The US House of Representatives on Friday passed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act which calls on US President Barack Obama to sell no fewer than 66 F-16C/D multirole aircraft to Taiwan. While the amendment has no real power and must still be considered by the US Senate, it serves to pressure the White House and keep the F-16 issue on the agenda.
US House approves pro-Taiwan arms, diplomacy proposals
Admiral Kao Kuang-chi became Taiwan’s new Minister of National Defense on Friday, January 30, 2015. Kao replaced Yen Ming, who had held the post since August of 2013. Kao, a former Navy commander and chief of the General Staff, will use his expertise to help carry out an indigenous submarine program and downsize the country’s […]
There was speculation among US-based China experts this week that the White House was growing increasingly frustrated with China and could change policies and move closer to Taiwan, even agreeing to sell it new weapon systems. However, sources close to the administration of US President Barack Obama told the Taipei Times that it was not […]
Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou today announced that General Yen Ming will serve as Taiwan’s new Minister of National Defense starting on Thursday, August 8. Yen replaces Andrew Yang, who announced his resignation on August 6. Yang resigned after allegations that a joint article in a book he compiled and published in 2007 (“Ready for the […]
On April 7, 2014, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3470, the Taiwan Relations Act Affirmation and Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2014. The legislation reaffirms the U.S. commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and authorizes the sale of four Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates to Taiwan. Press Release: Chairman Royce Applauds House Passage of Vital Taiwan Legislation Video […]
Admiral Chen Yeong-kang became Taiwan’s new Deputy Minister of National Defense (Policy) on Tuesday, March 3, 2015. Chen replaced Andrew Hsia, who stepped down to became Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council in January of 2015. Chen’s former posts in the military include serving as Navy Commander, as head of the Republic of China Defense […]
Clear signals needed on F-16C/Ds Editorial in the Taipei Times.