# Taiwan
Latest news and articles about Taiwan
Total: 53 articles found
Close Calls Over the Strait: How PLA J-16 Tactics Signal a Shift from Deterrence to Control
A leaked Taiwanese note, published in the Financial Times, describes three close encounters in which PLA J-16s used flares, tailing maneuvers and radar masking to intimidate and control F-16s during last year’s drills. Analysts say these incidents reflect a tactical shift by Beijing from symbolic demonstrations to coercive control that raises the risk of miscalculation and complicates deterrence for Taiwan and its partners.
Taiwan’s NT$1.25 Trillion Defence Bill Sparks Row Over Job Claims, US Arms and Transparency
A proposed NT$1.25 trillion special defence budget in Taiwan has sparked a domestic row after defence officials claimed it would generate NT$400 billion in output and 90,000 jobs, while critics say most spending will go to US arms purchases and demand greater transparency. The dispute draws in US pressure, opposition allegations of corruption, and Beijing’s condemnation, underscoring tensions between urgent rearmament needs and demands for legislative oversight.
KMT Pushes to Reopen Cross‑Strait Channels, Casting DPP as Obstacle to 'Revival of Dawn'
KMT vice‑chair Zhang Rong‑gong vowed to revitalise cross‑Strait exchanges following a Beijing think‑tank forum that produced 15 joint opinions across five areas. He accused the DPP of blocking cooperation and argued that promoting a Chinese identity in Taiwan will deliver economic benefits and greater stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Beijing Dismisses Lai Ching-te’s Overtures as a ‘Doomed’ Bid for Independence
China’s Foreign Ministry condemned DPP leader Lai Ching‑te for seeking foreign support for Taiwanese independence, calling such efforts futile and labelling him a provocateur. The exchange follows Lai’s outreach to Japan and highlights Beijing’s use of sharp rhetoric to deter Taipei’s international engagements while signalling resolve to domestic and international audiences.
KMT Vice‑Chair Urges Push to Reopen Cross‑Strait Channels, Blames DPP for Obstruction
KMT vice‑chair Zhang Ronggong pledged to convert a Beijing think‑tank forum’s 15 joint recommendations into concrete cross‑strait exchanges, framing the effort as a response to popular demand and a defence of Chinese identity on the island. He accused the DPP of obstructing ties and warned that "de‑Sinicisation" threatens Taiwan’s stability, signalling a renewed contest between engagement and distancing in Taipei politics.
Beijing Warns of 'Annihilation' After Reports Taiwan Might Forward-Deploy HIMARS and Consider Pre‑Emptive Strikes
China’s defence ministry rejected Taiwanese proposals to forward‑deploy HIMARS rocket systems and entertain pre‑emptive strikes, warning any attempt to provoke conflict would be met with annihilation. The exchange deepens cross‑Strait tensions, highlighting the risks of forward deployments, tight decision timelines, and potential miscalculation with the United States watching closely.
Beijing Scoffs at Taiwan’s Talk of Forward‑Deploying HIMARS, Warns of ‘Annihilation’ if Fighting Starts
China’s defence ministry rebuked proposals from Taiwan to forward‑deploy HIMARS rocket systems to offshore islands and dismissed the idea of a Taiwanese “pre‑emptive strike” as reckless. Beijing framed the proposal as justification for tough deterrence measures and warned that any armed provocation would face annihilation by the PLA.
Beijing Rebukes Japan’s Talk of Dialogue as ‘Words’ While ‘Hands Busy with Confrontation’
China publicly rejected Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi’s expressed openness to dialogue, saying words mean nothing if Tokyo pursues confrontational policies, especially on Taiwan. Beijing demanded a retraction of Takaichi’s Taiwan-related remarks and strict adherence to established political agreements as preconditions for credible talks.
Beijing Scolds Kaohsiung Officials: ‘Talking Dialogue, Practicing Confrontation’
China’s foreign ministry reproached comments from Kaohsiung officials for simultaneously professing a desire for dialogue while taking actions Beijing deems confrontational. The rebuke signals Beijing’s low tolerance for perceived mixed messaging from Taiwanese local authorities and underscores how municipal interactions have become arenas of broader cross‑strait contestation.
Trump’s $20bn Taiwan Arms Pitch Tests Beijing’s Red Lines — and Taipei’s Balance Sheet
The Trump administration is reportedly preparing a roughly $20 billion arms package for Taiwan that would expand the island’s air-defence and potentially offensive capabilities. Beijing has warned strongly against such moves, while Taiwan’s political and fiscal constraints make it unclear whether Taipei could finance the purchase, deepening strategic and diplomatic risks for all three parties.
Largest-Ever US–Japan ‘Iron Fist’ Exercise in Okinawa Signals Deeper Amphibious Integration—and Greater Regional Risk
The 2026 US–Japan 'Iron Fist' amphibious exercise, running 11 February–9 March, is the largest yet and spans 19 sites in and around Okinawa. With deeper operational integration between US and Japanese commands, expanded amphibious forces and sharpened political rhetoric in Tokyo and Washington, the drills both bolster deterrence and raise regional risks of miscalculation.
Beijing Says Japan Election Won’t Alter China Policy, Warns Against Right‑wing Drift
China’s foreign ministry said its policy toward Japan will remain stable despite the ruling coalition’s victory and Sanae Takaichi’s continued leadership, while warning Tokyo against right‑wing adventurism and urging withdrawal of contentious Taiwan remarks. Beijing framed the election as a domestic matter but used the briefing to reiterate core demands and to signal vigilance over Japan’s future defence and Taiwan posture.