September 22:
Led by the United States Department of Commerce, 26 American drone and counter-drone system manufacturers and Pentagon innovation unit officials visited Taiwan, seeking to integrate local manufacturers into the American drone industry chain. Sources indicate that in addition to contract manufacturers, mass production by Taiwanese companies with American branding for sales is also a possibility. The United States has expressed high interest in the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology's "Chien Hsiang" anti-radiation drone system, which targets enemy radars.
The administration of President Lai Ching-te has attached great importance to related cooperation, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs has set an annual production target of 180,000 drones by 2028.
September 23:
Mainland China's Ministry of State Security has claimed to investigate three active-duty soldiers from Taiwan's "Information and Electronic Warfare Command" on charges of launching cyberattacks against the mainland. This is the first batch of Taiwanese individuals to be investigated under the "Opinions on Punishing Diehard 'Taiwan Independence' Elements for Inciting or Attempting to Incite Separatism" published by Beijing in June.
September 25:
The general debate of the United Nations General Assembly commenced. President Lai first participated in a civil defense training course and emphasized that "Taiwan will never sign a peace agreement" and that strength is the only way to ensure peace. He also delivered a pre-recorded speech at the Concordia Annual Summit held outside the UN headquarters, criticizing China for maliciously distorting Resolution 2758, stating that "democratic Taiwan and autocratic China are not subordinate to each other," which has long been an internationally recognized objective fact.
September 25:
A new session opened at the Legislative Yuan. The opposition returned the general budget bill to the Legislative Yuan Procedure Committee, citing insufficient budget for the logging ban on indigenous peoples. The atmosphere of confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties was intense. In response, President Lai issued an order requiring full attendance of party legislators at meetings, adherence to party caucus commands, and defense of the general budget at all costs.
September 25:
During the egg shortage crisis in 2022, the National Animal Industry Foundation (NAIF) controversially purchased imported eggs from private companies at high prices using a "spot purchase" method that did not require detailed verification of expenses. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office searched the Ministry of Agriculture, NAIF, and importers Ultra Source and Brilliance Biotechnology, summoning several officials and business people on charges of corruption, aggravated fraud, and document forgery. It is also possible that former ministers Chen Chi-chung and Chen Chun-chi may be summoned depending on the needs of the case.
September 25:
After a 44-year hiatus, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean. Various countries estimated the missile's landing point to be in international waters south of Hawaii and near Australia. Military experts interpret this rare test in international waters as a strong demonstration to the United States, showing combat capabilities ahead of China's National Day, proving that the Rocket Force's deterrence has not been affected by recent purges.
September 25:
A fleet of Japanese, Australian, and New Zealand military vessels passed through the Taiwan Strait. This marks the first time since its establishment in 1954 that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has sent vessels through the Taiwan Strait. The PLA stated that it closely monitored the incident and firmly opposes using the name of defending free navigation to send the wrong message to Taiwan independence forces.
September 26:
President Lai presided over the first meeting of the National Defense Resilience Committee and stated that the government aims to train 400,000 civilians, with one of the goals being to support military action if necessary. This training is expected to be integrated with the Han Kuang exercises in June 2025 for comprehensive preliminary drills. According to reports, the 400,000 civilians will primarily consist of 280,000 substitute service members, including volunteer police, firefighters, and civil groups.
