Taiwan Defense & Security Report – Q2, 2010
Through the second quarter of 2010, the primary focus in Taiwan has been on the trade pact with China. Known as the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), this is widely considered to be the single most important achievement for the Ma Ying-jeou administration during its first term. The ECFA may have broad-ranging implications – political […]
Wall Street Journal Editorial on Chinese Opposition to Taiwan Arms Sales
Editorial: Take China Out of the Driver’s Seat on Taiwan Rupert Hammond-Chambers President US-Taiwan Business Council America’s defense relationship with Taiwan is again causing friction in Washington’s dealings with Beijing. Earlier this month China rejected a request from U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates to visit the mainland, citing recent U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. He […]
US-Taiwan Business Council Releases Major Report Examining the Balance of Air Power in the Taiwan Strait
Executive Summary Taiwan’s relationship with China continues to improve and expand. Yet the eroding cross-Strait military balance must be redressed so that Taiwan can approach the political dialogue from a position of confidence and strength. Effective air defense is a crucial component if Taiwan is to mount a viable defense of the island. Taiwan’s current […]
US-Taiwan Business Council to Release Independent Analysis Report on The Balance of Air Power in the Taiwan Strait
On May 11, 2010, at a public seminar on Capitol Hill, the US-Taiwan Business Council will release a report entitled “The Balance of Air Power in the Taiwan Strait”. This report provides a detailed examination of Taiwan’s major air defense requirements, and was written to conform to the 2009 Congressional directive instructing the U.S. Department […]
Taiwan Defense & Security Report – Q1, 2010
The year 2010 began with encouraging progress for a number of Taiwan’s long-delayed defense programs. But President Ma Ying-jeou may be finding it increasingly difficult to justify his support of continued defense procurements, given his desire to highlight the positive changes in cross-Strait relations as his presidency approaches the mid-term mark. Meanwhile, political battles also […]
Special Commentary: US-Taiwan Business Council Welcomes Congressional Notification of Sales to Taiwan of PAC-3 Missile Units, BLACK HAWK Helicopters, OSPREY Ships, HARPOON Missiles and MIDS/LVT-1 Terminals
The US-Taiwan Business Council welcomes Congressional Notification of Arms Sales to Taiwan The US-Taiwan Business Council today welcomed the Obama Administration’s decision to notify Congress of the following arms sales programs for Taiwan, with a total value of US$6.392 billion: 114 PATRIOT Advanced Capability (PAC-3) Missiles, 3 AN/MPQ-65 Radar Sets and Other Related Equipment & […]