Lai Ching-te

Taiwan defense spending increase

2 clusters · 4 sources · last updated about 10 hours ago

Latest: Taiwan proposes defense budget exceeding NT$1.1 trillion for 2027

Taiwan’s cabinet is preparing to propose a defense budget for 2027 that exceeds NT$1.1 trillion ($31 billion) for the first time. This proposed 16% annual increase is intended to bolster military capabilities and respond

Taiwan Han Kuang 42 unscripted war games

6 clusters · 72 sources · last updated 1 day ago

Latest: Taiwan military simulates defense of Penghu Islands and tests internet throttling

The Han Kuang 42 live-fire drill ran from 5 August to 14 August 2026, using an unscripted format to test command coordination and responsiveness against potential Chinese incursions. The exercise fully mobilized approxim

Chiayi High Speed Rail connectivity disputes

2 clusters · 2 sources · last updated 2 days ago

Latest: Chiayi City receives awards for transport projects amid calls for HSR rail links

The development of a light rail link connecting the Chiayi High Speed Rail station to the city center remains a point of political and infrastructural contention. Initial disputes centered on stalled progress despite a

Japan's Kottai fiscal shift and defense boost

2 clusters · 13 sources · last updated 3 days ago

Latest: Taiwan and Japan propose major defense budget increases for 2027

In late July 2026, Japan’s cabinet approved the “Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform Basic Policy 2026,” known as the Kottai policy. The plan replaces fiscal consolidation language with a commitment to “responsible

Cross‑border crackdown on Hong Kong bookstores

5 clusters · 14 sources · last updated 11 days ago

Latest: Taiwan honors late Hong Kong bookseller Lam Wing-kee for his democratic resistance

Lin Rong‑ji, founder of Hong Kong’s Copper Lane Bookstore, died in Taiwan in July 2026 after a prolonged battle with lung cancer. His death revived scrutiny of the cross‑border operations that have targeted his shop sinc