Despite some notable progress, 2006 was largely a year of continued frustrations in Taiwan’s national security policy arena, a situation fueled by partisan feuds, political scandals, and turmoil. As the year drew to a close, however, a number of early but potentially promising signs did begin to emerge, although it remains to be seen how the expected consolidations within the major political factions in 2007 will impact Taiwan’s defense and national security endeavors.
This report provides a brief overview of significant developments in the defense and security arena in Taiwan during 2006, and offers some perspectives on the larger environmental factors that have, and will continue to, influence Taiwan’s national security-related activities in the coming year.
Executive Summary: Taiwan Defense & Security Report – Annual Review, 2006