|
|
| |
| Note
to Readers
| |
|
|
| |
|
Dear Readers,
Taiwan Security Research is rolling out a new feature
to update our readers on current research related to Taiwan, China, and
cross-Strait relations, broadly defined. We will begin listing new academic
releases on our bulletin board (on the right side of our home page). If you're
an academic or your book is coming out from an academic press, please send the
title of your book and a link to the publisher's web site to James Lee
(JL18@princeton.edu), and we'll be happy to post about it on our bulletin page.
These postings will also be included in the weekly newsletter from
TSR.
Thank you, and we look forward to hearing from you!
The TSR
Team
| |
|
| |
| South
China Sea Disputes and Other Regional Issues
| |
|
|
| |
|
US Hits Right Note at Shangri-La with Principled Security
Network (2016-06-05)
(The
Diplomat, By Prashanth Parameswaran) Speaking at this year’s Shangri-La
Dialogue, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter delivered an important address
outlining what he called the “principled security network” – a growing set of
bilateral, trilateral and multilateral mechanisms in the region focused on
preserving key values and promoting greater burden-sharing among all
nations.
US Vows 'Actions' If China Builds New S. China Sea
Structures (2016-06-05)
(China
Post/AFP By Thomas Watkins and Elizabeth Law) Speaking at a security summit in
Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter warned that mainland Chinese
construction on a South China Sea islet claimed by the Philippines would result
in prompt “actions being taken” by the United States and other nations. He also
proposed stronger bilateral ties with China to mitigate the risk of
misunderstanding.
Is China's Coast Guard about to Field a Modified PLA
Warship? (2016-06-03)
(The
Diplomat, By Franz-Stefan Gady) An image found on Weibo, a Chinese microblogging
website, appears to show a ship resembling a 4,000-ton Type 054A Jiangkai
II-class guided-missile frigate already painted in the white, red, and blue
color scheme of the CCG.
No China Compromise on South China Sea After Philippines Case: Top
Chinese Expert (2016-06-03)
(The
Diplomat, By Prashanth Parameswaran) China will not compromise on its notorious
nine-dash line claiming nearly all of the South China Sea even after an upcoming
verdict on a key international case against Beijing filed by the Philippines, a
top Chinese scholar told a key regional forum in Malaysia.
Building Golden Bridges in the South China Sea (2016-06-01)
(The
Diplomat, By David A. Welch) It is in the interest of the international
community to make it as easy as possible for China to swallow the bitter pill
that an adverse ruling from the tribunal would represent. Everyone – but
especially the Philippines – should avoid triumphing at China’s
expense.
ASEAN Defense Chiefs Agree to New Cybersecurity
Group (2016-06-01)
(The
Diplomat, By Prashanth Parameswaran) The ADMM-Plus – which groups the ten
Southeast Asian countries along with the United States, China, Australia, India,
Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Russia – is often referred to as the
emerging premier venue for defense and security issued in the region. Held
biennially, it is a newer, expanded version of the ADMM which has been held
among the ten ASEAN countries themselves annually since
2006.
Treasury Imposes Sanctions on North Korea, Cutting Access to
Banks (2016-06-02)
(New
York Times, By David E. Sanger and Michael Corkery) With private cybersecurity
firms linking North Korea to recent computer attacks that absconded with at
least $81 million, the Treasury Department moved to choke off Pyongyang’s
remaining access to the global financial system, designating the country a
“primary” money launderer.
North Korea's Missile Tests Timed to Bolster Standing with China,
Analysts Say (2016-06-03)
(New
York Times, By Choe Sang-hun) North's series of unsuccessful launches preceded
both the meeting between North Korea and China this week and a planned security
dialogue between the United States and China in Beijing next week, where dealing
with the North’s weapons program is expected to be a main topic.
| |
|
| |
| East
China Sea Disputes and Japan Policy
| |
|
|
| |
|
China Dictates Terms for Sino-Japanese Relations During First
Japanese Foreign Minister Visit in Four Years (2016-06-01)
(China
Brief 16(9), Jamestown Foundation, By Michael S. Chase and Nathan
Beauchamp-Mustafaga) Chinese commentary on the trip, including unofficial and
official statements, highlighted the sensitivity and difficulty of the task,
underscoring how frosty the China-Japan relationship has become in recent years.
Chinese media reports on Foreign Minister Kishida’s trip suggest Beijing expects
Tokyo to make the first significant moves toward reconciliation, and even
accommodation. Appearing firm on Japan is certainly important domestically for
Chinese leaders, though disappointing economic growth for both countries likely
acts as a brake on these nationalistic strains
Cabinet Sends Mixed Message on Okinotori (2016-05-31)
(China
Post) While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains that maritime disputes
should be resolved peacefully through international arbitration, the Minister of
the Interior Yeh Jiunn-rong said that Japan-held Okinotori atoll is just reef,
not deserving of a 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone. Shortly after
Minister Yeh’s comments, Executive Yuan spokesman Tung Chen-yuan reiterated that
the government holds no special position on the disputed region and will respect
whatever decision is reached by United Nations Commission on the Limits of the
Continental Shelf (CLCS).
Officials Dismiss Reports of Japan Import Ban
Lift (2016-05-31)
(Taipei
Times, By Lee I-chia) Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Tzou-yien dismissed
media reports that the ministry was planning to gradually lift import bans on
the 5 Japanese prefectures affected by the nuclear fallout from the Fukushima
Dai-ichi nuclear power plant disaster in March 2011.
Cabinet Says It Will Protect Food Safety and
Fishermen (2016-06-02)
(Taipei
Times, By Alison Hsiao) The Executive Yuan yesterday responded at a news
conference to the three demands listed by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT)
caucus during its protest at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei on Tuesday: for the
Cabinet to reject ractopamine-laced US pork, to reject Japanese food products
from radiation-affected regions and to protect fishermen’s rights in the
disputed waters near the Okinotori atoll.
| |
|
| |
| U.S.
“Pivot” to Asia and Sino-U.S. Engagement
| |
|
|
| |
|
For the US, Sailing Around the South China Sea Is Not
Strategy (2016-06-02)
(YaleGlobal,
By Harry J. Kazianis) Shamefare itself though is not a strategy. It must be
combined with a revitalized Air-Sea Battle concept, now called JAM-GC; continued
FONOP operations; complete documentation of Beijing’s destruction of the
environment around island reclamation projects; increased “lawfare” with Vietnam
and other South China Sea claimants suing China in international courts; and
Washington once and for all making Asia its single most important foreign policy
focus. Anything short of such an effort will see China dominate the
region.
Delay in Chinese Conglomerate's Deal for U.S.
Insurer (2016-06-02)
(New
York Times, By Michael Forsythe) The setback adds to Anbang recent stumbles. In
March, it abruptly ended its $14 billion bid to buy Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
It said little about why it had retreated, mentioning only “various market
considerations.”
U.S. Subpoenas Huawei Over Its Dealings in Iran and North
Korea (2016-06-03)
(New
York Times, By Paul Mozur) The scrutiny over Huawei’s dealings with those
countries is emblematic of growing discord between the United States and China
over control of global communications technology. It also illustrates how
technology companies from both countries have been pulled into the high-stakes
geopolitical contest over cybersecurity and the global management of the
internet.
| |
|
| |
| DPP
Searches for New China Stance; Cross-Strait Issues
| |
|
|
| |
|
Taiwan Survey
Respondents Support Tsai's Cross-Strait Formulation (2016-06-01)
(Taiwan Mood
Barometer Survey)
In her inaugural address on May 20th, President Tsai Ing-wen indicated that her
administration would respect the “fact of the 1992 Cross-Strait negotiations”
and that it would handle Cross-Strait relations “in accordance with the
constitutional system of the Republic of China, Taiwan's democracy, and the will
of Taiwan's people.” However, she did not mention the “1992 Consensus” or the
“One China principle.” When asked for their views on President Tsai’s
formulation, 57.1% of respondents indicated approval, whereas 22.2% indicated
disapproval.
Taiwan Survey
Respondents’ Views on a Timeline for Determining Taiwan’s
Status (2016-06-01)
(Taiwan Mood
Barometer Survey)
Respondents were asked for their views on how Taiwan should respond if China
formally proceeds to establish a “timeline for Cross-Strait reunification.”
64.1% supported holding a referendum to allow the people of Taiwan to express if
they wish for Taiwan to reunify with the Chinese mainland and become part of the
People’s Republic of China. 24.3% of respondents indicated that they did not
support such a referendum.
Ma To Speak To Journalists In HK (2016-06-02)
(Taipei
Times, By Stacy Hsu) In an announcement issued yesterday, Ma’s office said the
former head of state is due to attend the Society of Publishers in Asia Awards
(SOPA) for Editorial Excellence ceremony to be held at the Hong Kong Convention
and Exhibition Centre on June 15, with Ma scheduled to give a speech in English
on cross-strait relations and the situation in East Asia.
Ministry to Clarify Security Procedure on Ma HK
Speech (2016-06-03)
(Taipei
Times, By Stacy Hsu) Amid disputes over the legitimacy of former president Ma
Ying-jeou’s application for an overseas trip later this month, Presidential
Office spokesman Alex Huang yesterday said the office has instructed the
Ministry of Justice to clarify confusion over the process for individuals who
have handled classified security information to apply to leave the
country.
Ex-President Ma to Respect Government's Decision on HK
Trip (2016-06-05)
(China
Post/CNA) Former President Ma said he would respect the Presidential Office’s
decision on whether or not he can attend and give a speech at the June 15th
Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) awards presentation in Hong Kong. According
to Taiwan's Classified National Security Information Protection Act, President
Ma needs approval from the current administration to leave the country, as he
has knowledge of classfied information.
'Mutual Goodwill' Across Strait Necessary: MAC (2016-06-03)
(China
Post, By Yuan-Ming Chiao) The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Thursday called
for cross-strait goodwill in maintaining two-way communications across the
Taiwan Strait following Taiwan's recent transition of power. MAC Spokesperson
Chiu Chui-cheng reiterated the mutually beneficial nature of maintaining these
lines of communication in securing harmonious solutions to cross-strait
issues.
Visitors from China Down 15 percent in May (2016-06-04)
(China
Post/CNA) The number of Chinese nationals who visited Taiwan fell noticeably in
May, when the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), considered less friendly to
China than the previous Kuomintang regime, took power.
On Tiananmen Anniversary, Tsai Calls for Political
Rights (2016-06-05)
(Taipei
Times/CNA) On the 27th anniversary of the Tiananmen Massacre, President Tsai
left a carefully worded message on her personal Facebook page, urging Beijing to
treasure its civil society and democracy activists. Former President Ma
reiterated some of these sentiments.
| |
|
| |
| Military
Balance and Arms Sales
| |
|
|
| |
|
Tsai Visits Air Bases to Show Support (2016-05-31)
(Taipei
Times, By Stacy Hsu) President Tsai made her first visit to a military base in
her role as head of state and commander-in-chief, reinforcing her promise to
both restore public pride in the military, and to make a military career more
appealing.
Tsai Renews Defense Force Pledge (2016-06-05)
(Taipei
Times/CNA) During a speaking engagement aboard the Tuo
Jiang,
a domestically built stealth missile corvette, President Tsai reiterated her
administration’s vision and support for a self-reliant defense
force.
DPP Web Site Hacked in Cyberspying Campaign (2016-06-03)
(Taipei
Times/ Bloomberg) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) website has come under
attack from cyber spies seeking to profile visitors and monitor DPP policy. US
based security firm, FireEye Inc., said these attacks have not been attributed
to a single group, but use the same strategies as some previously-detected
China-based cyberespionage groups
Critics Slam Military ‘Malingerers’ (2016-06-01)
(Taipei
Times, By Jason Pan) Pundits and legislators are slamming the ministry of
national defense for what they describe as a failure to stem the flow of
military personnel leaving the service by questionable means.
| |
|
| |
| Taiwan's
Domestic Issues and Foreign Relations
| |
|
|
| |
|
Taiwan Survey
Respondents' Perceptions of the Economy (2016-06-01)
(Taiwan Mood
Barometer Survey)
Results from the Taiwan Mood Barometer Survey (which was conducted in the last
week of May) indicated that respondents generally had negative views about the
state of Taiwan’s economy but generally had positive views about the state of
their individual households.
Agriculture Minister Softens Stance On US
pork (2016-05-30)
(China
Post, By Enru Lin) Agriculture Minister Tsao Chi-hung on Monday walked back his
past claim that Taiwan would inevitably need to lift its ban on U.S. pork
containing ractopamine, a controversial feed additive. "The U.S. is in an
election and neither of the two (major) candidates regard the TPP as an urgent
priority. Why do we need to rush?" he said.
KMT Hogs Legislature Spotlight Over Pork Issue (2016-05-31)
(China
Post, by Stephanie Chao) Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers led hundreds of pig farmers
in a protest outside the Legislative Yuan on Tuesday over concerns that the new
government may lift the ban on U.S. pork containing ractopamine, a controversial
feed additive.
KMT Supporters Protest, Try to Break into
Legislature (2016-06-01)
(Taipei
Times, by Alison Hsiao) Reaffirming the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) caucus’
boycott of the legislature yesterday, hundreds of protestors gathered outside
the legislative yuan in Taipei to protest the DPP’s vague position on the
importation of US pork products with ractopamine residue, and perceived
acquiesce to Japan at the cost of fishermen’s rights. Many are also calling for
Premier Lin Chuan’s resignation.
Team Tsai Ing-wen: a Who's Who of the New Cabinet (2016-06-01)
(China
Brief 16(9), Jamestown Foundation, By Lauren Dickey) President Tsai’s inner
circle is overwhelmingly male—there are only four women—and older than Ma
Ying-jeou’s cabinet, with a median age of 60.5 years. Over half of the new
appointees have completed Ph.Ds. or a degree overseas. Tsai and Premier Lin
deserve credit for pulling candidates into government from across both the
professional and political spectrums. Though the cabinet is weighted heavily
toward academics (19 former professors), 15 people have government experience
and 6 bring private industry experience.
US Senate to Debate Bill on Taiwan (2016-06-03)
(Taipei
Times, By William Lowther) The US Senate is next week to debate a US$574.5
billion defense spending bill that calls for improved military relations with
Taiwan.
| |
|
| |
| China's
Rise and Its Domestic Issues
| |
|
|
| |
|
Addressing Rising Business Risk in China (2016-05-11)
(China
Brief 16(8), Jamestown Foundation, By Matthew Brazil) The environment in China
for foreign companies is now more sensitive than in recent memory. Added to
historical irritants are developments that have generated more than the usual
official suspicion of foreigners, possibly more surveillance and other scrutiny,
and a harder line as an apparent tit-for-tat struggle grinds on between China
and at least the U.S., if not other trading partners like Japan, Taiwan and
Australia.
China's Finance Ministry Sells Debut Offshore Renminbi
Bond (2016-05-26)
(Wall
Street Journal, By Christopher Whittall) Making RMB an investible currency is
very important. It’s also very important to list in the U.K. under English law
on the London Stock Exchange to make it an internationally investible
bond.
Chinese Peacekeeper Killed in Mali Attack (2016-06-02)
(The
Diplomat, By Shannon Tiezzi) China’s support for peacekeeping missions not only
allows Beijing to gain military experience and capabilities, it also help
bolster China’s image as a defender of – rather than challenger to – the
international order specifically, and peace and stability in general. The recent
death of a Chinese peacekeeper, however, is a somber reminder that taking part
in UN missions is not a cost-free endeavor.
China's Foreign Minister Castigates Canadian Reporter for Rights
Question (2016-06-03)
(Sinosphere,
By Chris Buckley) The minister, Wang Yi, browbeat a journalist who asked about
the Chinese government’s detention of human rights advocates and a Canadian
couple accused of spying.
Remembering Tiananmen in Hong Kong, but Not Without
Divisions (2016-06-04)
(Sinosphere,
By Alan Wong) The largest student union in Hong Kong has said that it will no
longer participate in the commemoration as local young people increasingly focus
on first achieving greater democracy and autonomy for their city, with some even
calling for independence from China.
How China Fell Off the Miracle Path (2016-06-05)
(New
York Times, By Ruchir Sharma) Debts have risen dangerously fast in the emerging
world, especially in China. Trade growth has collapsed everywhere, a sharp blow
to leading exporters, again led by China. Many countries are reverting to
autocratic rule in an effort to fight the global slowdown, none more
self-destructively than China. And, for reasons unrelated to the 2008 collapse,
growth in the world’s working-age population is slowing, and turned negative
last year in China, depleting the work force.
| |
|
|
|
