Han Kuang drills criticized for having more show than substance

Han Kuang drills criticized for having more show than substance

2023-08-01

Since the Han Kuang war games ended last week, there’s been criticism that they did not prepare soldiers for the reality of war. According to one ex-officer, the tactics used could backfire in combat, and the fortifications built would not withstand an attack. In response, the defense ministry said the drills would continue to be improved to better reflect combat situations.

Last Friday marked the end of the 39th Han Kuang war games, which featured high-profile anti-landing exercises. Critics say the drills were more show than substance.

In a talk show interview, a former naval officer questioned whether the fortifications and tactics deployed during the drills would actually be useful in a PLA attack. He said that although footage of the exercises looked impressive, the troops did not have concrete fortifications, and a real enemy may not advance exactly as Taiwan imagines. The ex-officer said Taiwan’s soldiers only had wooden planks and sand to stop the enemy. He said it appeared that the drills were meant primarily for show.

Lin Wen-huang
Ministry of National Defense
All military training exercises, including this year’s Han Kuang exercises, are meticulously planned out based on the threat posed by the PLA. We develop the possible scenarios, and based on those scenarios, we plan out the war exercises. Of course we will continue improving our combat-training exercises, making them more realistic and similar to real-life combat scenarios. I think this is something we will continue working on in our training.

The military said that all drill scenarios were based on possible enemy threats. It said drills would continue to be improved to more closely match combat situations. In related news, the military responded to calls for relocating a Keelung ammunition depot, where an explosion injured nine soldiers last month.

Shih Yu-lueng
Medical Affairs Bureau
The two severely injured soldiers have undergone intensive surgical treatment. Wound debridement will continue to be performed in the future, as well as skin grafting and reconstruction. The seven soldiers with minor injuries are due to be discharged today. They will still be called back for follow-up visits for further evaluation.

Chen Chun-chung
Ministry of National Defense
The locations of our ammunition depots are chosen based on operational requirements, based on meticulous and comprehensive reviews. To minimize the impact of this depot on nearby residents, we have already made alterations so that non-hazardous supplies, such as light weaponry ammunition, are stored near residential areas. Moving forward, we will continue earnest discussions with the city government and local residents over this issue.

Amid calls for the depot’s relocation, the military said it had made adjustments and was coordinating with all stakeholders to achieve a resolution.

漢光遭質疑照"想定"走? 國防部:持續貼近實戰

2023-08-01

漢光39上周結束，卻出現質疑聲浪，包括太過按照設定好的想定走，灘岸壕溝也只有木板與沙土，可能無法有效阻擋中國解放軍進攻，演習不該變成演戲，對此國軍回應所有想定都是依照敵情威脅評估，會持續改進，讓官兵更貼近實戰。

漢光39上週五落幕，今年以"反登陸"為重點操練科目，卻被質疑過於"形式"。

前海軍艦長呂禮詩指出，國軍要演練反登陸，但阻絕工事與戰術可因應解放軍攻擊嗎?，雖然看起來有個樣子，但沒用混凝土構築"長城"，確定解放軍會照預想關卡走?此外灘岸的壕溝只有木板與沙土，提醒這是"演習"，不該變成"演戲"。

[[作計室聯合作戰計畫處處長林文皇]]
“國軍各項演訓包含這次的漢光演習，其實都是依照共軍的威脅，來縝密規畫評估，來發展演習的想定，那我們按照演習的想定，來實施作戰計畫的演練，當然我們會持續按照這樣的狀況，來強化所謂實戰化的演練，跟貼近、趨近實戰的演練，我相信這部分我們在演訓之中，會持續來加強”

國軍強調所有想定，都是依照敵情威脅設計，會持續跟實戰貼近，雖然與漢光沒有直接關係，但首日基隆祥豐營區發生120迫砲爆炸意外，外界也關心後續狀況。

[[軍醫局衛勤保健處長施宇隆]]
“兩位重傷的士官，目前他們都已經接受積極的手術治療，未來還會繼續將傷口做一些清創，還有植皮手術的重建，另外七位輕傷弟兄預計會在今日辦理出院，後續還會再安排門診追蹤複查”

[[後次室軍品整備處長陳春忠]]
“國軍彈藥庫的選址，我們都是依照作戰需求，經過縝密、全面的檢討而設置，為了降低周邊百姓的影響，我們已經將鄰近民宅的庫房，改屯輕兵器彈藥等，不具危險性的軍品，後續我們將以最大誠意持續，與市政府跟居民溝通”

彈藥庫遷移引發討論，軍方提出調整並積極協調，盼各界能夠理解。

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The DPP’s Lai Ching-te made headlines last month when he said that when Taiwan’s president can enter the White House, “the political goal that we’re pursuing will have been achieved.” The remarks were a hot topic at the U.S. state department’s latest press conference. When asked to respond to Lai, department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that the U.S.’ “one China” policy remained unchanged. He also addressed Lai’s upcoming stopovers in the U.S., saying that such transits are, quote, nothing out of the ordinary.

Vice President Lai Ching-te was spotted in Changhua enjoying authentic local flavors. He gave up a smile when locals greeted him as Mr. President.

Lai promised to return as Taiwan’s president. With sights set on continuing DPP rule, Lai will embark on a state visit next week. He will attend Paraguay’s presidential inauguration and transit in the U.S., on his way over and back.

Matthew Miller
US state department spokesperson
And with respect to his transit, such transits have happened numerous times going back decades over multiple administrations, and there’s nothing out of the ordinary about them.

The U.S. emphasized that Lai’s transit stops were normal. But according to insiders, Lai’s previous remarks about entering the White House had sparked concerns in Washington. The topic came up again at the state department’s latest press briefing.

Journalist
He said that, quote, “When Taiwan’s president can enter the White House, the political goal that we’re pursuing will have been achieved.” What is the state department’s comment on those remarks?

Matthew Miller
US state department spokesperson
I don’t have any reaction to his remarks. I will say that from the United States’ perspective, our “one China” policy has not changed.

In mid-July, the Financial Times reported that Washington sought an explanation from Taiwan, after Lai said entering the White House represented the achievement of his political goal. The report also quoted a senior U.S. official, who said the White House had not been in touch with Lai himself, his campaign, or his staff. During Monday’s press briefing, the state department was asked if it feared Lai’s election could damage U.S.-China relations. The state department declined to respond. It said only that it would not address comments made by any political candidate of another country.

Lin Ching-yi
DPP lawmaker
I think that both we and the U.S. are very clear on the fact that when Vice President Lai Ching-te spoke about entering the White House, he was expressing a hope for more normal exchanges between two democratic nations. Any normal democratic nation understands the need to respect, to not interfere with the public discourse of other countries’ democratic elections.

Ahead of his trip overseas, Lai’s White House remarks have ignited debate. As Taiwan’s vice president and a presidential contender, his every move in the U.S. will be under scrutiny.

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TPP’s Ko Wen-je stirs debate with ‘Vote White, Vote Right’ slogan

The Taiwan People’s Party recently caused quite a stir with its new campaign slogan: “Vote White, Vote Right.” After the slogan went up online, it was criticized for its white supremacist connotations. The party’s presidential candidate, Ko Wen-je, says the controversy stems from a cultural difference. Even so, the TPP has removed the line from its official website.

TPP presidential candidate Ko Wen-je made an appearance in Kaohsiung on Tuesday. The visit came after his English campaign slogan, “Vote White, Vote Right,” raised an outcry over its racist connotations. U.S. media outlet BNN Breaking picked up the story, noting that Ko is a controversial figure known for his contentious remarks.

Ko Wen-je
TPP presidential candidate
This is a cultural difference. In Taiwan, it’s not problematic. But abroad, it is. In the future, we’ll get real foreigners to work on our websites.

A Taipei councilor said Ko underestimates the cultural awareness of Taiwanese people.

Lin Yen-feng
Taipei councilor (DPP)
Just because the TPP themselves don’t get it doesn’t mean all of Taiwan doesn’t get it. They are completely insulting the intelligence of Taiwanese people. Having a presidential candidate like him speaking on issues of global diplomacy would be a disaster for Taiwan.

Miao Po-ya
Taipei councilor (SDP)
Ko urgently needs to find aides who are qualified in international affairs, diplomacy, defense, national security and matters like that. Truly qualified aides with both talent and morals, and not just a PR team that diverts attention away from blunders made throughout the day.

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Ko Wen-je (February 2019)
Taipei mayor
In Israel, they arranged for us to visit the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. The greatest publicity for Jewish people internationally has been that 6 million of them were murdered during Hitler’s time.

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Turkish belly dancing is known for its dynamic and flamboyant movements. Today we take you to meet Ko Ya-wen, an award-winning Turkish belly dancer and teacher. She started a studio to train Turkish belly dancers, and has traveled around Taiwan to perform at art festivals and events. FTV reporter Stephany Yang spoke to Ko to find out more.

She takes the stage with an explosive and dynamic belly dance performance. Her movements are bold and strong, with many body rolls, spins, and floorwork.

Compared to other belly dance styles, Turkish dance movements are faster and lighter. This is a performance by Ko Ya-wen, an award-winning Turkish belly dancer.

Ko Ya-wen
Founder
There are so many styles now. The most unique thing about our Turkish belly dancing is that it is flamboyant, uses power from the lower belly, and combines movements of the body. The style of music is also more joyful. Because in Turkey, it is performed in front of an audience, so I will make a lot of eye contact with you. We also wear high heels, so controlling our body is quite difficult.

Prior to being a belly dancer, Ko worked in the printing business. She fell in love with belly dance after taking lessons from a Turkish belly dance teacher named Crystal Lian. Ko decided to quit her job in the printing business and start teaching at her instructor’s studio. She also traveled around the world to master the art.

Ko Ya-wen
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Before I became a dancer, I was an assistant at a printing factory. That was a very stable job. I had no foundation in dancing at all, and after seeing this dance, I really liked it and wanted to dance as well as my teacher. I thought I could do it. So I spent a lot of time learning from my teachers, studying abroad, and studying videos of many dancers. Besides giving me confidence, I think Turkish belly dancing is also so beautiful. Because my teacher left Taiwan, I thought it would be a pity to lose this beautiful dance, so I hope to continue to pass it on.

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Ko Ya-wen
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I hope Turkish belly dance can continue to be passed on. Therefore, I have been cultivating teachers. Not necessarily teachers, but also people who like to perform very much. I’ve started to let them teach. I am doing this for their future. If a woman really has a dream, I hope to provide a stage where she can fulfill her dream.

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With the tug of a banner, the Ministry of Agriculture makes its debut.

Lai Ching-te
Vice president
On May 20, 1988, farmers staged a protest with seven key demands. One of them was to upgrade the Council of Agriculture into a ministry. After more than 30 years, that dream has finally become reality.

The first minister of agriculture is Chen Chi-chung, formerly the head of the Council of Agriculture. Braving the rain, Chen gave an impassioned speech.

Chen Chi-chung
Agriculture minister
This is a step that’s been in the making for 35 years. The harder it rains, the stronger we become. Let us take our agriculture sector forward.

Turning down an umbrella held by an aide, Chen spoke under the rain for almost 10 minutes.

Chen Chi-chung
Agriculture minister
As the first minister, I would like to thank the DPP administration led by President Tsai Ing-wen for giving a country boy like me the opportunity to take on this position.

Chen received a seal from Premier Chen Chien-jen. Also witnessing this historic moment were Su Tseng-chang and Lin Chuan, former premiers of the Tsai administration.

Chen Chien-jen
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We take care of our farmers in every possible way. Especially since 2016, when we established a four-pillar welfare system for farmers consisting of three insurances and one pension fund.

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Wei Chun-fang
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Wei Chun-fang
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When we first started, to be honest, we were losing money on every item. But this is the truth – if you have decided, “I want to make a first-rate children’s clothing brand, I want to create an international brand from Taiwan,” then you won’t compromise.

Of the six years the brand has been operating, three were during a pandemic. But Wei is undaunted, and has pushed the company onward and upward. She’s opened four concessions in foreign department stores, including Printemps, a premium French store, and the brand has featured in international fashion weeks.

The brand has spared no expense to establish their reputation, importing organic Japanese cotton, and adopting costly made-in-Taiwan functional fabrics. These clothes aren’t cheap. But they’ve won the hearts of high-end customers, and last year the brand’s revenue grew 81% year-on-year.

Wei Chun-fang
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It’s about children’s health. So we block all toxic materials at the source. So we use 100% organic cotton, or for example we’re using zinc oxide on our fabric too. I want everyone to have confidence that Taiwan has the capacity to go global, to make people see that Taiwan can do design and can make it happen.

Wei has a strong vision of the clothes she wants to make and the brand she wants to establish. Along the way, she might just contribute to a new global image of Taiwan.

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