Taiwan | June 24, 2024, 12:05 p.m.
"US Approves $360 Million Arms Sale to Taiwan for Advanced Drone Systems and Equipment"
The Biden administration has approved a new $360 million weapons sale to Taiwan, including armed drones and missile equipment, amidst high tension with China. The sale, which includes 291 Altius-600M unmanned aerial vehicles and 720 Switchblade drones, aims to support Taiwan's modernization of its armed forces and enhance its defensive capabilities. The State Department asserts that this sale serves U.S. national interests and helps maintain stability in the region without upsetting the military balance. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te expressed gratitude for the arms sale, emphasizing the importance of peace and security in the Taiwan Strait. Despite China's opposition to the sale, the U.S. and China have been working to improve relations. This latest arms transfer is seen as a necessary step in bolstering Taiwan's national defense and ensuring political stability in the region.
'Chinese Hackers Step up Cyber Espionage on Taiwan Through Network Perimeter Exploits'
Insikt Group has identified cyber-espionage activities conducted by the Chinese state-sponsored group RedJuliett targeting government, academic, technology, and diplomatic organizations in Taiwan from November 2023 to April 2024. Exploiting known vulnerabilities in network edge devices, RedJuliett likely operates from Fuzhou, China, with a focus on gathering intelligence on Taiwan's economic, diplomatic relations, and critical technology development. The group has also expanded its operations to compromise organizations in various countries. Organizations should adopt network segmentation, security monitoring, risk-based patching, and monitor for malicious traffic to counter these threats effectively. With RedJuliett and other Chinese state-sponsored threat actors expected to continue targeting Taiwan, organizations are advised to enhance their cybersecurity measures to mitigate potential risks. Stay informed and prepared by accessing the full report for detailed insights and recommendations.
China-Backed Hackers Ramp Up Cyber Attacks on Taiwan, Reports Cybersecurity Firm
Cybersecurity firm Recorded Future reported that suspected China-backed hacking group RedJuliett targeted two dozen organisations in Taiwan and beyond between November 2023 and April this year. The group exploited vulnerabilities in internet-facing appliances to compromise targets, including tech firms, government agencies and universities. RedJuliett also conducted reconnaissance against 70+ Taiwanese organisations, with a focus on the technology industry. While most targets were in Taiwan, the group also compromised entities in Hong Kong, South Korea, and Djibouti. Recorded Future warned of continued Chinese state-sponsored cyber-espionage against Taiwan, in line with Beijing’s intelligence-gathering activities. The Chinese government has denied engaging in cyber-espionage and considers Taiwan part of its territory. Tensions between Beijing and Taipei have escalated, with Taiwanese President William Lai criticizing China’s threats against advocates of Taiwanese independence. Lai emphasized democracy and reiterated Taiwan's status as an independent sovereign state.
"Guide to Provoking Conflict: Initiate a War over Taiwan"
"The Boiling Moat" edited by Matt Pottinger warns that Taiwan's potential trigger for major war between the U.S. and China, estimating thousands of American casualties. Xi Jinping's ambitions pose a threat as China eyes Taiwan. Pottinger advocates for robust deterrence to prevent conflict. However, history and politics are complex in the Taiwan-China relationship. Taiwan's colonial past and diverse population complicate the narrative of reunification. The push for a democratic Taiwan faces challenges, with past U.S. support driven more by anti-Communism than genuine democracy concerns. The book underscores the need for a military buildup and cultural shift in Japan and Taiwan. While defense of democracy is vital, overlooking history’s nuances could endanger East Asian stability. The authors’ call for a strong stance against Chinese aggression is clear, but understanding Taiwan’s complex history is crucial for informed policy decisions and peace preservation in the region.
RedJuliett Cyber Espionage Campaign Targets Taiwan from China
RedJuliett, a suspected Chinese state-sponsored hacking group, targeted academic, government, and technology organizations in Taiwan, along with de facto embassies on the island, in cyber espionage campaigns from November 2023 to April 2024. The group compromised 24 organizations, including government agencies in Taiwan, Laos, Kenya, and Rwanda. Recorded Future's research team, Insikt Group, revealed these findings on June 24. RedJuliett exploited vulnerabilities in internet-facing appliances like firewalls and VPNs for initial access, alongside attempting SQL injections and directory traversal exploits against web and SQL applications. The group also used open-source webshells and a Linux OS privilege escalation vulnerability for post-exploitation activities. Operating infrastructure through SoftEther VPN software, RedJuliett utilized threat actor-controlled servers and compromised infrastructure from Taiwanese universities. Approximately 60% of their victims were in Taiwan, with others located in Hong Kong, South Korea, the United States, Rwanda, Kenya, and Djibouti.
"Opinion: Taiwan's Historical Context Debunks Notion of 'State of Nature'"
The article discusses the ongoing debate regarding Taiwan's participation in global agencies traditionally reserved for recognized states. It highlights recent comments from US officials suggesting no legal barriers to expanding Taiwan's role on the international stage, specifically mentioning the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. However, the article questions the motives behind this push, raising concerns about potential political provocations and the implications for cross-strait relations with China. It delves into historical context, citing UN Resolution 2758, which recognized the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government and expelled Taiwan from the UN. The article also explores the concept of Taiwan's "undetermined status" in international law, emphasizing the island's ties to the Republic of China (ROC) constitution. Ultimately, it cautions against Taiwan pursuing independence without risking backlash from China and undermining its current political legitimacy.
"Xi Jinping's Message to Chinese Military Concerning Taiwan"
Recently, the New York Times published an article suggesting that Chinese military strategists are considering a more aggressive approach to using nuclear weapons. President Xi Jinping has provided speeches to China’s military, showing a focus on combat readiness and warning against external interference in the cross-Strait status quo. The US-China-Taiwan triangle remains tense, with Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te raising concerns in Beijing with his views on Taiwan’s sovereignty. China has conducted military exercises around Taiwan, reflecting its stance on the Taiwan question as a red line in US-China relations. President Xi’s speeches emphasize the need for military preparedness, combatting corruption, and achieving a “world-class” military by 2049. While there is no concrete timeline for a cross-Strait conflict, Xi’s words convey a mixture of determination and patience in handling the Taiwan issue without wanting its hand to be forced into action.
President Lai Defends Taiwan Against China's Punishments: 'No Right to Interfere'
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te asserted China's lack of authority to punish Taiwanese people for their beliefs, following Beijing's warning that pro-independence supporters could face the death penalty. China considers Taiwan its territory and has increased pressure on the island, even conducting military drills. President Lai emphasized that democracy should not be criminalized, calling autocracy the real crime. He urged China to recognize Taiwan's government and engage in dialogue for the well-being of both sides. Lai's party advocates for Taiwanese sovereignty, leading to strained relations with Beijing. Despite Lai's willingness to resume talks, China has displayed hostility, maintaining a military presence around Taiwan. The escalating tensions highlight the ongoing political standoff between the two sides, with China branding Lai as a separatist and rejecting calls for dialogue.
New Title: 'Study in Taiwan Reveals Strong Link Between Fecal Amylase Production and Intestinal Microbiome Alterations'
A recent study revealed that Taiwanese individuals with familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) exhibit significant differences in their gut microbiota composition compared to their healthy family members. The composition of intestinal bacteria was not only linked to the severity of nerve damage in patients, but also to heart involvement. These findings suggest a potential role of gut microbiota in the development and progression of FAP. The research, published in Nature Scientific Reports, focused on individuals with the A97S TTR mutation, which is prevalent in Taiwan and Southeast Asia. The study found that FAP patients had altered gut microbiota compared to controls, with a higher abundance of certain bacterial groups. More damage to nerve fibers was associated with specific bacterial types, and greater gut microbiota richness correlated with increased heart involvement. Further research is needed to explore the intricate relationship between gut microbiota and FAP in diverse patient populations.
China's Social Media Crackdown Forces Influencers to Align with Government Policies in Mainland and Taiwan
Chinese regulators are cracking down on social media influencers flaunting wealth to attract followers and traffic. The Qinglang campaign targets Chinese and Taiwanese influencers showcasing luxurious lifestyles. The aim is to curb toxic traffic and reduce economic disparity perceptions. These measures align with Beijing's broader crackdown on morally questionable behaviors. Chinese public support for this campaign reflects a societal preference for equal wealth distribution and reinforces support for the authoritarian government. The crackdown also extends to Taiwanese influencers, pressuring them to echo Chinese values and support reunification. This use of social media as a political tool highlights China's awareness of its power to shape public opinion. The ongoing clean-up reflects President Xi Jinping's understanding of the potential impact of social media on promoting or destabilizing the government's message.