Taiwan Defense & Security Report – Annual Review, 2009
Despite continued improvement in cross-Strait relations, 2009 proved to be rather stormy for President Ma Ying-jeou, whose ability to govern is increasingly being questioned in the wake of a series of political crises. The overwhelming parliamentary majority enjoyed by the ruling Kuomintang (KMT) party has also proven to be of little consolation, as Mr. Ma’s […]
Taiwan Defense & Security Report – Q3, 2009
The summer of 2009 was stormy for Taiwan, both literally and figuratively. While still struggling with a weak (albeit apparently stabilizing) economy, the island was hit by the most destructive typhoon in 50 years. Typhoon Morakot was a catastrophic event that also had powerful political ramifications. The political aftermath of the typhoon spilled over into […]
US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference 2009 to Discuss Taiwan’s Strategy for Integration, Innovation, and Military Transition
The US-Taiwan Business Council today announced that it will host the 8th annual US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference from September 27-29, 2009 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Keynote speakers at the conference will include Wallace “Chip” Gregson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian & Pacific Security Affairs; David Shear, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for China, Hong Kong, […]
Defense News Editorial on Cross-Strait Detente
DETENTE NEEDS MUSCLE: Taiwan Modernization Underpins Chinese Dealings Editorial Published in Defense News July 20, 2009 Rupert Hammond-Chambers President US-Taiwan Business Council Early last month, several of Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense officials met with the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign and National Defense Committee. During his testimony, Chang Liang-jen, vice minister of national defense, noted that […]
Taiwan Defense & Security Report – Q2, 2009
Taiwan continues to experience economic distress and ongoing internal political woes. In contrast, Taiwan’s relationship with China continues to show steady improvement, and the long-term prospects seem positive. Against this backdrop, President Ma Ying-jeou has decided to consolidate his influence over the ruling Kuomintang (KMT) party. It is a first step towards addressing the major […]
Taiwan Defense & Security Report – Q1, 2009
The economy and cross-Strait ties continued to take center stage in Taiwan during the first three months of 2009. However, as Taipei moves beyond the rapid progress and relatively easy deliverables of its initial dealings with Beijing, there are signs that President Ma Ying-jeou’s government may have also begun to give greater consideration to defense […]