Day: January 2, 2022

Taiwan will most likely be limited to observer status if it is invited to the United States-organized Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) military exercise, according to the Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR), a Ministry of National Defense (MND) think tank.

Speculation has been rife over Taiwan’s participation in RIMPAC after U.S. President Joe Biden signed into law last week a defense spending bill that contained related “Sense of Congress” resolutions.

However, “Sense of Congress” resolutions are not enforceable nor legally binding, and the Biden administration has made no suggestion that Taiwan will be invited to the world’s largest international maritime military exercise for the first time.

In a report published Wednesday, Liu Ying-chieh (???), a resident research officer at the INDSR, said that Taiwanese involvement in RIMPAC would most likely be limited to sending observers.

Liu reasoned that Washington’s “one China” policy would preclude Taiwan from participating in war games, sending small-scale dispatch units, or coordinating with other participants in real-time from different locations.

According to Liu, the sensitive nature of such types of participation would likely spark protests from Beijing, as under its “one China” policy the U.S. acknowledges China’s view that it has sovereignty over Taiwan but considers Taiwan’s status as unsettled.

Despite this, Liu said sending observers would still be useful for learning about the use of common warfare concepts, mutual operation of weapon platforms, and the adoption of coordinated operations by multinational coalitions.

Liu added that getting a firmer grasp on the preparations needed for participating in the international joint military exercise was extremely important.

The option of dispatching MND observers to board ships and understand the process and content of the exercises could help Taiwan’s military design battlefield scenarios for its Han Kuang military exercises in the future, Liu said.

Should Taiwan’s role at the exercise go beyond mere observation, such as sending small-scale units or coordinating from different locations, this could allow Taiwan’s military to focus on the division and integration of tasks, and coordination between combat forces to ensure that orders issued by allied forces can be executed effectively, Liu said.

Furthermore, if Taiwan ends up participating to be a part of the exercises, it will give the top brass a chance to the effectiveness of their decision-making under pressure, as well as find out potential blind spots, Liu said.

RIMPAC, hosted every two years by the U.S. Pacific Fleet near Hawaii. Taiwan has never been invited to participate in the exercise before.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel

After pictures were posted online of Nanwan beach in Kenting National Park littered with the burned out remains of fireworks and firecrackers on the first day of 2022, many netizens criticized such anti-social behavior and the authorities pledged to step up patrols in the area.

The aftermath of New Year’s eve celebrations was photographed by a netizen surnamed Chang (?), who posted photos of the beach covered in garbage and used fireworks on Facebook Saturday, calling on those celebrating the New Year in Hengchun, Taiwan’s southernmost township, to cherish the environment.

“One feels powerless seeing such a sight in the early morning when coming to clean the beach,” Chang wrote, expressing his regret that the people having fun on the beach set off fireworks, which is forbidden, and failed to clean up after themselves.

Chang also said the waste materials from the fireworks could have damaged the marine ecology.

The photos taken show row upon row of burned out fireworks, the empty boxes they came in, and a big red patch of sand where they were lit.

Many responded to Chang’s post by criticizing those involved for their lack of public spiritedness.

The owner of a B&B nearby left a message under Chang’s post, urging “police” to patrol the beach next New Year’s eve.

The B&B owner said he had considered doing something when he saw people setting off fireworks and firecrackers, but decided it was too dangerous as the smoke blew toward his hostel.

Kenting National Park Headquarters deputy chief Hsu Kuo-shu (???) told CNA on Sunday that the National Park Act bans the use of firecrackers and fireworks in such locations. Violations of the Act are punishable with a fine of NT$1,500 (US$54.12) for a first offence and NT$3,000 for repeated offenders.

Police have conducted night patrols at Kenting beaches since they found the remains of New Year fireworks in Baishawan, one of the national park’s most popular beaches, the previous year, Hsu said.

He pledged increased patrols at nighttime in an effort to prevent any re-occurrence.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel

A cycling-themed float sponsored by China Airlines (CAL) won the International Award for most outstanding float from outside the United States at the Rose Parade in Los Angeles Jan. 1.

The honor received by CAL’s 17-meter long, 5-meter wide, and 7.5-meter high float, which features a family experiencing Taiwan on two wheels, made it the record-breaking 30th win for the airline, one of Taiwan’s biggest carriers.

The float was decorated with Taiwanese symbols such as Tung blossoms, orchids, and models of the country’s cuisine such as braised pork rice and boba tea.

According to CAL, the float was designed with the aim of attracting international visitors to Taiwan once border restrictions are lifted.

Float designer John Ramirez, who is married to a Taiwanese woman, said he was proud of his artwork and how it acted as a bridge to showcase Taiwan to the world using elements familiar to Westerners.

“I have to design the float so that the rest of the world can understand and appreciate Taiwan, but then we also look for themes and elements to put on the float that people from Taiwan recognize too and can be proud of,” he told CNA.

Ramirez said his biggest hope now was to emulate the float’s tableau and bike around Taiwan with his family.

CAL said that the design concept of a family exploring and learning about new cultures on bicycles fit well with this year’s parade theme of “Dream. Believe. Achieve.”

It showed CAL was ready to welcome visitors to Taiwan once COVID-19 subsides, the airline added.

Since 1987, CAL has participated in the annual parade, which takes place before the Rose Bowl, one of American college football’s biggest annual postseason games.

Although the 2021 Rose Parade was canceled due to COVID-19, the event made a return this year thanks to growing vaccination rates.

This year, around 50 floats, 20 marching bands, and 18 equestrian teams participated in the event.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel