Taiwan is set to invest in its defence strategies and systems, spending $9 billion over the next five years
The country will spend extra on its armed forces – including on new missiles, as it warned of an urgent need to upgrade weapons in the face of a “severe threat” from giant neighbour China.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has made modernising the armed forces a priority as it is currently dwarfed by China’s.
It comes as Beijing ramps up its military and diplomatic pressure against the island it claims as “sacred” Chinese territory.
The new money, which comes on top of planned military spending of T$471.7 billion for 2022, will still however need to be approved by parliament.
China continues to be a major threat to Taiwan
“The Chinese Communists have continued to invest heavily in national defence budgets, its military strength has grown rapidly, and it has frequently dispatched aircraft and ships to invade and harass our seas and airspace,” Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said in a statement.
The nation warned of an urgent need to upgrade weapons in the face of a “severe threat” from giant neighbour, China.
It comes as Australia, the UK and the US announce a new security partnership
The deal will see the three countries share secret nuclear technology and also assist Australia as it switches to a nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says “our world is becoming more complex, especially in the Indo-Pacific”
Morrison says his country is opening up a new friendship in its relations with the US and Britain, as he secures a brand new nuclear submarine fleet.
This follows Morrison holding a National Security Committee of Cabinet in Canberra on Wednesday.
Australia will use both US and British technology to replace its existing Collins class fleet, as the international strategic environment heats up.
The alliance deal will also see an increased presence of American nuclear subs in the region, with a focus on aligning technology and regional challenges.
The working group will ensure that the countries can share information regarding long-range strike capabilities, artificial intelligence and underwater systems in an attempt to counteract the increasing dominance of China.
Biden says it’s time to face the threats of the twenty-first century and has faith that the AUKUS alliance will allow this.
Anthony Lucas is reporter, presenter and social media producer with ticker News. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Professional Communication, with a major in Journalism from RMIT University as well as a Diploma of Arts and Entertainment journalism from Collarts. He’s previously worked for 9 News, ONE FM Radio and Southern Cross Austerio’s Hit Radio Network.
Victoria’s Secret is facing backlash after issuing an apology to a transgender woman who had a negative experience while trying on bras at one of their stores.
The incident has ignited a debate about inclusivity and sensitivity in the fashion industry.
The controversy began when the trans woman, who remains anonymous, visited a Victoria’s Secret store to shop for bras. She reported feeling uncomfortable and discriminated against by store staff.
In response to her complaint, Victoria’s Secret issued an apology, acknowledging the incident and expressing their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
However, the apology itself has come under fire from both supporters and critics.
Some argue that the brand’s apology is insincere and merely an attempt to save face, while others believe it is a step in the right direction towards a more inclusive shopping experience for all customers.
The incident raises important questions about how brands should handle situations involving discrimination and whether their apologies are genuine or performative.
It also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by transgender individuals when accessing spaces traditionally designed for cisgender customers.
As the fashion industry continues to evolve, many are calling for a deeper examination of inclusivity and sensitivity, not just in policies but in practice.
Despite a decrease in overall personnel numbers, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has seen a notable increase in senior officers, leading to concerns about its top-heavy structure.
In recent years, the ADF has undergone significant downsizing efforts, resulting in a reduced total workforce.
However, a closer look at the numbers reveals a surprising trend – a growing number of senior officers within the organization.
The rise in senior officers has raised questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of the ADF’s hierarchy.
Critics argue that a top-heavy structure may hinder decision-making and resource allocation, potentially impacting the ADF’s operational capabilities.
Is the increase in senior officers a deliberate strategy, or is it the result of unintended consequences from downsizing efforts?
What implications does a top-heavy structure have on the ADF’s ability to respond to evolving security challenges?
Are there plans to rebalance the officer-to-enlisted personnel ratio within the ADF?
India has been grappling with a significant challenge in its energy sector as hydroelectric power generation has experienced a sharp decline.
This shift in the energy landscape has forced the nation to increasingly turn to coal as an alternative source of power.
The dwindling water resources and changing weather patterns have led to a decrease in hydro generation, posing a pressing dilemma for the country’s energy sustainability.
With India’s growing population and expanding industries, a steady and reliable power supply is crucial.
However, the drop in hydroelectric power output due to factors like reduced rainfall and glacial melting has strained the nation’s electricity grid.
As a result, coal-fired power plants have become a more prevalent choice to bridge the energy gap, despite concerns about environmental impact and carbon emissions.