June 15:
The International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, without prior notice, updated its strategic high-tech goods export entity control list, adding 601 entities allegedly involved in weapons proliferation activities. Mainland Chinese companies such as Huawei and SMIC were among those newly listed. According to regulations, domestic firms must obtain government approval to ship goods to these entities, which may affect Taiwan's supply chain.
June 15:
Former President Ma Ying-jeou visited mainland China again, and for the first time, attended the Straits Forum. He stated that cross-strait relations hinges on public sentiment, emphasizing that Taiwan's people yearn for peace and cooperation. He argued that continued exchanges and understanding are vital to avoiding misjudgment. During the visit, he met with Wang Huning, member of the Chinese Communist Party's Politburo Standing Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, who praised Ma's efforts to reduce cross-strait friction.
June 16:
As the People's Liberation Army (PLA) approaches its centenary in 2027, U.S. military leaders have repeatedly warned that Beijing might seize the moment to attack Taiwan. However, former U.S. Pacific Commander Dennis Blair, who joined Taiwan's private war games, argued that 2027 is more a propaganda slogan than a turning point. He indicated that Taiwan's lack of real combat experience and insufficient training diversity, noting a lack of urgency compared to nations in similar defense situations.
June 17:
The prototype of Taiwan's domestically built submarine Haikun conducted its first sea trial lasting over five hours but remaining on the surface. Originally scheduled for April, the delay had raised concerns. Nevertheless, the Navy affirmed that it still aims to complete sea trials by the end of September and hand over the vessel in November as planned.
June 17:
A national security briefing initiated by President Lai Ching-te for opposition party leaders fell through. Chairman Huang Kuo-chang of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) and Chairman Eric Chu of the Kuomintang (KMT) declined the invitation, citing dissatisfaction with the all-closed-door format and the restriction to national security topics. Both parties expressed willingness to keep communication channels open for future dialogue. President Lai expressed regret over the breakdown.
June 19:
In 2019, Taichung's coal-fired power plant was penalized three times for exceeding coal usage limits. The penalties were later overturned by the Ministry of Environment, prompting the Taichung City Government to sue. The Taipei High Administrative Court ruled in the city's favor, stating that the Ministry cannot unilaterally overrule matters of local governance. This is one of several past disputes between Taichung and the central government over coal usage.
June 19:
The Central Bank held its board meeting and, as expected, froze the discount rate for the fifth consecutive time, maintaining it at 2 percent. The annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast remains at 3.05 percent.
Despite the New Taiwan dollar (NTD) appreciating over 10 percent this year, Governor Yang Chin-long of the Central Bank stated that the first quarter's depreciation was excessive and that the current appreciation is a correction. There are no plans to lower interest rates to curb the appreciation of the NTD.
June 20:
The Central Election Commission announced that 24 KMT lawmakers will face confirmed recall cases, with votes scheduled for July 26. Over the weekend, the ruling and opposition camps clashed publicly for the first time over the mass recall issue. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) launched a nationwide mobilization in support of the recalls, while the KMT staged major counter-rallies across Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung.
