Warning US President Joe Biden against playing with fire, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted that the historical ins and outs of the Taiwan question are crystal clear.

Xi told Biden ''The fact and status quo that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and same China.''

Not allowing any room for “Taiwan independence” forces, Xi said China firmly opposes separatist moves toward it.

"On Taiwan, President Biden underscored that the United States policy has not changed and that the United States strongly opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," according to the White House.

With China’s refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, differing perspectives on global health, economic policy, and human rights have long tested the relationship between the world's two leading economies.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today I spoke with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China as part of our efforts to deepen lines of communication, responsibly manage our differences, and address issues of mutual interest. <a href="https://t.co/mwIeg35h8j">pic.twitter.com/mwIeg35h8j</a>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1552711742681137152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

China has been on the offensive ever since reports emerged about US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s potential visit to Taiwan.

Since Republican Newt Gingrich visited the island in 1997, Pelosi would be the highest-ranking US elected official to travel to Taiwan.

Blaming the US for the deteriorating relationship between the two countries, Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, told reporters that “If the US insists on going its own way and challenging China’s bottom line, it will surely be met with forceful responses.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-congress-poised-to-pass-long-awaited-china-semiconductor-bill-501580">Also see | US&nbsp;Congress passes long-awaited bill to boost chipmakers, compete with China</a>

John Kirby, a US national security spokesman, told reporters at a White House briefing “The president wants to make sure that the lines of communication with President Xi remain open because they need to.”

“There are issues where we can cooperate with China on, and there are issues where obviously there are friction and tension.”

“This is one of the most consequential bilateral relationships in the world today, with ramifications well beyond both individual countries,” Kirby said.

Jinping, who is seeking an unprecedented third term in office at a congress of China's ruling Communist Party, has an interest in avoiding escalation as per analysts.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Warning US President Joe Biden against playing with fire, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted that the historical ins and outs of the Taiwan question are crystal clear.

Warning US President Joe Biden against playing with fire, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted that the historical ins and outs of the Taiwan question are crystal clear. Xi told Biden ''The fact and status quo that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and same China.'' Not allowing any room for “Taiwan independence” forces, Xi said China firmly opposes separatist moves toward it. "On Taiwan, President Biden underscored that the United States policy has not changed and that the United States strongly opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," according to the White House. With China’s refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, differing perspectives on global health, economic policy, and human rights have long tested the relationship between the world's two leading economies. Today I spoke with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China as part of our efforts to deepen lines of communication, responsibly manage our differences, and address issues of mutual interest. pic.twitter.com/mwIeg35h8j — President Biden (@POTUS) July 28, 2022 × China has been on the offensive ever since reports emerged about US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s potential visit to Taiwan. Since Republican Newt Gingrich visited the island in 1997, Pelosi would be the highest-ranking US elected official to travel to Taiwan. Blaming the US for the deteriorating relationship between the two countries, Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, told reporters that “If the US insists on going its own way and challenging China’s bottom line, it will surely be met with forceful responses.” Also see | US Congress passes long-awaited bill to boost chipmakers, compete with China John Kirby, a US national security spokesman, told reporters at a White House briefing “The president wants to make sure that the lines of communication with President Xi remain open because they need to.” “There are issues where we can cooperate with China on, and there are issues where obviously there are friction and tension.” “This is one of the most consequential bilateral relationships in the world today, with ramifications well beyond both individual countries,” Kirby said. Jinping, who is seeking an unprecedented third term in office at a congress of China's ruling Communist Party, has an interest in avoiding escalation as per analysts. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

'Those who play with fire will perish by it': Xi Jinping warns Joe Biden over Taiwan

You must be aware of the China-Taiwan issue; it's been happening since 1949. On October 1 of last year, when China observed its National Day to commemorate the founding of the People's Republic of China, tensions between the two countries resumed. Over 100 fighter jets from China flew into Taiwan's air defence identification zone during the 72nd anniversary festivities, rattling Taiwanese emotions and raising concerns about a possible military invasion of the island. We must first understand the cause of the China and Taiwan split to fully understand this matter. After World War II, there was combat in mainland China between nationalist government troops and the Chinese Communist Party, which led to a division between the two. In 1949, the communists prevailed, and Mao Zedong seized power in Beijing.&nbsp;The Kuomintang, a nationalist party, withdrew to neighbouring Taiwan during this time. Since then, the Kuomintang has been one of Taiwan's leading political parties and has ruled the island for a sizable portion of its history. China puts a lot of diplomatic pressure on other nations to avoid any actions that could be seen as recognition of Taiwan. Only 13 nations currently recognise Taiwan as a sovereign state.

Taiwan's authorities assert that their country is an independent state, but China regards Taiwan as a part of its territory and is desperate to seize control of it by force. Now the question is, why&nbsp;does Taiwan matter to China? Apart from its territorial integrity, the reason China wants Taiwan is because of its economic capabilities and western influence. You will observe the same thing in Ukraine as well. Why do you think Russia attacked Ukraine? Because Russia doesn't want any military bases close to its borders, it has repeatedly urged Ukraine not to join NATO or any other western allies. Taiwan experiences a similar issue. China does not want Taiwan to be the next Ukraine&nbsp;because China is aware that American and NATO forces intend to erect military infrastructure in Taiwan and China's foreign policy will be directly threatened by it. We should also keep in mind that China is quite savvy and is aware that whatever sanctions Russia is dealing with could apply to China in the future. Additionally, Taiwan's electronic industry draws the largest proportion of its foreign investment. China and Taiwan's economies are highly interdependent, with Taiwan's semiconductor manufacturing industry being the largest contract chip manufacturer in the world and Asia's most valuable listed company at 600 billion dollars. With an export value of 515 billion dollars from January 2017 to January 2022, China is Taiwan's largest export partner, more than twice as much as the next-largest partner, the United States. More chips from Taiwan are imported into China than crude oil. This means that China is heavily dependent on Taiwan for the essential components of its manufacturing and electrical industries.

Anyway, we know that Taiwan recognises itself as a sovereign nation. Taiwan maintains diplomatic ties with 15 nations, including major powers including the US, Australia, Canada, the EU, Japan, and New Zealand. Consequently, Taiwan's sovereignty is essentially supported by all western nations. Additionally, Taiwan has full membership in the World Trade Organization, the Asian Development Bank, and other intergovernmental organizations. So, if you look at Taiwan, of course they have the full right to be a sovereign country. I am not denying that. However, if you take a step back and look at it from a more traditional perspective, you'll find that the western nations do not support Taiwan because they favour democracy or because they have comparable democratic values. Since the West does a lot of business with China, in recent years it has begun to forge closer ties with Taiwan to keep China in check and prevent it from straying too far from the norm. And if you recall, in 2018—Trump's first year in office—China and the United States were engaged in a continuing economic struggle known as the "China-US trade war." Additionally, both nations have imposed sanctions on one another. As a result of the US-China trade war and the subsequent COVID-19 outbreak, China’s reputation around the world began to decline. Many Taiwanese and foreign companies that were based in mainland China started relocating back to Taiwan because of this. If you see, Taiwan became an indirect beneficiary of the US-China trade war.

So, the western countries do not want to let go of the leverage on China, and the leverage is Taiwan. Because of this, the United States, Australia, and Japan expressed alarm and disapproval when Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed the security arrangement with China and extended his country's allegiance to Beijing rather than Taiwan.

Despite US President Joe Biden's comments that he would be willing to use force to defend Taiwan, White House officials maintain that the US has not altered its policy. During the Quad Summit in Tokyo on May 23, 2022, US President Joe Biden suggested that any attempt by China to invade Taiwan would result in American military action. At the G-7 summit in Madrid, the UK's foreign secretary, Lizz Truss, recently warned China, saying, "I do think that with China extending its influence through economic coercion and building a capable military, there is a real risk that they draw the wrong idea, which results in a catastrophic miscalculation like invading Taiwan, and that is precisely what we saw in the case of Ukraine, a strategic miscalculation by Putin."&nbsp;Invoking Taiwan as an example, Truss argued that NATO needed to have a global perspective that included democracies outside of its membership.&nbsp;To protect the Pacific, she said, "we need to anticipate dangers in the Indo-Pacific, working with friends like Japan and Australia." "We must ensure that democracies like Taiwan can defend themselves." "We must ensure the self-defence of democracies like Taiwan."China dwarfs Britain, the sixth-largest economy in the world, both economically and militarily, but London still hopes to influence Beijing to abide by the rules of a new, more dynamic international order through the use of soft power and strategic partnerships.

Along with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, which brought an end to the Cold War, China's rapid economic and military development over the previous 40 years is seen as one of the most important geopolitical developments in recent times. Taiwan views the Ukraine scenario as a lesson in how to cope with China's military adventurism even though a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is not near. If recent actions by the US and Japan are any indication, both nations are stepping up their efforts to support Taiwan's resolve to counter the Chinese security threat. This is a natural move on the part of the US and Japan, and it provides a platform for other democracies and like-minded nations to contribute to preventing geopolitical instability in the Indo-Pacific. Regardless of how some foreign policy experts portray a controlled West-only situation, the consequences of the Russia-Ukraine conflict would be felt far beyond the Western world. Due to a protracted border dispute and ongoing standoffs with China, India has maintained a low profile with Taiwan. There has been a widespread belief that any attempt to engage Taiwan will provoke a fierce response from China. Due to their unresolved border conflict and China's frequent territorial incursions into Indian territory, China represents a serious threat to India. It would be appropriate for India to quit paying attention to China at the expense of engaging Taiwan after the Galwan skirmishes, which were preceded by decades of Chinese duplicity and attempts to halt India's development. 
 
(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

You must be aware of the China-Taiwan issue; it's been happening since 1949. On October 1 of last year, when China observed its National Day to commemorate the founding of the People's Republic of China, tensions between the two countries resumed.

You must be aware of the China-Taiwan issue; it's been happening since 1949. On October 1 of last year, when China observed its National Day to commemorate the founding of the People's Republic of China, tensions between the two countries resumed. Over 100 fighter jets from China flew into Taiwan's air defence identification zone during the 72nd anniversary festivities, rattling Taiwanese emotions and raising concerns about a possible military invasion of the island. We must first understand the cause of the China and Taiwan split to fully understand this matter. After World War II, there was combat in mainland China between nationalist government troops and the Chinese Communist Party, which led to a division between the two. In 1949, the communists prevailed, and Mao Zedong seized power in Beijing. The Kuomintang, a nationalist party, withdrew to neighbouring Taiwan during this time. Since then, the Kuomintang has been one of Taiwan's leading political parties and has ruled the island for a sizable portion of its history. China puts a lot of diplomatic pressure on other nations to avoid any actions that could be seen as recognition of Taiwan. Only 13 nations currently recognise Taiwan as a sovereign state. Taiwan's authorities assert that their country is an independent state, but China regards Taiwan as a part of its territory and is desperate to seize control of it by force. Now the question is, why does Taiwan matter to China? Apart from its territorial integrity, the reason China wants Taiwan is because of its economic capabilities and western influence. You will observe the same thing in Ukraine as well. Why do you think Russia attacked Ukraine? Because Russia doesn't want any military bases close to its borders, it has repeatedly urged Ukraine not to join NATO or any other western allies. Taiwan experiences a similar issue. China does not want Taiwan to be the next Ukraine because China is aware that American and NATO forces intend to erect military infrastructure in Taiwan and China's foreign policy will be directly threatened by it. We should also keep in mind that China is quite savvy and is aware that whatever sanctions Russia is dealing with could apply to China in the future. Additionally, Taiwan's electronic industry draws the largest proportion of its foreign investment. China and Taiwan's economies are highly interdependent, with Taiwan's semiconductor manufacturing industry being the largest contract chip manufacturer in the world and Asia's most valuable listed company at 600 billion dollars. With an export value of 515 billion dollars from January 2017 to January 2022, China is Taiwan's largest export partner, more than twice as much as the next-largest partner, the United States. More chips from Taiwan are imported into China than crude oil. This means that China is heavily dependent on Taiwan for the essential components of its manufacturing and electrical industries. Anyway, we know that Taiwan recognises itself as a sovereign nation. Taiwan maintains diplomatic ties with 15 nations, including major powers including the US, Australia, Canada, the EU, Japan, and New Zealand. Consequently, Taiwan's sovereignty is essentially supported by all western nations. Additionally, Taiwan has full membership in the World Trade Organization, the Asian Development Bank, and other intergovernmental organizations. So, if you look at Taiwan, of course they have the full right to be a sovereign country. I am not denying that. However, if you take a step back and look at it from a more traditional perspective, you'll find that the western nations do not support Taiwan because they favour democracy or because they have comparable democratic values. Since the West does a lot of business with China, in recent years it has begun to forge closer ties with Taiwan to keep China in check and prevent it from straying too far from the norm. And if you recall, in 2018—Trump's first year in office—China and the United States were engaged in a continuing economic struggle known as the "China-US trade war." Additionally, both nations have imposed sanctions on one another. As a result of the US-China trade war and the subsequent COVID-19 outbreak, China’s reputation around the world began to decline. Many Taiwanese and foreign companies that were based in mainland China started relocating back to Taiwan because of this. If you see, Taiwan became an indirect beneficiary of the US-China trade war. So, the western countries do not want to let go of the leverage on China, and the leverage is Taiwan. Because of this, the United States, Australia, and Japan expressed alarm and disapproval when Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed the security arrangement with China and extended his country's allegiance to Beijing rather than Taiwan. Despite US President Joe Biden's comments that he would be willing to use force to defend Taiwan, White House officials maintain that the US has not altered its policy. During the Quad Summit in Tokyo on May 23, 2022, US President Joe Biden suggested that any attempt by China to invade Taiwan would result in American military action. At the G-7 summit in Madrid, the UK's foreign secretary, Lizz Truss, recently warned China, saying, "I do think that with China extending its influence through economic coercion and building a capable military, there is a real risk that they draw the wrong idea, which results in a catastrophic miscalculation like invading Taiwan, and that is precisely what we saw in the case of Ukraine, a strategic miscalculation by Putin." Invoking Taiwan as an example, Truss argued that NATO needed to have a global perspective that included democracies outside of its membership. To protect the Pacific, she said, "we need to anticipate dangers in the Indo-Pacific, working with friends like Japan and Australia." "We must ensure that democracies like Taiwan can defend themselves." "We must ensure the self-defence of democracies like Taiwan."China dwarfs Britain, the sixth-largest economy in the world, both economically and militarily, but London still hopes to influence Beijing to abide by the rules of a new, more dynamic international order through the use of soft power and strategic partnerships. Along with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, which brought an end to the Cold War, China's rapid economic and military development over the previous 40 years is seen as one of the most important geopolitical developments in recent times. Taiwan views the Ukraine scenario as a lesson in how to cope with China's military adventurism even though a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is not near. If recent actions by the US and Japan are any indication, both nations are stepping up their efforts to support Taiwan's resolve to counter the Chinese security threat. This is a natural move on the part of the US and Japan, and it provides a platform for other democracies and like-minded nations to contribute to preventing geopolitical instability in the Indo-Pacific. Regardless of how some foreign policy experts portray a controlled West-only situation, the consequences of the Russia-Ukraine conflict would be felt far beyond the Western world. Due to a protracted border dispute and ongoing standoffs with China, India has maintained a low profile with Taiwan. There has been a widespread belief that any attempt to engage Taiwan will provoke a fierce response from China. Due to their unresolved border conflict and China's frequent territorial incursions into Indian territory, China represents a serious threat to India. It would be appropriate for India to quit paying attention to China at the expense of engaging Taiwan after the Galwan skirmishes, which were preceded by decades of Chinese duplicity and attempts to halt India's development. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Is the China-Taiwan conflict resembling the Russia-Ukraine conflict?

You must be aware of the China Taiwan issue; it’s happening since 1949. On October 1 of last year, when China observed its National Day to commemorate the founding of the People's Republic of China, tensions between the two countries resumed. Over 100 fighter jets from China flew into Taiwan's air defence identification zone during the 72nd-anniversary festivities, rattling Taiwanese emotions and raising concerns about a possible military invasion of the island. We must first see the cause of the China and Taiwan split to fully understand this matter. After World War II, there was combat in mainland China between nationalist government troops and the Chinese Communist Party, which led to the division between the two. In 1949, the communists prevailed, and Mao Zedong seized power in Beijing.&nbsp;The Kuomintang, a nationalist party, withdrew to neighbouring Taiwan during this time. Since then, the Kuomintang has been one of Taiwan's leading political parties and has ruled the island for a sizable portion of its history. China puts a lot of diplomatic pressure on other nations to avoid any actions that can be seen as recognition of Taiwan. Only 13 nations currently recognise Taiwan as a sovereign state.

Taiwan's authorities assert that their country is an independent state, but China regards Taiwan as a part of its territory and is desperate to seize control of it by force. Now here the question is why&nbsp;does Taiwan matter to China? Apart from the territorial integrity the reason China wants Taiwan is because of its economic capabilities and western influence.&nbsp;&nbsp;You will observe the same thing in Ukraine as well; why do you think Russia attacked Ukraine? Because Russia doesn't want any military bases close to its borders, it has repeatedly urged Ukraine not to join NATO or any other western allies. Taiwan experiences a similar issue. China does not want Taiwan to be the next Ukraine.&nbsp;because China is aware that American and NATO forces intend to erect military infrastructure in Taiwan and China's foreign policy will be directly threatened by it. We should also keep in mind that China is quite savvy and is aware that whatever sanctions Russia is dealing with could apply to China in the future. Additionally, Taiwan's electronic industry draws the largest proportion of its foreign investment. China and Taiwan's economies are highly interdependent, with Taiwan's semiconductor manufacturing industry being the largest contract chip manufacturer in the world and Asia's most valuable listed company at 600 billion dollars. With an export value of 515 billion dollars from January 2017 to January 2022, China is Taiwan's largest export partner, more than twice as much as the next-largest partner, the United States. More chips from Taiwan are imported into China than crude oil. This means that China is heavily dependent on Taiwan for the essential components of its manufacturing and electrical industries.

Anyway, we know that Taiwan recognizes itself as a sovereign nation. Taiwan maintains diplomatic ties with 15 nations, including major powers including the US, Australia, Canada, the EU, Japan, and New Zealand. Consequently, Taiwan's sovereignty is essentially supported by all western nations. Additionally, Taiwan has full membership in World Trade Organization, the Asian Development Bank, and other intergovernmental organizations. So, if you look at Taiwan of course they have full right to be a sovereign country, I am not denying that. However, if you take a step back and look at it from a more traditional perspective, you'll find that the western nations do not support Taiwan because they favour democracy or because they have comparable democratic values. Since the west does a lot of business with China, in recent years it has begun to forge closer ties with Taiwan to keep China in check and prevent it from straying too far from the norm. And if you recall, in 2018—Trump's first year in office—China and the United States were engaged in a continuing economic struggle known as the "China-US trade war." Additionally, both nations had imposed sanctions on one another. As a result of the US-China trade war and the subsequent COVID-19 outbreak, China’s name around the world began to decline. Many Taiwanese and foreign companies that were based in mainland China, started relocating back to Taiwan because of this if you see Taiwan became an indirect beneficiary of the US-China trade war.

So, the western countries do not want to let go of the leverage on China and the leverage is Taiwan. Because of this, the United States, Australia, and Japan expressed alarm and disapproval when Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed the security arrangement with China and extended his country's allegiance to Beijing rather than Taiwan. 

Despite US President Joe Biden's comments that he would be willing to use force to defend Taiwan, White House officials maintain that the US has not altered its policy. United States President Joe Biden suggested that any attempt by China to invade Taiwan will result in American military action during the Quad Summit in Tokyo on May 23, 2022. At the G-7 summit in Madrid, the UK's foreign secretary, Lizz Truss, recently warned China, saying, "I do think that with China extending its influence through economic coercion and building a capable military, there is a real risk that they draw the wrong idea, which results in a catastrophic miscalculation like invading Taiwan, and that is precisely what we saw in case of Ukraine, a strategic miscalculation by Putin.&nbsp;Invoking Taiwan as an example, Truss argued that NATO needed to have a global perspective that included democracies outside of its membership.&nbsp;To protect the Pacific, she said, "we need to anticipate dangers in the Indo-Pacific, working with friends like Japan and Australia." "We must ensure that democracies like Taiwan can defend themselves." "We must ensure the self-defence of democracies like Taiwan."China dwarfs Britain, the sixth-largest economy in the world, both economically and militarily, but London still hopes to influence Beijing to abide by the rules of a new, more dynamic international order through the use of soft power and strategic partnerships.

Along with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, which brought an end to the Cold War, China's rapid economic and military development over the previous 40 years is seen as one of the most important geopolitical developments in recent times. Taiwan views the Ukraine scenario as a lesson in how to cope with China's military adventurism even though a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is not near. If recent actions by the US and Japan are any indication, both nations are stepping up their efforts to support Taiwan's resolve to counter the Chinese security threat. This is a natural move on the part of the US and Japan, and it provides a platform for other democracies and like-minded nations to contribute to preventing geopolitical instability in the Indo-Pacific. The effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict would be felt well beyond the Western world, notwithstanding how some foreign policy experts portray a controlled West-only situation. Due to a protracted border dispute and ongoing standoffs with China, India has maintained a low profile with Taiwan. There has been a widespread belief that any attempt to engage Taiwan will provoke a fierce response from China. Due to their unresolved border conflict and China's frequent territorial incursions into Indian territory, China represents a serious threat to India. It would be appropriate for India to quit paying attention to China at the expense of engaging Taiwan after the Galwan skirmishes, which were preceded by decades of Chinese duplicity and attempts to halt India's development.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

You must be aware of the China Taiwan issue; it’s happening since 1949. On October 1 of last year, when China observed its National Day to commemorate the founding of the People's Republic of China, tensions between the two countries resumed.

You must be aware of the China Taiwan issue; it’s happening since 1949. On October 1 of last year, when China observed its National Day to commemorate the founding of the People's Republic of China, tensions between the two countries resumed. Over 100 fighter jets from China flew into Taiwan's air defence identification zone during the 72nd-anniversary festivities, rattling Taiwanese emotions and raising concerns about a possible military invasion of the island. We must first see the cause of the China and Taiwan split to fully understand this matter. After World War II, there was combat in mainland China between nationalist government troops and the Chinese Communist Party, which led to the division between the two. In 1949, the communists prevailed, and Mao Zedong seized power in Beijing. The Kuomintang, a nationalist party, withdrew to neighbouring Taiwan during this time. Since then, the Kuomintang has been one of Taiwan's leading political parties and has ruled the island for a sizable portion of its history. China puts a lot of diplomatic pressure on other nations to avoid any actions that can be seen as recognition of Taiwan. Only 13 nations currently recognise Taiwan as a sovereign state. Taiwan's authorities assert that their country is an independent state, but China regards Taiwan as a part of its territory and is desperate to seize control of it by force. Now here the question is why does Taiwan matter to China? Apart from the territorial integrity the reason China wants Taiwan is because of its economic capabilities and western influence. You will observe the same thing in Ukraine as well; why do you think Russia attacked Ukraine? Because Russia doesn't want any military bases close to its borders, it has repeatedly urged Ukraine not to join NATO or any other western allies. Taiwan experiences a similar issue. China does not want Taiwan to be the next Ukraine. because China is aware that American and NATO forces intend to erect military infrastructure in Taiwan and China's foreign policy will be directly threatened by it. We should also keep in mind that China is quite savvy and is aware that whatever sanctions Russia is dealing with could apply to China in the future. Additionally, Taiwan's electronic industry draws the largest proportion of its foreign investment. China and Taiwan's economies are highly interdependent, with Taiwan's semiconductor manufacturing industry being the largest contract chip manufacturer in the world and Asia's most valuable listed company at 600 billion dollars. With an export value of 515 billion dollars from January 2017 to January 2022, China is Taiwan's largest export partner, more than twice as much as the next-largest partner, the United States. More chips from Taiwan are imported into China than crude oil. This means that China is heavily dependent on Taiwan for the essential components of its manufacturing and electrical industries. Anyway, we know that Taiwan recognizes itself as a sovereign nation. Taiwan maintains diplomatic ties with 15 nations, including major powers including the US, Australia, Canada, the EU, Japan, and New Zealand. Consequently, Taiwan's sovereignty is essentially supported by all western nations. Additionally, Taiwan has full membership in World Trade Organization, the Asian Development Bank, and other intergovernmental organizations. So, if you look at Taiwan of course they have full right to be a sovereign country, I am not denying that. However, if you take a step back and look at it from a more traditional perspective, you'll find that the western nations do not support Taiwan because they favour democracy or because they have comparable democratic values. Since the west does a lot of business with China, in recent years it has begun to forge closer ties with Taiwan to keep China in check and prevent it from straying too far from the norm. And if you recall, in 2018—Trump's first year in office—China and the United States were engaged in a continuing economic struggle known as the "China-US trade war." Additionally, both nations had imposed sanctions on one another. As a result of the US-China trade war and the subsequent COVID-19 outbreak, China’s name around the world began to decline. Many Taiwanese and foreign companies that were based in mainland China, started relocating back to Taiwan because of this if you see Taiwan became an indirect beneficiary of the US-China trade war. So, the western countries do not want to let go of the leverage on China and the leverage is Taiwan. Because of this, the United States, Australia, and Japan expressed alarm and disapproval when Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed the security arrangement with China and extended his country's allegiance to Beijing rather than Taiwan. Despite US President Joe Biden's comments that he would be willing to use force to defend Taiwan, White House officials maintain that the US has not altered its policy. United States President Joe Biden suggested that any attempt by China to invade Taiwan will result in American military action during the Quad Summit in Tokyo on May 23, 2022. At the G-7 summit in Madrid, the UK's foreign secretary, Lizz Truss, recently warned China, saying, "I do think that with China extending its influence through economic coercion and building a capable military, there is a real risk that they draw the wrong idea, which results in a catastrophic miscalculation like invading Taiwan, and that is precisely what we saw in case of Ukraine, a strategic miscalculation by Putin. Invoking Taiwan as an example, Truss argued that NATO needed to have a global perspective that included democracies outside of its membership. To protect the Pacific, she said, "we need to anticipate dangers in the Indo-Pacific, working with friends like Japan and Australia." "We must ensure that democracies like Taiwan can defend themselves." "We must ensure the self-defence of democracies like Taiwan."China dwarfs Britain, the sixth-largest economy in the world, both economically and militarily, but London still hopes to influence Beijing to abide by the rules of a new, more dynamic international order through the use of soft power and strategic partnerships. Along with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, which brought an end to the Cold War, China's rapid economic and military development over the previous 40 years is seen as one of the most important geopolitical developments in recent times. Taiwan views the Ukraine scenario as a lesson in how to cope with China's military adventurism even though a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is not near. If recent actions by the US and Japan are any indication, both nations are stepping up their efforts to support Taiwan's resolve to counter the Chinese security threat. This is a natural move on the part of the US and Japan, and it provides a platform for other democracies and like-minded nations to contribute to preventing geopolitical instability in the Indo-Pacific. The effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict would be felt well beyond the Western world, notwithstanding how some foreign policy experts portray a controlled West-only situation. Due to a protracted border dispute and ongoing standoffs with China, India has maintained a low profile with Taiwan. There has been a widespread belief that any attempt to engage Taiwan will provoke a fierce response from China. Due to their unresolved border conflict and China's frequent territorial incursions into Indian territory, China represents a serious threat to India. It would be appropriate for India to quit paying attention to China at the expense of engaging Taiwan after the Galwan skirmishes, which were preceded by decades of Chinese duplicity and attempts to halt India's development. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

China-Taiwan conflict turning into another Russia-Ukraine situation?

Taiwan said China sent twenty-nine warplanes into its air defence identification zone (ADIZ) in the third-largest incursion this year.

The island nation scrambled jets as Chinese bombers and fighter planes flew to the south of the island.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-taiwan-is-booking-airsoft-guns-484756">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Why Taiwan is booking airsoft guns</a>

Taiwan said the Chinese planes included seventeen fighters and six H-6 bombers including electronic warfare and anti-submarine planes.

The bombers, electronic warfare and an intelligence gathering aircraft flew over Bashi Channel and into the Pacific, Taiwan's defence ministry said.

Watch:&nbsp;With Taiwan on target, China launches warship

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-with-taiwan-on-target-china-launches-warship-489239/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In January, China had sent 39 jets and last month 30 Chinese warplanes had entered Taiwan's air defence zone. In October last year, a record&nbsp;56 Chinese warplanes entered Taiwan's ADIZ.

China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province which it has threatened to unite by force if necessary. Last year Taiwan witnessed repeated Chinese incursions which the Tsai Ing-wen government claims is "grey zone" warfare designed to wear out Taiwan's forces.

China's latest move comes as it launched its third aircraft carrier the Fujian. China had earlier conducted a military drill around Taiwan amid continued tensions with Taipei.

(With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Taiwan said China sent twenty-nine warplanes into its air defence identification zone (ADIZ) in the third-largest incursion this year. The island nation scrambled jets as Chinese bombers and fighter planes flew to the south of the island.

Taiwan said China sent twenty-nine warplanes into its air defence identification zone (ADIZ) in the third-largest incursion this year. The island nation scrambled jets as Chinese bombers and fighter planes flew to the south of the island. Also Read in Pics: Why Taiwan is booking airsoft guns Taiwan said the Chinese planes included seventeen fighters and six H-6 bombers including electronic warfare and anti-submarine planes. The bombers, electronic warfare and an intelligence gathering aircraft flew over Bashi Channel and into the Pacific, Taiwan's defence ministry said. Watch: With Taiwan on target, China launches warship In January, China had sent 39 jets and last month 30 Chinese warplanes had entered Taiwan's air defence zone. In October last year, a record 56 Chinese warplanes entered Taiwan's ADIZ. China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province which it has threatened to unite by force if necessary. Last year Taiwan witnessed repeated Chinese incursions which the Tsai Ing-wen government claims is "grey zone" warfare designed to wear out Taiwan's forces. China's latest move comes as it launched its third aircraft carrier the Fujian. China had earlier conducted a military drill around Taiwan amid continued tensions with Taipei. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China sends 29 warplanes into Taiwan's air defence zone

Taiwan is developing new advanced missiles and drones&nbsp;to attack enemy air bases according to its military-owned National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology.

The country's defence ministry has said that it is planning to double Taiwan's annual missile production capacity.

"It could greatly boost the national army's capacity to delay or paralyse the Communist forces' pace of an invasion of Taiwan, making it hard for them to achieve a rapid war," a researcher at Taipei-based National Policy Foundation, Chieh Chung told Reuters.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/days-after-chinese-fm-visit-top-tibetan-official-meets-indian-mps-taiwan-envoy-in-delhi-469324/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Political analysts have predicted that China can use Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an opportunity to attack Taiwan.

Beijing claims Taiwan is an inalienable part of the country under the ''one-China'' policy and if it resists it will be seized by force.

According to M. Taylor Fravel, director of the security studies program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, “The big question Xi Jinping and the PLA leadership must be asking in light of Russian operations in Ukraine is whether a military that has undergone extensive reform and modernisation will be able to execute operations that are far more complex than those Russia has undertaken during its invasion of Ukraine.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-chinese-fighter-jets-enter-taiwans-air-defence-zone-456169">Also read |&nbsp;Two Chinese fighter jets enter Taiwan’s air defence zone</a>

Earlier, Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said, "If the Taiwan issue were not handled properly, it would have a damaging impact on Sino-US&nbsp;relations."&nbsp;

"China hopes to establish a healthy and stable major-country relationship with the US, and will also defend its national interests and dignity."&nbsp;

“Beijing demands that the United States stop military provocations at sea and not use the Ukrainian issue to discredit, frame, threaten and pressure China,” he added.

Taiwan's President Tsai-ing Wen had approved an additional $8.20 billion in military spending last year due to a rise in the number of Chinese planes breaching Taipei's air defence identification zone.

This will be utlised for on anti-ship weapons such as mass-produced homegrown missiles and ''high-performance'' ships.

Calling Taiwan, the champion of "asymmetric warfare," Tsai said modernising the country's military is a top priority.

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin had said that Washington will the first batch of MQ-9 Reaper drones to Taiwan by 2025.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan is developing new advanced missiles and drones to attack enemy air bases according to its military-owned National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology.

Taiwan is developing new advanced missiles and drones to attack enemy air bases according to its military-owned National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology. The country's defence ministry has said that it is planning to double Taiwan's annual missile production capacity. "It could greatly boost the national army's capacity to delay or paralyse the Communist forces' pace of an invasion of Taiwan, making it hard for them to achieve a rapid war," a researcher at Taipei-based National Policy Foundation, Chieh Chung told Reuters. Political analysts have predicted that China can use Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an opportunity to attack Taiwan. Beijing claims Taiwan is an inalienable part of the country under the ''one-China'' policy and if it resists it will be seized by force. According to M. Taylor Fravel, director of the security studies program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, “The big question Xi Jinping and the PLA leadership must be asking in light of Russian operations in Ukraine is whether a military that has undergone extensive reform and modernisation will be able to execute operations that are far more complex than those Russia has undertaken during its invasion of Ukraine.” Also read | Two Chinese fighter jets enter Taiwan’s air defence zone Earlier, Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said, "If the Taiwan issue were not handled properly, it would have a damaging impact on Sino-US relations." "China hopes to establish a healthy and stable major-country relationship with the US, and will also defend its national interests and dignity." “Beijing demands that the United States stop military provocations at sea and not use the Ukrainian issue to discredit, frame, threaten and pressure China,” he added. Taiwan's President Tsai-ing Wen had approved an additional $8.20 billion in military spending last year due to a rise in the number of Chinese planes breaching Taipei's air defence identification zone. This will be utlised for on anti-ship weapons such as mass-produced homegrown missiles and ''high-performance'' ships. Calling Taiwan, the champion of "asymmetric warfare," Tsai said modernising the country's military is a top priority. US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin had said that Washington will the first batch of MQ-9 Reaper drones to Taiwan by 2025. (With inputs from agencies)

With an eye on China, Taiwan is developing new advanced missiles, drones

Taiwan is considering extending its four-month military service requirement, the country's defence minister said Wednesday. The announcement comes amid tensions between Taiwan and China, which are further exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The war in Ukraine has stirred debate in Chinese-claimed&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;about its own readiness and tactics should Beijing ever make good on threats to take the island by force.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-with-ukraine-under-attack-taiwan-military-gears-up-461763#reservists-being-trained-461756">In pics | With Ukraine under attack, Taiwan military gears up</a>

Chiu Kuo-cheng, minister of defence, said the government would not make any changes immediately, but he pledged to release the results of its internal research regardless of what they decide.

In response to questions from lawmakers, Chiu said that proposals for extending military service were still being considered and a plan would "definitely" be presented this year.

"Currently, we are still in the research stage. This year we will definitely have results."&nbsp;

"We must consider the enemy situation and our defensive operations in terms of military strength," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-allies-talk-of-expelling-russia-from-g20-china-defends-moscow-calls-it-an-important-member-464908" hreflang="en">As US, allies talk of expelling Russia from G20, China defends Moscow, calls it an 'important member'</a>

The changes would not become effective for a year following their announcement, and any changes would be made in consultation with legislators.

There have been some calls in Taiwan to extend the four-month compulsory military service.

China has increased its military harassment of Taiwan in recent years, sending fighter jets to Taiwan almost daily.&nbsp; 
During a civil war in 1949, Taiwan and China separated.

The Taiwan-China situation has been compared to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February by many experts.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia reiterates 'nuclear threat', will use weapons if required

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-reiterates-nuclear-threat-will-use-weapons-if-required-464885/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Despite this, the situation does not fit a simple narrative, and experts have said so far that military action from China is unlikely.&nbsp;

An official of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party publicly stated that extending the mandatory service period is "necessary" due to the war in Ukraine.

Taiwan has shown sympathy for the war between Russia and Ukraine, having raised more than $10.6 million in five days to help Ukraine's refugee relief efforts.

There are more than 215,000 members of Taiwan's military, and the majority are volunteers. Taiwanese men over the age of 18 are required to serve in the military for four months.

(With inputs from agencies)

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

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

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

As the tensions between China and Taiwan continue to escalate, Taiwan witnessed approximately 950 intrusions by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) military planes into its Air Defence Identification Zone in 2021 so far, local media reported citing data from the Ministry of National Defense.&nbsp;

There's a reported 60 per cent increase from the previous year as intrusions in 2021 is double the combined sum of that in 2019 and 2020.&nbsp;

Taiwan News report stated that the island is anticipating a further rise in the number of intrusions as China has ramped up sorties over the past few years.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-buys-25-chinese-j-10c-fighters-in-response-to-indias-rafale-441092">Pakistan buys 25 Chinese J-10C fighters in response to India's Rafale</a>

The reports further mentioned that the number of flights might increase in 2022 as tensions rise over major political events between the two sides.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, China's Defense Ministry has reacted in a rather belligerent tone as it said that the number of aircraft sorties is "higher, not lower than the figure" Taiwan revealed.&nbsp;

Global Times citing experts reported that it reflects the poor detection capability of Taiwan's armed forces, it can be proved to be disastrous if conflict breaks out.&nbsp;

"The PLA dispatched more warplanes to routine drills near Taiwan than the DPP authorities revealed, Chinese Defense Ministry said in response to DPP's recent claims," Global Times report mentioned.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-replaces-soldiers-with-robots-in-tibet-as-soldiers-fleeing-in-harsh-winters-441159">China replaces 'soldiers with robots' in Tibet as soldiers ‘fleeing’ in harsh winters</a>

A Chinese military aviation expert Fu Qianshao told the Global Times on Thursday (December 30) that the reason why Taiwan defence authorities reported fewer PLA warplanes. He said a lack of technical capabilities to detect them could be responsible.&nbsp;

As per the report, Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, during a press conference on Thursday, said the reason behind ongoing tensions is Taiwan's intentions to seek "independence". Tan Kefei is a spokesperson from China's Ministry of National Defense.&nbsp;

Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan, a democracy of almost 24 million people, even though the two sides have been governed separately for more than seven decades.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-deploys-robot-soldiers-along-the-border-with-india-441284/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

As the tensions between China and Taiwan continue to escalate, Taiwan witnessed approximately 950 intrusions by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) military planes into its Air Defence Identification Zone in 2021 so far, local media reported citing data from the Ministry of National Defense.

As the tensions between China and Taiwan continue to escalate, Taiwan witnessed approximately 950 intrusions by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) military planes into its Air Defence Identification Zone in 2021 so far, local media reported citing data from the Ministry of National Defense. There's a reported 60 per cent increase from the previous year as intrusions in 2021 is double the combined sum of that in 2019 and 2020. Taiwan News report stated that the island is anticipating a further rise in the number of intrusions as China has ramped up sorties over the past few years. ALSO READ | Pakistan buys 25 Chinese J-10C fighters in response to India's Rafale The reports further mentioned that the number of flights might increase in 2022 as tensions rise over major political events between the two sides. Meanwhile, China's Defense Ministry has reacted in a rather belligerent tone as it said that the number of aircraft sorties is "higher, not lower than the figure" Taiwan revealed. Global Times citing experts reported that it reflects the poor detection capability of Taiwan's armed forces, it can be proved to be disastrous if conflict breaks out. "The PLA dispatched more warplanes to routine drills near Taiwan than the DPP authorities revealed, Chinese Defense Ministry said in response to DPP's recent claims," Global Times report mentioned. ALSO READ | China replaces 'soldiers with robots' in Tibet as soldiers ‘fleeing’ in harsh winters A Chinese military aviation expert Fu Qianshao told the Global Times on Thursday (December 30) that the reason why Taiwan defence authorities reported fewer PLA warplanes. He said a lack of technical capabilities to detect them could be responsible. As per the report, Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, during a press conference on Thursday, said the reason behind ongoing tensions is Taiwan's intentions to seek "independence". Tan Kefei is a spokesperson from China's Ministry of National Defense. Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan, a democracy of almost 24 million people, even though the two sides have been governed separately for more than seven decades. ×

Sharpening its rhetoric, Chinese state media says PLA sent more warplanes over Taiwan than Taipei acknowledged

To strengthen its defence capabilities, Taiwan's army on Tuesday (December 21) conducted specialised training for its tank platoons at the Kengzikou training ground in Hsinchu, as reported by CNA.&nbsp;

As per the report, Taiwan's army battle tanks showed off their fighting capability at a combat firing exercise as two platoons of M-60 Patton and CM-11 Brave Tiger battle tanks open fire at invading forces in a mock attack.&nbsp;

Taiwan lives under the constant threat of invasion by China, which has increased military and diplomatic pressure in the past two years to assert its sovereignty claims. It also&nbsp;has vowed to seize it one day.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-is-on-a-school-building-spree-in-iraq-over-1000-by-two-firms-438380">China is on a school-building spree in Iraq. Over 1,000 by two firms</a>

As per the report, the Army Armored Training Command said that the training has separate military bases and joint training base training modes.

The department also noted that the current tank platoon specialisation training has two&nbsp;tank platoons per echelon. Thirteen echelons and 26 platoons have been implemented.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-holds-military-drills-amid-china-invasion-fears-438705/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Re-emphasising the unification of China, Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday (December 20) said that Taiwan is a "wanderer" who will eventually "return home" and should "not be used as a pawn".&nbsp;

Reacting to Wang's statement, Taiwan's China-policymaking Mainland Affairs Council said that the island had never been a part of the People's Republic of China.&nbsp;

"It is neither a wanderer nor a chess piece. Only the 23 million people of Taiwan have the right to decide Taiwan's future, and absolutely will not accept a path laid out by an autocratic political system," it said in a statement sent to Reuters. &nbsp;

To strengthen its defence capabilities, Taiwan's army on Tuesday (December 21) conducted specialised training for its tank platoons at the Kengzikou training ground in Hsinchu, as reported by CNA.

To strengthen its defence capabilities, Taiwan's army on Tuesday (December 21) conducted specialised training for its tank platoons at the Kengzikou training ground in Hsinchu, as reported by CNA. As per the report, Taiwan's army battle tanks showed off their fighting capability at a combat firing exercise as two platoons of M-60 Patton and CM-11 Brave Tiger battle tanks open fire at invading forces in a mock attack. Taiwan lives under the constant threat of invasion by China, which has increased military and diplomatic pressure in the past two years to assert its sovereignty claims. It also has vowed to seize it one day. ALSO READ | China is on a school-building spree in Iraq. Over 1,000 by two firms As per the report, the Army Armored Training Command said that the training has separate military bases and joint training base training modes. The department also noted that the current tank platoon specialisation training has two tank platoons per echelon. Thirteen echelons and 26 platoons have been implemented. × Re-emphasising the unification of China, Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday (December 20) said that Taiwan is a "wanderer" who will eventually "return home" and should "not be used as a pawn". Reacting to Wang's statement, Taiwan's China-policymaking Mainland Affairs Council said that the island had never been a part of the People's Republic of China. "It is neither a wanderer nor a chess piece. Only the 23 million people of Taiwan have the right to decide Taiwan's future, and absolutely will not accept a path laid out by an autocratic political system," it said in a statement sent to Reuters.

Taiwan tank platoons conduct combat firing exercises to strengthen defence abilities

On Monday, US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping opened a virtual summit, calling for more communication between the superpowers and "guardrails" to prevent a conflict.

Biden said they must create "guardrails" so that the competition between the two countries does not veer into conflict, whether intended or unintended.&nbsp;They would have a "candid" discussion, he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/insisting-china-play-by-the-rules-of-the-road-biden-xi-virtual-summit-seeks-to-settle-tense-relationship-429637">Insisting China 'play by the rules of the road', Biden-Xi virtual summit seeks to settle tense relationship</a>

Referring to Biden as his "old friend," Beijing's Xi said the rivals must work more closely.&nbsp;"China and the United States need to increase communication and cooperation," he said.

"A sound and steady China-US&nbsp;relationship is required for advancing our two countries’ respective development and for safeguarding a peaceful and stable international environment, including finding effective responses to global challenges such as climate change, which you referenced, and the COVID pandemic."

Jen Psaki, White House spokeswoman, said Biden was going into the summit, "from a position of strength." and after months of building alliances with other democracies to contain China.

In Psaki's words, the meeting is "an opportunity to set the terms of competition with China" and to insist Beijing "play by the rules of the road."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/achieving-what-trump-couldnt-biden-celebrates-rare-win-with-us-infrastructure-bill-signing-429648">Achieving what Trump couldn't, Biden celebrates rare win with US infrastructure bill signing</a>

In the lead up to the meeting, most attention was focused on the dispute over Taiwan, a self-governing democracy claimed by China with Biden's advisers looking at the summit as a chance to prevent tensions from escalating.

During Donald Trump's presidency, relations between the two superpowers deteriorated, as the president launched a trade war with China and denounced Beijing's response to an international probe into the origins of the Covid pandemic in Wuhan, China.

According to Biden, the confrontation is a contest between democracy and autocracy.

Despite a more measured tone than during the Trump era, tension over Taiwan threatens to escalate into a more dangerous situation.

Recent years have seen an increase in Chinese military activity near Taiwan, with a record number of Beijing's warplanes breaching the air defence zone of the island last October.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-taiwan-warnings-ahead-of-biden-xi-summit-429229">US, China trade Taiwan warnings ahead of Biden-Xi summit</a>

Although the United States says it supports Taiwan's self-defence, it is ambiguous about whether the country will intervene directly.

In a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that "any connivance of and support for the 'Taiwan independence' forces undermines peace across the Taiwan Strait and would only boomerang in the end,"

China's foreign ministry on Monday put the onus on Biden to improve relations.

"We hope that the US will work in the same direction as China to get along with each other," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters.

Watch |&nbsp;Virtual meeting between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping amid rising economic, military tensions

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/virtual-meeting-between-joe-biden-and-xi-jinping-amid-rising-economic-military-tensions-429653/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to a US administration official, Biden will be "very direct" on China's "coercive and provocative behavior with respect to Taiwan."

However, the official also said that the two countries could cooperate in many different areas, such as climate change.

On Monday, US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping opened a virtual summit, calling for more communication between the superpowers and "guardrails" to prevent a conflict.

On Monday, US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping opened a virtual summit, calling for more communication between the superpowers and "guardrails" to prevent a conflict. Biden said they must create "guardrails" so that the competition between the two countries does not veer into conflict, whether intended or unintended. They would have a "candid" discussion, he added. Also read | Insisting China 'play by the rules of the road', Biden-Xi virtual summit seeks to settle tense relationship Referring to Biden as his "old friend," Beijing's Xi said the rivals must work more closely. "China and the United States need to increase communication and cooperation," he said. "A sound and steady China-US relationship is required for advancing our two countries’ respective development and for safeguarding a peaceful and stable international environment, including finding effective responses to global challenges such as climate change, which you referenced, and the COVID pandemic." Jen Psaki, White House spokeswoman, said Biden was going into the summit, "from a position of strength." and after months of building alliances with other democracies to contain China. In Psaki's words, the meeting is "an opportunity to set the terms of competition with China" and to insist Beijing "play by the rules of the road." Also read | Achieving what Trump couldn't, Biden celebrates rare win with US infrastructure bill signing In the lead up to the meeting, most attention was focused on the dispute over Taiwan, a self-governing democracy claimed by China with Biden's advisers looking at the summit as a chance to prevent tensions from escalating. During Donald Trump's presidency, relations between the two superpowers deteriorated, as the president launched a trade war with China and denounced Beijing's response to an international probe into the origins of the Covid pandemic in Wuhan, China. According to Biden, the confrontation is a contest between democracy and autocracy. Despite a more measured tone than during the Trump era, tension over Taiwan threatens to escalate into a more dangerous situation. Recent years have seen an increase in Chinese military activity near Taiwan, with a record number of Beijing's warplanes breaching the air defence zone of the island last October. Also read | US, China trade Taiwan warnings ahead of Biden-Xi summit Although the United States says it supports Taiwan's self-defence, it is ambiguous about whether the country will intervene directly. In a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that "any connivance of and support for the 'Taiwan independence' forces undermines peace across the Taiwan Strait and would only boomerang in the end," China's foreign ministry on Monday put the onus on Biden to improve relations. "We hope that the US will work in the same direction as China to get along with each other," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters. Watch | Virtual meeting between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping amid rising economic, military tensions According to a US administration official, Biden will be "very direct" on China's "coercive and provocative behavior with respect to Taiwan." However, the official also said that the two countries could cooperate in many different areas, such as climate change.

US-China virtual summit: Biden seeks 'guardrails' against conflict, Xi calls for better communication

In a virtual summit scheduled for Monday, US President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping will talk about Taiwan and other flashpoints, but neither side seems receptive to a significant compromise.

After Biden's inauguration in January, the two leaders have spoken by phone twice, but since Xi refused to travel abroad due to the pandemic, an online video meeting was the only option short of an in-person summit.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-sets-conciliatory-tone-ahead-of-biden-talks-428353">Xi Jinping sets conciliatory tone ahead of Biden talks</a>

Jen Psaki, White House spokeswoman, said Biden was going into the summit, "from a position of strength." It is expected to last a couple of hours. This is after months of building alliances with other democracies to contain China.

In Psaki's words, the meeting is "an opportunity to set the terms of competition with China" and to insist Beijing "play by the rules of the road."

In the lead up to the meeting, most attention was focused on the dispute over Taiwan, a self-governing democracy claimed by China. Biden's advisers see the summit as a chance to prevent tensions from escalating.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-taiwan-warnings-ahead-of-biden-xi-summit-429229">US, China trade Taiwan warnings ahead of Biden-Xi summit</a>

A US administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters that Biden will "make clear that we want to build common guardrails to avoid miscalculation."

While the White House was seeking to temper expectations, an official said that the summit "is not a meeting where we expect deliverables to be coming out."

In his decades of public service, Biden has often stressed the importance of face-to-face meetings over phone conversations.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Joe Biden to meet Xi Jinping 'virtually' | Taiwan to feature prominently in talks

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-joe-biden-to-meet-xi-jinping-virtually-taiwan-to-feature-prominently-in-talks-429622/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Xi hasn't stepped out of the country in almost two years, and Biden has sharply criticized his absence from the recent G20 and COP26 climate summits.

In a virtual summit scheduled for Monday, US President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping will talk about Taiwan and other flashpoints, but neither side seems receptive to a significant compromise.

In a virtual summit scheduled for Monday, US President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping will talk about Taiwan and other flashpoints, but neither side seems receptive to a significant compromise. After Biden's inauguration in January, the two leaders have spoken by phone twice, but since Xi refused to travel abroad due to the pandemic, an online video meeting was the only option short of an in-person summit. Also read | Xi Jinping sets conciliatory tone ahead of Biden talks Jen Psaki, White House spokeswoman, said Biden was going into the summit, "from a position of strength." It is expected to last a couple of hours. This is after months of building alliances with other democracies to contain China. In Psaki's words, the meeting is "an opportunity to set the terms of competition with China" and to insist Beijing "play by the rules of the road." In the lead up to the meeting, most attention was focused on the dispute over Taiwan, a self-governing democracy claimed by China. Biden's advisers see the summit as a chance to prevent tensions from escalating. Also read | US, China trade Taiwan warnings ahead of Biden-Xi summit A US administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters that Biden will "make clear that we want to build common guardrails to avoid miscalculation." While the White House was seeking to temper expectations, an official said that the summit "is not a meeting where we expect deliverables to be coming out." In his decades of public service, Biden has often stressed the importance of face-to-face meetings over phone conversations. Watch | Gravitas: Joe Biden to meet Xi Jinping 'virtually' | Taiwan to feature prominently in talks Xi hasn't stepped out of the country in almost two years, and Biden has sharply criticized his absence from the recent G20 and COP26 climate summits.

Insisting China 'play by the rules of the road', Biden-Xi virtual summit seeks to settle tense relationship

European nations had long kept Taiwan at arm’s length, wary of provoking Beijing, which opposes contact with the island it claims as its territory.

But an unusual flurry of diplomatic activity suggests a subtle shift may be underway in Europe, driven in part by the region’s growing frustration over China’s aggressive posture.

Two weeks ago, Taiwan’s foreign minister, Joseph Wu, went on a charm offensive in Europe, stopping in Brussels for unprecedented, though informal, meetings with European Union lawmakers. The European Parliament overwhelmingly backed a resolution calling for stronger ties with Taiwan, which it described as a “partner and democratic ally in the Indo-Pacific.”

Then, last week, the Parliament sent its first-ever formal delegation to visit the island, defying Beijing’s threats of retaliation.

“We came here with a very simple, clear message: ‘You are not alone,’” Raphaël Glucksmann, a French member of the European Parliament and the leader of the delegation, told Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, in a meeting in Taipei last Thursday. “Europe is standing with you.”

The burst of diplomatic engagement with Taiwan would have been unlikely even a year ago. At that time, Europe and China were finally and speedily finishing a long-dormant deal to make it easier for companies to operate on each other’s territory, scoring what was briefly seen as a geopolitical victory for Beijing.

But China’s increasingly assertive brand of authoritarianism under its leader, Xi Jinping, has fed distrust and some distaste, too. European lawmakers blocked the investment agreement, citing China’s human rights violations and sanctions. Now concerns about the Chinese Communist Party’s crackdown in Hong Kong, its handling of the coronavirus pandemic and its strategy of intimidating Taiwan with Chinese warplanes appear to have also prompted a growing willingness in Europe to reevaluate — and strengthen — its ties with Taiwan.

“For the first time in history, in a very significant way, there has been a subtle but noticeable shift in European perceptions of Taiwan,” said Janka Oertel, director of the Asia Program at the European Council on Foreign Relations. “There has been a clear realization that the situation in Taiwan is of concern to Europeans not only from a values perspective but from the perspective of regional security architecture.”

To be sure, Europe’s economic interests in China are huge, and the focus on Taiwan is still a minority effort. Europe has shown no intention of abandoning its long-standing policy of recognizing Beijing’s position that there is only one Chinese government.

Europe is both reluctant and badly equipped to get involved militarily in the Indo-Pacific in the face of Washington’s intense focus on deterring China from attacking Taiwan. The recent controversy over Australia’s dumping a major submarine contract with France in favor of one with the United States (in which Britain played a supporting role) has angered many not just in Paris but also in Brussels.

France, Glucksmann’s home, has at least 1.5 million citizens in the Indo-Pacific and some 8,000 troops permanently based there. But no other European country has or intends to have a constant military presence in the region as the United States does. Britain and Germany are more ambivalent about Taiwan; a German warship chose to avoid the Taiwan Strait after a warning from Beijing, while Britain did send one of its new carriers through the strait in September.

Still, to many in Taiwan and in Europe, too, the island would seem a natural partner for Europe, which prides itself as a “union of values.” Taiwan is a flourishing democracy with an independent legal system and strong protections for individual rights and the environment.

Taiwan has also worked to burnish its image globally with its response to the pandemic. Having the virus largely under control at home, Taiwan sent millions of masks to various countries, including in Europe, winning praise from officials around the region.

More recently, a continuing shortage of semiconductor chips has highlighted Taiwan’s role as an indispensable node in the global supply chain for the chips, which power everything from iPhones to German cars.

“Democracy coupled with chips is a winning formula in Europe,” said Theresa Fallon, director of the Center for Russia Europe Asia Studies, a research institution in Brussels.

Taiwan has sought to play to its strengths. The European Parliament delegation spent much of its three-day trip to Taiwan meeting with policy research groups and non-government organizations to discuss how to fight disinformation. Glucksmann, who was among the Parliament members sanctioned by Beijing this year for his criticism of China’s human rights record, said that Europe had been traditionally more focused on interference from Russia, rather than China.

“Not cooperating with Taiwan is a mistake, because where can you find better knowledge of the Chinese regime than here?” Glucksmann said in an interview in Taipei.

Taiwan has also sought to promote business ties with Europe. It sent a 66-member delegation of officials and business leaders to the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Lithuania to discuss investment and industrial cooperation.

While Taiwan’s ultimate goal is to reach a bilateral investment agreement with Europe, it is also focused on institutionalizing ties to counter China’s efforts at diplomatic isolation. In recent years, Beijing has continued to peel off Taiwan’s formal diplomatic partners. Of Taiwan’s 15 remaining allies, only one — the Vatican — is in Europe. But Taiwan scored a small win this year when Lithuania pressed ahead with plans to open a representative office early next year in Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, despite outrage from Beijing.

“Taiwan is trying really hard to entice the European Union in order to diversify its own exports and decrease our dependence on China,” said Cho Chung-hung, a professor and the director of the Institute of European Studies at Tamkang University in New Taipei City. “Taiwan is trying to take this opportunity to create more sustained and normalized relations with Europe.”

Beijing has protested and vowed to take countermeasures against each act of outreach to Taiwan, including recalling its ambassador from Lithuania in August. But China might be wary of jeopardizing its access to the European market and further pushing the bloc toward the United States. Last month, Charles Michel, the president of the council representing the European bloc’s 27 members, spoke with Xi, China’s leader, for the first time since the investment agreement was derailed in May. After the call, Michel announced on his Twitter account that the two sides had agreed to hold a virtual summit soon.

Despite the call, relations between Beijing and the European Union are unlikely to quickly improve. Beijing is unwilling to back down on issues it sees as core interests, such as Taiwan and Xinjiang, which are a focus of the tensions, said Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing.

Of Europe’s recent actions in support of Taiwan, Shi said, “This is what China hates to see; this is not what makes the Chinese government happy.

“But there seems to be no way out of it all in the near future,” he said.

It remains to be seen how much of the European support for Taiwan is merely rhetorical. Members of the European Parliament have more leeway than their counterparts in the European Council or Commission to make strong political gestures in favor of Taiwan. The new government in Germany and upcoming elections in France will be crucial to shaping the region’s relationship with both Beijing and Taipei.

“The EU is going through this moment of self-reflection,” said Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy, a Taipei-based researcher and a former political adviser in the European Parliament. “‘What kind of relationship do we want to have with China?’ and ‘What kind of relationship are we willing to have with Taiwan?’ These are the two big questions that still need to be addressed.” 
&nbsp;

European nations had long kept Taiwan at arm’s length, wary of provoking Beijing, which opposes contact with the island it claims as its territory. But an unusual flurry of diplomatic activity suggests a subtle shift may be underway in Europe, driven in part by the region’s growing frustration over China’s aggressive posture.

European nations had long kept Taiwan at arm’s length, wary of provoking Beijing, which opposes contact with the island it claims as its territory. But an unusual flurry of diplomatic activity suggests a subtle shift may be underway in Europe, driven in part by the region’s growing frustration over China’s aggressive posture. Two weeks ago, Taiwan’s foreign minister, Joseph Wu, went on a charm offensive in Europe, stopping in Brussels for unprecedented, though informal, meetings with European Union lawmakers. The European Parliament overwhelmingly backed a resolution calling for stronger ties with Taiwan, which it described as a “partner and democratic ally in the Indo-Pacific.” Then, last week, the Parliament sent its first-ever formal delegation to visit the island, defying Beijing’s threats of retaliation. “We came here with a very simple, clear message: ‘You are not alone,’” Raphaël Glucksmann, a French member of the European Parliament and the leader of the delegation, told Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, in a meeting in Taipei last Thursday. “Europe is standing with you.” The burst of diplomatic engagement with Taiwan would have been unlikely even a year ago. At that time, Europe and China were finally and speedily finishing a long-dormant deal to make it easier for companies to operate on each other’s territory, scoring what was briefly seen as a geopolitical victory for Beijing. But China’s increasingly assertive brand of authoritarianism under its leader, Xi Jinping, has fed distrust and some distaste, too. European lawmakers blocked the investment agreement, citing China’s human rights violations and sanctions. Now concerns about the Chinese Communist Party’s crackdown in Hong Kong, its handling of the coronavirus pandemic and its strategy of intimidating Taiwan with Chinese warplanes appear to have also prompted a growing willingness in Europe to reevaluate — and strengthen — its ties with Taiwan. “For the first time in history, in a very significant way, there has been a subtle but noticeable shift in European perceptions of Taiwan,” said Janka Oertel, director of the Asia Program at the European Council on Foreign Relations. “There has been a clear realization that the situation in Taiwan is of concern to Europeans not only from a values perspective but from the perspective of regional security architecture.” To be sure, Europe’s economic interests in China are huge, and the focus on Taiwan is still a minority effort. Europe has shown no intention of abandoning its long-standing policy of recognizing Beijing’s position that there is only one Chinese government. Europe is both reluctant and badly equipped to get involved militarily in the Indo-Pacific in the face of Washington’s intense focus on deterring China from attacking Taiwan. The recent controversy over Australia’s dumping a major submarine contract with France in favor of one with the United States (in which Britain played a supporting role) has angered many not just in Paris but also in Brussels. France, Glucksmann’s home, has at least 1.5 million citizens in the Indo-Pacific and some 8,000 troops permanently based there. But no other European country has or intends to have a constant military presence in the region as the United States does. Britain and Germany are more ambivalent about Taiwan; a German warship chose to avoid the Taiwan Strait after a warning from Beijing, while Britain did send one of its new carriers through the strait in September. Still, to many in Taiwan and in Europe, too, the island would seem a natural partner for Europe, which prides itself as a “union of values.” Taiwan is a flourishing democracy with an independent legal system and strong protections for individual rights and the environment. Taiwan has also worked to burnish its image globally with its response to the pandemic. Having the virus largely under control at home, Taiwan sent millions of masks to various countries, including in Europe, winning praise from officials around the region. More recently, a continuing shortage of semiconductor chips has highlighted Taiwan’s role as an indispensable node in the global supply chain for the chips, which power everything from iPhones to German cars. “Democracy coupled with chips is a winning formula in Europe,” said Theresa Fallon, director of the Center for Russia Europe Asia Studies, a research institution in Brussels. Taiwan has sought to play to its strengths. The European Parliament delegation spent much of its three-day trip to Taiwan meeting with policy research groups and non-government organizations to discuss how to fight disinformation. Glucksmann, who was among the Parliament members sanctioned by Beijing this year for his criticism of China’s human rights record, said that Europe had been traditionally more focused on interference from Russia, rather than China. “Not cooperating with Taiwan is a mistake, because where can you find better knowledge of the Chinese regime than here?” Glucksmann said in an interview in Taipei. Taiwan has also sought to promote business ties with Europe. It sent a 66-member delegation of officials and business leaders to the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Lithuania to discuss investment and industrial cooperation. While Taiwan’s ultimate goal is to reach a bilateral investment agreement with Europe, it is also focused on institutionalizing ties to counter China’s efforts at diplomatic isolation. In recent years, Beijing has continued to peel off Taiwan’s formal diplomatic partners. Of Taiwan’s 15 remaining allies, only one — the Vatican — is in Europe. But Taiwan scored a small win this year when Lithuania pressed ahead with plans to open a representative office early next year in Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, despite outrage from Beijing. “Taiwan is trying really hard to entice the European Union in order to diversify its own exports and decrease our dependence on China,” said Cho Chung-hung, a professor and the director of the Institute of European Studies at Tamkang University in New Taipei City. “Taiwan is trying to take this opportunity to create more sustained and normalized relations with Europe.” Beijing has protested and vowed to take countermeasures against each act of outreach to Taiwan, including recalling its ambassador from Lithuania in August. But China might be wary of jeopardizing its access to the European market and further pushing the bloc toward the United States. Last month, Charles Michel, the president of the council representing the European bloc’s 27 members, spoke with Xi, China’s leader, for the first time since the investment agreement was derailed in May. After the call, Michel announced on his Twitter account that the two sides had agreed to hold a virtual summit soon. Despite the call, relations between Beijing and the European Union are unlikely to quickly improve. Beijing is unwilling to back down on issues it sees as core interests, such as Taiwan and Xinjiang, which are a focus of the tensions, said Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing. Of Europe’s recent actions in support of Taiwan, Shi said, “This is what China hates to see; this is not what makes the Chinese government happy. “But there seems to be no way out of it all in the near future,” he said. It remains to be seen how much of the European support for Taiwan is merely rhetorical. Members of the European Parliament have more leeway than their counterparts in the European Council or Commission to make strong political gestures in favor of Taiwan. The new government in Germany and upcoming elections in France will be crucial to shaping the region’s relationship with both Beijing and Taipei. “The EU is going through this moment of self-reflection,” said Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy, a Taipei-based researcher and a former political adviser in the European Parliament. “‘What kind of relationship do we want to have with China?’ and ‘What kind of relationship are we willing to have with Taiwan?’ These are the two big questions that still need to be addressed.”

As distrust of China grows, Europe may inch closer to Taiwan

In a continuing trend, China is once again increasing pressure on Taiwan, which is worrying experts that this could quickly turn into a war, if the two sides are not careful.<o:p></o:p>

As per reports, there has been a sudden increase in the number of Chinese warplanes entering the air defence identification zone (ADIZ). This has brought attention to Taiwan and has raised concerns that this can become a global flashpoint.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-russia-aware-of-us-military-might-will-defend-taiwan-if-beijing-attacks-biden-422795">China, Russia aware of US’ military might, will defend Taiwan if Beijing attacks: Biden</a></o:p>

As per data compiled by news agency AFP, nearly 149 Chinese flights entered Taiwan’s Taiwan's southwestern air defence zone in four days. This incident took place when China was observing its annual national day celebrations.<o:p></o:p>

This was an increase of nearly 28 per cent in total. The increase was a huge jump from September, which held the record of most numbers of flights entering Taiwan’s air space, which was 117.<o:p></o:p>

The number has also raised concerns as the number of Chinese flights that have illegally entered the southwestern air defence zone of Taiwan has already doubled. As on October 22, nearly 692 flights have been recorded, wherein last year 380 incursions were reported by Taiwan in the whole year.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-tension-between-china-and-taiwan-at-their-highest-421423">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-tension-between-china-and-taiwan-at-their-highest-421423/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Inclusion of airplanes such as nuclear-capable H6 bomber has also started building pressure on Taiwan as it has stirred the fear that if an invasion were to take place, China will be a step ahead. September 2020 was the highest number of recorded sorties and Taiwan had reported incursions by 32 fighters and three bombers that month.<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p>

In October 2021, Taiwan has reported 124 fighter jet incursions and 16 by bombers.

These sorties and incursions can help China train their pilots and test Taiwan’s denfences.

However, experts are also urging to not exaggerate the threat posed by these incursions as the air defence identification zone (ADIZ) is not the same as Taiwan’s territorial airspace. "These are part of what we call 'grey zone' tactics, it keeps psychological pressure on Taiwan," Lee Hsi-min, a retired admiral who stepped down as head of Taiwan's armed forces in 2019, told AFP.<o:p></o:p>

In a continuing trend, China is once again increasing pressure on Taiwan, which is worrying experts that this could quickly turn into a war, if the two sides are not careful.

In a continuing trend, China is once again increasing pressure on Taiwan, which is worrying experts that this could quickly turn into a war, if the two sides are not careful. As per reports, there has been a sudden increase in the number of Chinese warplanes entering the air defence identification zone (ADIZ). This has brought attention to Taiwan and has raised concerns that this can become a global flashpoint. Also read | China, Russia aware of US’ military might, will defend Taiwan if Beijing attacks: Biden As per data compiled by news agency AFP, nearly 149 Chinese flights entered Taiwan’s Taiwan's southwestern air defence zone in four days. This incident took place when China was observing its annual national day celebrations. This was an increase of nearly 28 per cent in total. The increase was a huge jump from September, which held the record of most numbers of flights entering Taiwan’s air space, which was 117. The number has also raised concerns as the number of Chinese flights that have illegally entered the southwestern air defence zone of Taiwan has already doubled. As on October 22, nearly 692 flights have been recorded, wherein last year 380 incursions were reported by Taiwan in the whole year. WATCH | Inclusion of airplanes such as nuclear-capable H6 bomber has also started building pressure on Taiwan as it has stirred the fear that if an invasion were to take place, China will be a step ahead. September 2020 was the highest number of recorded sorties and Taiwan had reported incursions by 32 fighters and three bombers that month. In October 2021, Taiwan has reported 124 fighter jet incursions and 16 by bombers. These sorties and incursions can help China train their pilots and test Taiwan’s denfences. However, experts are also urging to not exaggerate the threat posed by these incursions as the air defence identification zone (ADIZ) is not the same as Taiwan’s territorial airspace. "These are part of what we call 'grey zone' tactics, it keeps psychological pressure on Taiwan," Lee Hsi-min, a retired admiral who stepped down as head of Taiwan's armed forces in 2019, told AFP.

China trying to build psychological pressure on Taiwan through jet incursions: Reports

Reports say an article published by a Chinese website eight years ago has gone viral in the Communist nation which detailed future wars with Taiwan, Russia and India.

Beijing-based website Sohu, which is widely known for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uyghur-linked-etim-group-has-left-afghanistan-taliban-to-china-412735">Chinese</a> government propaganda, had published a bizarre&nbsp;article in 2013 which serialised wars China would likely engage in from 2020 to 2060. The article has taken&nbsp;Chinese social media by storm amid the country's&nbsp;current tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan.

The report said China will engage in “reconquest” of "Southern Tibet" which China uses to denote India’s Arunachal Pradesh which has a border with Tibet. The report claimed China will be at war with India between 2035-40.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-asks-vietnam-to-avoid-magnifying-sea-dispute-412500/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The report openly suggests the Chinese could incite disintegration of India as a strategy and if it fails then it could provoke conditions for an India-Pakistan war over Kashmir and takeover Arunachal Pradesh when Indian forces&nbsp;are distracted with their neighbour.

The Sohu report also maintains the country would first go to war with Taiwan between 2020 and 2025 to "unify" it with the mainland while sending the Taiwan government an "ultimatum" in 2020. It describes war with Taiwan as a "three-month ordeal" without the US and Japan's intervention. &nbsp;

China's President Xi Jinping had earlier threatened Taiwan with "consequences" amid its growing closeness with the United States and the repeated arms sale by the US government to the island nation. Xi&nbsp;had said Taiwan could be unified with China by force "if necessary". China has consistently maintained that&nbsp;Taiwan is a breakaway province and it would ultimately be unified with the country.&nbsp;

The South China Sea region is also on top of the Chinese agenda, according to the report. In 2025, after annexing Taiwan, China would seek to "reconquer" the Spratly Islands and send warnings to countries who claim the areas in the disputed territory.&nbsp;

The report claimed the US will not directly confront China but will push Vietnam and the Philippines to take on the Communist nation's powerful army since the US would have learnt from their inventions in Taiwan, it claimed. The report said China will set a "deadline" of 2028 before starting the war.

The Sohu report also mentioned China's ambitions in the Senkaku Islands with the start of the "fourth war" between 2040 to 2045 and conflict over Outer Mongolia from 2045 to 2050.

In the end, China will finally go to war with Russia from 2055-2060, the report said and will reclaim lost territories. The report said PLA will be able to beat the Russian forces.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Reports say an article published by a Chinese website eight years ago has gone viral in the Communist nation which detailed future wars with Taiwan, Russia and India.

Reports say an article published by a Chinese website eight years ago has gone viral in the Communist nation which detailed future wars with Taiwan, Russia and India. Beijing-based website Sohu, which is widely known for Chinese government propaganda, had published a bizarre article in 2013 which serialised wars China would likely engage in from 2020 to 2060. The article has taken Chinese social media by storm amid the country's current tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan. The report said China will engage in “reconquest” of "Southern Tibet" which China uses to denote India’s Arunachal Pradesh which has a border with Tibet. The report claimed China will be at war with India between 2035-40. Watch: The report openly suggests the Chinese could incite disintegration of India as a strategy and if it fails then it could provoke conditions for an India-Pakistan war over Kashmir and takeover Arunachal Pradesh when Indian forces are distracted with their neighbour. The Sohu report also maintains the country would first go to war with Taiwan between 2020 and 2025 to "unify" it with the mainland while sending the Taiwan government an "ultimatum" in 2020. It describes war with Taiwan as a "three-month ordeal" without the US and Japan's intervention. China's President Xi Jinping had earlier threatened Taiwan with "consequences" amid its growing closeness with the United States and the repeated arms sale by the US government to the island nation. Xi had said Taiwan could be unified with China by force "if necessary". China has consistently maintained that Taiwan is a breakaway province and it would ultimately be unified with the country. The South China Sea region is also on top of the Chinese agenda, according to the report. In 2025, after annexing Taiwan, China would seek to "reconquer" the Spratly Islands and send warnings to countries who claim the areas in the disputed territory. The report claimed the US will not directly confront China but will push Vietnam and the Philippines to take on the Communist nation's powerful army since the US would have learnt from their inventions in Taiwan, it claimed. The report said China will set a "deadline" of 2028 before starting the war. The Sohu report also mentioned China's ambitions in the Senkaku Islands with the start of the "fourth war" between 2040 to 2045 and conflict over Outer Mongolia from 2045 to 2050. In the end, China will finally go to war with Russia from 2055-2060, the report said and will reclaim lost territories. The report said PLA will be able to beat the Russian forces. (With inputs from Agencies)

'China will beat Russia in war': Bizarre article that also talks about reunifying Taiwan, taking Arunachal Pradesh from India goes viral after 8 years

After Lithuania allowed Taiwan to set up an office under its own name in the country, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unacceptable-and-unjust-justin-trudeau-slams-chinas-jail-sentence-for-canadian-michael-spavor-404592">China</a> demanded&nbsp;Lithuania recall its envoy to Beijing.

Taiwan had said last month it was setting up a representative office in Vilnius under the name "Taiwan" instead of "Taipei" attracting China's ire.

China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province which it intends to unify with the mainland by force if necessary. China's foreign ministry said the move "severely undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity".

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-to-open-representative-office-in-lithuania-399295/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-backs-chinas-anti-sanctions-law-404412">China</a> asked Lithuania "not to move further down the wrong path" while asking it to "rectify its wrong decision".

Lithuania however said it is determined to develop mutually beneficial relations with Taiwan while saying that it "respects the principle of One-China".

The European Union&nbsp;backed Lithuania and asserted that it did not view the opening of a representative office in or from Taiwan as a breach of the EU's One-China policy.

"This is the first time China has recalled an ambassador in an EU member state for opening or maintaining an office in Taiwan," the EU said.

Lithuania has also promised to send 20,000 coronavirus vaccine&nbsp;doses to Taiwan as it seeks to strengthen diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Lithuania earlier had also decided to quit China's 17+1 cooperation forum with central and eastern European states.

Lithuania's ambassador to China Diana Mickeviciene confirmed China's intention as the Communist Party decided to recall the Chinese envoy to Lithuania.

Mickeviciene had just arrived in the country as Chinese officials asked her to leave amid the row over Taiwan. &nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

&nbsp;&nbsp;

After Lithuania allowed Taiwan to set up an office under its own name in the country, China demanded Lithuania recall its envoy to Beijing. Taiwan had said last month it was setting up a representative office in Vilnius under the name "Taiwan" instead of "Taipei" attracting China's ire.

After Lithuania allowed Taiwan to set up an office under its own name in the country, China demanded Lithuania recall its envoy to Beijing. Taiwan had said last month it was setting up a representative office in Vilnius under the name "Taiwan" instead of "Taipei" attracting China's ire. China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province which it intends to unify with the mainland by force if necessary. China's foreign ministry said the move "severely undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity". Watch: China asked Lithuania "not to move further down the wrong path" while asking it to "rectify its wrong decision". Lithuania however said it is determined to develop mutually beneficial relations with Taiwan while saying that it "respects the principle of One-China". The European Union backed Lithuania and asserted that it did not view the opening of a representative office in or from Taiwan as a breach of the EU's One-China policy. "This is the first time China has recalled an ambassador in an EU member state for opening or maintaining an office in Taiwan," the EU said. Lithuania has also promised to send 20,000 coronavirus vaccine doses to Taiwan as it seeks to strengthen diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Lithuania earlier had also decided to quit China's 17+1 cooperation forum with central and eastern European states. Lithuania's ambassador to China Diana Mickeviciene confirmed China's intention as the Communist Party decided to recall the Chinese envoy to Lithuania. Mickeviciene had just arrived in the country as Chinese officials asked her to leave amid the row over Taiwan. (With inputs from Agencies)

China asks Lithuania's envoy to leave Beijing over Taiwan row

Chinese&nbsp;military said on Thursday that&nbsp;Taiwan needs to be clearly aware that its future lies in "reunification" with China and that it cannot rely on the United States.

Twenty-eight Chinese air force aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ) last Tuesday, the largest number to date reported by the Chinese-claimed island's government.

The incident came shortly after Group of Seven leaders issued a joint statement scolding China for a series of issues and underscoring the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, comments China condemned as "slander".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/real-possibility-of-war-taiwan-calls-for-global-coalition-against-china-328167">'Real possibility of war': Taiwan calls for global coalition against China</a>

Asked about the number of aircraft involved last week, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said what he termed exercises were "a necessary action for the current security situation across the Taiwan Strait and safeguarding national sovereignty".

Taiwan independence means war, he added, reiterating the sharper language the ministry began using in January.

"The United States should fully understand that China's development and growth cannot be stopped by any force," Ren said.

"The Democratic Progressive Party authorities must be soberly aware that the future of Taiwan lies in national reunification," he added, referring to Taiwan's ruling party.

"Any attempt to 'rely on the United States for independence' is doomed to failure."

China believes that Taiwan's democratically-elected government is moving the island towards a declaration of formal independence, although Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly said it is already an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name.

Most Taiwanese have shown no interest in being ruled by China.

The United States is Taiwan's strongest backer on the international stage and main arms supplier, despite the lack of official diplomatic recognition, to Beijing's anger.

Taiwan has complained of repeated harassment by Chinese aircraft in its air defence zone over the past year or so.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese military said on Thursday that Taiwan needs to be clearly aware that its future lies in "reunification" with China and that it cannot rely on the United States.

Chinese military said on Thursday that Taiwan needs to be clearly aware that its future lies in "reunification" with China and that it cannot rely on the United States. Twenty-eight Chinese air force aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ) last Tuesday, the largest number to date reported by the Chinese-claimed island's government. The incident came shortly after Group of Seven leaders issued a joint statement scolding China for a series of issues and underscoring the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, comments China condemned as "slander". Also read| 'Real possibility of war': Taiwan calls for global coalition against China Asked about the number of aircraft involved last week, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said what he termed exercises were "a necessary action for the current security situation across the Taiwan Strait and safeguarding national sovereignty". Taiwan independence means war, he added, reiterating the sharper language the ministry began using in January. "The United States should fully understand that China's development and growth cannot be stopped by any force," Ren said. "The Democratic Progressive Party authorities must be soberly aware that the future of Taiwan lies in national reunification," he added, referring to Taiwan's ruling party. "Any attempt to 'rely on the United States for independence' is doomed to failure." China believes that Taiwan's democratically-elected government is moving the island towards a declaration of formal independence, although Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly said it is already an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name. Most Taiwanese have shown no interest in being ruled by China. The United States is Taiwan's strongest backer on the international stage and main arms supplier, despite the lack of official diplomatic recognition, to Beijing's anger. Taiwan has complained of repeated harassment by Chinese aircraft in its air defence zone over the past year or so. (With inputs from agencies)

China tells Taiwan it cannot rely on United States, future lies in 'reunification'

After the Biden administration sent 2.5 million vaccine jabs to Taiwan, the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-a-stronger-military-presence-in-asia-to-tackle-china-japan-urges-european-nations-392843"> Chinese</a> foreign ministry said the "US should not seek political manipulation in the name of vaccine assistance."

China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that the US should stop interfering in "China's domestic affairs".

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-urges-china-to-cooperate-on-covid-origin-probe-392920/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Taiwan had earlier accused China of hampering its vaccine gathering drive as COVID-19 cases have surged in the country.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in a Twitter message thanked the US government, saying: "Thank you to the #US for this moving gesture of friendship. These vaccines will go a long way toward keeping #Taiwan safe &amp; healthy."&nbsp;

The US sent more vaccine doses to Taiwan than was originally promised earlier. The vaccination drive in Taiwan has been going slowly due to a shortage of doses with only six per cent of the population having received the jabs.

Amid Taiwan's battle with the virus, the US government decided to triple the vaccine doses to the country.

"Wheels up! Our donation of 2.5 million vaccine doses is on the way to Taiwan," &nbsp;State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a tweet.

China and the United States have repeatedly clashed over relation with Taiwan with tensions rising in the Taiwan Straits over the US aircraft carriers travelling through the troubled waters.

China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province, however, the US has enured arms sale to the country in order to keep Chinese influence at bay even though it does not have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Last week, Chinese jets entered Taiwan's airspace leading the Taiwanese Air Force to scramble its jets as tensions continued between the two countries.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

After the Biden administration sent 2.5 million vaccine jabs to Taiwan, the Chinese foreign ministry said the "US should not seek political manipulation in the name of vaccine assistance.

After the Biden administration sent 2.5 million vaccine jabs to Taiwan, the Chinese foreign ministry said the "US should not seek political manipulation in the name of vaccine assistance." China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that the US should stop interfering in "China's domestic affairs". Watch: Taiwan had earlier accused China of hampering its vaccine gathering drive as COVID-19 cases have surged in the country. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in a Twitter message thanked the US government, saying: "Thank you to the #US for this moving gesture of friendship. These vaccines will go a long way toward keeping #Taiwan safe & healthy." The US sent more vaccine doses to Taiwan than was originally promised earlier. The vaccination drive in Taiwan has been going slowly due to a shortage of doses with only six per cent of the population having received the jabs. Amid Taiwan's battle with the virus, the US government decided to triple the vaccine doses to the country. "Wheels up! Our donation of 2.5 million vaccine doses is on the way to Taiwan," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a tweet. China and the United States have repeatedly clashed over relation with Taiwan with tensions rising in the Taiwan Straits over the US aircraft carriers travelling through the troubled waters. China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province, however, the US has enured arms sale to the country in order to keep Chinese influence at bay even though it does not have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Last week, Chinese jets entered Taiwan's airspace leading the Taiwanese Air Force to scramble its jets as tensions continued between the two countries. (With inputs from Agencies)

Don't seek political manipulation, says China after US sends vaccine to Taiwan

Macau&nbsp;said on Wednesday it was closing its representative office in Taiwan, following neighbouring Hong Kong which made the same move last month in protest at Taipei's support for pro-democracy activists.

Hong Kong and&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;are "semi-autonomous" Chinese cities, although foreign policy is all but decided by Beijing and the central government has taken an increasingly more direct say in how both former colonies are run in recent years.

In a short statement,&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;announced its Economic and Cultural Delegation in Taiwan will temporarily suspend operations from June 19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-suspends-operations-at-representative-office-in-taiwan-as-tensions-rise-385847">Hong Kong suspends operations at representative office in Taiwan as tensions rise</a>&nbsp;

In response, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council expressed "deep regret over the&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;government's unilateral decision," saying it would continue to keep its trade office in the Chinese gambling enclave open.

Macau&nbsp;gave no reason for the closure. But the wording was almost identical to last month's statement by Hong Kong.

That announcement was then followed by Hong Kong's government confirming the closure was indeed political.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-blames-gross-interference-for-taiwan-office-closure-386536">Hong Kong blames 'gross interference' for Taiwan office closure</a>

Taiwan, Hong Kong said, had "grossly interfered" in the city's affairs on repeated occasions and "created irretrievable damage" to relations.

Hong Kong and&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;abide by authoritarian China's view that democratic, self-ruled Taiwan is part of its territory and must be seized one day, by force if necessary.

That makes any official contact with Taipei tricky, even though Taiwan is a major trading partner.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-launches-protest-after-japanese-pm-suga-refers-to-taiwan-as-a-country-390764">China launches protest after Japanese PM Suga refers to Taiwan as a country</a>

China had encouraged trade offices when relations were warmer.

But since the 2016 election of Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, Beijing cut official contacts and ramped up economic, military and diplomatic pressure.

Beijing loathes Tsai because she regards Taiwan as a de facto sovereign nation and not part of "one China".

Her government is also a vocal supporter of democratic principles and has quietly helped open its doors to some Hong Kongers trying to escape Beijing's crackdown on dissent after huge democracy protests rocked the financial hub in 2019.

Macau said on Wednesday it was closing its representative office in Taiwan, following neighbouring Hong Kong which made the same move last month in protest at Taipei's support for pro-democracy activists.

Macau said on Wednesday it was closing its representative office in Taiwan, following neighbouring Hong Kong which made the same move last month in protest at Taipei's support for pro-democracy activists. Hong Kong and Macau are "semi-autonomous" Chinese cities, although foreign policy is all but decided by Beijing and the central government has taken an increasingly more direct say in how both former colonies are run in recent years. In a short statement, Macau announced its Economic and Cultural Delegation in Taiwan will temporarily suspend operations from June 19. Also read | Hong Kong suspends operations at representative office in Taiwan as tensions rise In response, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council expressed "deep regret over the Macau government's unilateral decision," saying it would continue to keep its trade office in the Chinese gambling enclave open. Macau gave no reason for the closure. But the wording was almost identical to last month's statement by Hong Kong. That announcement was then followed by Hong Kong's government confirming the closure was indeed political. Also read | Hong Kong blames 'gross interference' for Taiwan office closure Taiwan, Hong Kong said, had "grossly interfered" in the city's affairs on repeated occasions and "created irretrievable damage" to relations. Hong Kong and Macau abide by authoritarian China's view that democratic, self-ruled Taiwan is part of its territory and must be seized one day, by force if necessary. That makes any official contact with Taipei tricky, even though Taiwan is a major trading partner. Also read | China launches protest after Japanese PM Suga refers to Taiwan as a country China had encouraged trade offices when relations were warmer. But since the 2016 election of Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, Beijing cut official contacts and ramped up economic, military and diplomatic pressure. Beijing loathes Tsai because she regards Taiwan as a de facto sovereign nation and not part of "one China". Her government is also a vocal supporter of democratic principles and has quietly helped open its doors to some Hong Kongers trying to escape Beijing's crackdown on dissent after huge democracy protests rocked the financial hub in 2019.

Macau follows Hong Kong in shuttering Taiwan office

As China escalates its gray zone tactics against Taiwan, Taipei has announced that it will dispatch military aircraft and ships to counter Chinese military activities near its borders.

Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said that Beijing is carrying out electronic warfare and reconnaissance but Taiwan has countermeasures in place.

He added the country's contingency planning takes into consideration the effect on future surveillance and counter-reconnaissance missions. The military is able to handle any threat that arises, Chiu stressed.

Since mid-September of last year, Beijing has stepped up its gray-zone tactics by regularly sending planes into Taiwan`s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), with most instances occurring in the southwest corner of the zone and usually consisting of one to three slow-flying turboprop planes.

Over the past few months, Taiwan has reported incursion by Chinese warplanes into ADIZ almost daily.

Meanwhile, China has said its military activities in the Taiwan Strait were targeted at "separatists" in Taiwan and "external forces"."[We] have made full preparation in addressing the separatist activities of Taiwan independence and the interference of external forces," South China Morning Post quoted Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian, as saying.

Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan, a democracy of almost 24 million people located off the southeastern coast of mainland China, despite the fact that the two sides have been governed separately for more than seven decades.

Taipei, on the other hand, has countered the Chinese aggression by increasing strategic ties with democracies including the US, which has been repeatedly opposed by Beijing. China has threatened that "Taiwan`s independence" means war.

China has recently has commissioned three warships, including a large amphibious assault ship, adding them to the fleet covering the South China Sea.

The Global Times newspaper, which is affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party, reported that the ships were the country`s first Type 075 amphibious assault ship, a large destroyer, and a nuclear-powered strategic ballistic missile submarine.

Countries like Japan and the US have spoken about the need for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Early this month, in their first in-person meeting at the White House, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden said in their joint statement that they "underscore the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait" and "encourage the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues.

(With inputs from agencies)

As China escalates its gray zone tactics against Taiwan, Taipei has announced that it will dispatch military aircraft and ships to counter Chinese military activities near its borders.

As China escalates its gray zone tactics against Taiwan, Taipei has announced that it will dispatch military aircraft and ships to counter Chinese military activities near its borders. Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said that Beijing is carrying out electronic warfare and reconnaissance but Taiwan has countermeasures in place. He added the country's contingency planning takes into consideration the effect on future surveillance and counter-reconnaissance missions. The military is able to handle any threat that arises, Chiu stressed. Since mid-September of last year, Beijing has stepped up its gray-zone tactics by regularly sending planes into Taiwan`s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), with most instances occurring in the southwest corner of the zone and usually consisting of one to three slow-flying turboprop planes. Over the past few months, Taiwan has reported incursion by Chinese warplanes into ADIZ almost daily. Meanwhile, China has said its military activities in the Taiwan Strait were targeted at "separatists" in Taiwan and "external forces"."[We] have made full preparation in addressing the separatist activities of Taiwan independence and the interference of external forces," South China Morning Post quoted Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian, as saying. Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan, a democracy of almost 24 million people located off the southeastern coast of mainland China, despite the fact that the two sides have been governed separately for more than seven decades. Taipei, on the other hand, has countered the Chinese aggression by increasing strategic ties with democracies including the US, which has been repeatedly opposed by Beijing. China has threatened that "Taiwan`s independence" means war. China has recently has commissioned three warships, including a large amphibious assault ship, adding them to the fleet covering the South China Sea. The Global Times newspaper, which is affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party, reported that the ships were the country`s first Type 075 amphibious assault ship, a large destroyer, and a nuclear-powered strategic ballistic missile submarine. Countries like Japan and the US have spoken about the need for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Early this month, in their first in-person meeting at the White House, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden said in their joint statement that they "underscore the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait" and "encourage the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues. (With inputs from agencies)

Taipei to dispatch military aircraft, ships to counter Chinese activities in Taiwan Strait

China has warned the United States not to cross its "red line" on Taiwan after a US envoy arrived on the island as part of a delegation from Palau, one of Taipei's 15 remaining allies.

John Hennessey-Niland, the US ambassador to the pacific island nation of Palau, was part of the delegation that came with Palauan president Surangel Whipps for a five-day trip. 
 
Full Video: China &amp; Taiwan clash at WION Global summit 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/full-video-china-taiwan-clash-at-wion-global-summit-372899/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Taiwan is an island democracy that split from the mainland in 1949. Beijing continues to claim it as its territory.

The United States has no official relations with Taiwan's democratically elected government but has extensive informal ties.

Former US president Donald Trump, who left office in January, angered Beijing by sending cabinet officials to visit Taiwan in a show of support.

The ruling Communist Party has threatened to invade if Taiwan declares formal independence or delays talks on uniting with the mainland.

China has ramped up pressure to get Taiwan to accept Chinese sovereignty, including regularly flying fighter jets and bombers near Taiwan or into its air defence identification zone.

In March 2020, Chinese vessels rammed into a Taiwanese coast guard ship. In April 2020, a Chinese surveillance ship hit and sank a Vietnamese fishing boat.

China established new administrative districts in the disputed waters with official Chinese names. At least 25 islands and reefs in the South China Sea have been named in Mandarin.

(With inputs from agencies)

China has warned the United States not to cross its "red line" on Taiwan after a US envoy arrived on the island as part of a delegation from Palau, one of Taipei's 15 remaining allies.

China has warned the United States not to cross its "red line" on Taiwan after a US envoy arrived on the island as part of a delegation from Palau, one of Taipei's 15 remaining allies. John Hennessey-Niland, the US ambassador to the pacific island nation of Palau, was part of the delegation that came with Palauan president Surangel Whipps for a five-day trip. Full Video: China & Taiwan clash at WION Global summit Taiwan is an island democracy that split from the mainland in 1949. Beijing continues to claim it as its territory. The United States has no official relations with Taiwan's democratically elected government but has extensive informal ties. Former US president Donald Trump, who left office in January, angered Beijing by sending cabinet officials to visit Taiwan in a show of support. The ruling Communist Party has threatened to invade if Taiwan declares formal independence or delays talks on uniting with the mainland. China has ramped up pressure to get Taiwan to accept Chinese sovereignty, including regularly flying fighter jets and bombers near Taiwan or into its air defence identification zone. In March 2020, Chinese vessels rammed into a Taiwanese coast guard ship. In April 2020, a Chinese surveillance ship hit and sank a Vietnamese fishing boat. China established new administrative districts in the disputed waters with official Chinese names. At least 25 islands and reefs in the South China Sea have been named in Mandarin. (With inputs from agencies)

Don't cross 'red line' on Taiwan: China to the US

Ten Chinese military aircraft including fighter jets entered the southwestern corner of&nbsp;Taiwan's air defence identification zone on Monday, the island's defence ministry said, in a further escalation of tension across the sensitive&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait.

The island's defence ministry said the air force deployed missiles to "monitor" the incursion into the southwestern part of its air defence identification zone. It also said its planes warned the Chinese aircraft, including by radio.

It marked the largest incursion to date by the Chinese air force since&nbsp;Taiwan's defence ministry began disclosing almost daily Chinese military flights over the waters between the southern part of&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands in the South China Sea last year.

Some of the Chinese aircraft flew in the airspace to the south of&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and passed through the Bashi Channel which separates the island from the Philippines,&nbsp;Taiwan's defence ministry said in a statement.

China, which claims&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its own territory, has stepped up military activities near the democratic island in recent months, a move&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;says jeopardizes regional stability.

The presence of so many Chinese combat aircraft on Friday's mission -&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;said it was made up of four nuclear-capable H-6K bombers and 10 J-16 fighter jets, among others - was unusual and came as the island's air force suspended all training missions after two fighter jet crashes this week.

Earlier on Friday,&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and the United States signed their first agreement under the administration of new president Joe Biden, establishing a Coast Guard Working Group to coordinate policy, after China's passing of a law that allows its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels.

While the United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with&nbsp;Taiwan, it is bound by law to help&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;defend itself and is the island's main arms supplier.

Ten Chinese military aircraft including fighter jets entered the southwestern corner of Taiwan's air defence identification zone on Monday, the island's defence ministry said, in a further escalation of tension across the sensitive Taiwan Strait.

Ten Chinese military aircraft including fighter jets entered the southwestern corner of Taiwan's air defence identification zone on Monday, the island's defence ministry said, in a further escalation of tension across the sensitive Taiwan Strait. The island's defence ministry said the air force deployed missiles to "monitor" the incursion into the southwestern part of its air defence identification zone. It also said its planes warned the Chinese aircraft, including by radio. It marked the largest incursion to date by the Chinese air force since Taiwan's defence ministry began disclosing almost daily Chinese military flights over the waters between the southern part of Taiwan and the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands in the South China Sea last year. Some of the Chinese aircraft flew in the airspace to the south of Taiwan and passed through the Bashi Channel which separates the island from the Philippines, Taiwan's defence ministry said in a statement. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has stepped up military activities near the democratic island in recent months, a move Taiwan says jeopardizes regional stability. The presence of so many Chinese combat aircraft on Friday's mission - Taiwan said it was made up of four nuclear-capable H-6K bombers and 10 J-16 fighter jets, among others - was unusual and came as the island's air force suspended all training missions after two fighter jet crashes this week. Earlier on Friday, Taiwan and the United States signed their first agreement under the administration of new president Joe Biden, establishing a Coast Guard Working Group to coordinate policy, after China's passing of a law that allows its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels. While the United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it is bound by law to help Taiwan defend itself and is the island's main arms supplier.

Taiwan reports large incursion by Chinese air force

China's ban on&nbsp;Taiwan's pineapples&nbsp;citing "harmful creatures" it said could come with the fruit, has inspired creative responses from the country.

As a result of the ban,&nbsp;Taiwan's classic beef noodle soup has taken on a sweet and sour twist.

Hung Ching Lung, a Taipei chef, has created a pineapple beef noodle soup at his eponymous restaurant Chef Hung, in what he says is a modest attempt to support Taiwanese pineapple farmers.

Taiwan will not be beaten by China's ban on pineapple imports and will rally round its farmers to turn crisis into opportunity with new markets and more sales at home, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Wednesday, offering a defiant rebuke to Beijing.

The spiky fruit became a politically charged symbol after China banned the import of Taiwan's pineapples on March 1, citing pests.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-taiwan-won-a-pineapple-war-against-china-369220/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Taiwan's infuriated government called the ban a political move to further pressure the Chinese-claimed island, a charge that China denied.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office said the decision was "totally rational and necessary" and that customs had a responsibility to prevent diseases carried by plants from entering the country.

"The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have deliberately misrepresented and maliciously interpreted technical issues, taking the opportunity to attack and discredit the mainland," it said, referring to Taiwan's ruling party.

Tsai, who has launched a "pineapple challenge" on her social media pages to get Taiwanese to buy more of the fruit, told reporters at the headquarters of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) that their strategy was paying off.

The campaign has kicked off a pineapple media frenzy, as Taiwanese politicians sought to demonstrate their support for farmers as well as Taiwanese agriculture. Politicians from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and the opposition Nationalist Party flocked to farms to post pictures with pineapples,&nbsp;encouraging domestic consumers as well as other countries to pick up the slack left by China.

Taiwanese restauranteurs like Hung rushed to make pineapple-infused dishes. Pineapple shrimp balls, a betel nut pineapple salad and classics like fried rice with pineapple are just some of the dishes being pushed out by restaurants and hotels on the island.

Hung said he and his team spent three days testing out ways to incorporate pineapple into beef noodles. It took about 10 attempts.

''The first time we tested it when we cooked it in the soup, it was very sweet, it was inedible and tasted completely of pineapple," he said. The successful attempt was based on separating the juice from the fruit during cooking, which removed the sweetness that would otherwise overpower the beef flavour.

Since Friday when China announced the ban, orders for more than 41,000 metric tons of&nbsp;pineapples&nbsp;have come in, including 5,000 metric tons from Japan, Tsai&nbsp;said.

"From crisis comes turning points. In the face of each challenge Taiwan will not be defeated but will become even stronger," she said, standing in front of pineapple products from Taiwan's four main producing areas in its south.

"As long as we unite and support the hard-working farmers and support our high-quality products, the international community will stand on the same frontlines as Taiwan."

Taiwan has been heartened by support from the United States and Canada in particular for what Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu has called "freedom&nbsp;pineapples", with the two countries' de facto ambassadors in Taipei posting pictures on social media with the fruit.

Around 90 per cent&nbsp;of Taiwan's pineapple exports went to China last year, though most production is consumed domestically.

China has ramped up pressure to get Taiwan to accept Chinese sovereignty, including regularly flying fighter jets and bombers near Taiwan or into its air defence identification zone.

&nbsp;

China's ban on Taiwan's pineapples citing "harmful creatures" it said could come with the fruit, has inspired creative responses from the country. As a result of the ban, Taiwan's classic beef noodle soup has taken on a sweet and sour twist.

China's ban on Taiwan's pineapples citing "harmful creatures" it said could come with the fruit, has inspired creative responses from the country. As a result of the ban, Taiwan's classic beef noodle soup has taken on a sweet and sour twist. Hung Ching Lung, a Taipei chef, has created a pineapple beef noodle soup at his eponymous restaurant Chef Hung, in what he says is a modest attempt to support Taiwanese pineapple farmers. Taiwan will not be beaten by China's ban on pineapple imports and will rally round its farmers to turn crisis into opportunity with new markets and more sales at home, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Wednesday, offering a defiant rebuke to Beijing. The spiky fruit became a politically charged symbol after China banned the import of Taiwan's pineapples on March 1, citing pests. Taiwan's infuriated government called the ban a political move to further pressure the Chinese-claimed island, a charge that China denied. China's Taiwan Affairs Office said the decision was "totally rational and necessary" and that customs had a responsibility to prevent diseases carried by plants from entering the country. "The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have deliberately misrepresented and maliciously interpreted technical issues, taking the opportunity to attack and discredit the mainland," it said, referring to Taiwan's ruling party. Tsai, who has launched a "pineapple challenge" on her social media pages to get Taiwanese to buy more of the fruit, told reporters at the headquarters of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) that their strategy was paying off. The campaign has kicked off a pineapple media frenzy, as Taiwanese politicians sought to demonstrate their support for farmers as well as Taiwanese agriculture. Politicians from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and the opposition Nationalist Party flocked to farms to post pictures with pineapples, encouraging domestic consumers as well as other countries to pick up the slack left by China. Taiwanese restauranteurs like Hung rushed to make pineapple-infused dishes. Pineapple shrimp balls, a betel nut pineapple salad and classics like fried rice with pineapple are just some of the dishes being pushed out by restaurants and hotels on the island. Hung said he and his team spent three days testing out ways to incorporate pineapple into beef noodles. It took about 10 attempts. ''The first time we tested it when we cooked it in the soup, it was very sweet, it was inedible and tasted completely of pineapple," he said. The successful attempt was based on separating the juice from the fruit during cooking, which removed the sweetness that would otherwise overpower the beef flavour. Since Friday when China announced the ban, orders for more than 41,000 metric tons of pineapples have come in, including 5,000 metric tons from Japan, Tsai said. "From crisis comes turning points. In the face of each challenge Taiwan will not be defeated but will become even stronger," she said, standing in front of pineapple products from Taiwan's four main producing areas in its south. "As long as we unite and support the hard-working farmers and support our high-quality products, the international community will stand on the same frontlines as Taiwan." Taiwan has been heartened by support from the United States and Canada in particular for what Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu has called "freedom pineapples", with the two countries' de facto ambassadors in Taipei posting pictures on social media with the fruit. Around 90 per cent of Taiwan's pineapple exports went to China last year, though most production is consumed domestically. China has ramped up pressure to get Taiwan to accept Chinese sovereignty, including regularly flying fighter jets and bombers near Taiwan or into its air defence identification zone.

China's ban on Taiwan's pineapples inspires creative dishes