China is significantly increasing maritime pressure around Taiwan, with a record number of Chinese vessels detected near the island as Taipei moves to strengthen its defenses.

Taiwan’s Coast Guard says 244 Chinese vessels were detected around the main island in July, averaging nearly eight ships per day. The figure represents a sharp increase from 55 vessels in June and 30 in May.

The surge has raised concerns among Taiwanese officials and analysts over whether China’s growing maritime presence could be more than a show of strength, including possible preparations for undersea warfare, maritime pressure or a future blockade.

Another major concern is China’s military-civil fusion strategy, under which civilian maritime assets can potentially be requisitioned for national defense purposes. Analysts warn that commercial vessels could provide additional transport capacity during a potential military operation.

Meanwhile, Taiwan is strengthening its own defenses. The island’s opposition-controlled parliament rejected a proposed $6.6 billion special drone budget, instead approving approximately $1.26 billion annually for military drones, amounting to around $7.6 billion over six years through regular budgets.

Taiwan has also conducted a major military exercise involving more than 5,000 reservists across two brigades, highlighting Taipei’s growing focus on preparing for potential threats.

The tensions stem from Beijing’s claim that Taiwan is part of China and its refusal to rule out the use of force to take control of the self-governed island. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and maintains that the People’s Republic of China has never governed Taiwan.

Taiwan On Alert As Record Chinese Ships Raise Blockade Fears

Taiwan has stepped up military readiness with its annual Han Kuang military exercises, designed to test the island’s ability to respond to a potential Chinese attack.

The drills use live troops, real terrain and military equipment to test command coordination, combat responsiveness and homeland defence capabilities.

Taiwanese authorities say the exercises are aimed at strengthening national defence capabilities and improving coordination between the military and coast guard in the face of external threats.

The annual drills come amid continued tensions across the Taiwan Strait and growing concerns over China’s military pressure on Taiwan.

Taiwan Begins Han Kuang Military Drills to Prepare for Potential Chinese Attack

Taiwan detained four military officials including a retired Air Force captain and three active military officers in the city of Kaohsiung on suspicion of spying for China, the Taiwanese Central News Agency reported on Thursday.&nbsp;A total of seven individuals were brought for questioning amongst which three were released on bail of 100,000 to 200,000 Taiwan dollars ($3,260).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/key-component-of-taiwans-anti-ship-missile-sent-to-china-for-repair-report-549611">Also read |&nbsp;Key component of Taiwan's anti-ship missile sent to China for repair: Report</a>

After the questioning, the prosecutor detained the retired Air Force captain Li, one commander Sun and two lieutenant commanders Liu and Kung, ANI reported.

As per reports, the prosecutor said that Liu began his business in China after retiring from the force in 2013 and then was recruited as a spy to recruit active military officers in the Air and Navy forces.&nbsp;

He was believed to have recruited at least six military officers for rewards of 200,000 to 7,000 Taiwan dollars from Beijing.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Swiss firm sends Taiwan's 'Carrier Killer' device to China for repair

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Citing Taiwan's National Defence Ministry, the media said that the case was exposed by the military personnel who investigated the espionage allegations.&nbsp;

The investigation is still going on as it is expected that more military personnel are involved in spying activities for China.&nbsp;

Similarly, in late 2022, two incidents of military officials were detained on&nbsp;allegations of spying for China. A former marine major was detained in November for using a fake ID to enter the Zuoying Naval Base.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Taiwan detained four military officials including a retired Air Force captain and three active military officers in the city of Kaohsiung on suspicion of spying for China, the Taiwanese Central News Agency reported on Thursday.

Taiwan detained four military officials including a retired Air Force captain and three active military officers in the city of Kaohsiung on suspicion of spying for China, the Taiwanese Central News Agency reported on Thursday. A total of seven individuals were brought for questioning amongst which three were released on bail of 100,000 to 200,000 Taiwan dollars ($3,260). Also read | Key component of Taiwan's anti-ship missile sent to China for repair: Report After the questioning, the prosecutor detained the retired Air Force captain Li, one commander Sun and two lieutenant commanders Liu and Kung, ANI reported. As per reports, the prosecutor said that Liu began his business in China after retiring from the force in 2013 and then was recruited as a spy to recruit active military officers in the Air and Navy forces. He was believed to have recruited at least six military officers for rewards of 200,000 to 7,000 Taiwan dollars from Beijing. Watch | Swiss firm sends Taiwan's 'Carrier Killer' device to China for repair Citing Taiwan's National Defence Ministry, the media said that the case was exposed by the military personnel who investigated the espionage allegations. The investigation is still going on as it is expected that more military personnel are involved in spying activities for China. Similarly, in late 2022, two incidents of military officials were detained on allegations of spying for China. A former marine major was detained in November for using a fake ID to enter the Zuoying Naval Base. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Taiwan detains four military officials suspected of spying for China; probe underway

Days after China's military said it had conducted "strike drills" around Taiwanese sea and airspace, Taiwan announced its decision to extend the current four-month-long mandatory military service to a year. The longer service requirements will be implemented from 2024.

Taiwan to extend compulsory military service as China shows air power

The problem of low birth rate has hit Taiwan's military recruitment capabilities. The issue of low birth rate also exists in other East Asian nations. It has become a bigger issue for Taiwan at the moment. Watch the video to know why.

Taiwan: Low birth rate limits military might, 20% volunteer unfit for duty

The problem of low birth rate has raised its head in Taiwan as well where the island’s military recruitment capabilities are being hit. The problem is same in several other East Asian nations and becomes a bigger issue for Taiwan at the moment amid its efforts to build a force to defend against a Chinese invasion.

Social and economic effects of a low birth rate are apparent in other countries, but in Taiwan it is having an impact on military personnel levels. In a report to Taiwan’s legislative yuan this week, the interior ministry said the number of new conscripts in 2022 would be the lowest level in a decade.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwanese-president-warns-china-ambassador-says-freedom-not-for-sale-523908">Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen warns China, ambassador says freedom not for 'sale'</a>

The reports says that the number of people estimated to be over the age of 18 fell from 138,000 in 2017 to 118,000 in 2022.

“If the number of young people who will be 18 years old in the next few years is estimated, based on the year of birth and the number of babies, there will be a sharp drop, which shows that the recruitment of various volunteer recruitment units will face huge challenges in the future,” it said.

Some reports also suggest that the length of mandatory military service for young men is expected to be increased from the current four months. Taiwan's military is a mix of volunteer force combined with male conscripts. But in March, the number of volunteers recruited reached only 85.3 per cent of its target.

Taiwan has one of the world’s lowest birth rates which is witnessing a further fall. In 2021, Taiwan witnessed a record low of 153,820 registered births. In 2011, there were 196,627.

The low scale of salary is also a major deterrent for youngsters, besides the fact that the policy ages people out of active duty at 45.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Retention of volunteer soldiers came to the forefront as a major problem in 2021. The military said about 20 per cent of new volunteer soldiers turned out to be unfit for duty and leave training early.

Among special combat units, there was “a gap between the actual number of volunteers and the target set in the recruitment system plan”, it said. This left some units at below 80 per cent capacity.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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The problem of low birth rate has raised its head in Taiwan as well where the island’s military recruitment capabilities are being hit. The problem is same in several other East Asian nations and becomes a bigger issue for Taiwan at the moment amid its efforts to build a force to defend against a Chinese invasion.

The problem of low birth rate has raised its head in Taiwan as well where the island’s military recruitment capabilities are being hit. The problem is same in several other East Asian nations and becomes a bigger issue for Taiwan at the moment amid its efforts to build a force to defend against a Chinese invasion. Social and economic effects of a low birth rate are apparent in other countries, but in Taiwan it is having an impact on military personnel levels. In a report to Taiwan’s legislative yuan this week, the interior ministry said the number of new conscripts in 2022 would be the lowest level in a decade. Also Read | Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen warns China, ambassador says freedom not for 'sale' The reports says that the number of people estimated to be over the age of 18 fell from 138,000 in 2017 to 118,000 in 2022. “If the number of young people who will be 18 years old in the next few years is estimated, based on the year of birth and the number of babies, there will be a sharp drop, which shows that the recruitment of various volunteer recruitment units will face huge challenges in the future,” it said. Some reports also suggest that the length of mandatory military service for young men is expected to be increased from the current four months. Taiwan's military is a mix of volunteer force combined with male conscripts. But in March, the number of volunteers recruited reached only 85.3 per cent of its target. Taiwan has one of the world’s lowest birth rates which is witnessing a further fall. In 2021, Taiwan witnessed a record low of 153,820 registered births. In 2011, there were 196,627. The low scale of salary is also a major deterrent for youngsters, besides the fact that the policy ages people out of active duty at 45. × Retention of volunteer soldiers came to the forefront as a major problem in 2021. The military said about 20 per cent of new volunteer soldiers turned out to be unfit for duty and leave training early. Among special combat units, there was “a gap between the actual number of volunteers and the target set in the recruitment system plan”, it said. This left some units at below 80 per cent capacity. (With inputs from agencies)

Low birth rate hits Taiwan's military pool, length of mandatory conscription may be increased

Taiwan's new military excercise: Tabletop wargames against China

Taiwan is considering extending its four-month military service requirement, the country's defence minister said Wednesday. The announcement comes amid tensions between Taiwan and China, which are further exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The war in Ukraine has stirred debate in Chinese-claimed&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;about its own readiness and tactics should Beijing ever make good on threats to take the island by force.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-with-ukraine-under-attack-taiwan-military-gears-up-461763#reservists-being-trained-461756">In pics | With Ukraine under attack, Taiwan military gears up</a>

Chiu Kuo-cheng, minister of defence, said the government would not make any changes immediately, but he pledged to release the results of its internal research regardless of what they decide.

In response to questions from lawmakers, Chiu said that proposals for extending military service were still being considered and a plan would "definitely" be presented this year.

"Currently, we are still in the research stage. This year we will definitely have results."&nbsp;

"We must consider the enemy situation and our defensive operations in terms of military strength," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-allies-talk-of-expelling-russia-from-g20-china-defends-moscow-calls-it-an-important-member-464908" hreflang="en">As US, allies talk of expelling Russia from G20, China defends Moscow, calls it an 'important member'</a>

The changes would not become effective for a year following their announcement, and any changes would be made in consultation with legislators.

There have been some calls in Taiwan to extend the four-month compulsory military service.

China has increased its military harassment of Taiwan in recent years, sending fighter jets to Taiwan almost daily.&nbsp; 
During a civil war in 1949, Taiwan and China separated.

The Taiwan-China situation has been compared to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February by many experts.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia reiterates 'nuclear threat', will use weapons if required

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Despite this, the situation does not fit a simple narrative, and experts have said so far that military action from China is unlikely.&nbsp;

An official of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party publicly stated that extending the mandatory service period is "necessary" due to the war in Ukraine.

Taiwan has shown sympathy for the war between Russia and Ukraine, having raised more than $10.6 million in five days to help Ukraine's refugee relief efforts.

There are more than 215,000 members of Taiwan's military, and the majority are volunteers. Taiwanese men over the age of 18 are required to serve in the military for four months.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan is considering extending its four-month military service requirement, the country's defence minister said Wednesday. The announcement comes amid tensions between Taiwan and China, which are further exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Taiwan is considering extending its four-month military service requirement, the country's defence minister said Wednesday. The announcement comes amid tensions between Taiwan and China, which are further exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The war in Ukraine has stirred debate in Chinese-claimed Taiwan about its own readiness and tactics should Beijing ever make good on threats to take the island by force. Also read | In pics | With Ukraine under attack, Taiwan military gears up Chiu Kuo-cheng, minister of defence, said the government would not make any changes immediately, but he pledged to release the results of its internal research regardless of what they decide. In response to questions from lawmakers, Chiu said that proposals for extending military service were still being considered and a plan would "definitely" be presented this year. "Currently, we are still in the research stage. This year we will definitely have results." "We must consider the enemy situation and our defensive operations in terms of military strength," he said. Also read | As US, allies talk of expelling Russia from G20, China defends Moscow, calls it an 'important member' The changes would not become effective for a year following their announcement, and any changes would be made in consultation with legislators. There have been some calls in Taiwan to extend the four-month compulsory military service. China has increased its military harassment of Taiwan in recent years, sending fighter jets to Taiwan almost daily. During a civil war in 1949, Taiwan and China separated. The Taiwan-China situation has been compared to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February by many experts. Watch | Russia reiterates 'nuclear threat', will use weapons if required Despite this, the situation does not fit a simple narrative, and experts have said so far that military action from China is unlikely. An official of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party publicly stated that extending the mandatory service period is "necessary" due to the war in Ukraine. Taiwan has shown sympathy for the war between Russia and Ukraine, having raised more than $10.6 million in five days to help Ukraine's refugee relief efforts. There are more than 215,000 members of Taiwan's military, and the majority are volunteers. Taiwanese men over the age of 18 are required to serve in the military for four months. (With inputs from agencies)

Eyeing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Taiwan mulls extending compulsory military service

Over the last couple of months, the United States has appeared as one of the biggest supporters of Taiwan across the world. In October the US Secretary of State pushed for Taiwan's entry into the UN.

United States backs Taiwan's presence at the UN

US President Joe Biden said US would come to Taiwan's defense if attacked China, for the second time in three months. After which, China has urged the US to "avoid sending any false signals".

US President Biden hints at military intervention if China attacks Taiwan, The White House clarifies

Taiwan faces "severe threats" from China. It now wants to spend close to $9 billion extra for more arms. But that may not be enough to contain the tensions in the region. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Taiwan faces "severe threats" from China

In a first, two same-sex couple will be getting married in&nbsp;Taiwanese army’s annual mass wedding ceremony that will be held this week. This is the first time such a ceremony will allow same-sex couples to legalise their marriage.

The decision has come 18 months after the Taiwanese government legalised and gave equal rights to same-sex couples.&nbsp;

The ceremony will have various soldiers getting married to their civilian/army partners. The two couples are&nbsp;Chen Ying-xuan and Lee Ying-ying, and Wang Yi and Meng Youmei.

“Our country … has become the first in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage and the ministry gives its blessings to same-sex servicemen who are getting married,” the Taiwanese military said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/australia-vs-india-full-schedule-dates-venues-and-all-you-need-to-know-338518" hreflang="en">Australia vs India: Full schedule, dates, venues and all you need to know</a>

Taiwan has emerged as one of the most forward-thinking Asian countries in the past few years with its&nbsp;self-governing democracy. The military posted several pictures of different couples and asked people to vote for their favourite couple.&nbsp;The photo of Wang and Meng has been liked more than 31,000 times on Facebook alone. The pictures of the same-sex couples gained lots of positive comments with people saying, "Love makes Taiwan stronger". Last year, three couples were scheduled to get married, but they later withdrew their names due to reasons unknown.&nbsp;

This is not the first time a same-sex couple will be registering their marriage in Taiwan. Thousands of couples have legalised their marriage after the law was passed 18 months ago.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wrong-dictionary-juventus-cheeky-response-to-barcelona-triggers-battle-of-goats-338783" hreflang="en">'Wrong dictionary'- Juventus cheeky response to Barcelona triggers battle of GOATs</a>

While all local couples and residents enjoy the freedom and all rights related to same-sex equality. But people from the LGBTQ community who want to marry someone from any other country can only register their marriage if it is permitted in the partner's home country. Activists have called attention on this technicality. The community has also now urged the government to simplify adoption and&nbsp;assisted reproduction rights for same-sex couples in the country.

In a first, two same-sex couple will be getting married in Taiwanese army’s annual mass wedding ceremony that will be held this week. This is the first time such a ceremony will allow same-sex couples to legalise their marriage.

In a first, two same-sex couple will be getting married in Taiwanese army’s annual mass wedding ceremony that will be held this week. This is the first time such a ceremony will allow same-sex couples to legalise their marriage. The decision has come 18 months after the Taiwanese government legalised and gave equal rights to same-sex couples. The ceremony will have various soldiers getting married to their civilian/army partners. The two couples are Chen Ying-xuan and Lee Ying-ying, and Wang Yi and Meng Youmei. “Our country … has become the first in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage and the ministry gives its blessings to same-sex servicemen who are getting married,” the Taiwanese military said. ALSO READ: Australia vs India: Full schedule, dates, venues and all you need to know Taiwan has emerged as one of the most forward-thinking Asian countries in the past few years with its self-governing democracy. The military posted several pictures of different couples and asked people to vote for their favourite couple. The photo of Wang and Meng has been liked more than 31,000 times on Facebook alone. The pictures of the same-sex couples gained lots of positive comments with people saying, "Love makes Taiwan stronger". Last year, three couples were scheduled to get married, but they later withdrew their names due to reasons unknown. This is not the first time a same-sex couple will be registering their marriage in Taiwan. Thousands of couples have legalised their marriage after the law was passed 18 months ago. ALSO READ: 'Wrong dictionary'- Juventus cheeky response to Barcelona triggers battle of GOATs While all local couples and residents enjoy the freedom and all rights related to same-sex equality. But people from the LGBTQ community who want to marry someone from any other country can only register their marriage if it is permitted in the partner's home country. Activists have called attention on this technicality. The community has also now urged the government to simplify adoption and assisted reproduction rights for same-sex couples in the country.

Moment of pride: Two same-sex couples to get married in Taiwanese military mass wedding

Taiwan announced on Thursday a T$42.1 billion ($1.4 billion) increase in the budget for defence next year as China shared details of its latest combat exercise near the island.&nbsp;

Beijing has intensified its military activities on the island which it considers its own territory.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dialogue-over-oppression-says-taiwanese-president-while-extending-support-to-hong-kong-319937">Dialogue over oppression, says Taiwanese president while extending support to Hong Kong</a>

Taiwan on Monday accused Chinese fights to briefly cross the sensitive median line of the Taiwan strait, the same day when President Tsai Ing-wen met US health secretary Alex Azar.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-to-turn-us-into-next-hong-kong-taiwan-to-us-official-on-visit-319622">China wants to turn us into next Hong Kong: Taiwan to US official on visit</a>

China has criticised Azar's visit to Taiwan.&nbsp;

The cabinet is proposing T$453.4 billion in military spending for the year starting in January, a 10 per cent increase from this year's T$411.3 billion budget, according to Reuters calculations.&nbsp;

"The steady increase in the defence budget will facilitate the implementation of various military-building and war-preparation tasks ... and ensure national security and regional peace and stability," Taiwan's Defence Ministry said.

Nearly three hours after this announcement, Beijing acknowledged that it had carried out combat drills at the Taiwan strait aimed at US's recent measures to "safeguard national sovereignty."&nbsp;

"Recently, a certain large country has continued to make negative moves on Taiwan-related issues, sending serious wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' forces, and seriously threatening the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait," the Chinese statement said.

"The theatre command's organising of patrols and exercises are necessary actions taken in response to the current security situation across the Taiwan Strait and to safeguard national sovereignty," it added.

(With Reuters inputs)

Taiwan announced on Thursday a T$42.1 billion ($1.4 billion) increase in the budget for defence next year as China shared details of its latest combat exercise near the island.

Taiwan announced on Thursday a T$42.1 billion ($1.4 billion) increase in the budget for defence next year as China shared details of its latest combat exercise near the island. Beijing has intensified its military activities on the island which it considers its own territory. Also read | Dialogue over oppression, says Taiwanese president while extending support to Hong Kong Taiwan on Monday accused Chinese fights to briefly cross the sensitive median line of the Taiwan strait, the same day when President Tsai Ing-wen met US health secretary Alex Azar. Also read | China wants to turn us into next Hong Kong: Taiwan to US official on visit China has criticised Azar's visit to Taiwan. The cabinet is proposing T$453.4 billion in military spending for the year starting in January, a 10 per cent increase from this year's T$411.3 billion budget, according to Reuters calculations. "The steady increase in the defence budget will facilitate the implementation of various military-building and war-preparation tasks ... and ensure national security and regional peace and stability," Taiwan's Defence Ministry said. Nearly three hours after this announcement, Beijing acknowledged that it had carried out combat drills at the Taiwan strait aimed at US's recent measures to "safeguard national sovereignty." "Recently, a certain large country has continued to make negative moves on Taiwan-related issues, sending serious wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' forces, and seriously threatening the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait," the Chinese statement said. "The theatre command's organising of patrols and exercises are necessary actions taken in response to the current security situation across the Taiwan Strait and to safeguard national sovereignty," it added. (With Reuters inputs)

Taiwan announces increase in military spending

Taiwanese rescuers were searching for the chief of military staff and two major generals who went missing after a helicopter crash landed Thursday, the defence ministry said.&nbsp;

The UH-60M <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-lacks-pilots-engineers-to-handle-black-hawk-copters-us-watchdog-warns-195285">Black Hawk</a> helicopter carrying 13 people including chief of general staff <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-asks-us-for-new-fighter-jets-to-defend-against-china-201759">General Shen Yi-ming</a> made the crash landing in the mountains near Taipei for unknown reasons, it said in a statement.&nbsp;

The ministry said ten people have been found alive while rescuers were searching for Shen, 62, and two others that were still missing. They were on a routine mission to visit soldiers in the northeast Yilan county ahead of the lunar new year.

Air force commander Hsiung Hou-chi said the aircraft disappeared from radar less than 15 minutes after taking off and the ministry has set up a taskforce to investigate the incident.

"The search and rescue operation continues... We are investigating whether (the cause) was environmental or mechanical... the aircraft's condition is not ideal," Hsiung told reporters.

"We hope everyone can be safe and we should know the results this afternoon," he said, adding that the ministry has dispatched ground troops and rescue helicopters for the operation.

An air force official said some on board were "trapped under&nbsp;fragments of the helicopter" without elaborating.

Hou You-yi, mayor of New <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-rattles-sabre-and-offers-friendship-days-before-taiwans-elections-271145">Taipei City</a> where the crash landing site was, said 11 people have been rescued while two were still unaccounted for without identifying them.&nbsp;

A New Taipei City fire department official told local TV stations that Shen had been found alive, although the defence ministry was yet to confirm.

"It had been raining in the mountains in the past few days, the mountain roads are muddy and very steep. We are racing against time," said Chen Chung-chi, a supervisor of the operation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-rejects-chinas-offer-to-unify-under-hong-kong-model-271327">Tsai Ing-wen</a>'s office said she has cancelled her schedule for the rest of the day to monitor the rescue.

Taiwanese rescuers were searching for the chief of military staff and two major generals who went missing after a helicopter crash landed Thursday, the defence ministry said.

Taiwanese rescuers were searching for the chief of military staff and two major generals who went missing after a helicopter crash landed Thursday, the defence ministry said. The UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter carrying 13 people including chief of general staff General Shen Yi-ming made the crash landing in the mountains near Taipei for unknown reasons, it said in a statement. The ministry said ten people have been found alive while rescuers were searching for Shen, 62, and two others that were still missing. They were on a routine mission to visit soldiers in the northeast Yilan county ahead of the lunar new year. Air force commander Hsiung Hou-chi said the aircraft disappeared from radar less than 15 minutes after taking off and the ministry has set up a taskforce to investigate the incident. "The search and rescue operation continues... We are investigating whether (the cause) was environmental or mechanical... the aircraft's condition is not ideal," Hsiung told reporters. "We hope everyone can be safe and we should know the results this afternoon," he said, adding that the ministry has dispatched ground troops and rescue helicopters for the operation. An air force official said some on board were "trapped under fragments of the helicopter" without elaborating. Hou You-yi, mayor of New Taipei City where the crash landing site was, said 11 people have been rescued while two were still unaccounted for without identifying them. A New Taipei City fire department official told local TV stations that Shen had been found alive, although the defence ministry was yet to confirm. "It had been raining in the mountains in the past few days, the mountain roads are muddy and very steep. We are racing against time," said Chen Chung-chi, a supervisor of the operation. President Tsai Ing-wen's office said she has cancelled her schedule for the rest of the day to monitor the rescue.

Taiwan's military chief of staff missing after helicopter crash

Taiwan's airforce held exercises on Tuesday (May 28) as part of its week-long annual drills in the western coastal city of Changhua. The drills, which included fighter jet landings and helicopter patrol exercises, were attended by President Tsai Ing-wen.

Taiwan holds annual military exercises

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Taiwan: Low birth rate limits military might, 20% volunteer unfit for duty

Low birth rate hits Taiwan's military pool, length of mandatory conscription may be increased

Taiwan's new military excercise: Tabletop wargames against China

Eyeing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Taiwan mulls extending compulsory military service

United States backs Taiwan's presence at the UN

US President Biden hints at military intervention if China attacks Taiwan, The White House clarifies

US President Biden hints at military intervention if China attacks Taiwan, The White House clarifies

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Taiwan announces increase in military spending

Taiwan's military chief of staff missing after helicopter crash

Taiwan holds annual military exercises