2025 Defense Budget $20.1 Billion Record High, 2.45% GDP
The Executive Yuan has approved a budget of NT$2.84 trillion (about $84.8 billion) for the construction of seven new submarines over the next 14 years. This plan, which will run from 2025 to 2038, includes the development of new submarines following the ongoing tests of the prototype, Hai Kun. However, only NT$2 billion (approximately $62 million) is allocated for initial work in the upcoming year.
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Taiwan's Government Admits Power Shortage for the First Time
The Executive Yuan led by Premier Cho Jung-tai has repeatedly assured that Taiwan will not face a power shortage by 2030.
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China Announces Mailbox to Report Taiwan Independence Activities
In late June, mainland China enacted new regulations targeting Taiwan independence advocates, heightening internal divisions in Taiwan.
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Cross-Strait Agreement Reached After Fishing Boat Capsizing Incident
According to Baidu Encyclopedia, "concept-substitution," a Chinese phrase, means a logical mistake by using a different concept, consciously or unconsciously, to replace an original one in the process of debate.
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Lai's Governing Direction
At the National Congress of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on July 21, President Lai Ching-te, who also serves as party chairman, delivered his entire speech in Taiwanese, emphasizing building a “Taiwan-centric” national identity.
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Trump Would Like Taiwan to Pay More for Protection
Bloomberg Businessweek published an exclusive interview with U.S. Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump on July 16, in which he clearly discussed his Taiwan policy after returning to the White House if he wins the election.
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DPP Heavyweight Sacked for Corruption
Both the Office of the President and Executive Yuan respect the decision of Cheng Wen-tsan to resign from his position as chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation for alleged corruption during his tenure as Taoyuan mayor between 2014 and 2022.
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Taiwan Fishing Vessel Crossed Boundary, Detained by Mainland China
Taiwanese fishing vessel "Da Jin Man No. 88" was boarded, investigated and detained by a mainland Chinese Coast Guard vessel on the evening of July 2, before being taken to Weitou Port in Quanzhou, Fujian Province.
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Lai Administration Raises Travel Warning for China to "Orange"
China's Anti-Espionage Law came into effect on July 1st, and within the past year, eight retired Taiwanese military and police officers have been detained upon entering mainland China.
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First Month in Office: President Lai's Approval Rating Falls 10%
Lai Ching-te is likely the first elected president who has disappointed people in less than a month of taking office.
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