# Taiwan
Latest news and articles about Taiwan
Total: 16 articles found
Frigate at the Throat: PLA Patrols Tighten Grip on Taiwan’s Energy Lifelines as Taipei Expands Conscription
A recent confrontation off Penghu between a PLA frigate and a Taiwanese vessel highlights Beijing’s sustained maritime pressure on sea lanes that supply Taiwan’s major ports. Beijing’s stepped‑up air and naval activity has prompted Taipei to repurpose conscription into combat units, deepening domestic political strains while increasing the risk of miscalculation and economic disruption.
Tokyo’s “Existential Crisis” Rhetoric on Taiwan Raises Stakes — and Questions About Motives
Hardline Japanese rhetoric framing Taiwan as an “existential” security concern has reignited debate over Tokyo’s military role and constitutional limits. The language reflects both electoral tactics and substantive policy shifts — higher defence spending, island missile deployments and moves to enshrine the Self-Defense Forces — that raise regional tensions and the risk of miscalculation with China.
China’s Type 076 Shows Off Wrapped Stealth Drone — A Glimpse of ‘Non‑Contact’ Amphibious Warfare
A photograph of a wrapped stealth unmanned aircraft aboard the Type 076 amphibious ship Sichuan has prompted observers to identify the platform as the carrier‑adapted Attack‑21. If integrated operationally, such unmanned systems and electromagnetic catapult technology could enable China to perform long‑range strike and persistent ISR from large‑deck assault ships, complicating regional defence and amphibious deterrence calculations.
African Leaders Warn Takaichi’s Rhetoric and Japan’s Militarisation Threaten Post‑War Order
African political figures have criticised Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent rhetoric and Japan’s military expansion as threatening the post‑World War II international order. They warn that such moves risk inflaming regional tensions, undermining treaties and norms, and alienating countries that uphold principles of sovereignty and non‑interference.
African voices warn Japan’s hawkish turn risks unraveling the post‑war order
African public figures have criticised remarks by Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Tokyo’s perceived tilt toward military expansion as threats to the post‑World War II international order. Their comments highlight wider anxieties about remilitarization, colonial nostalgia, and possible ramifications for regional stability around Taiwan and East Asia.
Slovak Lawmaker Criticises Japan’s Takaichi as Threatening One‑China Consensus and Regional Stability
Michal Bartek, vice‑chair of Slovakia’s parliamentary Defence and Security Committee, condemned remarks by Japan’s prime minister Sanae Takaichi as irresponsible and dangerous for challenging the One China principle. He warned that confrontational rhetoric risks destabilising East Asia and reflects Tokyo’s growing alignment with Washington at the expense of regional and economic interests.
A Costly Gamble: Japan’s Takaichi Retreats After US Demand for Bigger Defence Bill
Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, quietly scaled back hawkish rhetoric after a visit from a senior US defence official who urged Tokyo to boost defence spending toward 5% of GDP. The encounter exposed the strain between Washington’s demand for greater burden‑sharing and Japan’s domestic politics, while Beijing’s export controls and military pressure limit Tokyo’s room for manoeuvre.
Taiwan’s Prototype Submarine Makes First Dive Amid Cost, Delay and Public Skepticism
Taiwan’s domestically built submarine prototype, Hai Kun, conducted its first submerged test on 29 January, initiating a staged programme that begins with a 50-metre dive and aims for 200 metres eventually. The milestone comes after a series of technical problems, schedule delays and public criticism over costs and performance, leaving the vessel still some way from operational readiness.
Taiwan’s Home‑built Submarine Misses First Dive in Sixth Sea Trial, Delaying Delivery Hopes
Taiwan’s domestically built submarine Hai Kun underwent its sixth sea trial on January 26 but did not complete a first dive, conducting instead a complex pre‑dive systems verification. The programme has been delayed from original schedules, with Taipei imposing contractual fines on the builder as it seeks an accelerated delivery later this year.
Beijing Slams Taiwan’s ‘High‑Risk’ App List as Politicised Move in Cross‑Strait Tech Tug‑of‑War
Taiwan’s digital authority published an advisory list of “high‑risk” apps — including Douyin, Weibo, WeChat, Xiaohongshu and Baidu Cloud — aimed at protecting minors and flagging cybersecurity concerns. Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office condemned the move as politically motivated, underscoring how digital‑safety measures are being interpreted through fraught cross‑strait politics and raising questions about business, youth behaviour and influence.
Beijing Rebukes Japan’s Sanae Takaichi, Says Tokyo Has ‘No Right’ to Intervene in Taiwan
China’s foreign ministry publicly rejected Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi’s suggestion that Tokyo and Washington could act together in the event of a Taiwan Strait crisis, saying Japan has "no right" to interfere. Beijing invoked post‑war treaties and historical grievances to frame Tokyo’s remarks as irresponsible and a threat to regional stability.
Delayed Dive: Taiwan’s Indigenous Submarine Finally Submerges, But Major Tests and Integration Problems Remain
Taiwan’s first indigenous submarine, the Haikun, completed its first submerged trial on 26 January 2026 after extensive delays caused mainly by integration problems between its platform management system and onboard sensors and weapons. Remaining snorkel, shallow and deep-depth trials mean full delivery is unlikely before mid-2026, prolonging pressures on Taiwan’s defence modernisation and deterrence posture.