Impact of Trump Administration Political Appointments on Taiwan
The global impact of President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House is undeniable, with Taiwan’s national security officials rushing to signal allegiance through foreign media, offering NT$500 billion (about US$15.4 billion) for military purchases and emphasizing that Mr. Trump’s national security team is composed of “anti-China, pro-Taiwan” hawks who will not betray Taiwan. However, such shallow and reactive responses only highlight the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) usual tendency to self-deceive and cover up the realities of the situation.
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Taiwan's "Trump Anxiety"
Republican candidate Donald Trump became the first U.S. president in over a century to return to office. The election was smooth and peaceful, demonstrating the superiority of the American political system. However, this does not necessarily signal the "golden era" Mr. Trump promises or a return to American greatness. The ongoing Ukraine war, Middle East conflicts, and the Taiwan Strait remain global hotspots, with Taiwan facing severe security challenges.
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Lai Administration Repalces Nuclear with Thermal Power: Taichung Power Plant Becomes World's Largest
Many may not realize that the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) long-promoted vision of "nuclear-free homeland" has already been achieved! Taiwan is currently in a "nuclear-free" state. However, this isn't due to the closure of all nuclear plants; the last operational unit of the Third Nuclear Power Plant is undergoing maintenance. Seizing this moment, the administration of President Lai Ching-te is letting people experience the "benefits" of a nuclear-free environment for a trial period of 41 days.
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Grand Justices Help Lai Administration Block Parliamentary Reform Legislation
On Retrocession Day observed on October 25, the Constitutional Court issued the ninth ruling of year 2024, declaring parts of the Legislative Yuan's "parliamentary reform" legislation unconstitutional—specifically its core provisions. This decision could render the Legislative Yuan one of the weakest parliaments in democratic nations. While the executive branch celebrates, the court’s credibility faces renewed scrutiny.
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PLA Military Exercises Demonstrate Ability to Blockade Taiwan
The anticipated People’s Liberation Army (PLA) "Joint Sword-2024B" military exercise took place as scheduled but concluded unexpectedly within a single day. This signals a political message to the United States, the administration of President Lai Ching-te, and the people of Taiwan, which has been widely interpreted. This article focuses on the military strategic implications.
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President Lai: R.O.C. Might Be Motherland of P.R.C.
The National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on October 10 passed without major incident, marked by President Lai Ching-te's address, which adhered to the familiar new “Two State theory." Under apparent pressure from the United States, President Lai refrained from provocative statements, achieving a balance that left the United States satisfied, Taiwan stable, and mainland China unalarmed. How President Lai's speech is interpreted is critical for future cross-strait relations.
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Raytheon Arms Sales to Taiwan Involve Illicit Gains
U.S. defense contractor Raytheon is facing allegations of overcharging for arms sales to Taiwan, raising international concerns. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense confirmed that the U.S. Department of Justice has reached a plea agreement with the company, requiring full restitution for the overcharges. This indirectly confirms suspicions of misconduct in Raytheon’s dealings with Taiwan.
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Taiwan Drawn into New Cold War
At 8:44 AM on September 25, People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force test fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) carrying a dummy warhead into the high seas of the Pacific Ocean. The warhead accurately fell into expected sea area. Contrary to the statement from China’s Ministry of Defense that the test firing was a routine annual exercise, it was actually the first launch of an ICBM into the Pacific Ocean in 44 years.
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Constitutional Court Effectively Abolishes Death Penalty
Thirty-seven (37) death row inmates claimed that the death penalty system in the criminal law was unconstitutional and petitioned for a constitutional review. On August 20, the Constitutional Court declared that the death penalty was constitutional, but strictly limited the types of crimes and requirements applicable to it. Although the death penalty still exists on the surface, it can be said to have been “substantially abolished.” How to appease the public opinion of more than 80 percent who are opposed to abolishing death penalty will test the administration of President Lai Ching-te.
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Taiwan's National Security Crisis
The outcome of the presidential election in the United States is bound to reshape geo-political dynamics and U.S.-China relations. Under this context, Taiwan's future has become increasingly critical. In a lecture, senior Singaporean diplomat Kishore Mahbubani cautioned that the "Western-led order" is nearing its end, and Taiwan risks being sacrificed if it pursues independence. He notes that most countries are unlikely to recognize Taiwan as an independent state.
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