Taiwan hopes to receive the Volcano mine system, pictured during a US military exercise in Germany, by 2029. Photo: Handout

Taiwan’s deal to buy US Volcano landmine systems sparks controversy

Some critics have expressed concern that the US$141 million deal heralds a change to a long-standing strategy of fighting decisive battles away from the island.

3 Jul 2023 - 9:48PM

How is the PLA learning from the Ukraine war? A drill gives clues: analysts

CCTV shows brigade using drones to counter missile-equipped rivals in a drill.

CCTV shows brigade using drones to counter missile-equipped rivals in a drill.

3 Jul 2023 - 9:19PM

Chinese hospital ship heads to Pacific to show military’s ‘peaceful development’

Peace Ark’s medical personnel will provide free services during stops in Kiribati, the Solomons, Tonga, Vanuatu and East Timor.

Peace Ark’s medical personnel will provide free services during stops in Kiribati, the Solomons, Tonga, Vanuatu and East Timor.

3 Jul 2023 - 8:13PM

China’s Communist Party confident in military grip after Russian rebellion: experts

Muted during the uprising, Beijing has since moved to ensure discipline, ‘absolute loyalty’ to the party among PLA ranks.

Muted during the uprising, Beijing has since moved to ensure discipline, ‘absolute loyalty’ to the party among PLA ranks.

1 Jul 2023 - 8:00PM

US plans US$440 million in arms sale and military vehicle support for Taiwan

Proposed sale will ‘help build our response to the military threat from the Communist Party of China’, Taiwan’s defence ministry says.

Proposed sale will ‘help build our response to the military threat from the Communist Party of China’, Taiwan’s defence ministry says.

30 Jun 2023 - 11:05PM

MORE STORIES

Starlink has been a critical communications system for the Ukrainian military. Photo: SpaceX

With Elon Musk’s Starlink, Japan ‘could buy more time’ in conflict over Taiwan

The Japanese Self-Defence Forces have been testing the system, which is now an essential tool for the Ukrainian military.

30 Jun 2023 - 9:01PM

Taiwan to test main airport defence for first time in Han Kuang exercises

Following advice from US experts, drill will include mock attack on Taoyuan International Airport.

Following advice from US experts, drill will include mock attack on Taoyuan International Airport.

29 Jun 2023 - 9:00PM

Russian warships seen off Taiwan’s east coast ‘on way home’ from Komodo drills

Island’s military detected the two corvettes on Tuesday and tracked them as they headed north.

Island’s military detected the two corvettes on Tuesday and tracked them as they headed north.

29 Jun 2023 - 10:10AM

China and Russia hold missile defence talks: Moscow

While Russian foreign ministry reveals few details on consultations, Chinese scholar says they probably focused on opposition to Washington’s anti-missile systems.

While Russian foreign ministry reveals few details on consultations, Chinese scholar says they probably focused on opposition to Washington’s anti-missile systems.

28 Jun 2023 - 7:10PM

Taiwan ‘to get defensive boost’ with Nato’s Link 22 and US SeaGuardian drones

Nato communications system and drones seen as part of American integrated defence strategy.

Nato communications system and drones seen as part of American integrated defence strategy.

28 Jun 2023 - 9:00AM

Taiwan says it spots two Russian warships off its east coast

Taiwan’s defence ministry said its military sent aircraft and ships to keep watch and activated shore-based missile systems, without providing further details.

Taiwan’s defence ministry said its military sent aircraft and ships to keep watch and activated shore-based missile systems, without providing further details.

28 Jun 2023 - 6:52AM

China willing to boost military ties with Vietnam, ‘unite closely’

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu tells visiting his Vietnamese counterpart that their military relations are developing well.

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu tells visiting his Vietnamese counterpart that their military relations are developing well.

27 Jun 2023 - 9:04PM

‘Shoot them down’: Taiwan vows to destroy ‘risky’ mainland Chinese balloons

Taiwanese military are tracking any movements of high-altitude balloons from mainland China, intelligence officer from island’s defence ministry says.

Taiwanese military are tracking any movements of high-altitude balloons from mainland China, intelligence officer from island’s defence ministry says.

27 Jun 2023 - 9:05PM

PLA jets on sovereignty mission in test of Taiwanese boundary: analyst

In an apparent first, mainland aircraft near the island’s contiguous zone on the weekend.

In an apparent first, mainland aircraft near the island’s contiguous zone on the weekend.

26 Jun 2023 - 10:00PM

Taiwan to equip close-range spy drones with ammunition system, report says

Island’s military asked manufacturer to give the helicopter-like drones combat capabilities, according to CNA.

Island’s military asked manufacturer to give the helicopter-like drones combat capabilities, according to CNA.

26 Jun 2023 - 9:00PM

Can China fix youth unemployment woes with military recruitment drive?

Observers say PLA plan to recruit more graduates will boost modernisation and help to ease record jobless rate for young people.

Observers say PLA plan to recruit more graduates will boost modernisation and help to ease record jobless rate for young people.

24 Jun 2023 - 2:48PM

Taiwan says PLA warplanes approached close to island’s coast

Eight of 19 jets detected crossed the median line and ‘got close’ to the 24 nautical mile mark of Taiwan’s contiguous zone, ministry statement says.

Eight of 19 jets detected crossed the median line and ‘got close’ to the 24 nautical mile mark of Taiwan’s contiguous zone, ministry statement says.

24 Jun 2023 - 9:53PM

Chinese carrier sails through Taiwan Strait days after Blinken visit

The transit follows the visit by the US Secretary of State, who failed to persuade his hosts to resume high-level military dialogue.

The transit follows the visit by the US Secretary of State, who failed to persuade his hosts to resume high-level military dialogue.

21 Jun 2023 - 9:31PM

Beijing confirms strategic bombers circled Taiwan in 2018 night mission

For the first time, PLA affirms H-6K heavy bombers were used in operation around island five years ago, according to CCTV propaganda video that shows off mainland China’s warplanes and pilots.

For the first time, PLA affirms H-6K heavy bombers were used in operation around island five years ago, according to CCTV propaganda video that shows off mainland China’s warplanes and pilots.

22 Jun 2023 - 4:23PM

Why China still refuses to resume military dialogue with US

Mainland defence analysts said Beijing is still concerned that the US will continue to undermine what it sees as its ‘core interests’ on issues such as Taiwan.

Mainland defence analysts said Beijing is still concerned that the US will continue to undermine what it sees as its ‘core interests’ on issues such as Taiwan.

21 Jun 2023 - 9:23AM