Taiwan News

Scientists have recently identified a new species of parasitic crustacean, named Synagoga arabesque, found clinging to black coral in Taiwanese waters. This discovery was made during a scuba diving expedition by researchers from Moscow State University and Academia Sinica in Taiwan, and the findings were published in the journal ZooKeys. S. arabesque distinguishes itself from its relatives by attaching as an external parasite, unlike others in its genus that typically drift among plankton. The presence of this unusual species brings to light the vast unknowns still present in marine biology, particularly regarding undiscovered parasitic species in the Indo-Pacific region. While the discovery is significant, it comes during a critical time as oceans face severe threats from pollution and climate change. Issues like plastic waste and ocean acidification are endangering marine ecosystems. Marine life, including the coral that S. arabesque depends on, is increasingly compromised, with many species struggling to develop their shells and exoskeletons due to changing ocean conditions. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing research into marine biodiversity and the urgent need to protect oceanic life from human-induced threats.

A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake shook Taiwan early Tuesday, resulting in injuries for 27 individuals and causing significant damage to buildings, including caved-in ceilings. The US Geological Survey confirmed the earthquake occurred shortly after midnight with its epicenter located 12 kilometers north of Yujing, a region famous for mango farming. Local authorities reported that rescue operations were launched in the Nanxi district, where individuals, including a child, were trapped under a collapsed structure. Officials noted that aside from the injured, some residents were rescued from elevators and others sustained injuries from falling debris. Fortunately, no major damage was reported in the area. Taiwan’s health ministry confirmed a total of 27 injuries related to the incident. In response to the quake, TSMC, the Taiwanese semiconductor giant, evacuated employees from certain factories located in central and southern Taiwan. Taiwan is situated at the convergence of two tectonic plates on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it particularly susceptible to seismic activity. This recent quake follows a deadly 7.4-magnitude earthquake in April 2024 that resulted in at least 17 fatalities. In the aftermath of past devastating earthquakes, Taiwan has enhanced its building codes to ensure structures are more resilient and implemented an advanced early warning system to alert citizens of potential seismic threats.

In a surprising visit to Taipei, former Vice President Mike Pence called on Donald Trump’s incoming administration to uphold its commitment to Taiwan as tensions with China escalate. Speaking just before Trump’s second inauguration, Pence warned that reducing US support for Taiwan could lead to a nuclear arms race in the Asia-Pacific region. Pence emphasized that if China were to successfully annex Taiwan, neighboring countries might lose confidence in US deterrence, prompting them to pursue their own nuclear capabilities. He advocated for continued military support and encouraged the new administration to negotiate a free trade agreement with Taiwan. During his visit, Pence attended the signing of an agreement between the Taipei Language Institute and the US Purdue Research Forum, and was expected to meet with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-Khim. Pence also criticized a rising isolationist sentiment within the Republican party, particularly after Trump made remarks suggesting a waning support for Taiwan, including claims that Taiwan had "stolen" the US semiconductor industry. He underscored the importance of maintaining a tough stance on China, highlighting the dire implications of American disengagement. As the Chinese Communist Party, led by Xi Jinping, vows to annex Taiwan, Pence reiterated the significance of US support, stating, "America stands with Taiwan" for the security and future of freedom in the region.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has announced exceptional financial results for the latest quarter, with a staggering 57% increase in profits reaching $11.4 billion and a 39% rise in revenue totaling $26.88 billion. The world’s leading chipmaker credited this growth largely to soaring demand for its advanced 3nm and 5nm chips, widely used by major companies such as Apple and Nvidia. Despite looming U.S. restrictions on AI chip exports to China, TSMC's CEO, C.C. Wei, expressed confidence in the company’s communication with U.S. government officials and believes that necessary special permits will be granted. Looking forward, TSMC anticipates revenue for the first quarter of 2025 to be between $25 billion and $25.8 billion, with AI-driven demand likely counterbalancing seasonal declines in the smartphone market. For the entirety of 2025, the company projects a 20-30% increase in revenue and plans to invest up to $42 billion in expansion efforts. This includes the establishment of new fabrication plants in the U.S., Japan, Germany, and Taiwan, further solidifying TSMC's leadership in the global semiconductor industry. The company's stock has more than doubled in value over the past year, underscoring the growing appetite for high-performance chips fueled by the AI boom.

Taiwan executed its first inmate in five years on Thursday, igniting protests from human rights groups and criticism from the European Union, which had urged the island nation to uphold its de facto moratorium on the death penalty. Huang Lin-kai, sentenced to death in 2017 for the brutal murders of his ex-girlfriend and her mother, was executed at the Taipei Detention Centre. Despite being known as Asia's most liberal democracy, public support for capital punishment remains high in Taiwan, as evidenced by recent opinion polls. The Taiwanese Constitutional Court had previously ruled that the death penalty could only be enforced for the most heinous crimes, ensuring rigorous legal scrutiny. The Justice Ministry defended the execution as consistent with the court's ruling, deeming the nature of Huang's crimes as “obviously inhumane and extremely vicious.” In response to the execution, human rights organizations expressed their disapproval. Amnesty International's Taiwan director labeled the act as "shocking and brutal," while the Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty stated that executions would only exacerbate societal violence. The European Union's diplomatic service reiterated its opposition to the death penalty and called on Taiwan to abandon capital punishment altogether.

Mike Pence, the former Vice President of the United States, made a surprise visit to Taipei on January 17, 2025, to advocate for continued U.S. support for Taiwan against potential Chinese annexation. Speaking on the eve of Donald Trump's second inauguration, Pence emphasized that reducing U.S. backing for Taiwan could pose significant risks to global security, potentially igniting a new nuclear arms race in the Asia-Pacific region. During his visit, Pence warned that if the Chinese Communist Party were to successfully take control of Taiwan, it would undermine confidence in U.S. deterrence among smaller Asian countries. He expressed concern that these nations might feel compelled to develop their own nuclear arsenals as a response to perceived threats from China. Pence urged the incoming Trump administration and U.S. allies to "renew our commitment" to providing Taiwan with military support and to begin negotiations on a free trade agreement. His comments highlight a broader concern regarding a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy, as Trump has previously suggested a waning support for Taiwan, citing accusations against the island regarding the U.S. semiconductor industry. Pence's visit coincided with the signing of an educational agreement in Taipei, and he planned to meet with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te. He has publicly criticized a growing isolationist sentiment within the U.S. Republican Party, which he believes threatens to abandon Taiwan to Chinese aggression. As tensions escalate between the U.S. and China, Pence's message reinforces the critical role of American support for Taiwan in maintaining regional stability and deterring aggression from the Chinese government.

Recent reports indicate an alarming trend of sabotage aimed at undersea communications cables, essential for global internet connectivity. Suspicions have emerged surrounding China and Russia's involvement in damaging these critical infrastructures, particularly following incidents near Taiwan and in the Baltic Sea. Taiwan's undersea cables have been identified as vital for the island's economic stability and digital communication. The targeting of such infrastructure raises significant concerns over national security and international relations, as these cables serve as lifelines for data transfer between continents. The Taiwanese Coast Guard has stepped up monitoring and protection measures to safeguard these cables, responding proactively to the increased risks. The situation is being closely watched by European nations, as any disruption not only affects Taiwan but could also have broader implications for global internet stability. As tensions escalate in the region, the potential for further attacks could threaten not just Taiwan's access to vital online services, but also the interconnected web of global communications.

Taiwan's intelligence bureau has disclosed a significant rise in espionage activities, attributing the increase to China's main spy agency collaborating with criminal gangs and shell companies to gather sensitive information about the island’s defenses. In 2024, Taiwan put 64 alleged spies on trial, a drastic increase from just 10 in 2022. Notably, former and current military personnel are the focus, making up about half of those prosecuted. The report highlights that Chinese agents are utilizing Taiwanese organized crime to funnel payments to informants, with methods ranging from cryptocurrency transactions to more traditional means of persuasion, such as seduction. The Taiwanese government has enacted measures to limit visits to the mainland by retired military officials to curb recruitment efforts. These developments come amidst a climate of heightened military intimidation and economic coercion from China, which has persisted despite Taiwan's strong commitment to maintaining its de facto independence, backed by the United States. The opposition Nationalist Party, having frequent interactions with China, complicates the political landscape, yet the ruling Democratic Progressive Party currently remains in firm control.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has terminated its relationship with PowerAIR, a Singapore-based firm, following a review that revealed potential violations of U.S. export controls. This decision comes in the wake of a TSMC chip being discovered in a processor developed by Huawei Technologies, which has been under a U.S. ban since 2020, limiting its access to global semiconductor resources. The revelation of the chip's presence in Huawei's artificial intelligence processor triggered increased scrutiny from TSMC, which had previously announced that it had not sold products to Huawei since the enforcement of U.S. sanctions. PowerAIR, incorporated in September 2023, specializes in engineering design and consultancy but has no publicly available contact information. In a comparable situation, TSMC halted shipments to the Chinese chip design company Sophgo last year after a related incident involving a chip sent to Huawei. The tightening of client evaluations by TSMC aims to prevent further entanglement with companies associated with Huawei, a significant player in China's technology sector. Currently, TSMC continues to rely on mainland China as a major revenue source, despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Taiwan's navy conducted a significant demonstration of its maritime defense capabilities on Thursday, showcasing its Kuang Hua VI-class missile boats and Tuo Chiang-class corvettes near Kaohsiung, the island’s largest port. This exercise illustrates Taiwan's strategic efforts to deter a potential Chinese invasion as military tensions escalate in the region. The drills involved indigenous fast attack missile boats armed with Hsiung Feng II anti-ship missiles. These vessels are designed to swiftly engage enemy targets, maintaining operational readiness within Taiwan's contiguous zone, which extends 44 kilometers off its coast. Taiwan's military response is increasingly crucial as China intensifies its military presence in the Taiwan Strait, frequently sending ships and aircraft to challenge Taiwan’s sovereignty. The Taiwanese government urged China to cease its military activities, emphasizing their detrimental impact on regional stability and international commerce. This naval exercise is part of Taiwan's broader strategy to employ asymmetric warfare tactics to effectively counter China's larger military. Officials highlighted the Tuo Chiang corvette's advanced design, which combines speed and stealth, allowing it to maintain a competitive edge against heavier Chinese naval forces. Despite bolstering its domestic defense production, Taiwan continues to rely heavily on American military technology. Rear Admiral Chen Ming-feng, commander of the navy's 192 Fleet, reiterated Taiwan's commitment to self-defense, stating, "We are always ready to respond quickly and can handle any kind of maritime situation." As communication between Taiwan and China remains strained, Beijing persists in asserting its claim over the island, further complicating the regional security landscape.

Taiwan's government has raised suspicions against a ship chartered by China following the damage to an undersea cable off its coast. The Taiwanese Coast Guard stated that "the possibility cannot be excluded" that the vessel might be involved in "grey zone activities," although direct evidence has yet to be presented. The ship in question is registered in Cameroon and Tanzania but owned by a Hong Kong company. Its owner denied any involvement when contacted by Reuters. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office characterized the cable damage as a "normal maritime accident" and accused Taiwan of making baseless allegations and exaggerating the so-called grey zone threat. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, responsible for cross-strait policies, stated that an investigation is underway and that actions will be taken based on evidence gathered. They pointed out that ships from mainland China under flags of convenience have developed a dubious reputation internationally, referencing investigations conducted in the Baltic states where Chinese vessels were suspected of causing similar cable damage. Taiwan, which is claimed by China as its territory, has frequently condemned Beijing's alleged grey zone activities aimed at pressuring the island while avoiding direct confrontation.

Taiwanese authorities are launching an investigation into a Chinese-owned vessel, the Shunxing 39, suspected of damaging an undersea internet cable that connects to the United States. The Cameroon-registered freighter was briefly detained by Taiwan's coastguard on Friday after being accused of dragging its anchor across the cable, causing limited service disruption. Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan's major telecommunications provider, reported that services remained largely unaffected as they swiftly rerouted data to backup cables. The incident is viewed as a potential act of sabotage, with the coastguard gathering evidence and referring the matter to the district prosecutor's office. They have also sought assistance from Busan, South Korea, the ship's intended destination. Due to adverse weather conditions, the coastguard was unable to board the vessel for inspection before it sailed to South Korea. Notably, the Shunxing 39 has reportedly switched off its automatic identification systems, obscuring its location. The coastguard has raised concerns about the ship's historical movements and its links to potential grey-zone harassment tactics attributed to China. This incident comes amidst a backdrop of similar occurrences in recent years, with undersea cables in the region facing multiple cuttings, causing significant connectivity issues. Taiwanese government bodies convened emergency meetings this week to reassess measures for protecting submarine cables, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining undersea connectivity against possible threats.

Taiwan has reportedly developed a new hypersonic missile, named Qingtian, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 6 and a range exceeding 1,243 miles. This development comes in response to increasing military pressures from China. According to reports, the missile is being mass produced and is expected to enter service with the Taiwanese Army soon. The Qingtian missile builds upon Taiwan's existing missile programs and features advanced capabilities in range, speed, and operational flexibility. Some units have already been delivered to Taiwan's air force missile brigades. Additionally, Taiwan is exploring the use of mobile launchers for the Qingtian, in collaboration with firms from the Czech Republic and the United States. Concerns over security threats from China have fueled Taiwan's push for advanced military technology. The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology has led the missile's development, supported by Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense. Taiwan's move to enhance its military capabilities comes amid ongoing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, which has seen an increase in Chinese military exercises and cyberattacks targeting Taiwan's government. As Taiwan fortifies its defense strategy, it underscores its commitment to maintaining its sovereignty against perceived threats.

Taiwan's National Coast Guard has accused a Chinese-owned vessel, the Shunxing39, of severing a crucial submarine data cable off its northern coast. The incident, which occurred near the port of Keelung, left four cores of the cable, which transmits data to AT&T in the United States, ruptured. The coast guard reported that the ship dropped anchor at the rupture site shortly before the damage was detected on January 3. Taiwanese officials highlighted that while the Shunxing39 flies the flag of Cameroon, it is owned by Jie Yang Trading Ltd., a Hong Kong-registered company owned by Chinese national Guo Wenjie. This allegation follows previous incidents where Chinese vessels were accused of damaging undersea cables in the Baltic Sea in late 2023 and 2024. In response to the disruption, Chunghwa Telecom quickly restored vital connections by rerouting data through other cables, alleviating immediate concerns. However, Taiwan remains vigilant over potential threats to its critical infrastructure, particularly amidst escalating tensions with Beijing, which claims the island as part of its territory. The Taiwanese coast guard has sought assistance from South Korea, to which the Shunxing39 is heading, in an effort to interrogate the ship's captain. Although an external inspection was conducted, weather conditions hindered a full boarding. A senior national security official described the incident as part of a troubling trend of global sabotage against subsea cables.

In a New Year’s address on January 1, 2025, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te emphasized the need for the island to bolster its defense budget and demonstrate its commitment to self-defense. This call comes amid increasing military pressure from China, which considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to assert control. Taiwan, home to 23 million people, has significantly increased its military spending in recent years, yet it continues to rely on arms sales from the United States as a deterrent against potential aggression from Beijing. In light of the upcoming entrance of Donald Trump into the U.S. presidency, concerns loom regarding the U.S.'s steadfast support for Taiwan. Trump’s previous campaign remarks suggested that Taiwan should financially contribute for U.S. protection and claimed the island was involved in unfair practices against American industries. President Lai highlighted the responsibility of all Taiwanese citizens to protect their democracy and security, advocating for a collective effort to enhance the island's defense capabilities. While he aims to push through a budget that allocates record funding for defense, he faces challenges in a parliament controlled by opposition parties. The situation is further complicated by Chinese President Xi Jinping's assertion during a recent speech that "no one can stop" the unification of Taiwan with the mainland, showcasing the ongoing tensions and the historical context dating back to 1949 when Chinese nationalists retreated to the island. Despite a lack of formal diplomatic recognition from most countries, Taiwan maintains unofficial relationships globally, particularly as a significant player in the semiconductor industry.