Roberto Abraham Scaruffi

Monday 23 February 2015

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2015-02-23 | NO.19(8) epaper |
TSR Interview Series: Andrew Nathan
TSR Interview with Andrew Nathan (2015-02-20)
(Taiwan Security Research, By Kristian McGuire) Taiwan Security Research’s Kristian McGuire talks with Andrew Nathan, Class of 1919 Professor of Political Science at Columbia University, about human rights issues in cross-Strait relations, Professor Nathan and Andrew Scobell’s book China’s Search for Security, and more in this TSR exclusive interview. 
South China Sea Disputes
China Nixes South China Sea Discussions at Defense Meeting (2015-02-18)
(The Diplomat, By Shannon Tiezzi) According to a report from IHS Jane’s, China’s delegation is refusing to allow the South China Sea issue to be put on the agenda for an upcoming defense minister’s meeting.

China Expands Island Construction in Disputed South China Sea (2015-02-20)
(Wall Street Journal, By Jeremy Page and Julian E. Barnes) Newly released satellite images show a dramatic expansion in China’s construction of artificial islands on disputed South China Sea reefs, intensifying concerns about Beijing’s territorial ambitions.
U.S. “Pivot” to Asia and Sino-U.S. Engagement
Personnel and Policy in U.S. Policymaking toward China (2015-02-22)
(The Diplomat, By Elizabeth C. Economy) From where I sit, there is no validity to the claim that the current set of officials tasked with directing U.S. policy toward China are any less talented or committed than their predecessors. And more to the point, they are delivering results that matter. 
DPP Searches for New China Stance; Cross-Strait Issues
Tsai Ing-wen Vows Cross-Strait Stability (2015-02-16)
(China Post) DPP Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen registered to be a contender in the party primary for the 2016 presidential election, pointing out that she places the stabilization of cross-strait relations as a priority.

Tsai Ing-wen Should Clarify Her National Stance: KMT
 (2015-02-16)
(China Post) Tsai said the biggest difference between the DPP and the KMT is that the former sees “protection over sovereignty as the priority.” However, without mentioning the term R.O.C. in her statement, Tsai failed to say which country's sovereignty she is trying to protect, KMT spokesman Charles Chen said.

China Will Act on Changes in Cross-Strait Relations: Ex-NSC Official (2015-02-17)
(CNA) CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping will take action if he sees the China policy of the opposition DPP presidential candidate as hurting the stability of cross-Taiwan Strait ties, a former Taiwanese official said.

New MAC Head Sees ‘Great Challenge’ Ahead (2015-02-17)
(CNA) Deputy Defense Minister Andrew Hsia said that taking over as head of the Mainland Affairs Council will be a great challenge, and he anticipated calling on preceding MAC chiefs to help him familiarize himself with his new job.
Chinese Workers Pose a Growing Threat: Academic (2015-02-18)
(Taipei Times) The immigration agency and Ministry of Labor are unable and unwilling to deal with Chinese workers in Taiwan, Taiwan Labor Front secretary-general Son Yu-liam added, citing an incident in New Taipei City in December last year in which a Chinese technician died while installing an elevator, proving that Chinese are working in Taiwan.
Military Balance and Arms Sales
Collision Course: The Looming U.S.-China Showdown Over Taiwan (2015-02-21)
(National Interest, By Denny Roy) If the United States intends to continue making the investment necessary to maintain the normative, institutional and security arrangements that uphold peace and prosperity for most of the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan should be considered a crucial place to make a stand, not a liability to be abandoned in a strategic retreat to more defensible ground.

US Outlines New Policy for Exports of Armed Drones
 (2015-02-19)
(Reuters) The US government established a policy for exports of military and commercial drones, including armed ones, and said it plans to work with other countries to shape global standards for the use of the controversial weapons systems.

US Military Drone Policy Seen As Good for Taiwan (2015-02-19)
(CNA) The announcement by the US Department of State that Washington will begin selling armed drones to its allies could be positive for Taiwan and its defense efforts.
Taiwan's Domestic Issues and Foreign Relations
US Beef Byproduct Trade Won't Affect TPP: Official (2015-02-16)
(CNA) Economic Affairs Minister John Deng stated that the government's plans to allow imports of U.S. beef byproducts is not designed to be a bargaining chip to secure Taiwan's participation in the proposed U.S.-led TPP regional trade agreement.

KMT Admits Flaws in Bid to Polish Its Image in US (2015-02-19)
(Taipei Times, By William Lowther) KMT is trying to improve its image in the US’ foreign policy community by admitting faults and professing humility.

Executive Editor: Dalton Lin
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