Category: Taiwan

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said Wednesday a Chinese invasion of Taiwan and seizure of chips producer TSMC would be "absolutely devastating" to the American economy. Asked at a U.S. House hearing about the impact, Raimondo said "it would be absolutely devastating," declining to comment on how or if it will happen, adding: "Right now, … Continue reading US official says Chinese seizure of TSMC in Taiwan would be ‘absolutely devastating’

A U.S. warship sailed through the narrow Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, less than two weeks before Taiwan's new president takes office, prompting an angry denunciation from Beijing. China claims sovereignty over democratically governed Taiwan, and says it has jurisdiction over the strait. Taiwan and the United States dispute that, saying the Taiwan Strait is an … Continue reading US sends warship through Taiwan Strait ahead of presidential inauguration

Australia will quadruple its financial assistance to Tuvalu, a Pacific Island nation at risk from rising seas, to cement a landmark climate migration and security deal as China also courts small island states. On a visit to Tuvalu, foreign minister Penny Wong said on Wednesday evening Australia has committed A$110 million ($72.27 million) in its … Continue reading Australia boosts funds to Taiwan-ally Tuvalu amid Pacific contest for influence with China

Taiwan's military is prepared for any moves China may make around the time President-elect Lai Ching-te takes office later this month, the island's deputy defence minister said on Wednesday. China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has a strong dislike of Lai, believing him to be a dangerous separatist, whose repeated offers … Continue reading Taiwan says its military is ready for China moves around new president’s inaugural

Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen is rumored to be preparing to pardon former president Chen Shui-bian. Tsai is reportedly planning on issuing a pardon to Chen, before she leaves office on May 20, reported CNA. When asked by the media for comment, Presidential Office spokesperson Olivia Lin said Tuesday that the current position of the Presidential … Continue reading Tsai may pardon former President Chen Shui-bian before May 20

A former U.S. ambassador appointed by Donald Trump said on Saturday he believed the former president would again support Taiwan if he wins back the White House. Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory despite Taipei's objections, received strong backing from Trump's 2017-2021 administration, including arms sales, which have continued under the government of … Continue reading Taiwan will have Trump’s support if he wins, ex-appointee says

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Friday it had detected a renewed incursion by Chinese military aircraft across the sensitive Taiwan Strait, as China reported its navy had carried out combat drills with landing craft. Over the past four years, China's military has significantly ramped up its activities around democratically-governed Taiwan. Beijing views the island as … Continue reading Taiwan says Chinese planes crossed median line, China carries out landing drills

Earthquake warning smartphone apps have surged in popularity in Taiwan due to high demand from people eager to get a few extra seconds to take cover after more than 1,300 aftershocks rattled the island in the past month following a large temblor. Taiwan's east coast was struck by a 7.2 magnitude quake on April 3, … Continue reading Stay alert: Quake warning app demand surges in earthquake-rattled Taiwan

Taiwan's government on Thursday approved around $878 million for earthquake relief after a massive quake last month killed at least 17 people and damaged buildings and infrastructure. The magnitude 7.4 quake that hit the island on April 3 also injured more than 1,100 people, but strict building codes and widespread disaster readiness is credited with … Continue reading Taiwan approves $878 million for quake relief

It will be hard for Taiwan to attend this year's World Health Organization annual assembly, and it hopes more countries will support its presence, the island's foreign minister said on Thursday after the United States pressed for an invite. Taiwan is excluded from most international organisations because of objections by China, which considers the democratically … Continue reading Taiwan says may be hard to attend WHO assembly, Blinken offers support

Taipei has raised the alarm about the growing risks Taiwanese people could face when visiting China, pointing to an expanded state secrets law that will take effect on Wednesday. Chinese lawmakers passed the revised Law on Guarding State Secrets in February, according to state news agency Xinhua, expanding the definition of such sensitive information to … Continue reading Taiwan warns against visiting China due to expanded state secrets law

Taiwan reported renewed Chinese military activity near the island on Saturday with 12 aircraft crossing the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait, a day after U.S. Secretary State Antony Blinken ended a visit to China. The United States is Taiwan's most important international supporter and arms supplier despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties. … Continue reading Taiwan reports Chinese military activity after Blinken leaves Beijing

Taiwan was hit by a series of at least 10 earthquakes in the early hours of Saturday, with the strongest reaching 6.1 magnitude, according to the island's Central Weather Administration. No tsunami warning reports followed the earthquakes, which triggered mobile phone alarms in capital Taipei, an AFP journalist said, and came just several days after … Continue reading Taiwan hit by several quakes, strongest reaching 6.1-magnitude

China should have the confidence to talk to Taiwan's legally elected government, President-elect Lai Ching-te said on Thursday as he appointed his new national security and diplomacy team amid what he called unprecedented challenges. China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, over the island's strong objections, has ramped up military and political … Continue reading China should have confidence to talk to us, Taiwan’s president-elect says

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Wednesday she was happy the U.S. Congress had passed a sweeping foreign aid package which includes arms support for the island, as China urged Washington to stop selling weapons to Taipei. The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier even in the absence of formal … Continue reading Taiwan happy with US aid package, China objects to arms sales

Taiwan's quake-hit eastern county of Hualien was rattled by more than 200 aftershocks late on Monday and early on Tuesday, but only minor damage was reported and no casualties and major chipmaker TSMC said it saw no impact on operations. Largely rural and sparsely populated Hualien was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake on April … Continue reading Taiwan rattled by more than 200 quakes, but no major damage

Taiwan's military said on Sunday it will discuss with the United States how to use funding for Taipei included in a $95 billion legislative package mostly providing assistance to Ukraine and Israel, as Chinese warplanes again got close to the island. The United States is Taiwan's most important international supporter and arms supplier despite the … Continue reading Taiwan to discuss new funding with US as Chinese warplanes get close to island

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Saturday offered her congratulations to the Taiwanese drag queen Nymphia Wind for winning RuPaul's Drag Race, the first person from East Asia to take the crown. Tsai and her ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) have championed LGBTQ+ rights making the island a bastion of liberal values, and in 2019 Taiwan … Continue reading Taiwan president congratulates Taiwanese queen for winning Drag Race

Taipei's defence ministry said it had detected 21 Chinese military aircraft around the self-ruled island since 8:15 am (0015 GMT) on Saturday, a month before Taiwan's May 20 inauguration of incoming president Lai Ching-te. "17 aircraft (of the 21) crossed the median line and its extension, entered our northern, central, and southwestern (air defence identification … Continue reading Taiwan’s defence ministry detects 21 Chinese military aircraft

Taiwanese tycoon Morris Chang received one of the island's highest medals of honour on Friday, in recognition of his achievements as the founder of semiconductor giant TSMC. Known as the "godfather" of the island's chip industry, Chang founded Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company three decades ago, building it into a multi-billion-dollar company that today is a … Continue reading Taiwan’s TSMC founder Morris Chang receives medal of honour

Taiwan said on Friday China's decision to open new air routes that run close to two Taiwanese-controlled islands was a flight safety risk taken without consultation, and said it would demand any aircraft using them be asked to turn around. Taiwan's government expressed anger in January after China "unilaterally" changed a flight path called M503 … Continue reading Taiwan says new Chinese air routes threaten Taiwanese islands’ flight safety

Taiwan's incoming president Lai Ching-te has made Time Magazine's list of the "100 Most Influential People of 2024", which the island hailed Thursday as a recognition of its "democratic achievements". Vice President Lai, who won the January presidential election to succeed Tsai Ing-wen, will take office on May 20 at a time of growing tensions … Continue reading Taiwan’s next president among Time ‘Most Influential’

Taiwan's homegrown submarine programme will remain on track, the defence minister said on Wednesday, after the head of the programme resigned due to what he said were unfair attacks against him and the military. Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, has made the submarine programme a key part of an ambitious project to … Continue reading Taiwan submarine project chief quits, ministry says plans to proceed

Taiwan and China can peacefully resolve their differences, former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said on Thursday after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, adding that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share the same culture and history. Ma, president from 2008 to 2016, last year became the first former or sitting Taiwanese leader to … Continue reading Taiwan, China can resolve differences, ex-president says after meeting Xi

The toll from a massive earthquake that struck Taiwan last week rose to 16 on Wednesday after three more bodies were recovered on a hiking trail, officials said. The magnitude 7.4 quake that hit the island on April 3 also left more than 1,100 people injured, with strict building codes and widespread disaster readiness credited … Continue reading Taiwan quake death toll rises to 16

Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te appointed Cho Jung-tai, a former chairman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), to be his premier on Wednesday, with appointments for other roles such as foreign minister due to be announced soon. The new premier and his cabinet will not assume their roles until Lai is inaugurated on May 20. … Continue reading Taiwan appoints ruling party’s former chairman as new premier

A senior Australian opposition party lawmaker broached the sensitive subject of security cooperation with Taiwan during a meeting on Monday with President Tsai Ing-wen, saying both sides have a vested interest in maintaining regional stability. Australia, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with China-claimed Taiwan, but has watched with growing concern, as have … Continue reading Australian lawmaker visiting Taiwan broaches sensitive topic of security cooperation

The demolition of a building that is leaning precariously after an earthquake in Taiwan was halted on Saturday because of aftershocks that made it lean even more, media reports said. The red building, about 10 stories tall and inclined over a street in the city of Hualien, has become an iconic image from the magnitude … Continue reading Earthquake aftershocks halt the demolition of a leaning building in Taiwan. Death toll rises to 13

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited a new semiconductor plant for which his government has pledged more than 1 trillion yen ($7 billion) of support to secure a steady supply of chips on Saturday. “I believe this project will have positive ripple effects throughout Japan. It is key for not only the semiconductor industry but … Continue reading Japanese leader visits new chip factory, stressing ties with Taiwan and support for key technology

Taiwan rescue helicopters flew sorties Saturday to pluck tourists to safety after a massive earthquake cut off roads and blocked tunnels, leaving hundreds stranded for days in the mountains. At least 10 people were killed and more than 1,100 injured by the magnitude 7.4 quake that struck the island on Wednesday, with strict building codes … Continue reading Taiwan helicopters pluck quake-stranded tourists to safety

Taiwan's foreign minister lashed out at Bolivia Saturday for expressing solidarity with China following an earthquake that struck the island Beijing views as its own. At least 10 people were killed and more than 1,100 injured by the magnitude 7.2 quake that struck Taiwan Wednesday, with strict building codes and widespread disaster readiness credited with … Continue reading Taiwan slams Bolivia for quake solidarity with China

Residents wearing hard hats and carrying large backpacks stood outside a building Friday with a crumbling facade in Hualien, the epicentre of Taiwan's biggest earthquake in 25 years, waiting to be allowed in to collect their belongings. "You have 17 minutes -- now you can go up!" said an announcer with a loudspeaker, as a … Continue reading Families in Taiwan quake epicentre pick up the pieces of their lives

Fruit, flowers and incense paper were laid on a table Friday as authorities prepared a ceremony before demolishing a precariously tilting building that has become a symbol of Taiwan's biggest quake in 25 years. The glass-fronted Uranus building, located in Hualien, the city nearest the quake's epicentre, is a 10-storey mix of shops and apartments … Continue reading Ceremony bids farewell to tilting symbol of Taiwan quake

Taiwanese rescuers looked for 18 people still missing on Friday after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the island's mountainous and scenic east coast, as dozens of aftershocks rattled the disaster zone and those cut off were gradually taken to safety. Wednesday's earthquake in Taiwan's sparsely populated eastern county of Hualien killed 10 people, leaving hundreds … Continue reading Taiwan searches for 18 still missing after earthquake

Linda Chen looked wistfully around her apartment in Taiwan's eastern city of Hualien, which her family believes is now too dangerous to live in after it was hit by an earthquake of magnitude 7.2. Wednesday's quake, which left cracks in the walls of Chen's home big enough to allow glimpses of other rooms, will be … Continue reading Taiwan earthquake cracks walls and shatters memories for one family

A video that has gone viral online shows some drivers cheating death after the boulders missed their cars in the powerful earthquake that struck Hualien, Taiwan on Wednesday. The heart-stopping dashcam footage was recorded on Suhua Highway near Zhongren Tunnel. During the quake, a blue private car was seen suddenly coming to a stop and … Continue reading Drivers cheat death during Taiwan’s 7.2 magnitude earthquake

A helicopter plucked six miners to safety from a Taiwan quarry Thursday as rescuers worked to free scores of people trapped in highway tunnels after the island's biggest earthquake in a quarter of a century. Nine people were killed and more than 1,000 injured in Wednesday's magnitude-7.4 quake, but strict building regulations and widespread public … Continue reading Helicopter plucks miners to safety as Taiwan searches for missing after quake

Some buildings tilted at precarious angles in the mountainous, sparsely populated county of Hualien, near the epicentre of the 7.2 magnitude quake, which struck just offshore at about 8 am on Wednesday and triggered massive landslides. Scores of emergency workers were trying to shore up damaged buildings and demolish those deemed impossible to save after … Continue reading Workers rush to stabilize and shore up damaged buildings in Taiwan after strong earthquake

A staunch friend of Taiwan's will this summer take over as the top U.S. diplomat in Taipei, three sources briefed on the matter said, roughly coinciding with the island's new president taking office at a time of rising tensions with China. Like most nations, the United States has no formal diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan, … Continue reading ‘Staunch’ friend of Taiwan’s to become top US diplomat in Taipei, sources say

Taiwan earthquake injuries top 1,000, missing hotel workers found The number of people injured in a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in eastern Taiwan climbed past 1,000 on Thursday though the death toll remained steady at nine, with dozens workers on their way to a hotel in a national park mostly now found safe. The temblor, the … Continue reading Taiwan earthquake injuries top 1,000, missing hotel workers found

Taiwan said Wednesday that 30 Chinese military aircraft were detected around the island in a 24-hour window -- one of the highest daily numbers this year. China considers self-ruling Taiwan its territory, and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan's defence ministry said 20 of the aircraft … Continue reading Taiwan detects 30 Chinese military planes around island: ministry

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said Wednesday that the tsunami threat from a major earthquake in Taiwan "has now passed", with authorities in Taipei saying no injuries or deaths had been reported so far. The quake hit just before 8:00 am local time (0000 GMT) and had a magnitude of 7.4 according to the US … Continue reading Tsunami threat ‘largely passed’ after Taiwan quake

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocked Taiwan on Wednesday, the strongest tremor to hit the island in at least 25 years, killing one person, injuring dozens and sparking a tsunami warning for southern Japan and the Philippines that was later lifted. Taiwan's fire department reported one person is suspected to have been crushed to death by … Continue reading Taiwan hit by strongest quake in 25 years, one death reported

Taiwan said Tuesday that soldiers on one of its tiny frontline islands just off China's mainland were on heightened alert following provocations by Chinese civilian drones. In addition to military pressure from Chinese warplanes and vessels that maintain a near-daily presence around the island, Taiwan has faced intrusions from civilian and unidentified drones that surveil … Continue reading Taiwan frontline island on alert over Chinese civilian drone provocations

Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, met with Ma Ying-jeou, former Taiwan president and the ex-chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, in Shenzhen. Ma, who is leading a youth delegation to visit China, arrived in … Continue reading Chinese official meets former Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou in Guangdong

Former Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou left on Monday for an 11-day trip to China where he is expected next week to have his second meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, at a time of simmering tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Ma, president from 2008 to 2016, last year became the first former Taiwanese leader to … Continue reading Former Taiwan president Ma leaves for China, likely to meet Xi

Taiwan's foreign ministry said on Thursday it believes U.S. support will remain unchanged no matter who wins the presidential election, but it will stay on guard for Taiwan-China issues being "manipulated" as the campaign heats up. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, received strong backing from the Trump administration, including high-profile visits and … Continue reading Taiwan sees US support unchanged no matter who wins election

Taiwan has commissioned two new navy ships as a safeguard against the rising threat from China, which has been ratcheting up its naval and air force missions around the island that it claims as its own territory to be annexed by force if necessary. The pair of Tuo Chiang class corvettes completes the first order … Continue reading Taiwan commissions 2 new navy ships as safeguards against rising threat from China

Taiwan tested its air defences on Tuesday in early morning drills using surface-to-air missiles, and air, land and naval forces, saying it would continue to intensify training in the face of China's frequent military activities nearby. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has complained over the past four years of repeated instances of … Continue reading Taiwan tests air defences in early morning missile drills

Former Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou will make his second trip to China next month, leading a group of students on an 11-day journey to visit locations including Beijing, his office said on Monday, at a time of continued tension across the Taiwan Strait. Ma, president from 2008 to 2016, last year became the first former … Continue reading Former Taiwan president Ma to make second trip to China

China is building its military and nuclear arsenal on a scale not seen since World War II and all signs suggest it’s sticking to ambitions to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027, a top US admiral testified. Despite Beijing’s economic challenges, its official defense budget has increased by 16% over recent years to more … Continue reading China on Track to Be Ready for Taiwan Invasion by 2027, US Says

Taiwan's defence ministry said Thursday that 32 Chinese military aircraft were detected around the island in a 24-hour window -- the second-highest number this year. In the 24 hours leading up to 6:00 am Thursday (2200 GMT Wednesday), the Ministry of National Defence also detected five naval ships operating around Taiwan, it said. Thirteen of … Continue reading 32 Chinese warplanes detected around Taiwan: Taipei

Taiwan's top security official said on Thursday he does not currently recommend President Tsai Ing-wen visit the South China Sea given the possible risk to her flight from "interference by relevant countries". Both Taiwan and China claim most of the South China Sea as their own territory, but Taiwan only controls one main islet in … Continue reading Citing safety risk, Taiwan recommends president does not visit S.China Sea

Taiwan's foreign minister said on Wednesday that China has built "enormous" military bases on three islands surrounding Taiwan's main holding in the South China Sea, but Taipei is not looking to further escalate tensions in the strategic waterway. Both Taiwan and China claim most of the South China Sea as their own territory, but Taiwan … Continue reading Taiwan warns of ‘enormous’ Chinese bases near its S.China Sea holding

Taiwan's vice president-elect and former de facto ambassador to Washington, Hsiao Bi-khim, is on a visit to the Czech Republic following a low-key trip to the United States, the foreign ministry said on Tuesday, triggering anger from China. Hsiao, who takes office with president-elect Lai Ching-te in May, is detested by China which calls her … Continue reading Taiwan’s vice president-elect makes Czech visit after US trip

Executing concrete-smashing stunts and somersaults, Taiwan's marines performed on Saturday at a northern port where the public was given a rare chance to board three warships before the navy embarks on a "friendship" tour in the Pacific. The self-ruled island currently has diplomatic relations with just 12 countries worldwide, three of them in the Pacific … Continue reading Taiwan’s navy hosts warship tours before Pacific charm offensive

Taiwan on Saturday warned off Chinese coast guard ships that entered its restricted waters near frontline islands close to China for a second day in a row, as tensions simmer across the sensitive Taiwan Strait. Taiwan's coast guard said four Chinese coast guard boats on Saturday morning entered the restricted waters of Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands, … Continue reading ‘Turn around immediately’: Taiwan warns off Chinese coast guard boats again as tensions simmer

A Taiwanese citizen missing for days following a passenger boat capsize off the Indonesia's capital Jakarta was found dead on Friday, the coast guard said in statement. The boat, carrying 35 people, capsized on Monday near the Kepulauan Seribu area of Jakarta after the vessel was hit by a wave, Indonesian authorities said. All on … Continue reading Taiwanese citizen found dead after boat capsize off Indonesia

Taiwan's vice president-elect, Hsiao Bi-khim, is in the United States this week for a low-profile private visit, a senior Taiwan official briefed on the matter said on Tuesday. The trip was first reported by several Taiwan media outlets and The Wall Street Journal, which said Hsaio is in Washington, citing people with knowledge of the … Continue reading Taiwan’s vice president-elect is on a ‘personal trip’ to US, says source

China has stepped up grey-zone warfare against Taiwan, aiming to make the areas around the democratic island "saturated" with balloons, drones and civilian boats, a Taiwan defence ministry report said on Thursday. Taiwan, whose government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, has complained in recent years that China has been using so-called grey-zone warfare, which wields irregular … Continue reading China steps up grey-zone warfare to exhaust Taiwan, defence report says

The Philippines and the United States will carry out annual military exercises next month in key locations including Philippine islands facing the South China Sea and Taiwan, as tensions with China in the region continue to simmer. The exercises, called Balikatan or "shoulder-to-shoulder", will move away from sprawling military camps in the countryside to locations … Continue reading Philippines, US to hold military drills in islands facing South China Sea, Taiwan

Taiwan's armed forces will increase the number of missile drills they hold this year, defence minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said on Tuesday, amid China's ramped-up military pressure to force the island to accept its sovereignty claims. China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, over the island's strong objections. It has in recent years increased … Continue reading Taiwan to increase missile drills amid China threats

Taiwan is facing a steady "drip, drip" of Chinese pressure ahead of the inauguration of its next president in May, with officials in Taipei fearing Beijing could further squeeze the island's room to manoeuvre without resorting to direct conflict. Since current Vice President Lai Ching-te won the presidency in January - China views Lai as … Continue reading Taiwan faces steady ‘drip’ of pressure as China tightens pre-inauguration squeeze

Tuvalu's new Prime Minister Feleti Teo says his government is focused on the "many key development priorities" facing his Pacific Island nation, not debates about Taiwan relations that have consumed outsiders. The government will "concentrate working on the key priorities of Tuvalu" he told a small group of media outlets, including AFP, on Wednesday. "Unless … Continue reading New Tuvalu PM says focused on development, not Taiwan ties

Every year on the cusp of spring, hundreds of lanterns float into the skies around a small town in northern Taiwan, a spectacular light show that is one of the island's top tourist draws. When the flames go out though, the spent lanterns fall back to earth littering the countryside around Pingxi, in the mountains … Continue reading After Taiwan’s striking lantern festival, school kids help clean up the mess

Five Chinese coast guard ships entered prohibited or restricted waters around Taiwan's frontline islands of Kinmen on Monday but left shortly after being warned away, a Taiwan minister said on Tuesday amid a continued rise in tensions with Beijing. China's coast guard this month began regular patrols around the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands, which are close … Continue reading Taiwan says 5 China coast guard ships entered waters near frontline islands

Tuvalu on Monday announced former attorney general and fisheries official Feleti Teo as its new prime minister, after he was elected unopposed by lawmakers in the Pacific Islands nation, officials said. Former Prime Minister Kausea Natano lost his seat in a general election on Jan. 26 closely watched by Taiwan, China, the U.S. and Australia, … Continue reading Taiwan ally Tuvalu names Feleti Teo as new prime minister

Donning only red shorts and protective eyewear, four men hoist a palanquin bearing a god of fortune on their shoulders and walk through a bombardment of firecrackers aimed right at them. The unusual display is a Taiwanese celebration known as "The Bombing of Master Han Dan", which has been held in northwestern Miaoli county's Zhunan … Continue reading Taiwan marks Lunar New Year end by lobbing firecrackers at fortune god

A stalled U.S. bill on military aid to Ukraine which will also help fund weapons for Taiwan was discussed this week during a visit to Taipei by U.S. lawmakers, two of the participants said on Friday. The Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, has so far blocked passage of the bill … Continue reading Fate of US aid to Ukraine package discussed on Taiwan trip, lawmakers say

Taiwanese fishermen in sensitive waters around frontline islands near the Chinese coast say they are worried about rising tensions, after two Chinese nationals died during a chase with Taiwan's coast guard. The two died when Taiwan's coast guard tried to expel their boat, which then overturned, after it had gotten too close to an islet … Continue reading On frontline Taiwan islands, fishermen wary of China tensions

Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of major Apple supplier Foxconn, made his first high profile appearance in months on Tuesday at the firm's 50th birthday, following the ending of his bid for Taiwan's presidency late last year. Gou, who stepped down as Foxconn chief in 2019 and resigned as a board member last September, remains … Continue reading Foxconn founder Terry Gou makes first high profile appearance in months

The boarding of a Taiwanese tourist boat by China's coast guard triggered panic among Taiwanese people, a Taiwan minister said on Tuesday, as tensions rise across the sensitive Taiwan Strait. China announced on Sunday that its coast guard would begin regular patrols and set up law enforcement activity around the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen, following … Continue reading Taiwan minister says China coast guard triggers panic by boarding Taiwan tourist boat

Taiwan's defence ministry said it detected 14 Chinese air force planes operating around Taiwan and carrying out "joint combat readiness patrols" with Chinese warships on Wednesday. China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, has over the past four years regularly sent warplanes and warships into the skies and waters around the island as it … Continue reading Taiwan reports another Chinese ‘combat readiness patrol’ nearby

The Kuomintang's (KMT) Han Kuo-yu was elected speaker of Taiwan's 11th Legislature in a runoff vote on Thursday, triggered after Taiwan People's Party (TPP) lawmakers voted for their own candidate Huang Shan-shan in the first round. In the new 113-seat Legislature, the 66-year-old Han fell short of securing an absolute majority to win the speakership … Continue reading KMT’s Han Kuo-yu elected Legislative speaker, backed by 2 independents

Taiwan's military was concluding a two-day exercise at sea and in the air on Wednesday to practice defending against such a surprise attack. Journalists observed the training from fast boats that escorted a mine-laying ship. “Any unilateral irrational action could very easily escalate tensions and sabotage stability in the Taiwan Strait region,” Maj. Gen. Sun … Continue reading Taiwan holds military drills to defend against the threat of a Chinese invasion

Taiwan's government expressed anger after China "unilaterally" changed a flight path close to the sensitive median line in the Taiwan Strait, saying it appeared to be a deliberate attempt to change the status quo for possible military means. China's civil aviation administration said in a short statement late Tuesday that from Thursday it was cancelling … Continue reading Taiwan angered at ‘unilateral’ China change to Taiwan Strait flight path

A pilots' union late on Sunday reached a deal with Taiwan's Eva Airways to avert a strike that had been threatened over the crucial Lunar New Year holiday in a dispute over salaries and working conditions. Taoyuan Union of Pilots said last week its members had voted to authorize a strike after accusing Eva of … Continue reading Pilots’ union reaches deal with Taiwan’s Eva Air, averting strike

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Saturday it had detected 11 Chinese military planes crossing the Taiwan Strait's median line in the past 24 hours. The ministry on Friday reported 23 Chinese air force planes operating around Taiwan, carrying out "joint combat readiness patrols" with Chinese warships ahead of high-level China-U.S. talks in Thailand.

Swinging side-to-side to a Chinese ditty, Taiwanese teenagers and kids performed at a recent night market competition, showing off their loose-limbed moves while executing the viral "subject three" dance that has taken social media by storm. The competitors included young men in leather jackets and high-tops, siblings matching in denim jackets and sunglasses, and even … Continue reading Taiwan night market serves up viral dance

Voting began on Friday in the tiny Pacific Island nation of Tuvalu in a national election that is being closely watched by China, Taiwan, the US and its ally Australia, amid a tussle for influence in the region. Tuvalu, with a population of about 11,200 spread across nine islands, has campaigned at international conferences for … Continue reading Climate threatened Tuvalu holds election watched by Taiwan, China

Taiwan president-elect Lai Ching-te said on Thursday he hopes that the United States can continue to firmly support Taiwan, as he met the first group of U.S. lawmakers to visit Taipei since he won an election earlier this month. Lai, from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the current vice president, will take office … Continue reading Taiwan president-elect says he hopes for continued firm US support

The United States Navy sailed its first warship through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Wednesday following presidential and parliamentary elections on the island, drawing the ire of Beijing. The U.S. Navy said the destroyer USS John Finn transited through a corridor in the Taiwan Strait that was "beyond the territorial sea of any coastal state". … Continue reading US Navy sends first warship through Taiwan Strait post-election

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said he does not endorse Taiwan independence and reiterated his country was committed to its One-China policy, a response to China's outrage over recent remarks in congratulating Taiwan's election winner. Marcos said in an interview with GMA News TV aired on Tuesday that his congratulatory comment to Lai Ching-te earlier … Continue reading Philippines Marcos says does not endorse Taiwan independence, seeks to avoid conflict

Taiwanese diplomats on Tuesday said they were confident of retaining "a strong bond" with key partner Tuvalu as speculation mounted that the Pacific micronation could soon switch its allegiance to Beijing. The dwindling list of countries that officially recognise Taiwan shrunk earlier this month, when Nauru abruptly severed diplomatic ties in favour of Beijing. With … Continue reading Taiwan douses speculation it may lose another Pacific ally

Taiwan's defence ministry said it had detected six more Chinese balloons flying over the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, one of which crossed the island, the latest in a spate of such balloons the ministry says it has seen over the past month-and-a-half. The ministry earlier this month, in a strongly worded statement, accused China of … Continue reading Taiwan says it spots six more Chinese balloons, one crossed island

Taiwan cherishes its diplomatic ties with Tuvalu and is willing to continue to enhance relations with the Pacific ally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Sunday. The reaffirmation of the Taipei-Funafuti friendship came amid an envoy's latest warning that the island nation could soon follow Nauru's decision earlier this month to ditch … Continue reading Taiwan says it cherishes relations with Tuvalu amid warning ties at risk

Taiwan’s top diplomat in Washington has a message for both the island's Chinese adversaries and its American friends: Don’t worry that Taiwan’s new president-elect will worsen relations with Beijing and possibly draw the U.S. into a conflict. President-elect Lai Ching-te plans to keep the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, Alexander Tah-Ray Yui told The … Continue reading After Taiwan’s election, its new envoy to the US offers assurances to Washington and Beijing

Taiwan's ministerial Cabinet submitted its customary post-election joint resignation on Thursday, but is widely expected to be asked by President Tsai Ing-wen to stay on in a caretaker role until May when the new president takes power. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won Saturday's presidential election, but lost its majority in parliament. Taiwan Premier … Continue reading Taiwan Cabinet submits customary post-election resignation

Taiwan's remaining Pacific Island allies have pledged support in the wake of Nauru cutting ties on Monday days after a presidential election, a move that whittled Taiwan's diplomatic footprint in the region to three countries. Two of those allies, Marshall Islands and Palau, have long-standing defence and funding compacts with the United States, while a … Continue reading Taiwan’s remaining Pacific allies pledge support

More than 20 Chinese warplanes were detected around Taiwan, with 11 crossing a sensitive median line separating the self-ruled island from China, Taipei's defence ministry said Thursday, the first significant show of force since the weekend's presidential election. The ministry, which releases data daily on the Chinese military presence around Taiwan, said Thursday that 24 … Continue reading 24 Chinese warplanes around Taiwan in first show of force since poll

The United States said Monday it was disappointed that the tiny South Pacific nation of Nauru had switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. "While the Government of Nauru's action on January 15 to sever its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan is a sovereign decision, it is nonetheless a disappointing one," the State Department said. "Taiwan … Continue reading US says ‘disappointing’ as Nauru switches ties from Taiwan to China

The Philippines' foreign ministry on Tuesday reaffirmed the country's "One China policy" after its president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., congratulated Taiwan's new leader Lai Ching-te. Marcos on Monday congratulated Lai for winning Taiwan's election, referring to him as its next president. The message was Marcos' way of recognising the Philippines and Taiwan's "mutual interests", including the … Continue reading Philippines reaffirms ‘One China policy’ after President Marcos congratulates Taiwan’s Lai

Nauru will sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan and recognise China, the government of the small Pacific Islands nation said on Monday, marking Taipei's first diplomatic ally to switch to Beijing following a presidential election. The Nauru government said that "in the best interests" of the country and its people it was seeking full resumption of … Continue reading Taiwan loses first ally post-election as Nauru goes over to China

Retired U.S. officials met with Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen on Monday and praised the island’s democratic process that produced a new president-elect and legislature over the weekend in defiance of China’s claim of sovereignty over Taiwan and threat to annex it by military force. “Taiwan’s democracy has set a shining example for the world, a … Continue reading US delegation praises Taiwan’s democracy after pro-independence presidential candidate wins election

Germany called Sunday for the status quo to be upheld on Taiwan after Vice President Lai Ching-te won the presidential election, and insisted any change must be done "peacefully and by mutual agreement". The foreign ministry congratulated voters and candidates in Saturday's vote "as well as those who were elected", without naming Lai. "Germany is … Continue reading Berlin says no change in Taiwan status unless peaceful

China's foreign ministry on Sunday accused U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken of sending a "seriously incorrect signal" to "Taiwan independence" separatists, after the top U.S. diplomat congratulated Taiwan's president-elect Lai Ching-te on his victory. Blinken's remarks violate the U.S. promise that it would only maintain cultural, economic, and other non-official ties with Taiwan, and … Continue reading China condemns U.S. Secretary of State for message to Taiwan president-elect

Lai Ching-te, the presidential candidate for Taiwan's ruling party, took an initial lead in early vote counting on Saturday, potentially setting him on course to win an election that China had framed as a choice between war and peace. Lai, Taiwan's vice president, reached more than three million votes by early evening after polls closed … Continue reading Taiwan ruling party’s Lai takes initial lead in presidential vote

Shielding Taiwan’s elections from potential interference by China is such a concern for the self-governing democracy that it’s been willing for years to disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of eligible voters to do so. What bars so many from casting ballots is Taiwan’s insistence that all voting be done in person, a rule that’s been in … Continue reading To Protect Election From China, Taiwan Disenfranchises Thousands of Voters

Tens of thousands of supporters of Taiwan's three political parties will rally Friday as candidates make a last push for votes in an election that China has warned could take the island closer to war. Taiwan's bustling democracy of 23 million people is separated by a narrow 180-kilometre (110-mile) strait from communist-ruled China, which claims … Continue reading Taiwan parties rally on eve of pivotal election

Taiwan doesn’t expect China to carry out large military drills around the island immediately after the election but sees Beijing ramping up economic pressure and taking other coercive measures before the new president takes office in May. Winter weather is a major reason the People’s Liberation Army probably won’t hold any big exercises in the … Continue reading Taiwan Doesn’t Expect Big China Military Drills Right After Vote

Presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih said Thursday he will not "sell out" Taiwan to China, pledging to maintain a strong relationship with "staunch ally" the United States if elected. Democratic Taiwan is two days from a pivotal election that is being watched from Beijing to Washington, as the next president would determine the island's future relations … Continue reading Taiwan poll candidate Hou vows not to ‘sell out’ to China

Taiwan's presidential office said it did not consider the launch of a Chinese satellite whose rocket flew over southern Taiwan an attempt at interference ahead of a presidential election on Saturday, as the issue sparked a political storm on the island. On Tuesday, the government issued a mistaken air raid alert after the Chinese rocket … Continue reading China satellite launch causes pre-election political storm in Taiwan

At least three people were hospitalized after mistakenly eating colorful pods of liquid laundry detergent that were distributed as a campaign freebie in Taiwan's presidential race, according to Taiwanese media reports. One of the victims said she thought the pods were candy, the Central News Agency reported. The pods came in partially clear packaging with … Continue reading 3 people mistakenly eat laundry detergent in Taiwan election giveaway gone awry

Taiwan’s leading presidential candidate William Lai said Tuesday he hopes for a reopening of dialogue with China following almost eight years of Beijing’s near-complete refusal to communicate with leaders of the self-governing island it considers its own territory. But Lai told reporters he would continue the current administration’s policy of maintaining democratic Taiwan’s de-facto independence … Continue reading Taiwan presidential candidate Lai says he is willing to reopen talks with China

A Chinese satellite launch triggered Taiwan's emergency phone alert system on Tuesday, days before the self-ruled island holds a crucial presidential election that has heightened security worries around the region. Chinese state media said that Beijing had successfully launched the "Einstein Probe satellite using the Long March-2C carrier rocket at the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre". … Continue reading China satellite launch triggers Taiwan emergency phone alert

Taiwan's presidential election frontrunner on Tuesday accused Beijing of using "all means" to influence this weekend's crucial poll, which will set the course of cross-strait ties for the next four years. Lai Ching-te, Taiwan's current vice president, said voters should have no illusions about China maintaining peace, but that he would keep the door open … Continue reading Taiwan poll frontrunner hits out at Beijing ‘interference’

Taiwan's ruling party presidential candidate Lai Ching-te said on Tuesday he would maintain the status quo if elected, and remain open to engagement with Beijing under the principle of equality and dignity. Taiwan votes on Saturday for a new president and parliament, in an election that China, which views the island as its own territory … Continue reading Taiwan ruling party candidate will maintain status quo, engage with China

Taiwan's defence ministry said it detected three more Chinese balloons flying over the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, one of which crossed the island, the latest in a spate of such balloons the ministry says it has spotted over the past month. The ministry on Saturday, in a strongly worded statement, accused China of threatening aviation … Continue reading Ignoring Taiwan’s complaints, more Chinese balloons spotted over strait

Taiwan's defence ministry accused China on Saturday of threatening aviation safety and waging psychological warfare on the island's people with a recent spate of balloons spotted near or over the island, days before key Taiwanese elections. The potential for China to use balloons for spying became a global issue in February when the United States … Continue reading Taiwan says Chinese balloons threaten aviation safety

Three Chinese balloons flew across Taiwan island on Tuesday and near an air base, the Taiwanese defence ministry said, the first time it has reported them crossing the island since reporting a spate of such balloons in the Taiwan Strait starting last month. The potential for China to use balloons for spying became a global … Continue reading Taiwan spots Chinese balloons over island near major air base

Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC was dragged into the election campaigning fray on Monday as vice presidential candidates argued over the company's overseas investments and whether tensions with China made Taiwan too dangerous a place to invest. The Jan. 13 presidential and parliamentary election is happening as China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has stepped … Continue reading TSMC gets pulled into Taiwan election fray at VP debate

Taiwan's relations with China must be decided by the will of the people and peace must be based on "dignity", President Tsai Ing-wen said on Monday after China's leader, Xi Jinping, said "reunification" with the island is inevitable. China has been ramping up military pressure to assert its sovereignty claims over democratically governed Taiwan, which … Continue reading Taiwan president says ties with China must be decided by will of the people

China's government called the frontrunner for Taiwan's next president "confrontational" and a destroyer of peace after he spoke at a presidential debate and said the island's sovereignty and independence belong to its people. The Jan. 13 presidential and parliamentary elections are happening at a time of fraught relations between Beijing and Taipei. China has been … Continue reading China calls Taiwan president frontrunner a destroyer of peace

A Taiwanese man was charged with violating election and anti-infiltration laws for allegedly arranging sponsored visits to China for voters in the first indictment of its kind ahead of the island's pivotal poll in January. Ahead of Taiwan's January 13 vote to elect a new president and parliament, officials have warned that China would try … Continue reading Taiwan man charged over voter trips to China ahead of election

Taiwan reported Chinese warplanes and warships around the island on Saturday, including aircraft crossing the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait, as Beijing continues military activities with three weeks to go before Taiwan votes. Democratically governed Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has complained for four years of regular Chinese military patrols … Continue reading Taiwan reports more Chinese military activity as election approaches

China will resume importing grouper fish from Taiwan from Friday, the Chinese government announced, just one day after angering Taipei with the ending of tariff cuts on some chemical imports less than a month before Taiwanese elections. China put the grouper ban in place in June of last year saying it had detected banned chemicals, … Continue reading China lifts ban on Taiwanese grouper fish imports in carrot and stick diplomacy

Taiwan on Thursday accused China of "typical economic coercion" after Beijing announced the end of tariff cuts on some chemical imports from the island – saying Taipei violated a trade agreement – just ahead of Taiwanese elections next month. Taiwan's Jan. 13 presidential and parliamentary elections are taking place as China, which views the island … Continue reading Taiwan accuses China of economic coercion after tariff cut removals

Taiwan will "handle" Chinese balloons flying nearby based on threat assessments, though officials believe the current wave is for weather purposes, driven by the prevailing winds at this time of year, the defence ministry in Taipei said on Wednesday. The potential for China to use balloons for spying became a global issue in February when … Continue reading Taiwan to ‘handle’ spate of Chinese balloons based on threat level

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen expressed condolences to China on Tuesday and offered her government's help after an earthquake killed more than 100 people on the northern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. Tensions between Taipei and Beijing, which views the democratically governed island as its own territory, have soared in the past four years, as China … Continue reading Setting aside tensions, Taiwan president offers aid to China after deadly quake

Taiwan’s ruling party has seen its lead in the race to be the next president shrink, as the race heats up less than a month before voting. The Democratic Progressive Party’s Lai Ching-te had the support of 35% of respondents in a survey released Tuesday by online news outlet My Formosa, just ahead of Hou … Continue reading Taiwan Ruling Party’s Polling Edge Narrows as Election Heats Up

A suspected Chinese weather balloon flew across the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Monday but stayed well north of Taiwan, the island's defence ministry said on Tuesday, the third time this month Taipei has reported them nearby. The potential for China to use balloons for spying became a global issue in February when the United States … Continue reading Taiwan reports another suspected Chinese weather balloon crossing Taiwan Strait

The United States on Friday warned China not to interfere in Taiwan's upcoming presidential elections, urging "responsible behavior on all sides." The lead-up to the self-ruled island's January 13 poll is being closely watched -- including by policymakers in Beijing and Washington -- as it could determine the future of Taiwan's relations with an increasingly … Continue reading US warns China against Taiwan election interference

The U.S. State Department has approved a $300 million sale of equipment to help maintain Taiwan's tactical information systems, the Pentagon said on Friday, the latest U.S. assistance for the island's defenses. The United States is bound by law to provide Chinese-claimed Taiwan with the means to defend itself and arms sales are a frequent … Continue reading US approves $300 mln support for Taiwan’s tactical information systems

A senior leader of the Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan's main opposition party, is in China for meetings with the Taiwanese community, his party said on Thursday, a highly sensitive visit one month before elections on the island. The trip of KMT Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia, a former Taiwanese diplomat and one- ime head of Taiwan's China-policy … Continue reading Senior Taiwan opposition leader visits China month before election

Taiwan's military sent forces to watch a Chinese naval formation, led by the aircraft carrier Shandong, sailing through the Taiwan Strait on Monday, Taiwan's defence ministry said, as Beijing keeps up pressure ahead of elections next month. The Shandong, commissioned in 2019, last transited the sensitive strait in early November. The latest sailing comes about … Continue reading Taiwan again reports Chinese carrier group in Taiwan Strait as election looms

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Saturday Washington and its Asia allies would "stand up" for stability across the Taiwan Strait, and reiterated their commitment to freedom of navigation in the disputed South China Sea. His comments came during a joint briefing with his Tokyo and Seoul counterparts, after a trilateral meeting in South … Continue reading Washington, allies to ‘stand up’ for stability in Taiwan Strait: US

Taiwan's 2024 election must be free from "outside interference", Washington's top diplomat in Taipei said on Monday, adding that U.S. policy towards the island will remain the same whomever wins. President Tsai Ing-wen and other officials have warned that China might try to sway voters towards candidates seeking closer ties with Beijing in the Jan. … Continue reading Taiwan vote must be free from ‘outside interference’, senior US diplomat says

Taiwan's health ministry on Thursday urged the elderly, very young and those with poor immunity to avoid travel to China due to the recent increase in respiratory illnesses there. The World Health Organization (WHO) last week requested China provide detailed information on the spike, which a WHO official said was not as high as before … Continue reading Taiwan urges elderly, young to avoid China visits due to respiratory illnesses

Beijing is fretting that a split in Taiwan's opposition could pave the way for the island's ruling party - which the Chinese government despises - to stay in power, as China took centre stage in election campaigning over the weekend. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, looms large over the Jan. 13 presidential … Continue reading Beijing frets over Taiwan opposition split as parties go on the attack over China ties

Actress Hu Ling on Saturday became the first Chinese film star to walk the red carpet of Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards since 2019, when China boycotted the self-ruled island's biggest awards show over political tensions. Chinese director Huang Ji also attended the ceremony with her Japanese husband Ryuji Otsuka, and the couple won the coveted … Continue reading Taiwan’s Golden Horse film awards sees return of Chinese stars

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck off Taiwan's east coast on Sunday, the island's weather bureau said, briefly shaking buildings in the capital Taipei but with no reports of damage. The epicentre of the earthquake was in the sea off Taiwan's Hualien county, at a depth of 22.4 km (14 miles), the weather bureau said. Taiwan … Continue reading Taiwan rattled by offshore earthquake, no reports of damage

Taiwan said on Friday that an Australian warship had sailed through the Taiwan Strait, the sensitive and narrow waterway that separates the democratically governed island from China. The island's defence ministry did not name the ship but said it entered the strait on Thursday and sailed through it in a southerly direction, adding that Taiwan's … Continue reading Australian warship sails through Taiwan Strait

Taiwan's opposition parties rushed to register their presidential candidates on Friday with hours to go before a deadline, after talks on a joint ticket collapsed in dramatic fashion on live television amid bitter arguments. The Jan. 13 election is taking place as China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, steps up military and political … Continue reading Taiwan opposition rushes to register candidates after talks implode on live TV

Talks between Taiwan's two main opposition parties on forming a joint presidential bid teetered on collapse on Thursday after a dramatic showdown broadcast live on television in which party leaders bickered and revealed sensitive private conversations. The dramatic scenes came less than a day before the opposition has to register its presidential candidates with the … Continue reading Taiwan opposition talks on presidential bid teeter after bitter live TV showdown

The vice presidential candidate for Taiwan's ruling party in a January election said on Thursday that war with China is not an option, pointing to cross-strait communications as key to easing tension that has raised concern about the region's stability. China, which views Taiwan as its own territory despite the strong objections of the government … Continue reading War with China is not an option, Taiwan ruling party VP candidate says

Taiwan's two main opposition parties have been unable to reach an agreement on how to use polling results to determine who will lead a joint presidential ticket, and now have less than 48 hours to hash out an agreement before the Nov. 24 candidacy registration deadline. "If we keep looking at the same polling data, … Continue reading Taiwan opposition deadlock persists as registration deadline for presidential candidates nears

Taiwan again reported Chinese military activity around the island on Wednesday, with 11 aircraft crossing the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait as the island's election campaign kicked into high gear. Democratically-governed Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has complained for the past four years of regular Chinese military patrols and drills … Continue reading Taiwan reports Chinese fighters, bombers nearby as election campaign heats up

Taiwan cannot afford chaos or "experiments" when it comes to being president, the front-runner to be the island's next leader said on Wednesday as the opposition remained mired in a bitter dispute on mounting a joint presidential challenge. The Jan. 13 election will shape Chinese-claimed Taiwan's relations with Beijing at a time China has stepped … Continue reading Taiwan ruling party powers ahead as chaos engulfs opposition campaign

The leader of a small Taiwanese party who has been in talks with the main opposition party for a joint presidential ticket showed no signs of backing down on Sunday in a dispute deadlocked over who runs as president and who for vice president. The issue of China, which views Taiwan as its territory, looms … Continue reading Taiwan opposition talks deadlocked, with no signs of compromise

A potential joint bid for Taiwan's presidency by the island's two main opposition parties was in disarray on Saturday after the smaller of the two said no consensus had been reached on how to use opinion polls to make that decision. The issue of China, which views Taiwan as its territory, looms over the Jan. … Continue reading Taiwan opposition’s joint bid for presidency in disarray

Taiwan’s opposition parties have agreed to run a joint campaign in January’s election, paving the way for a radical shakeup of the race. Representatives of the Kuomintang and Taiwan People’s Party met Wednesday, with the talks centering around how to decide which of their two nominees should head a single ticket as the presidential candidate. … Continue reading Taiwan Opposition Agrees to Join Forces, Reshaping Key Election

Taipei's national security chief has said a Chinese tax probe into Taiwan tech giant Foxconn is "political", as its billionaire founder Terry Gou is running for president of the democratically ruled island. Gou, who gave up Foxconn's management reins four years ago, launched his presidential bid in August as an independent candidate in Taiwan's January … Continue reading China’s probe into Foxconn is ‘political’: Taiwan security chief

Taiwan is working on securing a one-on-one meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden and the island's representative at this week's APEC summit in San Francisco, but there is no message planned for China, a senior Taiwanese official said. Chinese-claimed and democratically ruled Taiwan, which takes part in the Asia- acific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum as … Continue reading Taiwan working on one-on-one Biden meeting at APEC summit

India is forging closer economic ties with Taiwan with a plan to send tens of thousands of workers to the island as early as next month, according to senior officials familiar with the matter, potentially angering neighbor China. Taiwan could hire as many as 100,000 Indians to work at factories, farms and hospitals, the officials … Continue reading India Plans Taiwan Labor Supply Pact While China Tensions Brew

Taiwan will stress the importance of peace in the region at next week's APEC summit, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Friday, one of the few international bodies both Taiwan and China are members of and where their officials meet. The 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum will meet in San Francisco for the 30th APEC … Continue reading Taiwan, facing Chinese pressure, to stress importance of peace at APEC summit

Taiwan's military has sent forces to keep watch on a Chinese naval formation led by the aircraft carrier Shandong sailing through the sensitive Taiwan Strait, Taiwan's defence ministry said on Thursday. The Shandong participated in Chinese military drills around Taiwan in April, and again entered the Pacific last month. The ministry said in a statement … Continue reading Taiwan monitors Chinese carrier group in sensitive Taiwan Strait

One person has been found without vital signs after a tour bus overturned Sunday afternoon on the access road to Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area in Yilan County, according to local authorities. Yilan County emergency services said the tour bus carrying 42 people overturned at around 3 p.m. near the 5.3-kilometer marker while descending the … Continue reading One person found without vital signs as tour bus overturns near Taipingshan

Estonia will allow Taiwan to open a nondiplomatic representative office of Taipei in the Baltic country to boost economic and cultural ties with the self-governing island but pledged to stick with the “One China” policy in political relations. The government of Estonia, a member of the European Union and NATO, revised its approach to Taiwan … Continue reading Estonia will allow Taiwan to establish a nondiplomatic representative office in a policy revision

The skulls of four tribal warriors killed nearly 150 years ago have been returned by a Scottish university to a Taiwan indigenous community in a move hailed as a "milestone of transitional justice". The skulls were thought to be taken as war trophies by Japanese soldiers who invaded southern Taiwan in 1874 and fought the … Continue reading UK university returns tribal warrior skulls to Taiwan

More than 40 Chinese warplanes were detected around Taiwan in a day, the self-ruled island's defence ministry said on Wednesday. Beijing claims democratic Taiwan as its own territory to be seized one day, by force if necessary, and has ratcheted up military and diplomatic pressures on the island this year. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence … Continue reading Taiwan detects 43 Chinese warplanes around island

A former military power plant on Taiwan's tiny Matsu archipelago is bathed in an ominous crimson light -- an art installation reminding visitors of the ever-present threat of a Chinese invasion. The exhibit entitled "Your Country Needs You: Glory of 'Jun Hun'" -- which means "military spirit" -- is part of the Matsu Biennial which … Continue reading Taiwan transforms Matsu wartime strongholds into ‘island museum’

Taiwan's two main opposition parties said on Monday they will team up for parliamentary elections in January in a bid to win more seats but said more discussions are needed on a joint ticket for a presidential vote. Vice President William Lai, the presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has led in … Continue reading Taiwan opposition to team up for parliamentary elections

Taiwan People’s Party leader Ko Wen-je, running second in most polls ahead of January’s presidential election, said there have been multiple meetings with the Kuomintang on a potential alliance against the frontrunner, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. “We know that time is running out.” Ko said at a briefing in Taipei. “Our staff have been … Continue reading Taiwan Parties Push Alliance Talks in Bid to Beat Ruling DPP

A Taiwanese couple decked out in a tux and gown embrace in front of a mountain of trash in an unorthodox wedding photo -- one the environment-conscious bride hopes will discourage her guests from generating unnecessary garbage. Greenpeace campaigner Iris Hsueh and her fiancé are having their "environmentally friendly wedding" in January, and have asked … Continue reading ‘Til trash do us part: Taiwan couple embraces garbage wedding shoot

A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck off Taiwan's east coast on Saturday, the island's weather bureau said, briefly shaking buildings in the capital Taipei but with no immediate reports of damage. The epicentre of the earthquake was in the sea off Hualien county with a depth of 7.2 km (4.5 miles), the weather bureau said. Taiwan … Continue reading Small quake rattles Taiwan, no immediate damage reports

Taiwan has set up a task force to draw lessons from the surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said on Thursday, saying intelligence is key to preventing a war as the island works to counter China's military threats. Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, has come under increasing military … Continue reading Taiwan sets up task force to study Israel-Hamas war

Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday that he also had Beijing on his mind when he decided to help arm Ukraine given Western concern about the global expansion of authoritarianism. Morrison, who was prime minister from 2018 to 2022, had repeated disputes with China, including in 2020 when Canberra called for an … Continue reading Ex-Australia PM says he also had Beijing in mind when arming Ukraine

Peace between Taiwan and China is the “only option,” Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said Tuesday, while strongly asserting the self-governing island’s defenses against Beijing’s threats to invade. Tsai said in a National Day address that the international community views stability in the Taiwan Strait as an “indispensable component of global security and prosperity.” China claims … Continue reading Facing Beijing’s threats, Taiwan president says peace ‘only option’ to resolve political differences 

Taiwan's government has opened an investigation into four companies named in a media report as conducting business with firms linked to U.S.-sanctioned Huawei (HWT.UL) in China, and is considering tighter rules on key technologies. Taiwan Economy Minister Wang Mei-hua said the ministry would be looking into whether the firms' activities in China "matched up" with … Continue reading Taiwan probes four firms accused of helping China’s Huawei

Typhoon Koinu began brushing past the rural far southern tip of Taiwan on Thursday, injuring 190 but causing no deaths, as lashing rains and strong winds cancelled work and classes for millions in a swathe of cities across the island. Koinu, which means "puppy" in Japanese, made landfall on Taiwan's Hengchun peninsula as a category … Continue reading Millions off work as Typhoon Koinu brushes past Taiwan with lashing rain 

Taiwan cancelled flights and closed schools in parts of its southern region on Wednesday ahead of the expected landfall of Typhoon Koinu, the second major storm in a month to hit the island directly. Taiwan experiences frequent tropical storms from May to November but last month's Typhoon Haikui was the first to slam into it … Continue reading Taiwan cancels flights, shuts schools ahead of typhoon

Taiwan issued a weather alert on Tuesday as Typhoon Koinu is approaching and may make landfall later this week, bringing gales and downpours to the southeastern parts of the island. The weather bureau put out a land warning on Tuesday after issuing a sea alert late Monday. Koinu was moving northwest with sustained winds of … Continue reading Taiwan issues rain and strong wind alerts for Typhoon Koinu that’s approaching the island

Taiwan prosecutors said on Monday they are investigating accusations that people tried to interfere in the island's submarine program and that details about it were leaked, in what would be a serious breach of security. Taiwan unveiled its first domestically developed submarine on Thursday, a major step in a project aimed at strengthening the island's … Continue reading Taiwan investigating accusation submarine program details leaked

China's leadership knows that sabre rattling around Taiwan to force an outcome to its liking in elections does not work and Beijing is not likely to try such actions ahead of January's presidential vote, the Taiwanese foreign minister said Thursday. China has never renounced the use of force to bring democratically governed Taiwan under its … Continue reading Taiwan says China knows armed threats backfire on influencing elections

Taiwan unveiled its first domestically developed submarine on Thursday, a major step in a years-long project aimed at strengthening the island's defence and deterrence against the Chinese navy. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has made the indigenous submarine program a key part of an ambitious project to modernise its armed forces as … Continue reading Taiwan reveals first homegrown submarine in defence milestone

The Chinese government on Wednesday accused Taiwan's ruling party of seeking independence, a day after the self-governing island's president lobbied for Australia's support in joining a regional trade pact. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, also said the recent Chinese military drills around Taiwan were held to combat “the arrogance of Taiwan independence … Continue reading China accuses Taiwan’s government of using economic and trade issues to seek independence

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday called on Australia to support its bid to join a pan-Pacific free trade pact during a meeting with a group of visiting Australian lawmakers. Taiwan and China both applied in 2021 to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), but China says it opposes adding Taiwan, … Continue reading Taiwan lobbies Australian lawmakers on supporting its bid for Pacific trade pact

Taiwan authorities fined a golf ball manufacturer 2.4 million New Taiwan dollars on Monday and warned of criminal charges for storing 30 times the legal limit of hazardous material and other violations after a major factory fire killed nine people and left one other missing. The mayor of Pingtung county said at a news conference … Continue reading A Taiwan golf ball maker fined after a fatal fire for storing 30 times limit for hazardous material

Search teams found the bodies of the last three missing people on Sunday at the site of a golf ball factory fire in southern Taiwan, bringing the death toll to 10, according to Taiwanese media reports. Launch Technologies, the operator of the plant, is a major global supplier of golf balls. Four of the victims … Continue reading Death toll in a Taiwanese golf ball factory fire rises to 10. Four of the victims were firefighters

The increased frequency of China's military activities around Taiwan recently has raised the risk of events "getting out of hand" and sparking an accidental clash, the island's defence minister said on Saturday. Taiwan has said that the past two weeks has seen dozens of fighters, drones, bombers and other aircraft, as well as warships and … Continue reading Taiwan raises concerns about situation ‘getting out of hand’ with China drills 

A fire and subsequent explosions at a golf ball factory in southern Taiwan killed at least five people and injured more than 100 others, and five people are still missing. The fire began on Friday night at the factory in Pingtung County and raged overnight. Three firefighters were among the dead, authorities said. Rescuers were … Continue reading Taiwan factory fire leaves at least 5 dead, more than 100 injured

A Chinese activist pleaded for authorities not to deport him after he landed at Taiwan's international airport on Friday and requested asylum from the United States and Canada. Self-ruled Taiwan has restrictions on travelers from China, which claims the island as its territory. Activist Chen Siming wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that he had fled … Continue reading Chinese activist asks Taiwan not to deport him 

A Chinese blockade on the island democracy of Taiwan would be a "monster risk" for Beijing and likely to fail, while a military invasion would be extremely difficult, senior Pentagon officials told Congress Tuesday. Beijing claims self-ruled Taiwan as its territory, vowing to seize it one day, and officials in Washington -- a key ally … Continue reading Chinese blockade on Taiwan would be ‘monster risk’: Pentagon

Taiwan's defence ministry on Monday urged China to stop "destructive, unilateral action" after reporting a sharp rise in Chinese military activities near the island, warning such behavior could lead to a sharp increase in tensions. China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has in recent years regularly carried out military drills around … Continue reading Taiwan urges China to stop ‘destructive’ military activities

China flew 28 warplanes around Taiwan on Sunday, with most crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait for unspecified "long range" missions, Taipei authorities said. Taiwan's defence ministry said 20 of the aircraft detected since Sunday morning crossed the median line of the waterway separating Taiwan and mainland China, and entered the self-ruled island's … Continue reading Taiwan detects 28 Chinese warplanes around island

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck a largely rural part of southern Taiwan on Tuesday, the island's weather bureau said, with no immediate reports of damage. The quake struck Chiayi County at 5.30 pm. The epicenter of the temblor was located in Xingang Township, 13.2 kilometers northeast of Chiayi County Hall, with a depth of 8.5 … Continue reading Quake rattles south Taiwan, no immediate damage reports

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen left on Tuesday for a visit to Eswatini, Taipei's last African ally, saying the island will continue to confidently engage with the world and show it is a force for good. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory with no right to state-to-state relations, now has formal ties with only … Continue reading Taiwan president leaves for visit to last African ally Eswatini

Taiwan expects to restore power supply by late on Monday to thousands of homes cut off by Typhoon Haikui in the island's south and east, where schools and businesses were shut, while domestic airlines cancelled all but a handful of flights. The first typhoon to directly hit Taiwan in four years, Haikui made landfall on … Continue reading Taiwan to restore power after Typhoon Haikui batters island 

Foxconn founder Terry Gou has resigned as a director for "personal reasons", officially cutting ties as the billionaire focuses on his long shot run for president in Taiwan's elections next year. Gou made his fortune turning Foxconn into the world's largest contract producer of electronics, including for Apple's iPhones, but has not held a managerial … Continue reading Foxconn founder Gou cuts final ties with company for presidential run

Taiwan woke up Monday to toppled trees, floods, and persistent rainfall after Typhoon Haikui made landfall on the island and swept overnight across its central mountain ranges. Haikui initially appeared to leave the island but made a second landfall early Monday in southwestern Kaohsiung, before it was downgraded to a severe tropical storm. There were … Continue reading Typhoon Haikui leaves trail of destruction in Taiwan

Typhoon Haikui made landfall on eastern Taiwan Sunday, unleashing torrential downpours, whipping winds and plunging thousands of households into darkness as the first major storm to directly hit the island in four years. Nearly 4,000 people were evacuated from high-risk areas, hundreds of flights cancelled and businesses closed in preparation for the storm. Taiwan's Central … Continue reading Typhoon Haikui makes landfall in Taiwan

Nearly 3,000 people were evacuated from high-risk areas in eastern Taiwan ahead of Typhoon Haikui as authorities prepared Sunday for the first tropical storm to directly hit the island in four years. Haikui -- which had already brought heavy rains by Sunday morning -- is packing a sustained wind speed of about 140 kilometres (39 … Continue reading Thousands evacuated as Typhoon Haikui heads for Taiwan

Taiwan supports the Vatican's efforts at engagement with China and hopes it improves that country's "worsening" religious freedom and human rights, the island's foreign ministry said after Pope Francis messaged Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Vatican is one of only 13 countries to maintain formal diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan, and Taipei has watched nervously … Continue reading Taiwan hopes Pope’s China engagement helps ‘worsening’ religious freedom 

President Joe Biden's administration has for the first time approved direct US military aid to Taiwan under an assistance program aimed at foreign governments, officials said Wednesday, as worries grow over China. The State Department informed Congress on Tuesday of the $80 million package, which is small compared with recent sales to Taiwan but marks … Continue reading US approves first arms to Taiwan under foreign aid program

Super Typhoon Saola pummeled the south of Taiwan early Wednesday with strong winds and heavy rain, shutting offices and canceling some flights before heading to Hong Kong. Authorities in Taiwan, where no typhoon has made landfall since 2019, closed offices and schools in parts of Kaohsiung and Pingtung Wednesday and canceled more than a dozen … Continue reading Super Typhoon Lashes Taiwan Before Heading to Hong Kong

Typhoon Saola began brushing by the southern tip of Taiwan on Wednesday bringing heavy rain and winds causing some travel disruption though it is not expected to make direct landfall. Taiwan has issued land and sea warnings for the storm, with ferry services and flights to several offshore islands and the southeastern city of Taitung … Continue reading Typhoon Saola brushes by Taiwan bringing heavy rain, some disruption

Taiwan's defence ministry warned on Tuesday of a possible "sharp increase" in military tensions after reporting renewed Chinese military activity including fighter jets crossing the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait. Democratically governed Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has complained for three years of increased military pressure from Beijing, mostly in … Continue reading Taiwan warns of ‘sharp increase’ in tensions as Chinese planes cross median line 

Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of the electronics giant Foxconn, declared Monday that he will run as an independent candidate for president in Taiwan’s 2024 election, ending months of speculation. At a news conference, Gou criticized the governing Democratic Progressive Party, saying its policies have “brought Taiwan into the risk of war” with China, which … Continue reading Foxconn billionaire Terry Gou says he will seek Taiwan’s presidency as independent candidate 

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Saturday morning that over the past 24 hours it had detected 20 Chinese air force planes entering the island's air defence zone, including a combat drone the flew along Taiwan's Pacific east coast. Democratically governed Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has complained for three years of increased … Continue reading Taiwan reports combat drone as China military activities continue 

Taiwan’s vice president and frontrunner in the presidential elections has accused China of using “unfair” trade practices to influence the elections. William Lai, in a meeting Friday with foreign press in Taipei, said China has targeted Taiwan’s “agricultural products potentially in an effort to undermine the coming elections.” His comments come after China on Monday … Continue reading Taiwan’s vice president accuses China of using trade curbs to influence elections 

Dressed in camouflage and holding a plastic rifle, Tsai Tsung-lin has been tramping around Taiwan on foot for more than a month with one message to his compatriots: be prepared for war. The 22-year-old former soldier, discharged from the army in July, hopes his journey can help increase civil defence awareness and unite the people … Continue reading Former soldier raises war awareness by touring Taiwan on foot 

Taiwan's defence ministry reported renewed Chinese military activity around the island on Friday, including 13 aircraft entering Taiwan's "response" zone and five ships carrying out combat readiness patrols. China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has complained for the past three years of increased military pressure from Beijing. On Saturday, China held … Continue reading Taiwan reports renewed Chinese military activity, planes in ‘response’ zone 

Taiwan announced Thursday it will loosen restrictions on Chinese business and group travellers in a step towards resuming tourism exchanges with China. Beijing suspended individual tourism permits to Taiwan in 2019 in a sign of worsening relations under Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who refuses to accept China's claim over the self-ruled island. Taiwan reopened its … Continue reading Taiwan to ‘loosen restrictions’ on Chinese tourists

Most Fukushima fishermen are tight-lipped but Haruo Ono can't keep his thoughts to himself on Japan's plans to release treated cooling water from the stricken nearby nuclear power plant into the Pacific from Thursday. "Nothing about the water release is beneficial to us. There is no advantage for us. None. It's all detrimental," Ono, who … Continue reading Water release finds little support in Fukushima

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen renewed her pledge to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense on Wednesday as she visited a war memorial from the last time Taiwan and China battled. Tsai, visiting the outlying islands of Kinmen where the conflict was fought 65 years ago, commemorated those who died in the conflict. She was accompanied by Minister of … Continue reading Taiwan’s president renews her pledge to stronger self defense during visit to war memorial

A highly sensitive trip by Taiwan Vice President William Lai to the United States this month has paid off in showing him to be a responsible leader who won't escalate tensions and after Chinese drills in response to the visit fizzled out within a day. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory and has … Continue reading US trip pays off for Taiwan VP with China drills more ‘thunder than rain’

Paraguay's new government will maintain ties with Taiwan, even at the cost of its relationship with China, Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez told AFP. Paraguay is the only South American country that recognizes Taiwan diplomatically, and one of just 13 around the world. China considers self-ruled democratic Taiwan as a part of its territory, to be … Continue reading Paraguay’s new foreign minister vows to keep Taiwan ties

Taiwan's election next year is a choice between democracy and autocracy, Vice President William Lai said in comments broadcast after China carried out military drills around the island in anger at his visit this month to the United States. Lai, the front-runner in polls to be Taiwan's next president at elections in January, made brief … Continue reading Taiwan details China drills, VP says election not China’s to call

Taiwan's foreign minister accused China on Saturday of trying to "shape" Taiwan's upcoming election, after Chinese military exercises were launched around the island. "The PRC has made it clear it wants to shape Taiwan's coming national election," said foreign minister Joseph Wu on the ministry's official X account. "Well, it's up to our citizens to … Continue reading Taiwan’s election not for China to decide: FM

Taiwan said Saturday it had detected 42 warplane incursions into its air defence zone since China announced the launch of military drills. "Since 0900 (UTC+8) today (Aug. 19), the R.O.C. Armed Forces detected 42 PLA aircraft," the island's ministry of defence said in a statement. Twenty-six of the warplanes involved crossed the median line of … Continue reading Taiwan says 42 warplane incursions after launch of China military drills 

The mayor of Taipei will visit Shanghai at the end of this month for an annual city forum, his office said on Friday, a trip that will take place against the backdrop of frozen ties between the Taiwanese and Chinese governments. While China has refused to speak to Taiwan's government since President Tsai Ing-wen took … Continue reading Taipei mayor to visit China as tensions simmer with Taiwan 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan confirmed media reports that Taiwan's former representative to Thailand Chuang Suo-hang's recent resignation was made due to sexual harassment allegations. The MOFA's confirmation came after Taiwan media reports hinted that the 67-year-old Democratic Progressive Party member was asked to leave the post in Bangkok, less than a year … Continue reading Taiwan envoy to Thailand resigned over sexual harassment allegations

A Chinese aircraft carrier group led by the vessel Shandong sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, Taiwan's defence ministry said, amid heightened military tension over the island Beijing claims as its own territory. The ministry said the Shandong, commissioned in 2019, had sailed in a southerly direction through the western part of the … Continue reading Taiwan reports Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through strait

European countries should strengthen relations with Taiwan if they want continued Taiwanese investment in semiconductor production, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said during a visit to Europe last week. Overseas investments by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker, need government approval, including for a potential factory in Germany. Wu said the government … Continue reading Taiwan seeks closer EU ties in return for chip investment – minister

Taiwan wants to secure peace and stability by maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan strait shared with China, but keeping that will need support from European states, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said in Prague on Wednesday. "In order for Taiwan to stay strong and resilient and to have the courage to continue the … Continue reading Taiwan needs European friends to maintain status quo in strait, minister says 

Taiwan Digital Minister Audrey Tang will make a rare high-level ministerial trip to Britain this week where she is expected to visit government departments and meet a company specialising in low-earth orbit satellites, her ministry said on Sunday. Taiwan views Britain as an important democratic partner despite the lack of formal ties, noting its concern … Continue reading Taiwanese minister to make rare Britain visit this week

Taiwan’s air force scrambled into action on Sunday after spotting 10 Chinese warplanes crossing the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait, as the island’s defense ministry said four Chinese warships also carried out combat patrols. This is the second time in less than a week that Taiwan has reported renewed Chinese military activity, after … Continue reading Taiwan sends up fighters as Chinese warplanes cross strait’s median line

Patrol boats circled and officers descended by rope from a helicopter during a staged hostage crisis in the southern city of Kaohsiung, as Taiwan's armed forces held drills on Saturday. The island holds frequent military drills in the face of increasing military and political pressures from China, including near-daily Chinese warplane incursions into its air … Continue reading Taiwan’s armed forces hold coastal drills 

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Saturday said the self-ruled island would work to improve its rescue and defense capabilities with new technologies, adding that strengthening Taiwan is key to maintaining peace. Tsai also pledged that her government would promote policies to safeguard maritime and border security after inspecting an anti-terror drill in Kaohsiung city in … Continue reading Taiwan president pledges to strengthen island’s defense capability with new technologies 

Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu will make a previously unannounced visit to Europe next week, four sources briefed on the matter said, and is expected to appear with the Czech president at one event in a diplomatic breakthrough. Taiwan, which is claimed by China, has no formal diplomatic ties with any European country except the … Continue reading Taiwan foreign minister to make Europe trip next week 

Taiwan-based computer manufacturer Acer supplied at least US$70.4 million worth of computer hardware to Russia between April 8, 2022 and March 31, 2023, according to customs data seen by Reuters, after saying it would suspend its business there. While not illegal, Acer's actions contrast with those of key Western rivals such as Dell and HP … Continue reading Taiwan’s Acer ships computer hardware to Russia after saying it would suspend business 

U.S., Taiwanese and Japanese forces will share real-time data from reconnaissance drones to strengthen coordination, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the project. Late in the Trump presidency, the U.S. announced more than $5 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including four aerial drones worth $600 million, meant to upgrade the … Continue reading US, Taiwan, Japan drone fleets to share real-time data -FT

Taiwan activated its defence systems on Thursday after reporting 37 Chinese military aircraft flying into the island's air defence zone, some of which then flew into the western Pacific, in Beijing's latest mass air incursion. China, which views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, has over the past three years regularly flown its air force … Continue reading China’s air force stages new mass incursion near Taiwan

The head of a small Taiwanese political party who is rising in the polls in his bid for the presidency said on Wednesday that he would not meet Chinese President Xi Jinping just for the sake of it and that there must be a clear aim for such talks. Former Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je founded … Continue reading Taiwan presidential contender says he wouldn’t meet China’s Xi without an agenda

The U.S. Navy has released a video of what it called an "unsafe interaction" in the Taiwan Strait, in which a Chinese warship crossed in front of a U.S. destroyer in the sensitive waterway, a risky incident amid deteriorating Sino-U.S. ties. The encounter comes as both countries have traded blame for not holding military talks … Continue reading US Navy shows Chinese warship’s ‘unsafe interaction’ near Taiwan

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen vowed on Saturday to maintain the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait amid high tensions with China, which has stepped up military pressure on the democratically governed island. Taiwan will not provoke and will not bow to Chinese pressure, Tsai said in a speech in the presidential … Continue reading ‘War is not an option’, Taiwan president says amid China tensions 

The United States has reached a modest trade agreement with Taiwan, signaling Washington’s support for the island democracy as it comes under increasing pressure from China. The first agreement under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade is expected to set the stage for a bigger deal later — “a robust and high-standard trade agreement,” … Continue reading US inks modest trade deal with Taiwan in show of support in the face of pressure from China 

Taiwan said it still hoped to be invited to the World Health Organization's annual assembly opening in Geneva on Sunday, as support for its participation was growing despite China's efforts to isolate the democratically governed island. Foreign Minister Joseph Wu noted several diplomatic allies and friendly countries had issued statements of support for Taiwan's participation … Continue reading Hoping for invitation to WHO meeting, Taiwan gathers more support 

Taiwan's main opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT) will pick New Taipei City mayor Hou Yu-ih to be its presidential candidate, a senior party source told Reuters on Wednesday. The run-up to the key vote in mid-January is taking place at a time of increased tensions between Taipei and Beijing, which has staged regular military exercises … Continue reading Taiwan’s Kuomintang picks New Taipei City mayor as presidential candidate 

Taiwan's parliament passed an amendment on Tuesday allowing gay couples to jointly adopt children, a move hailed by activists as "another big step forward" for marriage equality. Taiwan is at the vanguard of Asia's burgeoning LGBTQ rights movement, becoming the first place in the region to legalize marriage equality in 2019. But same-sex couples still … Continue reading Taiwan expands adoption rights for same-sex couples

The United States strongly encourages the World Health Organization to invite Taiwan to participate as an observer at its annual meeting in Geneva from May 21-30, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday. "Inviting Taiwan as an observer would exemplify the WHO’s commitment to an inclusive, 'health for all' approach to international health cooperation," … Continue reading US wants WHO to invite Taiwan to observe May meeting: Blinken 

Former British prime minister Liz Truss will visit Taiwan next week and meet senior members of the government, her office said on Tuesday, a move that could anger China amid strains in its relationship with the current British government. China has previously condemned visits by British lawmakers to Taiwan for interfering in China's internal affairs. … Continue reading British ex-premier Truss to visit Taiwan next week

U.S. President Joe Biden's administration plans to send US$500 million worth of weapons aid to Taiwan using the same emergency authority that has been used more than 35 times for Ukraine, a source familiar with the plan said on Friday. As a part of the 2023 budget, Congress authorized up to US$1 billion worth of … Continue reading US moving ahead with US$500m in arms aid for Taiwan: source 

Taiwan's leader Tsai Ing-wen made a congratulatory telephone call to Paraguayan president-elect Santiago Pena on Friday as they reaffirmed relations between the island and its only diplomatic ally in South America, her office said. Economist and former finance minister Pena had vowed to continue recognizing Taiwan, and his win erased Taipei's fear that Paraguay would … Continue reading Taiwan leader, Paraguay president-elect reaffirm ties in phone call 

A Chinese invasion of Taiwan could potentially halt production by the world's largest advanced semiconductor chip maker, wiping out up to US$1 trillion per year from the global economy per year in the first few years, the top U.S. intelligence official said on Thursday. U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines presented what she called … Continue reading Chinese invasion halting Taiwan chip production ‘enormous’ global economic blow: top US spy 

Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said on Thursday that the delivery of 66 advanced new F-16Vs from the United States has been delayed due to supply chain disruptions and the ministry was working to minimize the damage and "make up deficiencies". The United States in 2019 approved an $8 billion sale of Lockheed Martin Corp … Continue reading Taiwan says F-16 deliveries delayed, working to minimize damage

A retired US general on Wednesday urged Taiwan to heed lessons from Russia's war in Ukraine and bolster its unmanned drone defences, with the island facing increasing military threats from China. Democratic Taiwan lives under constant threat of invasion by China, which views the island as part of its territory to be reclaimed one day … Continue reading US ex-general urges Taiwan to ‘learn from’ Russia-Ukraine conflict

Taiwan is seeking U.S. cooperation to make the island's next domestically developed fighter jet, the head of Taiwanese defence contractor Aerospace Industrial Development Corp (AIDC) said on Wednesday. Taiwan's air force scrambles daily to see off incursions by Chinese jets into the airspace around the island as Beijing steps up its pressure to try and … Continue reading Taiwan seeking US cooperation to make next generation fighters 

A Korean tourist died in a hotel in Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan and her Korean boyfriend who was traveling with her is under investigation, according to news reports. The 31-year-old woman was rushed to a hospital on April 24 after her boyfriend said he woke up from a nap and found she wasn’t breathing, according … Continue reading Korean tourist dies in Taiwan, boyfriend investigated 

Taiwan intends to fight for itself in any armed conflict with China and is unclear as to what countries might stand beside it, the self-governing island's foreign minister said. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be brought under its control by force if necessary, and concerns are rising about a possible armed conflict. … Continue reading Unclear who would help Taiwan in a war: foreign minister

Paraguayans are readying to head to the polls on Sunday in what could be the biggest electoral challenge to the ruling conservative Colorado Party in over a decade and with the country's near 70-year ties with Taiwan potentially at stake. The landlocked South American country of under 7 million people will start voting from 7 … Continue reading Paraguayans head to the polls with Taiwan ties at stake

A new type of Chinese combat drone that China's state media says can carry a heavy weapons payload has flown around Taiwan, the island's defence ministry said on Friday, in the latest uptick in military tensions. China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has increased military pressure on the island over the … Continue reading Taiwan says Chinese combat drone circled island

The billionaire founder of Taiwan's Foxconn and presidential hopeful Terry Gou said on Thursday China does not want war with the island and would not attack if he became president as he would not declare independence. Tension between Taipei and Beijing has surged in the run-up to January's presidential election in Taiwan, with China staging … Continue reading Founder of Taiwan’s Foxconn says China won’t attack if he’s president 

Taiwan plans to put Covid-19 in the same category of notifiable communicable diseases as influenza from May 1, the local disease monitoring agency said on Tuesday. Covid-19 is currently a category-five notifiable communicable disease, the agency said in a press release. The disease monitoring agency was founded in January 2020 to mitigate the impact of … Continue reading Taiwan to change Covid-19 classification 

Taiwan's annual Han Kuang military drills this year will focus on combating a blockade of the island and preserving the fighting ability of its forces, the defence ministry said on Wednesday. China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has ramped up military pressure over the past three years to try to assert … Continue reading Taiwan war games to focus on combating blockade, preserving forces 

Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei on Tuesday pledged his unconditional support for the "Republic of Taiwan" on a trip that comes as China steps up pressure on the handful of countries that still maintain formal ties with the island. Guatemala is one of only 13 countries with official diplomatic ties with China-claimed Taiwan. Honduras abandoned Taipei … Continue reading Guatemala president pledges strong support for ‘Republic of Taiwan’ 

A 21-member delegation of ethnic minorities from Taiwan visited Beijing from Tuesday to Thursday to get a better understanding of the ethnic cultures of the Chinese nation and exchange views with relevant parties on the development of relations across the Taiwan Strait as well as on exchanges and cooperation between ethnic minorities from the two … Continue reading Taiwan ethnic minority delegation visits Beijing

Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei will visit Taiwan April 24 to 26, his office said Friday, following a recent visit by Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen to Guatemala. The Guatemalan delegation will pitch the country as a destination for investment, the Guatemalan presidency said in a statement, and will tour several companies with the hopes of replicating … Continue reading Guatemala’s Giammattei to visit Taiwan April 24-26 

Taiwan authorities plan to attract foreign visitors to Taiwan by offering them vouchers worth NT$5,000 (~HK$1,282) as incentives from May 1, with the plan set to run through 2025. Under the detailed regulations regarding the incentive scheme published by Taiwan’s Tourism Bureau, independent travelers who enter Taiwan with a foreign passport and stay for three … Continue reading Taiwan to offer tourists, including HK’ers, NT$5,000 vouchers from May 1

Taiwan's Starlux Airlines Co Ltd is pushing Airbus SE to speed up deliveries as it seeks to expand its routes beyond Asia to keep up with booming post-pandemic demand, the carrier's chief executive said. Starlux, Taiwan's newest full-service airline, launched its first flights in 2020 and serves destinations including Tokyo, Bangkok, Macau, Hanoi and Singapore. … Continue reading Taiwan’s Starlux pushes Airbus on deliveries as it adds long-haul routes