Taiwan Defense & Security Report – Q2, 2008
On Tuesday, May 20, 2008, Ma Ying-jeou of the Kuomintang (KMT) was sworn in as president of Taiwan, heralding a sea change in cross-Strait relations. President Ma’s election victory probably means that the likelihood of a war between China and Taiwan – a war that might have involved the U.S. – has been greatly reduced. […]
Taiwan Defense & Security Report – Q1, 2008
The first quarter of 2008 brought an anxiously-anticipated and welcome end to the highly contentious presidential election campaign in Taiwan. It is widely believed that the results of the March 22, 2008 presidential election are likely to usher in a new period in Taiwan politics, with reduced tensions in the relationships with China and with […]
Special Commentary: Inconsistent U.S. Defense Priorities Undermine Taiwan Force Modernization
The US-Taiwan Business Council issues a statement commenting on Taiwan’s Counter-strike Missile Program and U.S. policy towards Taiwan Force Modernization In the early part of 2007, the Bush Administration tacked a new course on Taiwan’s counter-strike missile program. The new heading was triggered by Ministry of National Defense testimony in the Legislative Yuan (LY) on the fiscal […]
Taiwan Defense & Security Report – Annual Review, 2007
This has been a year of challenges in U.S.-Taiwan relations, dominated by continuing friction over a range of politically-driven initiatives by the Chen Shui-bian government – initiatives that not only aggravated internal divisiveness but also irritated and alienated Washington. The past year saw the process of political consolidation within the two major political coalitions in […]
Taiwan Defense & Security Report – Q3, 2007
Taiwan Defense & Security ReThe summer and early fall of 2007 saw what could be the start of a slow-brewing crisis of sorts, stemming from responses by both Beijing and Washington to Taipei’s reinvigorated interest in regaining membership in the United Nations (UN). The movement towards applying for UN membership under the name Taiwan has […]
Statement in Support of House Resolution 676 (110th Congress)
The US-Taiwan Business Council states its position in support of House Resolution 676 (H.Res.676, 110th Congress, 2007-2008) on Taiwan Arms Sales and U.S. support for Taiwan’s legitimate national defense needs. [The Council] supports the passage of H.Res.676 on the matter of U.S. support for Taiwan’s legitimate national defense needs, and specifically supports immediately allowing Taiwan […]