <Accessed 2019-04-12> - DPP Expects to Conduct Presidential Polls by End of May (2019-04-12)
(CNA, By Yeh Su-ping and Evelyn Kao) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Secretary-General Lo Wen-jia announced that the DPP will conduct public opinion polls regarding its primary process by the end of May. The decision was made to give more time for the five-member panel to mediate between president Tsai Ing-wen and former premier William Lai. <Accessed 2019-04-12> - Pompeo, U.S. Lawmakers Voice Support for Taiwan on TRA Anniversary (2019-04-12)
(CNA, By Chiang Chin-yeh and Chung Yu-chen) During a hearing on the State Department's budget, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and three other U.S. Congress members expressed their support for Taiwan. The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) announced that former U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan will be leading a delegation to Taiwan to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). <Accessed 2019-04-12> - Paul Ryan Suitable Choice to Lead U.S. Delegation to TRA Event: MOFA (2019-04-12)
(CNA, By Joseph Yeh) Vincent Yao, head of the foreign ministry's department of North American Affairs, announced that Taiwan respects the United States' decision to send former U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan to lead the delegation to Taiwan to attend events to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). Yao remarked that the ministry hopes that the U.S. would send higher-level officials to TRA events in the future. <Accessed 2019-04-12> - Lai Talks Independence, Reforms in Online Broadcast (2019-04-12)
(Taipei Times, By Chiu Shu-yu, Chen Hsin-yu and Jake Chung) During a livestream hosted by Internet celebrity Holger Chen, former premier William Lai discussed about the economy, reforms, nuclear energy and the presidential primary. Lai told Chen that Taiwan does not need to declare independence since Taiwan meets all the requirements for a sovereign nation. Lai further remarked that Taiwan should not become another Hong Kong or Tibet. <Accessed 2019-04-12> - Wu Den-yih Rules Out Presidential Run (2019-04-12)
(Taipei Times, By Ann Maxon) The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Wu Den-yih announced that he will not be running for president in the 2020 presidential election. Wu remarked that as chairman of the KMT, his only goal is to find a suitable presidential candidate, with integrity, skills and experience, who will bring the Republic of China (ROC) back to a bright path. <Accessed 2019-04-12> - NPP Sets Down Nomination Rules for Legislative Vote (2019-04-12)
(Taipei Times, By Ann Maxon) The New Power Party (NPP) announced new nomination rules for next year's legislative elections. Under the new regulations, a five-member nomination panel is responsible for consulting potential candidates, incumbents and heads of local chapters to look for the ideal candidates. After evaluating all the candidates, the panel will send a list of nominees to the party's decision-making body, who will then vote on the nominees. <Accessed 2019-04-12> - U.S. Looks to Deepening Economic Relations with Taiwan: Meale (2019-04-12)
(CNA, By Wen Kuei-hsiang and Ko Lin)
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Meale met with President Tsai Ing-wen at the Presidential Office Friday to discuss the Indo-Pacific strategy, forty years of the Taiwan Relations Act, and U.S.-Taiwan economic relations. Meale said that the U.S. looks forward to deepening economic ties with Taiwan under the Indo-Pacific strategy. President Tsai praised the progress the U.S. and Taiwan have made under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement and urged Washington to engage in official talks with Taiwan about a bilateral trade agreement. <Accessed 2019-04-12> - Taiwan Should Not Drag U.S. Into Conflicts: Kaohsiung Mayor Han (2019-04-12)
(CNA, By Ozzy Yin and Emerson Lim)
Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu spoke at a closed-door forum at the Fairbanks Center for Chinese Studies Thursday, where he discussed finding a solution to cross-Strait issues and Taiwan’s relationship with the United States. He emphasized that China and Taiwan must find resolutions by themselves without dragging the U.S., a valuable friend of Taiwan, down with them. <Accessed 2019-04-12>
- Rationalism vs. Nationalism (2019-03-31)
(UDN, By Su Chi) The upcoming presidential election in Taiwan is not a showdown between the so-called Blue and Green Camps, but, rather, a head-on collision between Rationalism and Nationalism. - With New South China Sea Tensions With Philippines, China Overplays Its Hand (2019-04-15)
(The Diplomat, By Ankit Panda) Filipino leadership under President Rodrigo Duterte has been much more willing to compromise with China regarding territorial disputes in the South China Sea. However, China's recent actions in the Spratly Islands come following the United States's clarification of its intentions of defending the Philippines if China continues to threaten Filipino sovereignty according to their Mutual Defense Treaty. China continues to attempt to test the limits of the U.S.-Filipino defense pact. <Accessed 2019-04-15> - Will China Undermine Its Own Influence in Southeast Asia Through the Belt and Road? (2019-04-13)
(The Diplomat, By Xue Gong) Most states in Southeast Asia are on board with greater infrastructure development from China as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, a big factor inhibiting BRI's progress in the region is the belief that China will use its greater economic leverage for its own strategic purposes. By distancing BRI as a China-centric initiative and one that is more of a multilateral coalition, China may be able to gain more international support for BRI. <Accessed 2019-04-15> - High-Level US Visits to Taiwan Mark 40 Years of Unofficial Ties (2019-04-13)
(The Diplomat, By Nick Aspinwall) On Monday, 26 delegates from the United States, including former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, will visit Taiwan to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has praised the visit, seeing it as a chance for the United States and Taiwan to emphasize their commitments to one another. President Tsai Ing-wen also will use the opportunity to express her appreciation for the TRA. <Accessed 2019-04-15> - China’s Surreptitious Economic Influence on Taiwan’s Elections (2019-04-12)
(The Diplomat, By Jason Li) One of the most significant developments from the November elections in Taiwan is that cross-strait issues were not seen as nearly as important as they have been in the past on election outcomes. However, Beijing indirectly led to the DPP's defeat in the November elections by clamping down and restricting Taiwan's economy as a direct response to the DPP's refusal to acknolwedge the 1992 Consensus. While voters may not claim cross-strait relations as an important factor in their decision, analysts must be aware of the ever-present effects China has upon Taiwanese politics. <Accessed 2019-04-15> - The US-China Trade War: The Case of Kentucky Bourbon (2019-04-12)
(The Diplomat, By Robert Farley) The bourbon industry has remained generally quiet about the effects that the trade war between the United States and China has brought about. The industry is centered around the U.S. state of Kentucky, where 95% of the world's bourbon is produced and where President Trump enjoys strong popular support. However, the trade war has also increased uncertainty, especially among rural working-class voters. <Accessed 2019-04-15> - To Entice Foreign Firms, China Needs to Do More Than Show Good Intentions (2019-04-10)
(The Diplomat, By Zijia He and Amy Qingyi Xie) China's economic growth has been dropping due to weak foreign investments, and it has not improved since China's adoption of the Foreign Investment Law (FIL). Business outlooks and China's stated goals of social control have made international business leaders wary of doing business in China. While Beijing has been working hard to paint a good image of government addressing firms' concerns, government actions have not yet done enough to address some of the larger problems international companies have dealt with. <Accessed 2019-04-15> - How the US Can Win Its Trade War With China (2019-04-10)
(The Diplomat, By Arjun Kapur) By avoiding presenting China with a binary set of choices and instead targeting clear-cut, achievable goals through negotiations, the United States could theoretically win the trade war most experts claim is "unwinnable." Trade wars do not necessarily end in disaster, and economic measures can push for better political situations in specific cases. However, America will definitely lose the trade war if the Trump administration pushes for a larger but symbolic victory. <Accessed 2019-04-15> - America's China Bashers Are Gaining Steam (2019-04-09)
(The Diplomat, By Mark J. Valencia) The Trump administration cancelling the United States's participation in the China-hosted multilateral naval review can be seen as a victory for China critics in the United States. This poses a potentially dangerous precedent for the Trump administration's China policy as it caters more to hardliners. While China has its share of U.S. policy hardliners as well, Beijing has taken less influence from them. <Accessed 2019-04-15>
