November 4:
According to the United Daily News, the Army Command confirmed that the first batch of HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, part of the "Long-Range Precision Strike System" procured from the United States, has arrived in Taiwan. The 58th Artillery Command of the 10th Army Corps is responsible for receiving and training on the HIMARS, which will be responsible for long-range and high-value maritime target strikes, while the Thunderbolt 2000 will handle fire support within 24 nautical miles for anti-landing operations, forming a comprehensive long, medium, and short-range strike capability.
November 4:
Chairman Shih Chun-chi of Taiwan Financial Holdings, who previously served as vice premier, was suddenly removed from his position. In a press conference, Shih criticized his removal as a result of blocking financial interests, expressing concern that state assets might be sold off cheaply after his departure. Chairman Lu Cheng-chang, who succeeded Shih, previously served as director-general of the Department of Agriculture, Yunlin County Government. His family's agricultural company was involved in embezzlement, with his father and brother fleeing abroad and being wanted. Lu resigned three days after taking office as chairman.
November 4:
Chen Chi-yu, former chairman of Taiyen Biotech Company, went missing during a detention hearing related to Taiyen Green Energy scandal. Prosecutors have officially issued a warrant. Chen is suspected of embezzling NT$1.1 billion (about US$34 million) from Taiyen Biotech. The Tainan District Prosecutors Office did not impose travel restrictions or electronic monitoring, leading to accusations from opposition parties of deliberate release.
November 5:
According to Reuters, SpaceX, which is owned by Elon Musk, has requested Taiwanese suppliers to move their manufacturing locations overseas due to geopolitical risks. Some suppliers have already relocated factories to Vietnam and Thailand. According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and industry data, about 50 Taiwanese companies produce ground equipment and sensitive components, with an estimated output value of over NT$200 billion (about US$6.2 billion) in 2023.
November 6:
After President-elect Donald Trump announced his victory in the United States, President Lai Ching-te held a high-level national security meeting. The national security and diplomatic team believes that the U.S. stance of "containing China and supporting Taiwan" will not change with the transfer of political power. It was assessed that China will not take any "major actions" for the time being and will first "observe and listen" to the U.S. political situation and Trump's actions. Cross-strait relations will likely not be volatile in the short term.
November 7:
During interpellation at the Legislative Yuan, Minister Liu Ching-ching of the National Development Council analyzed that the subsequent effects of Trump's chip bill on Taiwanese enterprises are more beneficial than harmful. Although it imposes a 10 percent tariff generally, it imposes a 60 percent tariff on China, which will relatively benefit Taiwanese companies due to the transferred orders. In response to scholar warnings that the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) advanced 2nm process may be force to move to the United States ahead of schedule, Minister of Economic Affairs J.W. Kuo stated that Taiwan has regulations on technology protection, and currently, the 2nm process cannot be produced abroad.
November 7:
The Office of the President held a pre-departure press conference for Taiwan's delegation attending the economic leaders' meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Senior Advisor to the President Lin Hsin-i will serve as the leader representative this year. President Lai assigned three tasks: Convey Taiwan's active contribution to the international community; support a fairer and more inclusive international trade order; and promote the development with digital trade with other economies. It is reported that President Lai originally planned for former Vice President Chen Chien-jen to serve as representative, but this was not approved by Peru due to pressure from mainland China.
November 7:
According to an exclusive report by Reuters, China Airlines, Taiwan's national carrier, is about to finalize a long-haul aircraft order worth approximately $4 billion, split between U.S. Boeing and European Airbus. The report stated that this move by China Airlines comes at a time when Trump has been re-elected as president of the United States, and Taiwan is eager to ensure that the new U.S. administration, which will take office in January next year, understands Taipei’s desire for robust U.S.-Taiwan relations to continue. China Airlines only stated that the procurement will be based on market demand and corporate development plans to choose the most suitable aircraft models.
