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AllAfrica
18-07-2025
- Politics
- AllAfrica
Time for QUAD to step up to Taiwan's defense
Taiwan's 40th Han Kuang military exercise, its most extensive to date, spans ten days and simulates a full-scale Chinese invasion. The drills incorporate amphibious assaults, joint-force coordination and extensive civilian-military integration across multiple domains. Taiwan is also showcasing enhanced deterrent capabilities with US-supplied HIMARS rocket systems, F-16V fighter jets and indigenous Sky Sword II and Sky Bow III missile systems. The activation of 22,000 reservists marks an unprecedented expansion of national defense mobilization, signaling Taiwan's growing commitment to preparing for conflict rather than merely deterring it. This shift is a direct response to the People's Liberation Army's increasingly aggressive behavior. Gray-zone coercion has become routine. PLA aircraft and naval incursions across the Taiwan Strait's median line surged from 565 in 2022 to over 3,070 in 2024, an average of more than eight per day. In January 2025 alone, Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone recorded 248 crossings by China, which represents a 75% increase compared to January 2022. These provocations are designed to wear down Taiwan's defenses without crossing the threshold into open conflict, reflecting China's long-term strategy of psychological pressure, strategic normalization and the gradual erosion of Taiwan's sovereignty through fatigue. But Taiwan is no longer waiting passively for external support. It is building an active and layered defense strategy in anticipation of a volatile future. This recalibration has drawn attention from Taiwan's strategic partners, particularly Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) members. Originally conceived as a maritime security initiative, the QUAD has evolved into a broader Indo-Pacific framework committed to ensuring a free, open and rules-based regional order. Yet the Taiwan question exposes the bloc's limitations. Unlike NATO, the QUAD is not a military alliance. Still, the urgency of Taiwan's situation has sparked debate over whether the group should develop a more coherent strategy for collective deterrence. US President Donald Trump recently called for greater clarity from Australia and Japan regarding their roles in a potential Taiwan conflict. The Pentagon is also actively working to align operational plans with allies, particularly Japan and Australia, through behind-the-scenes consultations and strategic dialogues. However, progress remains slow, hindered by political constraints and divergent national priorities. Japan has strengthened its defense posture, increasing its budget from 6.8 trillion yen in 2023 to 8.7 trillion yen in 2025, or 1.8% of GDP. It has expanded joint drills with the United States and is reassessing its strategic doctrines. However, constitutional limits and public ambivalence remain obstacles. A survey by the Asahi Shimbun newspaper found that 62% of Japanese citizens consider a regional conflict likely, yet a majority prefer neutrality and global cooperation, with only 18.7% supporting closer alignment with the United States. Australia has also adopted a cautious approach. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's recent six-day visit to China highlights his government's dual-track strategy of deepening US defense ties while preserving strong economic relations with China. Amid US calls for clarity on Taiwan, the Australian government stated that 'it would not commit troops in advance to any potential conflict.' The stakes are significant. Australian exports to China reached AUD196 billion last year, exceeding the combined total of Australia's next four largest markets. Curtin University estimates that Australia's trade with China contributes an additional AUD2,600 to the average household income each year. In contrast, recent tariffs imposed by the United States average around 10%, while those under the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement remain at just 1.1%. This disparity has strengthened the perception of China as a more stable and economically reliable partner for Australia. India, by contrast, continues to maintain deliberate silence on Taiwan, consistent with its longstanding recognition of the One China policy since 1949. Even amid rising cross-Strait tensions, it has avoided statements in forums such as ASEAN, reflecting a strategic calculation to avoid provoking China, especially given their unresolved border disputes in the Himalayas. At the same time, India has steadily expanded its engagement with Taiwan. Companies like Foxconn and Pegatron are integral to Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat programs, and bilateral trade has increased sixfold since 2001. Talks on a free trade agreement and semiconductor cooperation are also progressing. A conflict in the Taiwan Strait would severely disrupt global supply chains and pose significant economic risks, which India increasingly recognizes. While the July 2025 QUAD Foreign Ministers' meeting expressed 'serious concerns' over rising tensions in the East and South China Seas, it refrained from directly condemning China. Strategic and economic divergences within the QUAD underscore its central dilemma. The QUAD was never designed for collective military action and lacks both the institutional structure and legally binding mutual defense commitments that define NATO. However, China's growing assertiveness over Taiwan and its expanding capabilities demand a more coordinated response. Even as public statements remain measured, the QUAD must avoid strategic drift to remain relevant. Coordinated efforts in contingency planning, intelligence sharing and logistical interoperability need to accelerate. The QUAD's credibility, and that of the broader rules-based order, depends on readiness and sustained alignment. China will continue to test the QUAD's cohesion, but this also presents an opportunity to forge a more adaptable and politically viable model of deterrence, one rooted in regional awareness, interoperability and expanding partnerships, particularly with ASEAN. Taiwan is no longer a peripheral concern. It has become the crucible in which the QUAD's purpose and unity will be tested. As pressure mounts in the Taiwan Strait, the time for strategic ambiguity is narrowing. The stability of the Indo-Pacific may well depend on the QUAD's ability to adapt, align and act with resolve. Rishab Rathi is a research assistant at the Centre of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG), leading the Conflict Studies vertical with a special emphasis on South Asia. With an academic background in international relations and political science, his work explores geopolitical dynamics, post-colonial governance and conflict resolution across diverse global contexts.
Fox News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Taiwan conducts live-fire drills with US-made tanks as president looks on
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te oversaw the island's military performing live-fire drills with U.S.-made Abrams M1A2T tanks Thursday, part of annual exercises aimed at sharpening its defenses against China. Lai watched as four of the tanks fired individually, in pairs, and as a group at a testing ground south of Taipei on the second day of the 10-day Han Kuang exercises – Taiwan's longest ever. The tanks fired on the move and from fixed positions, hitting both stationary and moving targets with 100% accuracy, according to the army. Lai described this year's exercises as "large-scale, realistic combat drills." "When our military has greater strength, the nation, society, and people will be safer. Once our country becomes secure, the Indo-Pacific region will be more peaceful and stable," the president told troops and reporters at the base in Hsinchu county. Taiwan agreed to buy 108 of the tanks from the U.S. for $1.45 billion in a major upgrade to the island's arsenal training practices, which now include F-16V jet fighters, HIMARS missile defenses and stealthy unmanned vehicles. China has threatened to use force to bring Taiwan under its control, harassing the island nation on a near-daily basis with balloons and military ships in nearby waters. Beijing has derided the war exercises as a farce that will have no effect on its determination to take over the island, whose population overwhelmingly rejects unification with China. The U.S. is Taiwan's largest supplier of imported defensive weaponry and is bound by law to consider threats to the island a matter of "major concern," although it remains deliberately unclear whether it would deploy forces to counter a Chinese attack.
Hamilton Spectator
10-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Taiwan's president watches live-fire drills with new US-made tanks
HSINCHU, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te watched live-fire drills with U.S.-made Abrams M1A2T tanks Thursday, as part of major annual exercises aimed at boosting the island's ability to fend off threats from China. Four of the tanks fired individually, in pairs and as a group at a testing ground south of Taipei on the second day of the Han Kuang exercises that this year are the longest ever at 10 days. The tanks fire both while on the move and in a stationary position and at both stationary and moving targets, achieving 100% accuracy, according to the army. Taiwan has contracted to buy 108 of the latest-model tanks from the U.S. for $1.45 billion, allowing it to retire its aged tanks and significantly boosting defenses, especially for the northern part of the island, where most of its high-tech industries are based. They are part of far-reaching upgrades to Taiwan's arsenal and training practices, with F-16V jet fighters, HIMARS missile defenses and stealthy unmanned vehicles now entering use. Lai said this year's Han Kuang exercises were being conducted on the basis of 'large-scale, realistic combat drills.' 'When out military has greater strength, the nation, society, and people will be safer. Once our country becomes secure, the Indo-Pacific region will be more peaceful and stable,' the president told troops and reporters at the base in Hsinchu county. China considers Taiwan a renegade province and threatens to use force to bring it under control. The ruling Communist Party's military branch, the People's Liberation Army, sends ships, balloons and military ships into waters near Taiwan on a near-daily basis . The U.S. is Taiwan's largest supplier of imported defensive weaponry and is bound by law to consider threats to the island a matter of 'major concern,' although it remains deliberately unclear as to whether it would deploy forces to counter a Chinese attack. Taiwan is also stepping up civilian participation in national defense and Thursday evacuated a food mart and moved customers to a bomb shelter equipped with medical and other facilities. Tanks were also dispatched to one of Taiwan's international airports in the center of the capital Taipei to guard against an imaginary Chinese air landing operation. In its unusual fashion, Beijing has derided the war exercises as a farce that will have no effect on its determination to take over the island, whose population overwhelmingly rejects unification with China. Taiwan earlier in the week accused China's coast guard and maritime militia of harassing Taiwanese boats near Taiwan-held islands off the Chinese coast and on Wednesday sanctioned eight Taiwanese companies it said were aiding Taiwan's defense industry. Taiwan responded that the move aligned perfectly with the military's efforts to purge any Chinese elements from its supply chains. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
San Francisco Chronicle
10-07-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Taiwan's president watches live-fire drills with new US-made tanks
HSINCHU, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te watched live-fire drills with U.S.-made Abrams M1A2T tanks Thursday, as part of major annual exercises aimed at boosting the island's ability to fend off threats from China. Four of the tanks fired individually, in pairs and as a group at a testing ground south of Taipei on the second day of the Han Kuang exercises that this year are the longest ever at 10 days. The tanks fire both while on the move and in a stationary position and at both stationary and moving targets, achieving 100% accuracy, according to the army. Taiwan has contracted to buy 108 of the latest-model tanks from the U.S. for $1.45 billion, allowing it to retire its aged tanks and significantly boosting defenses, especially for the northern part of the island, where most of its high-tech industries are based. They are part of far-reaching upgrades to Taiwan's arsenal and training practices, with F-16V jet fighters, HIMARS missile defenses and stealthy unmanned vehicles now entering use. Lai said this year's Han Kuang exercises were being conducted on the basis of 'large-scale, realistic combat drills.' 'When out military has greater strength, the nation, society, and people will be safer. Once our country becomes secure, the Indo-Pacific region will be more peaceful and stable,' the president told troops and reporters at the base in Hsinchu county. China considers Taiwan a renegade province and threatens to use force to bring it under control. The ruling Communist Party's military branch, the People's Liberation Army, sends ships, balloons and military ships into waters near Taiwan on a near-daily basis. The U.S. is Taiwan's largest supplier of imported defensive weaponry and is bound by law to consider threats to the island a matter of "major concern," although it remains deliberately unclear as to whether it would deploy forces to counter a Chinese attack. Taiwan is also stepping up civilian participation in national defense and Thursday evacuated a food mart and moved customers to a bomb shelter equipped with medical and other facilities. Tanks were also dispatched to one of Taiwan's international airports in the center of the capital Taipei to guard against an imaginary Chinese air landing operation. In its unusual fashion, Beijing has derided the war exercises as a farce that will have no effect on its determination to take over the island, whose population overwhelmingly rejects unification with China. Taiwan earlier in the week accused China's coast guard and maritime militia of harassing Taiwanese boats near Taiwan-held islands off the Chinese coast and on Wednesday sanctioned eight Taiwanese companies it said were aiding Taiwan's defense industry. ___ Bodeen reported from Taipei, Taiwan.
Winnipeg Free Press
10-07-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Taiwan's president watches live-fire drills with new US-made tanks
HSINCHU, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te watched live-fire drills with U.S.-made Abrams M1A2T tanks Thursday, as part of major annual exercises aimed at boosting the island's ability to fend off threats from China. Four of the tanks fired individually, in pairs and as a group at a testing ground south of Taipei on the second day of the Han Kuang exercises that this year are the longest ever at 10 days. The tanks fire both while on the move and in a stationary position and at both stationary and moving targets, achieving 100% accuracy, according to the army. Taiwan has contracted to buy 108 of the latest-model tanks from the U.S. for $1.45 billion, allowing it to retire its aged tanks and significantly boosting defenses, especially for the northern part of the island, where most of its high-tech industries are based. They are part of far-reaching upgrades to Taiwan's arsenal and training practices, with F-16V jet fighters, HIMARS missile defenses and stealthy unmanned vehicles now entering use. Lai said this year's Han Kuang exercises were being conducted on the basis of 'large-scale, realistic combat drills.' 'When out military has greater strength, the nation, society, and people will be safer. Once our country becomes secure, the Indo-Pacific region will be more peaceful and stable,' the president told troops and reporters at the base in Hsinchu county. China considers Taiwan a renegade province and threatens to use force to bring it under control. The ruling Communist Party's military branch, the People's Liberation Army, sends ships, balloons and military ships into waters near Taiwan on a near-daily basis. The U.S. is Taiwan's largest supplier of imported defensive weaponry and is bound by law to consider threats to the island a matter of 'major concern,' although it remains deliberately unclear as to whether it would deploy forces to counter a Chinese attack. Taiwan is also stepping up civilian participation in national defense and Thursday evacuated a food mart and moved customers to a bomb shelter equipped with medical and other facilities. Tanks were also dispatched to one of Taiwan's international airports in the center of the capital Taipei to guard against an imaginary Chinese air landing operation. In its unusual fashion, Beijing has derided the war exercises as a farce that will have no effect on its determination to take over the island, whose population overwhelmingly rejects unification with China. Taiwan earlier in the week accused China's coast guard and maritime militia of harassing Taiwanese boats near Taiwan-held islands off the Chinese coast and on Wednesday sanctioned eight Taiwanese companies it said were aiding Taiwan's defense industry. Taiwan responded that the move aligned perfectly with the military's efforts to purge any Chinese elements from its supply chains.
