Taiwan’s Ma Ying-jeou warns of ‘crippling’ cost of paying US ‘protection money’ under Trump

Taiwan’s Ma Ying-jeou warns of ‘crippling’ cost of paying US ‘protection money’ under Trump

“Especially if military purchases became the absurd and contemptuous ‘protection money’ referred to by US presidential candidate Donald Trump. The defence budget would become a financial black hole that could cripple Taiwan’s finances and only benefit the US military-industrial complex.” In an interview with Bloomberg Businessweek in late June, Trump said it was “stupid” for … Read more

Does a deal over 2 fishermen mean Taiwan and mainland China are ready to restart talks?

Does a deal over 2 fishermen mean Taiwan and mainland China are ready to restart talks?

But analysts remain cautious, saying neither is willing to compromise on the most critical issue. 02:20 Two mainland Chinese fishermen drown after Taiwan coastguard pursuit Two mainland Chinese fishermen drown after Taiwan coastguard pursuit Under the agreement reached on Tuesday, Taiwan agreed to compensate the victims’ families, apologise, and repatriate the bodies of the two … Read more

Quemoy to take bigger role in Taiwan’s Han Kuang war games this year, source says

Quemoy to take bigger role in Taiwan’s Han Kuang war games this year, source says

The decisions are a response to large-scale war games conducted by the People’s Liberation Army last month – called Joint Sword-2024A – that simulated a blockade of Taiwan and its defence outposts of Quemoy and Matsu. There have also been multiple incidents of civilian mainland Chinese drones entering Quemoy in recent years. Han Kuang, Taiwan’s … Read more