Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

Taiwan built sub to be tested from September

Taipei Times

A prototype of Taiwan’s first locally built submarine is set to begin testing in September, marking a milestone in the nation’s Indigenous Defense Submarine program, CSBC Corp, Taiwan (台船) chairman Cheng Wen-lon (鄭文隆) said yesterday.

The construction of the prototype has continued around the clock after overcoming a series of difficulties thanks to the cooperation of the Naval Shipbuilding Development Center, the navy’s 256th Submarine Squadron and a CSBC task force, Cheng said.

Japan taking China threat seriously

Yao Chung-yuan 姚中原

In the past few years, the Chinese military threat to Japan has become increasingly serious. Under such circumstances, Japan has acted accordingly, outlining strategic plans for the next five years to expand military budgets, boost defense capabilities and enhance its ability to deter enemies.

On Dec. 16, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s Cabinet approved three key security documents: the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy and the Defense Force Buildup Plan.

Why I support Taiwan’s independence

Ian Easton

Loyal readers of this column, which I have had the privilege of contributing to for the past five years, will be aware that I harbor some contrarian views and, on occasion, delight in sharing them.

This is one such moment. The truth is that I support Taiwan’s independence. Prudence would demand, of course, that I camouflage such “politically sensitive” thoughts. But one can deny the existence of an idea for only so long before it becomes unbearable, especially when it is backed by empirical evidence of the type that sticks to grey matter like superglue.

Tsai prioritized security over politics

Tzou Jiing-wen 鄒景雯

Government decisionmaking is never easy, and the hardest part is choosing between what the public demands and what is in the best interests of the nation. The decision to reinstate one-year conscription was one such choice.

Former presidents Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) since 2000 worked toward shortening the mandatory service period while transitioning to an all-volunteer military. President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) has decided to restore the mandatory service period to one year and modify the structure of the nation’s military.

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