Taiwan’s Quadrennial Defence Review highlights China’s threat
An F-CK-1 fighter of the ROCAF takes off from a highway. (Gordon Arthur)
Taiwan releases a major defence report every four years after elections take place.
Taiwan is under pressure from Beijing. That is the raw message contained in Taiwan’s Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) 2021, a document legally required to be published within ten months of a president taking office.
Released by the Ministry of National Defense (MND) on 22 March, this year’s QDR edition is 74 pages long and paints China as a major threat.
‘The regional situation is becoming more complex and precarious. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is postured as the major threat to our national security,’ the foreword by Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng warned.
‘Aside from posing threats of conventional
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Iran’s attacks on UAE have “accelerated” Edge’s plans, says company]()
Eurosatory 2026: Iran’s attacks on UAE have “accelerated” Edge’s plans, says company
The UAE’s Edge has undergone massive changes since it was formed in 2019, from acquisitions to partnerships, and has now set up a European division in Paris.
-
![US, Canada advance with over-the-horizon radar programmes to close NORAD surveillance gaps]()
US, Canada advance with over-the-horizon radar programmes to close NORAD surveillance gaps
Washington and Ottawa’s Arctic and homeland radar initiatives aim to strengthen early warning against cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons and long-range aerospace threats approaching North America.
-
![The speed of relevance: how companies can navigate the new era of European defence procurement]()
The speed of relevance: how companies can navigate the new era of European defence procurement
European militaries face a rapidly evolving security landscape and defence production must accelerate to meet surging demand for platforms and equipment. Industry needs to adapt to ensure it gets its products into the hands of the end user, Evelyn Rafferty, Senior Director Aerospace and Defence - Europe at Plexus told Shephard’s Gerrard Cowan.
-
![Delays, departures and drama cloud UK defence programmes ahead of absent DIP]()
Delays, departures and drama cloud UK defence programmes ahead of absent DIP
The UK defence secretary’s departure suggests that the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan is unlikely to meet the funding demands of the armed forces, with consequences for procurement and the UK’s standing at a NATO summit weeks away.
