- AFP – Taiwan’s navy said Tuesday it would not scrap scheduled patrol missions to disputed islands in the South China Sea, despite a flare-up of regional tensions in the contested waters.

Kyodo News Service – $6.5B Navy arms deal to Taiwan near complete The U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin Corp. reached agreement this week on a $1.3 billion deal to refurbish a dozen P-3C antisubmarine aircraft for sale to Taiwan, the “last step” forward in a major arms deal stalled since 2007.

Armed Forces Journal – The strengths and weaknesses of Taiwanís defense strategy emerge.more…

BBC – Taiwan has formally commissioned into service two US-built naval destroyers aimed at boosting the island’s defences against any attack from rival China.more…

Deutsche Presse Agentur – Taiwan has taken delivery of the last two of a purchase of four Kidd-class destroyers from the United States.more…

China Post – The United States has delivered to Taiwan two of the four Kidd-class destroyers Taipei has ordered in a move to boost the island’s defenses against rival China.more…

Agence France-Presse – Taiwan plans to equip its two Dutch-built submarines with Harpoon anti-ship missiles that could be used to attack key Chinese naval bases.more…

Sea Power – As China bolsters its forces, Taiwan reduces conscription and adopts an attitude on defense preparedness that can only be described as blasÈ. more…

Taiwan News – Two of four Kidd-class destroyers purchased from the United States are expected to be delivered to Taiwan by the end of the year.more…

BBC – A Taiwanese warship visited disputed fishing grounds on Tuesday, after Taiwanese fishermen complained of harassment by Japanese patrol boats.more…

China Post – Why Taiwan must improve its navy.more…

ABC – Three Taiwanese naval vessels are to visit a number of Pacific island nations as part of what is being dubbed a world ‘gunboat diplomacy’ tour.more…

Taipei Times – Taiwan continues to struggle over which anti-submarine weapons it should purchase.more…

Taipei Times – The new leader of Taiwan’s navy is???a Marine??? more…

Taipei Times – Should Taiwan buy used Sauro-class submarines from Italy, rather than buying new submarines from the US?more…

Washington Times – The latest in the “submarines for Taiwan” saga.more…

Taiwan News – While China’s Navy with its large number of surface ships and submarines can be an intimidating force, the Taiwan Navy sees its own Knox-Class frigates of the 168 Fleet as an ace in the hole. more…

Reuters – The United States will announce the sale of four Aegis missile-defense warships to Taiwan next year with delivery likely to begin in 2011.more…