March 16:
South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation renamed the Taipei Liaison Office on its website to "Taipei Commercial Office" and moved it from a standalone listing to being categorized under international organizations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a strong protest. The move by South Africa is interpreted as a significant step towards completing the relocation of Taiwan's representative office by the end of this month. In autumn last year, the South African government requested that the Taipei Liaison Office move out of its capital Pretoria, but negotiations remain unresolved.
March 16:
President Lai Ching-te referred to mainland China as a "foreign hostile force." When asked whether this statement alters the cross-strait status quo, the United States Department of State only noted Lai's "policy proposals" and directed media inquiries to President Lai's office.
As chairman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), President Lai reiterated during a DPP Central Executive Committee meeting that China is defined as a "foreign hostile force" under the Anti-Infiltration Act. He emphasized the need for more proactive measures to protect freedom, democracy, and Taiwan's way of life.
March 17:
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted two rounds of joint combat readiness patrols around the Taiwan Strait in the morning and afternoon, deploying over 60 aircraft and ships. Mao Ning, spokeswoman of mainland China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded to media inquiries, stating that the military actions are a firm response to persistent support by external forces for Taiwan independence and a stern warning to pro-independence forces. The PLA indirectly announced military exercises near the Taiwan Strait.
The U.S. Department of State criticized China's blatant and irresponsible threats against Taiwan, questioning how it could claim to be a stabilizing force in a turbulent world. The use of the term "brazen" in response to the PLA drills was notable.
March 17:
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former secretary-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and former prime minister of Denmark, criticized the U.S. Trump administration during his opening speech at the Yushan Forum. He questioned how Taiwan and Ukraine should view Trump's foreign policy stance. President Lai and Director Raymond Greene of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) were in the audience. Greene responded that Trump's commitment to world peace is clear. The United States aims to end the war in Ukraine early and strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific to avoid conflict.
March 19:
The Han Kuang No. 41 military exercise adopted the scenario of "possible PLA actions" against Taiwan in 2027" for the first time. Military experts noted the heightened sense of cross-strait tension. Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo told the media that the Han Kuang exercises are typically planned one to two years ahead to achieve high combat readiness. He also admitted that the transition time required for the PLA from training to combat is shorter than previously thought.
The year 2027 is a sensitive point for the Taiwan Strait, with three successive U.S. Indo-Pacific commanders suggesting that the PLA might take military action against Taiwan by then.
March 19:
In an exclusive interview, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) investment in the United States would reach $200 billion, far exceeding the previously announced $165 billion, causing a market stir. TSMC responded modestly, sticking to its prior announcement.
Regarding rumors that TSMC might collaborate to rescue Intel, Minister Liu Chin-ching of the National Development Council, who is also a TSMC board member, stated in the Legislative Yuan that the board never discussed such a matter, comparing the scenario to mixing diesel and gasoline, which is difficult to burn together. Minister Liu also emphasized that TSMC's latest processes and critical technologies would only be implemented in Taiwan before being extended to the United States.
March 20:
The Central Bank announced that interest rates would remain unchanged and revised this year's economic growth forecast down to 3.05 percent. Governor Yang Chin-long explained the reasons: First, inflation remains controllable, with a gradual downward trend. Second, economic growth has cooled compared to last year, with increased uncertainties from American trade and economic policies. He also mentioned that unless economic growth is significantly downgraded, there are no conditions for easing, hinting that the likelihood of rate cuts this year is low.
March 20:
President Lai attended the annual Hsieh Nien Fan banquet of the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan. He stated that TSMC's expanded investment in the United States represents continued development of U.S.-Taiwan mutual prosperity, with more industries expected to follow suit. This demonstrates Taiwan's global strategy of expanding into the Americas. He also announced expanding procurement of American industrial and agricultural products, as well as natural gas.
