台北時報

Beijing‌ Rapidly Expanding Military Infrastructure Along Coast Facing Taiwan: MAC Report

Taipei, Taiwan – China‌ is aggressively building and‍ upgrading military infrastructure ⁣along its‌ eastern coastline opposite Taiwan, including facilities capable of supporting large-scale amphibious assault operations, according to⁢ a ‍report released today by Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC). The build-up signals a heightened capacity for potential military action against Taiwan and its surrounding islands.

The MAC report details the construction of naval ⁤facilities at⁣ Zhejiang Province’s Yueqing Bay, featuring a large wharf designed to accommodate numerous vessels. Infrastructure improvements at Fuzhou ⁤Changle ⁣International Airport are geared towards increased warplane operations, perhaps including frontline fuel stations and military logistics hubs.⁤ Additionally, the Xiamen xiangan International Airport, currently⁤ under construction ⁢on Dadeng Island – where land reclamation has doubled in recent years – is linked to extensive railway and highway systems and could be utilized ⁢for⁣ military purposes, given⁢ its proximity of just 3.7km to⁣ Taiwan’s Kinmen County. ‌

A newly constructed helicopter base in Zhangpu⁤ County has also seen the addition of helipads and maintenance ⁤hangars, potentially supporting operations aimed at seizing Penghu County, the report states.

Notably, the Chinese People’s Liberation ⁢Army Rocket Force (PLARF) has significantly increased its​ missile stockpile, growing by nearly 50% over the past four years to approximately 3,500‌ missiles, according to data from the US Department of Defense. While the number of missiles specifically deployed​ along China’s eastern coast‍ and aimed at Taiwan remains unclear, satellite imagery reveals the construction of larger military bases and more missile launchers in the region.These images also show PLARF soldiers conducting missile-launching drills in diverse locations, ‍including farmlands, valleys, highways, and​ coastal areas facing Taiwan.

The MAC assessment suggests this massive missile arsenal⁢ is intended to deter Taiwanese resistance and discourage potential US intervention.

The report also ⁢indicates potential collaboration, noting that information from multiple sources suggests Moscow is assisting ​Beijing in bolstering airborne and ⁣special operation capabilities for potential seizure of ​Taiwan and‍ its ⁤outlying islands.

These findings come amid increased Chinese military activity​ near ‍Taiwan. The Ministry of National defense reported detecting 26 Chinese military ‍aircraft ​and 10 vessels operating around Taiwan between ‌6pm on Friday and 6am yesterday. Twenty-three ‌of the ​aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait’s median line, entering Taiwan’s air defense identification zones.⁤ Twelve aircraft later conducted operations at sea, also crossing the median line, before proceeding to the western Pacific for “long-range offshore” training. Taiwan’s armed forces responded by monitoring the situation and deploying ⁣aircraft, navy vessels,⁤ and coastal missile systems.

The ⁣MAC report underscores the‌ escalating military pressure from Beijing and highlights the ongoing⁣ concerns regarding China’s ‍intentions towards Taiwan.

Liberal International Condemns‍ China‘s repression of Taiwanese Nationals

The Liberal International, a worldwide alliance of liberal and progressive democratic political parties,‍ unanimously approved a resolution yesterday condemning China’s transnational repression targeting Taiwanese citizens. The motion was proposed⁤ by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator ‌Fan Yun (范雲) and passed on​ the first day of the ⁢Liberal⁣ International’s 209th Executive Committee Meeting ⁤in The Hague, ⁣Netherlands.

Fan, ⁣serving as the Liberal International’s vice president and​ representing the DPP, introduced an emergency resolution specifically to support DPP Legislator Puma Shen (沈伯洋) and address the issue of transnational repression. this action follows the Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau’s late-November listing of Shen as a “wanted” individual,accused of “separatism” due to his advocacy for “Taiwanese independence.” Further escalating the‌ situation, China Central Television aired a​ segment on November 9th suggesting Interpol should pursue Shen.

The meeting in The ‍Hague brought together approximately 170 representatives from⁤ liberal parties and democracy advocates originating from 48 countries across Europe, Africa,‌ the‍ Americas, and Asia, according to Fan. She noted that the initial motion concerning ⁣”transnational repression” was amended by another representative to specifically identify “transnational repression⁢ by the People’s Republic of China on Taiwanese nationals,” emphasizing the direct threat posed by China to​ Taiwan.

The resulting eight-point ‍resolution ⁢includes condemning ongoing​ transnational repression by China, urging member parties and governments to bolster legal protections against such actions, and calling⁣ for a unified effort to‌ counter China’s political coercion aimed at silencing Taiwanese ‌voices.

Beyond condemnation, the resolution also affirms ⁢support for Taiwan’s democratic resilience and its role as a key partner in defending global democratic values. It advocates ⁢for the development⁤ of international​ mechanisms to monitor, prevent, and respond to transnational repression. The resolution further calls on the international community to uphold the‍ rules-based international order and pursue peaceful diplomacy regarding ⁤Taiwan‌ and the Taiwan Strait. It also proposes ⁣clarifying the⁤ legal boundaries of UN Resolution 2758 through multilateral ⁤cooperation,enabling Taiwan’s meaningful participation in ⁤international organizations without disrupting the existing ‍”status quo.”

the resolution stresses the importance of prioritizing dialogue, international law, and conflict ‍prevention to maintain regional security and stability.

Shen, who also attended ⁣the meeting, highlighted on social media the importance of the amendment to‍ the resolution’s ‍title. He emphasized the ⁢importance of referring to “Taiwanese nationals”⁤ – rather‌ than “the People of Taiwan” or “Residents of Taiwan” – as a exhibition of international recognition of ​Taiwan’s distinct identity and subjectivity.

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Additional reporting was provided by⁢ CNA.

Taiwanese Lawmaker Defies Beijing’s Legal​ Threats During Democracy summit ⁣in Netherlands

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Puma Shen (沈伯洋)⁢ asserted that China‘s attempts to intimidate Taiwan through ​legal means, ⁤including⁣ recent calls for his arrest, “will not work.” Shen made the ​statement while attending ⁢a democracy summit in the Netherlands, continuing a series of international engagements aimed at bolstering support for Taiwan.

Over the past two months, Shen has conducted‌ outreach in⁢ the United ​States, ​South Korea, Germany, and the Netherlands, characterizing the work as essential. He cited a recent trip to South⁣ korea, which has an extradition treaty with China, as evidence of his resolve, stating he attended a conference there ⁣with like-minded democratic partners despite the potential ⁤risk.

Shen believes china is​ attempting to⁣ curtail his international advocacy. “China really wants to stop me from carrying out these international engagement efforts, so⁣ it ‍is trying​ to impose sanctions on ⁢me and prevent me⁤ from traveling​ abroad,” he said. Last month, the Chongqing Municipal public Security Bureau listed ​Shen as “wanted,” alleging “criminal activities‌ of secession.” A Chinese legal expert also suggested pursuing Shen through Interpol.

Dismissing these actions as “largely symbolic⁣ propaganda for domestic audiences,” Shen urged Taiwan not to be intimidated. “These ⁢actions are‌ meant to show⁢ the people of taiwan that ⁢China is a‍ paper tiger,”⁢ he stated, hoping Taiwanese⁢ citizens recognize the‍ ineffectiveness of Beijing’s legal threats.

Shen also warned of ⁣escalating threats⁢ from China toward ‌the⁤ democratic world, citing increasingly assertive rhetoric and a recent shift⁤ in Beijing’s approach to Japan as evidence of heightened “wolf warrior diplomacy.” He⁤ emphasized the need ⁢for democratic nations to⁢ forge alliances and understand China’s multifaceted strategies, encompassing military and⁢ economic pressures alongside diplomatic maneuvers.

in a display of defiance, Shen shared a video on Facebook showing him posing in front of the International⁤ Criminal Court ⁤in The⁣ Hague, stating, “This is ​where ‌dictators are tried for⁣ war⁣ crimes or genocide.”⁣ He⁣ affirmed his‍ commitment to defending democracy, even while being sought ‌by an authoritarian regime.

Shen participated in‍ a panel ‌discussion titled “Defending democracy in an Era of Political Manipulation” at the 209th Executive Committee Meeting of the Liberal International (LI) held in ⁢The Hague on Friday and Saturday.⁣ He and fellow DPP Legislator Fan Yun‍ (范雲) attended ⁢the event ⁤as representatives of taiwan’s ⁣ruling party.

Jakarta to Deport British ​National on Death Row, Including Lindsay⁤ Sandiford: Source

JAKARTA​ – Indonesian authorities are set to⁤ sign⁢ an agreement today to ⁣repatriate⁢ two British‍ nationals,‌ including Lindsay Sandiford, a grandmother sentenced to death ‍in 2013‌ for ⁤drug trafficking, an Indonesian government source said yesterday. the transfer will occur immediately​ following⁣ agreement​ on the technical‍ details.

Sandiford, 68, was convicted on⁤ the island of Bali after customs officers discovered cocaine ‌valued at approximately US$2.14 million concealed within a false compartment ‍in her suitcase ​upon arrival from ⁣Thailand in 2012. She ⁣admitted to ‍the offenses, stating ⁢she carried​ the narcotics due to ​threats against her son from a drug syndicate.

The second individual being repatriated is​ Shahab Shahabadi, 35, who was‍ arrested in ⁤2014 on drug ⁣charges ​and is ​serving a life sentence.

A press conference announcing the “release of two British nationals” is scheduled with Indonesian authorities and the ⁣British ambassador to Indonesia, ‌according to a release from the⁤ coordinating ministry for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration and Correction. The British embassy​ in ⁢Jakarta has referred all inquiries to the Indonesian government.

Indonesia maintains⁢ some of the world’s strictest drug laws,with⁣ numerous foreign nationals ‌currently on⁣ death row for drug ⁤offenses. Recent months have seen President Prabowo Subianto’s governance repatriate several high-profile inmates convicted of‍ drug crimes, ​including Filipina inmate Mary‍ Jane ‍Veloso in December and⁢ French ⁤national Serge⁣ Atlaoui in February.

Sandiford’s case garnered important media attention in Britain,where she penned an ‍article ‍detailing ⁣her fears of execution,stating in 2015 she had begun​ writing​ goodbye letters to family and planned to sing Perry Como’s “Magic Moments” before⁤ a ‍firing squad. She befriended​ Andrew Chan, an Australian‍ executed for his ⁤role in ‍the “Bali nine” heroin ‍smuggling operation, ‍while incarcerated.

Taiwan Intensifies efforts for Inclusion in ICAO and UN

Taiwan’s government is actively pursuing participation in both the International Civil Aviation Institution (ICAO) and the United Nations (UN), emphasizing its commitment to flight safety and its crucial role in regional and global aviation. Officials outlined a multi-pronged strategy involving diplomatic outreach, international advocacy, and clarifying the scope of UN Resolution 2758.

Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Kuo-hsien highlighted the ICAO’s strategic plan, “safe Skies, Sustainable Future” (2026-2050), and stressed that Taiwan’s inclusion would contribute to a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive global civil aviation system. CAA Director-General Ho Shu-ping, in a letter to ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano, argued that Taiwan’s participation aligns with the ICAO’s goal of a “seamless sky” and would showcase its leadership in aviation development and management.

Taiwan operates the Taipei flight information Region (FIR), a vital component of the global network of over 300 flight information regions overseen by the ICAO. The Taipei FIR handled over 1.85 million flights in 2019, and approximately 1.65 million in 2023, serving as a critical transport intersection between northeast and Southeast Asia. Lin emphasized that Taiwan consistently fulfills its responsibilities in maintaining flight safety, stating, “flight safety is without borders.” The CAA adheres to ICAO standards and provides high levels of safety and service within the Taipei FIR.

To bolster its case, Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai has authored opinion pieces for distribution to international media, urging support for Taiwan’s ICAO inclusion. A dedicated action team, led by CAA Deputy Director-General Lin Jiunn-liang and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), is being dispatched to Montreal, where the ICAO is headquartered. prior to this, CAA officials engaged in explanatory visits to Japan and other friendly nations last year.The establishment of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Montreal in 2023 is intended to facilitate interaction with like-minded countries and garner support for Taiwan’s bid.

Parallel efforts are underway to secure support during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, which commenced in New York on September 23rd and continues through September 27th. The government plans to request its diplomatic allies and partners to express support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN system through speeches and letters to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

A key aspect of Taiwan’s strategy involves countering what officials describe as Beijing’s “misuse” of UN Resolution 2758. Government spokesperson Ger clarified that the 1971 resolution, which recognized the People’s republic of China as the sole representative of China at the UN, did not address Taiwan’s status and does not authorize the PRC to represent Taiwan within the UN system. “Only the government elected by Taiwanese can represent Taiwan,” Ger stated.

Resolution 2758 resulted in the PRC’s entry into the UN and Taiwan’s (officially the Republic of China) exclusion from the organization and its affiliated agencies, a situation the government is actively working to change.