defense

Japan to strengthen defense logistics in southwest islands as territorial tensions rise

Japan amphibious rapid deployment Brigade and US Marines
Military Affairs 
Phillip Charlier 0 Comment , ,

Japan plans to add three transport ships to support troops deployed on remote southwestern islands in response to increasing incursions by the China Coast Guard, and a new law passed in China authorizing the coast guard to use lethal force against foreign ships. Voice of America (VOA) Chinese language service reported that Japan’s government will equip the Ground Self-Defense Force (GDSF) with three ships for logistics support. It is the first time the GDSF has been provided with its own

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China launches third 075 class amphibious assault ship: could be used for military invasion of Taiwan

Type 075 amphibious assault ship
Military Affairs 
Phillip Charlier 0 Comment , ,

The People’s Republic of China launched its third 075 class amphibious assault ship today, January 29, and the ships may be part of a plan to eventually carry out a military assault on Taiwan, according to some sources. Beijing’s communist mouthpiece Global Times reported today that the third 075 amphibious assault ship was launched from the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai, noting that the three warships launched so far were manufactured at “an astonishing speed.” “The country has cleared technical difficulties

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Declassified US Indo-Pacific security framework document shows commitment to defense of Taiwan

Strategic Framework for the Indo-Pacific
Military Affairs 
Phillip Charlier 0 Comment , , ,

The surprise declassification of the U.S. Strategic Framework for the Indo-Pacific has revealed that the current US national defense policy for the Asia-Pacific region includes a commitment to developing a defense strategy capable of denying China air and sea dominance inside the “first island chain,” and “defending the first-island-chain nations, including Taiwan.” The previously classified “secret” and “not for foreign nationals” document was developed in 2017, and has guided the Trump administration since 2018. The document was officially declassified last

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US Senator introduces Taiwan Defense Act with nuclear option

Senator Josh Hawley
Military Affairs 
Phillip Charlier 4 Comments , ,

US Senator Josh Hawley (Rep. Missouri) introduced a bill, June 11, to ensure that the US military is able to maintain the ability to defeat China even if it mounts a successful invasion of Taiwan, including an assessment of the use of nuclear forces. The “Taiwan Defense Act” is aimed at denying a “fait accompli” victory by the People’s Republic of China. The fait accompli refers to the possibility of the PRC mounting an invasion of Taiwan using overwhelming military

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US Air Force sends supersonic bombers for missions over the South China Sea

B-1B Lancer refueling mid-air
Military Affairs 
Phillip Charlier 0 Comment , ,

Two US Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers flew a sortie into East China Sea north-east of Taiwan before turning towards Guam today, May 1, reported Aircraft Spots on Twitter. This follows a sortie by two of the supersonic bombers over the South China Sea, just 2 days ago, according to a press release from Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, yesterday. ” This operation demonstrates the U.S. Air Force’s dynamic force employment model in line with the National Defense Strategy’s

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New Frigates Strengthen Taiwan’s Anti-submarine Capability

President Tsai Ing-wen, MOD officials and navy troops and officers at Zuoying Naval Base
Military Affairs 
Phillip Charlier , ,

[Picture: Military News Agency] President Tsai Ing-wen attended a ceremony at the Zuoying naval base in Kaohsiung City this morning to commission two frigates designed to improve Taiwan’s anti-submarine warfare capability. The Mingchuan and Fengjia are Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates formerly known as the USS Taylor (FFG-50), and USS Gary (FFG-51). The ships were purchased from the United States Navy under an agreement signed in 2014, and underwent a 2-year refit before sailing to Taiwan earlier this year. According to

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US Defense Act Calls for Improving Taiwan’s Self-Defense Capabilities

US congress
Military Affairs 
Phillip Charlier 0 Comment ,

The US Congress’ Armed Services Committee will review the draft National Defense Authorization Act for 2019 today, according to Voice of America Chinese language news service. The draft includes provisions to strengthen US-Taiwan military cooperation, expanding joint military training, arms sales to Taiwan, security cooperation, and high level military exchanges. The draft of the act, HR 5515, FY19 National Defense Authorization Bill, was released by Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry, May 7. Section 1243 – Strengthening Taiwan’s Force Readiness

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