47 flights canceled on Friday at Taoyuan International Airport amid PLA drills

2022-08-05

Several airlines have canceled their flights to Taiwan, amid China’s military drills in six maritime areas near the island. Among the companies that have called off flights for safety reasons are Asiana Airlines, Korean Air and Singapore Airlines. In addition, a Japan Airlines flight decided to return to Japan after almost reaching Taiwan’s east coast on Thursday. A former pilot says making detours to avoid dangerous areas can add on fuel costs for airlines. Let’s hear from him.

Chang Chih-hao
Former pilot
Because the longer you have to fly, the more fuel you need to take with you. The more fuel you load, the heavier the plane is. And the heavier the plane is, the more fuel you need. It’s a vicious circle. There are also flight rules on things like crew shifts and rests. So if the airline requires more staff, that adds on extra labor costs, increasing the financial burden.

Wang Kwo-tsai
Transport minister
The bigger impact was on flights that pass by the Taipei Flight Information Region. Previously, we had about 300 flights a day passing by. Yesterday, there were just 150. So that’s about half of the flights that fly through the Taipei FIR.

Taoyuan International Airport says a total of 47 flights were canceled on Friday.

軍演影響國際航班避開危險區增航程.油耗高

2022-08-05

中國六軍演區包圍台灣周邊，影響國際航班起降，甚至有日航班起飛後再多繞半小時才轉返日本，研判是考量飛航安全，韓亞、大韓航空以及新航，稍早都陸續宣布取消今日航班。前機師分析，因為現在進出台灣空域都要繞路，航程增加，得多準備油料。

[[前機師張志豪]]
“因為你要飛得越久，你就要載越多的油，載越多的油其實飛機會越重，飛機越重你要再載更多的油，所以這是一個惡性循環，因為組員有他飛行的限制，跟休息的限制，所以你要加派組員的話，在人力的成本上，也是一個負擔跟增加”

[[交通部長王國材]]
“影響比較大的是，過境的這些航班，過去大概300多架，昨天只有150架，所以有一半就是沒有通過，台北飛航情報區”

桃機起降資訊顯示，週五全天共47班航班取消。

Taiwan’s military readies coastal missile systems as PLA crosses Taiwan Strait median line

Cross-strait tensions continue escalating as China enters Day 2 of its unprecedented military drills surrounding Taiwan. The Ministry of National Defense says Chinese military ships and planes crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan scrambled its own military jets in response, while its warships monitored the situation with their radars. In a rarely-seen announcement, the ministry even said that coastal missile deployments had been activated. Analysts say Taiwan wants to send China a signal that it is not a pushover.

with a payload. And not just on the west coast. Over at a Hualien base on the east coast, F-16V jets carrying bombs also scrambled and flew northward. In the South in Pingtung’s Hengchun Airport, Apache attack helicopters and drones remained on standby.

Kaohsiung is closest to the military exercises, being less than 20 kilometers away from a drill area. At the naval port in Kaohsiung’s Zuoying, vessels were readied for backup. Although large warships are moored, their radars have been turned on and they are ready for combat. On Day 2 of China’s drills near Taiwan, the atmosphere remains tense.

Voice of Sun Li-fang
Military spokesperson
As of noon, several groups of Chinese military aircraft and warships conducting exercises around the Taiwan Strait crossed the strait’s median line. Our military used various surveillance and reconnaissance mechanisms to closely monitor the enemy’s movements. Warnings were broadcast immediately and aerial reconnaissance units were deployed. Warships and coast based missile systems were at ready.

The Ministry of National Defense emphasized that early warning detection and intensive surveillance systems were on full alert in the sea and air. It also made a rarely-seen announcement that coastal deployments of missiles were also prepared for action.

The military has readied both aerial defense and anti-ship coastal missile systems: the Patriot, Sky Bow and Hsiung Feng. They have a fast mobility, meaning they have higher chances of surviving an attack and can be easily maneuvered to counter enemy ships. The military is not willing to take any risks, with Chinese units crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait. The Army and Navy are on high alert, not only to reassure the public, but also let China know that Taiwan is a force to be reckoned with.

2022-08-05

China fires 11 Dongfeng ballistic missiles to areas near Taiwan

2022-08-05

Taiwan will not take provocative actions, but will also not back down: Tsai

President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday evening gave an address to the nation to allay concerns over China’s military drills in Taiwan’s vicinity. Tsai said that Taiwan would be rational and not take provocative actions, but also not back down. On Friday, Premier Su Tseng-chang condemned China’s actions and went as far as to say that it was an evil neighbor at Taiwan’s doorstep. He called on democracies around the world to come together against authoritarianism.##

The Chinese State Media outlet People’s Daily shows footage from military drills held on Thursday. There’s guided missile launches, and clips of soldiers training onboard an aircraft carrier. The music and tone of the video shows international backlash has not affected China in the slightest.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
Today, China initiated live-fire military exercises in areas around Taiwan. This type of continued, deliberately heightened military threat, especially the dangerous launch of missiles into some of the busiest transportation corridors in the world, is irresponsible, both to Taiwan and to the entire international community. Air and maritime transportation safety, as well as the normal functioning of international trade, are all coming under unprecedented threat. We solemnly call upon China to act with reason and exercise restraint.

Su Tseng-chang
Premier
Our evil neighbor is flexing its muscle on our doorstep. Only if democracies cooperate together can authoritarian regimes be prevented from acting recklessly.

The Presidential Office and the Executive Yuan denounced China’s actions. And it’s not just military provocation but also cyberattacks.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
I also want to say to my fellow citizens that, over the next few days, China most likely will conduct intensive information warfare operations to cause psychological unrest among our people through disinformation campaigns. Our national security agencies are monitoring the situation, and are communicating closely with other government agencies. We are rational and will not act to provoke. But we will absolutely not back down.

President Tsai said Taiwan would not back down. She and the premier were conspicuously absent from public events on Thursday. Though some reports emerged that the two could be hiding in a high-security facility, in reality Tsai had canceled all her activities to remain at the Presidential Office, while the National Security Council communicated with Taiwan’s allies, such as the U.S. and Japan.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
Our nation’s armed forces are already heightening their readiness, and are closely following in real time all military developments in surrounding areas. I would like to thank all our soldiers.

President Tsai is working to allay public concerns amid high tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

2022-08-05

Chinese national flag occupies Kaohsiung city website as cyberattacks continue

2022-08-05

White House says China is using Pelosi’s Taiwan visit as a ‘pretext’ for escalating tensions

A White House senior official has accused China of overreacting to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. John Kirby, the National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, said China used the visit as a, quote "pretext" to launch military exercises around Taiwan. Kirby added that the American aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and its strike group would stay in the region to monitor the situation, and that the U.S. is prepared to respond to China’s provocations.

John Kirby
White House Security official
We condemn these actions, which are irresponsible and at odds with our longstanding goal of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the region.

The White House security official said China was using House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit as a “pretext” for conducting military drills surrounding Taiwan, which pose a risk to neighboring sea areas and air space

John Kirby
White House Security official
China has chosen to overreact and use the speaker’s visit as a pretext to increase provocative military activity in and around the Taiwan Strait.

John Kirby said China would continue with its provocations toward Taiwan but that the U.S. was prepared.

John Kirby
White House official
Secretary Austin today has directed that the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the ships in her strike group will remain on station in the area to monitor the situation.

Not only will the USS Reagan remain in the waters near Taiwan to watch events, the U.S. will also continue to operate in the waters and airspace of the Western Pacific in accordance with international law. Officials say the U.S. will continue to support Taiwan, defend a free and open Indo-Pacific region and prevent Beijing from pursuing its goals.

John Kirby
White House official
Beijing’s provocative actions are a significant escalation in its longstanding attempt to change the status quo.

Antony Blinken
US secretary of state
We oppose any unilateral efforts to change the status quo, especially by force. The U.S. remains committed to our “One China” policy guided by our commitments to the Taiwan Relations Act, Three Communiques, and Six Assurances.

The U.S. stresses that the world will not accept Beijing’s wish to establish a new status quo, saying that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are in everyone’s interest. Reports say the Biden administration has postponed a routine test launch of an Air Force Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile to avoid escalating tensions with Beijing

John Kirby
White House official
The United States will be resolute but also steady and responsible. We do not believe this is in our interest, Taiwan’s interest, the region’s interest to allow tensions to escalate further.

Meanwhile, experts believe that it’s important not to overreact to China’s actions.

Gen. David Petraeus
Former CIA director
Policy when it comes to China has to do with the big idea that you should be firm, very firm, but not needlessly provocative.

U.S. officials did not explicitly say if they would offer assistance on the front of cyberattacks Taiwan. They stressed however that the U.S. had been committed to helping Taiwan with its self-defense for decades. Meanwhile, the head of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee Bob Menendez from the Democratic Party, and Jim Risch, from the Republican Party, released a statement lashing out at China for attempting to change the status quo. They added that China was bullying and coercing Taiwan. The state ends saying: “Bejiing should not be under any false illusion that these military drills will lessen resolve in the U.S. or elsewhere, or erode our commitment to stand with the people of Taiwan and their right to determine their own future. Just the opposite.”

2022-08-05

UMC honorary chair donates NT$3 billion to help Taiwan improve its security

United Microelectronics Corporation Honorary Chair Robert Tsao on Friday announced a personal donation of NT$3 billion to help strengthen Taiwan’s defense capabilities. Tsao says he hopes the money can be used to thwart Chinese attempts to promote unification in Taiwan and create systems to prevent cyberattacks, among other things. At a press conference on Friday, he also directed some choice words at China and pro-unification supporters in Taiwan.

Robert Tsao
UMC honorary chair
The Chinese Communist Party is so arrogant and intimidating to Taiwan. Perhaps it thinks that the people of Taiwan are greedy and afraid of death. They completely underestimate Taiwan. That’s why today I would like to announce a NT$3 billion donation, or about US$100 million, to help strengthen our national defense.

UMC Honorary Chair Robert Tsao on Friday announced a donation of NT$3 billion for Taiwan’s national defense. He said that China was just like a local ruffian.

Robert Tsao
UMC honorary chair
The CCP attitude and existence is like that of a village thug. The People’s Republic of China is a mafia posing like a country. I hope you all understand that what I’m doing today is not for fame or fortune. I don’t care about the elections. I simply hate the lies and violence coming from the CCP.

Tsao says he hopes the NT$3 billion will be used to promote combat readiness education for all of Taiwan and will lead to the release of publications and media to combat China’s cognitive warfare campaigns. The donation could also be used to thwart infiltrations that are part of the CCP’s campaign to annex Taiwan and for developing systems to identify and trace disinformation fabricated and dispersed in Taiwan by foreign enemy forces. The money can also be used to stop CCP cyberattacks on Taiwan. Tsao also had some words to say to pro-unification factions in Taiwan, saying that becoming one with China was like becoming one with a gang of mobsters.

Robert Tsao
UMC honorary chair
They say that us Taiwanese want to unify with China. But what would we be unifying with? We’d become one with a rogue. Do you want us to join this mafia? That’s a major blind spot in the market for people who support Taiwan’s unification with China. It’s not a question of unification, but a question on whether you want to join a gang.

The honorary chairman criticized pro-unification advocates. He also commented on the U.S.’ CHIPS Act, saying he believes it will deliver a blow to China.

Robert Tsao
UMC honorary chair
Of course it will have an impact. But I think that Taiwan’s role in semiconductor production won’t change greatly for another five to 10 years.

Tsao said that for the time being, Taiwan would remain firmly in its place as a leading semiconductor powerhouse. Since leaving his role as company chair, Tsao has often commented on cross-strait affairs. Now, he’s donating NT$3 billion in hopes that Taiwan can better ward off China’s threat.

2022-08-05

Travel expert offers tips for summer travel

To help Taiwan’s travel sector recover from the pandemic, the Tourism Bureau has launched a travel subsidy program, allowing individual travelers staying at a hotel to receive a subsidy of up to NT$1,300 a night. FTV reporter Stephany Yang spoke to a travel expert for tips on how to get the cheapest deal while still staying in a quality hotel.

It’s summer vacation, which means it’s peak tourist season. Many hotels are looking for creative ways to attract patrons. The Tourism Bureau on July 15 launched a travel subsidy program allowing individual travelers staying at a hotel to receive a subsidy of up to NT$1,300 per room per night. What is the most cost-effective way to travel? This travel expert has some tips for families and individual travelers.

943
Travel writer
Let’s talk about small family travelers and independent travelers first. For small families, there are two ways. The first way is if you have received three doses of the vaccine, you can apply for an additional subsidy. With this extra NT$500, one person can get a subsidy of up to NT$1,300 per night. If you haven’t gotten your third dose, it’s OK, you can choose other options. For example, Taiwan Host Association B&Bs or star-level hotels. This way, you can still receive the extra subsidy of NT$500. It’s the same – NT$500 plus NT$800, which is equal to NT$1,300 per person per night. You can decide which one you want to use. I suggest that a small family can stay for 3 days and 2 nights. Member A can apply for a double room on the first night. Member B can apply for a double room on the second night. In this way, you can receive a subsidy for 3 days and 2 nights.

For those interested in traveling to Taiwan’s outlying islands, she suggests that a group of six people go together. A group of 6 people can get a subsidy of NT$20,000, which can basically cover the air tickets.

943
Travel writer
I strongly suggest that small families form a small group of six. Because if a small group of six goes to the outlying islands, they can get a subsidy of NT$20,000. In this case, NT$20,000 divided by six people, is equivalent to about NT$3,000, which is your air ticket to the outlying islands. If you choose some bonus options, for example, if you hire a local tour guide, participate in water activities, or travel on weekdays, you can apply for an extra subsidy of NT$10,000 for six people. If you get a subsidy of NT$30,000, it is equivalent to free air tickets and accommodation.

Many hotels are offering deals all around Taiwan during the peak summer tourist season. But how do you determine the quality of the hotel and what are some things to look out for?

943
Travel writer
Now, everyone knows that you need to read reviews online to choose a hotel, but reviews can have quite a few errors. There are many misunderstandings. For example, some restaurants or stores will set some conditions. For example, if you give them five stars on a Google review, they will give you discounts or small gifts. This tends to cause errors in the reviews, so I will give you some tips on how to read them. I recommend that you don’t just look at one review from one platform. For example, go to Google reviews, and then go to hotels.com, Expedia, and booking.com. Check out all of them, especially the negative reviews.

With COVID slowly waning in Taiwan and restrictions loosened, the travel industry is eager for more people to tour the nation. Locals and tourists are hungry for travel, but make sure to choose your accommodations wisely to ensure a pleasant vacation.

2022-08-05

47 flights canceled on Friday at Taoyuan International Airport amid PLA drills