Taiwan's foreign minister, Joseph Wu, in an exclusive interview with Guardian, has said that China is preparing to find another “pretext for practising their future attack” on the island. The island has witnessed a record number of military threats and incursions this year, raising fears that Beijing's military threat was “getting more serious than ever”.

Reportedly, there has been a five-fold increase in warplane incursions into Taiwan’s defence zone since 2020.&nbsp;

Wu added that following last month’s removal of several rival Communist party members, cross-strait communications are likely to diminish even further now, especially given that Xi Jinping has secured a third term.&nbsp;

The biggest military exercises were conducted in August when US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan.&nbsp;

Chinese officials said the exercises were a practice of blockade tactics that will be used against Taiwan for real some day. Analysts believe the scale of the exercises suggests that China had been preparing for them for a ling time and Pelosi's visit provided them with an excuse to conduct them.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-may-complaint-with-wto-over-chinese-import-bans-541841">Taiwan may file complaint with WTO against China for import ban on several items</a>

“And we are quite sure that the Chinese may want to use another pretext of practising their future attacks against Taiwan. So this is a military threat against Taiwan,” said Wu.

Wu further said that besides military tactics, China is also ramping up other measures aimed at weakening and isolating Taiwan. These include economic coercion, cyber-attacks, and cognitive and legal warfare.

Taiwan’s air defence zone has already had incursions from 1,500 Chinese warplanes this year, as compared to 380 in 2020. Such events heighten the risk of accidents, leading to escalation of issues. However, while previously cross strait communications settled such matters, Tsai Ing-wen's election as president in 2016 led to the severing of official ties.&nbsp;

Wu said that Taiwanese businesspeople and academics who had “good connections with the Chinese side” earlier helped them with communication. But a political purge following Xi's re-election has shut those doors.

“It is because the Chinese government system has become so authoritarian. It’s not like the old days when regular academia could write recommendations to the central government and are able to get in touch with the key decision-makers and tell us what is the thinking of the top leaders, things like that,” he said.

“In these couple of years, we are seeing that Chinese academia are afraid of saying different things other than Chinese propaganda... He (Xi) is the paramount leader and there’s no one else challenging him right now.”

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Taiwan's foreign minister, Joseph Wu, in an exclusive interview with Guardian, has said that China is preparing to find another “pretext for practising their future attack” on the island.

Taiwan's foreign minister, Joseph Wu, in an exclusive interview with Guardian, has said that China is preparing to find another “pretext for practising their future attack” on the island. The island has witnessed a record number of military threats and incursions this year, raising fears that Beijing's military threat was “getting more serious than ever”. Reportedly, there has been a five-fold increase in warplane incursions into Taiwan’s defence zone since 2020. Wu added that following last month’s removal of several rival Communist party members, cross-strait communications are likely to diminish even further now, especially given that Xi Jinping has secured a third term. The biggest military exercises were conducted in August when US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan. Chinese officials said the exercises were a practice of blockade tactics that will be used against Taiwan for real some day. Analysts believe the scale of the exercises suggests that China had been preparing for them for a ling time and Pelosi's visit provided them with an excuse to conduct them. Also Read | Taiwan may file complaint with WTO against China for import ban on several items “And we are quite sure that the Chinese may want to use another pretext of practising their future attacks against Taiwan. So this is a military threat against Taiwan,” said Wu. Wu further said that besides military tactics, China is also ramping up other measures aimed at weakening and isolating Taiwan. These include economic coercion, cyber-attacks, and cognitive and legal warfare. Taiwan’s air defence zone has already had incursions from 1,500 Chinese warplanes this year, as compared to 380 in 2020. Such events heighten the risk of accidents, leading to escalation of issues. However, while previously cross strait communications settled such matters, Tsai Ing-wen's election as president in 2016 led to the severing of official ties. Wu said that Taiwanese businesspeople and academics who had “good connections with the Chinese side” earlier helped them with communication. But a political purge following Xi's re-election has shut those doors. “It is because the Chinese government system has become so authoritarian. It’s not like the old days when regular academia could write recommendations to the central government and are able to get in touch with the key decision-makers and tell us what is the thinking of the top leaders, things like that,” he said. “In these couple of years, we are seeing that Chinese academia are afraid of saying different things other than Chinese propaganda... He (Xi) is the paramount leader and there’s no one else challenging him right now.” (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 trying to create 'pretext' to conduct another round of military exercises, says Taiwan foreign minister

Elon Musk has suggested allowing China to have some control over Taiwan. Politicians in Taiwan say the suggestions by Musk are "ill-informed". Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Elon Musk's solution for China-Taiwan conflict

US military equipment worth over USD 1.1 billion, including Harpoon and Sidewinder missiles, will be sold to Taiwan, the country stated on Friday.&nbsp;Taiwan's purchase of military hardware has received Washington's approval, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DCSA) acknowledged in a number of statements.

According to DSCA, the sale of Harpoon Block II Missiles and associated equipment to Taiwan for an estimated USD 355 million was approved by the US State Department in order to enhance the island's defence capabilities and advance US security interests.

The state department also approved the sale of Block II Sidewinder Missiles and associated equipment for an estimated USD 85.6 million, as per DSCA.

The probable sale of USD 665.4 million in Surveillance Radar Programme support and equipment was also approved, DCSA stated. 
 
The core military balance in the area won't be changed by the proposed sales, according to DCSA. The potential sales coincide with rising hostilities between Washington and Beijing over House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's divisive trip to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-china-conflict-tycoon-announces-plan-to-train-33-million-civilian-warriors-512353">Taiwan</a>.

Boeing produces Harpoons, which are anti-ship homing missiles with littoral water capabilities. The purchase of 60 of the missiles and associated hardware was sought by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO).

Raytheon created air-to-air missiles called Sidewinders that can lock on to targets after being launched. TECRO made a request to purchase 100 of the missiles and associated hardware.

In order to enhance the situational awareness and threat warning capabilities of the island, TECRO also asked to purchase Contractor Logistics Support for their Surveillance Radar Program, according to DCSA. The sale's major contractor would be Raytheon.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-key-takeaways-from-iaeas-visit-to-russia-held-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-512168">&nbsp;Ukraine war: Key takeaways from IAEA's visit to Russia-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant</a>

After hearing about the potential sales earlier this week, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/majority-of-floating-garbage-patch-of-plastic-in-pacific-ocean-comes-from-just-six-countries-512507">Chinese</a> Embassy in Washington urged the Biden administration to immediately stop selling arms to Taiwan.

According to a representative for the Chinese embassy, arms shipments run the risk of undermining China's sovereignty and security interests and escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

The Taiwanese military had on Thursday downed an unidentified civilian drone that had violated its airspace over Shiyu Island's restricted waters early in the morning. Shiyu Island is located just off the coast of China.

According to a statement issued by Taiwan's defence ministry, "The Jinmen Defence Command of the Army revealed that about 12:30 p.m. today (1), an unidentified civilian aerial camera was observed to infiltrate the airspace over the restricted waters of Shiyu Island."

The statement read, "The ministry of defence will continue to search, monitor, and closely monitor to preserve the security of the defence region."

A similar incident involving a Chinese military drone entering "restricted" air space over an island under Taiwanese sovereignty and being shot at by the Taiwanese military was reported on Tuesday.

In light of the current high cross-strait tensions, China opposes the sale of armaments to Taiwan worth USD 1.1 billion. The Chinese embassy in Washington informed Sputnik that&nbsp;China will take the necessary counter-measures.

Since about the middle of August, several civilian drones have been seen circling the little island of Kinmen, which is 180 kilometres from Taiwan's main island but only 10 kilometres from China. Two mask-wearing Taiwanese troops reportedly tossed rocks at a Chinese drone on one occasion, on August 16, as it flew over their military base.

(With inputs from agencies)

Also WATCH |&nbsp;Japan, Taiwan to begin talks on evacuation plans, over 20,000 Japanese living in the country

<div><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-taiwan-to-begin-talks-on-evacuation-plans-over-20000-japanese-living-in-the-country-512383/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

US military equipment worth over USD 1.1 billion, including Harpoon and Sidewinder missiles, will be sold to Taiwan, the country stated on Friday. Taiwan's purchase of military hardware has received Washington's approval, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DCSA) acknowledged in a number of statements.

US military equipment worth over USD 1.1 billion, including Harpoon and Sidewinder missiles, will be sold to Taiwan, the country stated on Friday. Taiwan's purchase of military hardware has received Washington's approval, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DCSA) acknowledged in a number of statements. According to DSCA, the sale of Harpoon Block II Missiles and associated equipment to Taiwan for an estimated USD 355 million was approved by the US State Department in order to enhance the island's defence capabilities and advance US security interests. The state department also approved the sale of Block II Sidewinder Missiles and associated equipment for an estimated USD 85.6 million, as per DSCA. The probable sale of USD 665.4 million in Surveillance Radar Programme support and equipment was also approved, DCSA stated. The core military balance in the area won't be changed by the proposed sales, according to DCSA. The potential sales coincide with rising hostilities between Washington and Beijing over House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's divisive trip to Taiwan. Boeing produces Harpoons, which are anti-ship homing missiles with littoral water capabilities. The purchase of 60 of the missiles and associated hardware was sought by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO). Raytheon created air-to-air missiles called Sidewinders that can lock on to targets after being launched. TECRO made a request to purchase 100 of the missiles and associated hardware. In order to enhance the situational awareness and threat warning capabilities of the island, TECRO also asked to purchase Contractor Logistics Support for their Surveillance Radar Program, according to DCSA. The sale's major contractor would be Raytheon. Also read | Ukraine war: Key takeaways from IAEA's visit to Russia-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant After hearing about the potential sales earlier this week, the Chinese Embassy in Washington urged the Biden administration to immediately stop selling arms to Taiwan. According to a representative for the Chinese embassy, arms shipments run the risk of undermining China's sovereignty and security interests and escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwanese military had on Thursday downed an unidentified civilian drone that had violated its airspace over Shiyu Island's restricted waters early in the morning. Shiyu Island is located just off the coast of China. According to a statement issued by Taiwan's defence ministry, "The Jinmen Defence Command of the Army revealed that about 12:30 p.m. today (1), an unidentified civilian aerial camera was observed to infiltrate the airspace over the restricted waters of Shiyu Island." The statement read, "The ministry of defence will continue to search, monitor, and closely monitor to preserve the security of the defence region." A similar incident involving a Chinese military drone entering "restricted" air space over an island under Taiwanese sovereignty and being shot at by the Taiwanese military was reported on Tuesday. In light of the current high cross-strait tensions, China opposes the sale of armaments to Taiwan worth USD 1.1 billion. The Chinese embassy in Washington informed Sputnik that China will take the necessary counter-measures. Since about the middle of August, several civilian drones have been seen circling the little island of Kinmen, which is 180 kilometres from Taiwan's main island but only 10 kilometres from China. Two mask-wearing Taiwanese troops reportedly tossed rocks at a Chinese drone on one occasion, on August 16, as it flew over their military base. (With inputs from agencies) Also WATCH | Japan, Taiwan to begin talks on evacuation plans, over 20,000 Japanese living in the country

US announces $1.1 billion package of ‘high-end’ arms for Taiwan; China opposes

As tensions with China continue to rise, the US announced a $1.1 billion arms package for Taiwan. The funds will enable Taiwan to buy upgraded missiles and will boost its defence system.

US announces $1.1 billion arms aid to Taiwan to boost their defence

According to a report published on the US website Politico, the Biden administration plans to ask the US Congress to approve an estimated $1.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan, including 60 anti-ship missiles and 100 air-to-air missiles. The news comes amidst heightened tensions between China and Taiwan.&nbsp;

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island earlier this month angered Beijing and it carried massive military drills around Taiwan. It has been since sending warships and drones to the region on a regular basis. Beijing has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nancy-pelosis-taiwan-trip-provokes-china-a-win-for-her-but-a-headache-for-the-region-503310">Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan trip provokes China: A win for her, but a headache for the region</a>

Earlier, Reuters had reported that President Joe Biden's administration and US lawmakers are fully committed to supporting the government in Taipei, and there are items in the approval pipeline for Taiwan that could be announced in the coming weeks or months.

According to three sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the US does not plan to provide new capabilities to Taiwan as that would add fuel to the fire. It is instead focused on sustaining Taiwan's current military systems and fulfilling existing orders.&nbsp;

The Politico report said that the package includes 60 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles for $355 million, 100 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical air-to-air missiles for $85.6 million, and $655.4 million for a surveillance radar contract extension.&nbsp;

However, there haven't been any comments or response from the Biden administration on the matter yet.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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According to a report published on the US website Politico, the Biden administration plans to ask the US Congress to approve an estimated $1.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan, including 60 anti-ship missiles and 100 air-to-air missiles.

According to a report published on the US website Politico, the Biden administration plans to ask the US Congress to approve an estimated $1.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan, including 60 anti-ship missiles and 100 air-to-air missiles. The news comes amidst heightened tensions between China and Taiwan. US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island earlier this month angered Beijing and it carried massive military drills around Taiwan. It has been since sending warships and drones to the region on a regular basis. Beijing has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control. Also Read | Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan trip provokes China: A win for her, but a headache for the region Earlier, Reuters had reported that President Joe Biden's administration and US lawmakers are fully committed to supporting the government in Taipei, and there are items in the approval pipeline for Taiwan that could be announced in the coming weeks or months. According to three sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the US does not plan to provide new capabilities to Taiwan as that would add fuel to the fire. It is instead focused on sustaining Taiwan's current military systems and fulfilling existing orders. The Politico report said that the package includes 60 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles for $355 million, 100 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical air-to-air missiles for $85.6 million, and $655.4 million for a surveillance radar contract extension. However, there haven't been any comments or response from the Biden administration on the matter yet. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden plans to ask Congress to approve $1.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan, Politico report says

Taiwan’s response to the latest round of China’s rather aggressive retaliation to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan visit has been measured and calculated yet firm. Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen <a href="https://english.president.gov.tw/NEWS/6295">remarked</a>, “We will work to maintain the peaceful and stable status quo in the Taiwan Strait. We are calm and will not act in haste. We are rational and will not act to provoke. But we will absolutely not back down.” Taiwan is showing resolve and is being transparent with swift dissemination of information but China is upping the ante in the Taiwan Strait.

China’s overreaction, symptomatic of its insecurities vis-à-vis Taiwan, is very much in continuation with its conventional response whenever there is a high-profile foreign visitor to Taiwan. China wants Taiwan to get sunk into oblivion, and deprive it of any international legitimacy.

Unfortunately for China, the COVID-19 pandemic gave Taiwan a rare opportunity to reach out to the global community and expand its international space amid China’s attempts to shrink former’s international space and poach diplomatic allies. This was a direct outcome of Tsai government’s refusal to accept the 1992 consensus to govern the cross-Strait ties that led China to suspend the cross-Strait dialogue.

While accusing Taiwan and the United States of altering the status quo through Pelosi’s visit, China conveniently forgets that in reality, it is China that has unilaterally violated the status quo in recent years. Its repeated encroachments into Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) and attempts to persuade countries to not acknowledge and engage Taiwan are violations too.

&nbsp;So far as its strategic options are concerned, in spite of its heightened rhetoric and intimidation, it is a prevalent view in Taiwan that China is less likely to opt for a full-fledged military response.

What makes China’s choices difficult is the fact that this is a crucial time for China and it cannot afford to appear weak, both in front of the international community and the domestic audience. On August 2, marching of the tanks on <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/chinese-tanks-seen-rolling-packed-27638784">a beach in Xiamen</a> that is China’s closest point to Taiwan’s outlying island, Kinmen, when people were enjoying at the beach was to showcase the domestic audience that China views Pelosi’s visit as a violation of its sovereignty and if the need arises, will respond with military actions.

&nbsp;We are in a long haul here, and China’s intimidation might continue for months or even years. However, this is not something that Taiwan has not seen before. Taiwan has been living under the China threat for decades but the world is taking cognizance of it now.

Arguably, China’s retaliation against Taiwan is likely to be fivefold: spreading disinformation, launching cyberattacks, intensifying economic coercion, seeking reassurances and trying to shape the narrative in its favour, and further intensification in the naval and air incursions.

&nbsp;As Pelosi was landing, Chinese state media outlets launched a coordinated verbal attack on the social media apps and even spread disinformation that Su-35 fighter jets have crossed into Taiwan’s airspace. <a href="https://twitter.com/MoNDefense/status/1554503720817532928?s=20&amp;t=qs4_SuFY8fWPXqL3QuULIg">Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense</a> promptly dismissed such false stories by the Chinese state media. On the day of Pelosi’s arrival, several Taiwanese websites including the President Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs were hit by ‘unknown’ overseas cyberattacks. On August 3, <a href="https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202208030026">the digital signage</a> of several convenience stores and government facilities in Taiwan was hacked and even displayed anti-Pelosi messages. China’s disinformation campaigns to create panic among Taiwanese and millions of cyberattacks originating from China have been a common problem that the Tsai Ing-wen government is grappling with.

&nbsp;A long-term response includes <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-03/china-halts-natural-sand-exports-to-taiwan-after-pelosi-visit-l6cv09k3">economic coercion</a>. China has already banned 100 Taiwanese food snacks manufacturers, imports of citrus fruits, and varieties of fish. China’s economic sanctions are only going to intensify as it is trying to hit Taiwan where it hurts the most given the cross-Strait economic interdependence.

&nbsp;China is also using this episode to seek reassurances from several countries on their adherences to the One-China Policy. Two of the first countries to come in support of China were Russia and North Korea. Additionally, the Chinese diplomats are hoping to shape the narrative of the people in the host countries through social media interactions and writing op-eds in the traditional media.

&nbsp;One of the most alarming responses is the further increase in military activities around Taiwan. With this, China aims to achieve three objectives: it wants to generate panic among people and intimidate Taiwan; it allows China to check Taiwan’s preparedness, the United States’ resolve to defend Taiwan, and even Japan’s response in an event of future cross-Strait conflict; and deter countries to expand interactions with Taiwan leading to Taiwan’s isolation.

&nbsp;These moves seem to be punitive measures, and are to deter the United States and Taiwan from improving semi-political exchanges and other countries to freely engage Taiwan. For now, China’s response seems to be a mix of military intimidation, verbal brinkmanship, and cutting off dialogues on key issues with the United States with a possibility of downgrading diplomatic contacts.

China’s actions will have long-term implications. While this increases anxiety and tensions in the Taiwan Strait, such miscalculations have the potential to create further problems for China. This is leading to further deterioration of relations with the United States, Japan, and other G7 countries with a possibility of the United States and Japan also getting involved in any future contingency.

&nbsp;It will dent China’s image and establish it as an aggressor. China has active territorial disputes with countries such as India, Japan, Southeast Asian nations. If China decides to escalate, it will harbour anxiety among countries that they might be next, and only bolster the resolve of countries to further strengthen a collective response to maintain the peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Sana Hashmi is Post-Doctoral Fellow, Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation. She tweets @sanahashmi1.

(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.)

Taiwan’s response to the latest round of China’s rather aggressive retaliation to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan visit has been measured and calculated yet firm.

Taiwan’s response to the latest round of China’s rather aggressive retaliation to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan visit has been measured and calculated yet firm. Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen remarked, “We will work to maintain the peaceful and stable status quo in the Taiwan Strait. We are calm and will not act in haste. We are rational and will not act to provoke. But we will absolutely not back down.” Taiwan is showing resolve and is being transparent with swift dissemination of information but China is upping the ante in the Taiwan Strait. China’s overreaction, symptomatic of its insecurities vis-à-vis Taiwan, is very much in continuation with its conventional response whenever there is a high-profile foreign visitor to Taiwan. China wants Taiwan to get sunk into oblivion, and deprive it of any international legitimacy. Unfortunately for China, the COVID-19 pandemic gave Taiwan a rare opportunity to reach out to the global community and expand its international space amid China’s attempts to shrink former’s international space and poach diplomatic allies. This was a direct outcome of Tsai government’s refusal to accept the 1992 consensus to govern the cross-Strait ties that led China to suspend the cross-Strait dialogue. While accusing Taiwan and the United States of altering the status quo through Pelosi’s visit, China conveniently forgets that in reality, it is China that has unilaterally violated the status quo in recent years. Its repeated encroachments into Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) and attempts to persuade countries to not acknowledge and engage Taiwan are violations too. So far as its strategic options are concerned, in spite of its heightened rhetoric and intimidation, it is a prevalent view in Taiwan that China is less likely to opt for a full-fledged military response. What makes China’s choices difficult is the fact that this is a crucial time for China and it cannot afford to appear weak, both in front of the international community and the domestic audience. On August 2, marching of the tanks on a beach in Xiamen that is China’s closest point to Taiwan’s outlying island, Kinmen, when people were enjoying at the beach was to showcase the domestic audience that China views Pelosi’s visit as a violation of its sovereignty and if the need arises, will respond with military actions. We are in a long haul here, and China’s intimidation might continue for months or even years. However, this is not something that Taiwan has not seen before. Taiwan has been living under the China threat for decades but the world is taking cognizance of it now. Arguably, China’s retaliation against Taiwan is likely to be fivefold: spreading disinformation, launching cyberattacks, intensifying economic coercion, seeking reassurances and trying to shape the narrative in its favour, and further intensification in the naval and air incursions. As Pelosi was landing, Chinese state media outlets launched a coordinated verbal attack on the social media apps and even spread disinformation that Su-35 fighter jets have crossed into Taiwan’s airspace. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense promptly dismissed such false stories by the Chinese state media. On the day of Pelosi’s arrival, several Taiwanese websites including the President Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs were hit by ‘unknown’ overseas cyberattacks. On August 3, the digital signage of several convenience stores and government facilities in Taiwan was hacked and even displayed anti-Pelosi messages. China’s disinformation campaigns to create panic among Taiwanese and millions of cyberattacks originating from China have been a common problem that the Tsai Ing-wen government is grappling with. A long-term response includes economic coercion. China has already banned 100 Taiwanese food snacks manufacturers, imports of citrus fruits, and varieties of fish. China’s economic sanctions are only going to intensify as it is trying to hit Taiwan where it hurts the most given the cross-Strait economic interdependence. China is also using this episode to seek reassurances from several countries on their adherences to the One-China Policy. Two of the first countries to come in support of China were Russia and North Korea. Additionally, the Chinese diplomats are hoping to shape the narrative of the people in the host countries through social media interactions and writing op-eds in the traditional media. One of the most alarming responses is the further increase in military activities around Taiwan. With this, China aims to achieve three objectives: it wants to generate panic among people and intimidate Taiwan; it allows China to check Taiwan’s preparedness, the United States’ resolve to defend Taiwan, and even Japan’s response in an event of future cross-Strait conflict; and deter countries to expand interactions with Taiwan leading to Taiwan’s isolation. These moves seem to be punitive measures, and are to deter the United States and Taiwan from improving semi-political exchanges and other countries to freely engage Taiwan. For now, China’s response seems to be a mix of military intimidation, verbal brinkmanship, and cutting off dialogues on key issues with the United States with a possibility of downgrading diplomatic contacts. China’s actions will have long-term implications. While this increases anxiety and tensions in the Taiwan Strait, such miscalculations have the potential to create further problems for China. This is leading to further deterioration of relations with the United States, Japan, and other G7 countries with a possibility of the United States and Japan also getting involved in any future contingency. It will dent China’s image and establish it as an aggressor. China has active territorial disputes with countries such as India, Japan, Southeast Asian nations. If China decides to escalate, it will harbour anxiety among countries that they might be next, and only bolster the resolve of countries to further strengthen a collective response to maintain the peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Sana Hashmi is Post-Doctoral Fellow, Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation. She tweets @sanahashmi1. (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.)

All eyes on Taiwan: What will China do?

Responding to Nancy Pelosi's visit, China has planned four days of military drills in areas encircling Taiwan. Beijing is calling this "targeted military operations". Palki Sharma tells you how China's actions have raised the risk of conflict.

Gravitas: Chinese military surrounds Taiwan with military drills

There have been growing concerns among the US leadership that Taiwan might be targeted next by China as the Russian invasion of Ukraine unfolds.

The anxiety was reflected when former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, one of former president Donald Trump's most hawkish advisors on China, arrived in arrived in Taipei on Wednesday for a visit.

During his meeting with Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen, Pompeo said that Taiwan must not be allowed to go the same way as Ukraine.

"If any of us were mistaken or complacent about the risk to that freedom, I think we need only watch what's taking place in Europe today to see that this continues to demand deep concerted focus leadership from those of us who cherish freedom," he said.

"I think these days call for the simple reminder that it is not provocative to say that one demands freedom," he added warning that "those who desire to destroy freedom, to change human lives" will see silence as "their opportunity".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-watch-taiwan-is-going-to-be-next-trump-warns-as-russia-ukraine-war-rages-on-458579">‘Just watch, Taiwan is going to be next’: Trump warns as Russia-Ukraine war rages on</a>

The visit has sparked anger in China, calling on the US to shed any of its intentions on supporting Taiwan’s independence.

“The attempt by the US to show support to Taiwan will be in vain, no matter who the US sends,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in Beijing on Wednesday.

“The Chinese people are firmly determined and resolved to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-told-russia-to-delay-ukraine-invasion-until-end-of-winter-olympics-report-458556" hreflang="en">China told Russia to delay Ukraine invasion until end of Winter Olympics: Report</a>

Reacting to the visit, state media tabloid the&nbsp;Global Times&nbsp;in a tweet said, “It is an obvious provocation. Let’s keep calm and don’t be fooled. They are waiting for China to jump into the trap,” one commenter wrote.

Last year in January, Pompeo announced that Washington was ending restrictions on official contacts with China-claimed Taiwan in a move that angered Beijing.

Watch |&nbsp;Taiwan cautious of Chinese aggression amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine tensions

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-cautious-of-chinese-aggression-amid-ongoing-russia-ukraine-tensions-455645/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

There have been growing concerns among the US leadership that Taiwan might be targeted next by China as the Russian invasion of Ukraine unfolds. The anxiety was reflected when former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, one of former president Donald Trump's most hawkish advisors on China, arrived in arrived in Taipei on Wednesday for a visit.

There have been growing concerns among the US leadership that Taiwan might be targeted next by China as the Russian invasion of Ukraine unfolds. The anxiety was reflected when former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, one of former president Donald Trump's most hawkish advisors on China, arrived in arrived in Taipei on Wednesday for a visit. During his meeting with Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen, Pompeo said that Taiwan must not be allowed to go the same way as Ukraine. "If any of us were mistaken or complacent about the risk to that freedom, I think we need only watch what's taking place in Europe today to see that this continues to demand deep concerted focus leadership from those of us who cherish freedom," he said. "I think these days call for the simple reminder that it is not provocative to say that one demands freedom," he added warning that "those who desire to destroy freedom, to change human lives" will see silence as "their opportunity". Also read | ‘Just watch, Taiwan is going to be next’: Trump warns as Russia-Ukraine war rages on The visit has sparked anger in China, calling on the US to shed any of its intentions on supporting Taiwan’s independence. “The attempt by the US to show support to Taiwan will be in vain, no matter who the US sends,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in Beijing on Wednesday. “The Chinese people are firmly determined and resolved to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said. Also read | China told Russia to delay Ukraine invasion until end of Winter Olympics: Report Reacting to the visit, state media tabloid the Global Times in a tweet said, “It is an obvious provocation. Let’s keep calm and don’t be fooled. They are waiting for China to jump into the trap,” one commenter wrote. Last year in January, Pompeo announced that Washington was ending restrictions on official contacts with China-claimed Taiwan in a move that angered Beijing. Watch | Taiwan cautious of Chinese aggression amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine tensions (With inputs from agencies)

Pompeo voices concern over Taiwan as Russian invasion of Ukraine unfolds

Amidst the Russia-Ukraine war, former US president Donald Trump has claimed that Taiwan might be the next potential target, suggesting that the present conflict in Europe might give enough fodder for China to launch an attack.

In an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Trump was quoted as saying, “Taiwan is going to be next. Just watch Taiwan;&nbsp;President Xi is watching with glee.”

He based his assumption on the Biden administration’s response to the Ukraine invasion.

"I do because they're seeing how stupid the United States is run. They're seeing that our leaders are incompetent. And of course, they're (China) going to do it. This is their time," he said, adding, “They (US) did nothing on Ukraine. They do nothing."

"President Xi happens to be a man with a high intelligence level, and he looks at what happened in Afghanistan … He saw the way that we left Afghanistan … left American citizens there – is still trying to get out – he sees that, and this is his opportunity to do what he wants to do," he said.

Trump also took a dig at President Joe Biden's handling of the Ukraine crisis.

“Biden said such weak statements at the beginning that Putin said ‘Oh wow, this is my time to go,’” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-told-russia-to-delay-ukraine-invasion-until-end-of-winter-olympics-report-458556" hreflang="en">China told Russia to delay Ukraine invasion until end of Winter Olympics: Report</a>

Earlier, Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen expressed concerns over the ongoing conflict saying that her island faces threats similar to those confronted by Ukraine during a meeting with a delegation of former US security officials.

"History teaches us that if we turn a blind eye to military aggression, we only worsen the threat to ourselves," Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen told the delegation.

"The Ukrainian people's commitment to protect their freedom and democracy, and their fearless dedication to defending their country have been met with deep empathy from the people of Taiwan, as we too stand on the frontlines of the battle for democracy."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-man-caught-speeding-blames-putin-and-threat-of-nuclear-war-458512" hreflang="en">Florida man caught speeding, blames Putin and threat of nuclear war</a>

She warned of Beijing's rising military threat to Taiwan and the region, including "using cognitive warfare tactics and disinformation to divide Taiwanese society".

The delegation, led by ex-chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and retired admiral Michael Mullen, arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday at a time of rising tensions between Washington and Beijing over the self-ruled island as well as the crisis sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amidst the Russia-Ukraine war, former US president Donald Trump has claimed that Taiwan might be the next potential target, suggesting that the present conflict in Europe might give enough fodder for China to launch an attack.

Amidst the Russia-Ukraine war, former US president Donald Trump has claimed that Taiwan might be the next potential target, suggesting that the present conflict in Europe might give enough fodder for China to launch an attack. In an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Trump was quoted as saying, “Taiwan is going to be next. Just watch Taiwan; President Xi is watching with glee.” He based his assumption on the Biden administration’s response to the Ukraine invasion. "I do because they're seeing how stupid the United States is run. They're seeing that our leaders are incompetent. And of course, they're (China) going to do it. This is their time," he said, adding, “They (US) did nothing on Ukraine. They do nothing." "President Xi happens to be a man with a high intelligence level, and he looks at what happened in Afghanistan … He saw the way that we left Afghanistan … left American citizens there – is still trying to get out – he sees that, and this is his opportunity to do what he wants to do," he said. Trump also took a dig at President Joe Biden's handling of the Ukraine crisis. “Biden said such weak statements at the beginning that Putin said ‘Oh wow, this is my time to go,’” he said. Also read | China told Russia to delay Ukraine invasion until end of Winter Olympics: Report Earlier, Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen expressed concerns over the ongoing conflict saying that her island faces threats similar to those confronted by Ukraine during a meeting with a delegation of former US security officials. "History teaches us that if we turn a blind eye to military aggression, we only worsen the threat to ourselves," Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen told the delegation. "The Ukrainian people's commitment to protect their freedom and democracy, and their fearless dedication to defending their country have been met with deep empathy from the people of Taiwan, as we too stand on the frontlines of the battle for democracy." Also read | Florida man caught speeding, blames Putin and threat of nuclear war She warned of Beijing's rising military threat to Taiwan and the region, including "using cognitive warfare tactics and disinformation to divide Taiwanese society". The delegation, led by ex-chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and retired admiral Michael Mullen, arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday at a time of rising tensions between Washington and Beijing over the self-ruled island as well as the crisis sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Just watch, Taiwan is going to be next’: Trump warns as Russia-Ukraine war rages on

A week ago, Taiwan said it would not participate in the opening ceremony of the Winter Games in Beijing. Then the island democracy reversed its decision, citing pressure from the International Olympic Committee.

In at first declining, Taiwanese officials had pointed to inconvenient flight schedules and pandemic restrictions. But they are also engaged in a political rivalry with Beijing over the Olympics, embodied in one persistent issue: the name of Taiwan’s delegation.

Taiwan, a self-ruled island that China claims as its territory, has for decades been compelled to compete in international sports events as “Chinese Taipei” rather than as Taiwan or under its formal name, Republic of China. The International Olympic Committee’s rules prohibit delegations from Taiwan from using any symbols suggesting that the island is a sovereign nation.

When Taiwan said on Monday that it had decided to take part in the opening ceremony, officials from the island urged China not to try to use the Games to suppress Taiwan. They did not go into specifics, but some Taiwanese officials worry that Beijing might use the Games to undermine the island’s status.

The dispute centres on the Chinese rendering of the Taiwanese delegation’s name, “Chinese Taipei.” Officially, the delegation’s Chinese name is Zhonghua Taipei. But officials on the mainland often refer to the Taiwanese delegation as Zhongguo Taipei. Zhongguo is the Chinese name for China; referring to the Taiwanese delegation as such implies that the athletes and the island they represent are part of China.

In 2008, when the Taiwan delegation marched into the National Stadium in Beijing for the Summer Olympics, the event’s Chinese announcer stuck to the official version of the delegation’s name. But relations between the two sides have since deteriorated, and concerns have grown that this time, China might use the ceremonies as an opportunity to assert its claim over Taiwan.

On Friday, the island’s delegation will not get to use the name Taiwan on their national team uniforms, sing their anthem or carry the island’s flag during the opening ceremony.

“I actually feel a bit disappointed that I can’t compete with the name of Taiwan,” Lin Sin-rong, a luger who is competing in Beijing, said in January. “When it comes to China, I do what I should and keep what I shouldn’t say in my heart.”

A week ago, Taiwan said it would not participate in the opening ceremony of the Winter Games in Beijing. Then the island democracy reversed its decision, citing pressure from the International Olympic Committee.

A week ago, Taiwan said it would not participate in the opening ceremony of the Winter Games in Beijing. Then the island democracy reversed its decision, citing pressure from the International Olympic Committee. In at first declining, Taiwanese officials had pointed to inconvenient flight schedules and pandemic restrictions. But they are also engaged in a political rivalry with Beijing over the Olympics, embodied in one persistent issue: the name of Taiwan’s delegation. Taiwan, a self-ruled island that China claims as its territory, has for decades been compelled to compete in international sports events as “Chinese Taipei” rather than as Taiwan or under its formal name, Republic of China. The International Olympic Committee’s rules prohibit delegations from Taiwan from using any symbols suggesting that the island is a sovereign nation. When Taiwan said on Monday that it had decided to take part in the opening ceremony, officials from the island urged China not to try to use the Games to suppress Taiwan. They did not go into specifics, but some Taiwanese officials worry that Beijing might use the Games to undermine the island’s status. The dispute centres on the Chinese rendering of the Taiwanese delegation’s name, “Chinese Taipei.” Officially, the delegation’s Chinese name is Zhonghua Taipei. But officials on the mainland often refer to the Taiwanese delegation as Zhongguo Taipei. Zhongguo is the Chinese name for China; referring to the Taiwanese delegation as such implies that the athletes and the island they represent are part of China. In 2008, when the Taiwan delegation marched into the National Stadium in Beijing for the Summer Olympics, the event’s Chinese announcer stuck to the official version of the delegation’s name. But relations between the two sides have since deteriorated, and concerns have grown that this time, China might use the ceremonies as an opportunity to assert its claim over Taiwan. On Friday, the island’s delegation will not get to use the name Taiwan on their national team uniforms, sing their anthem or carry the island’s flag during the opening ceremony. “I actually feel a bit disappointed that I can’t compete with the name of Taiwan,” Lin Sin-rong, a luger who is competing in Beijing, said in January. “When it comes to China, I do what I should and keep what I shouldn’t say in my heart.”

What’s in a name? For Taiwan, a lot

A group of six French lawmakers visited Taiwan in a show of support in the face of China’s belligerence towards the island.

Francois de Rugy, who heads the France-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, said the French government had been positive about moves to strengthen ties between the sides.

“We see that a certain number of countries are obviously deploying very important armament programs. This is of course the case for China, for Russia, which is rearming itself, it is also the case with the US, which is investing in armament as well, and it is also the case with some European countries, including France, to take on challenges of new threats or risks of (power) unbalances.”

“So, in such cases, we think that Taiwan's position is particular. Taiwan is particular because it is threatened, such threats are new and very obvious. Besides, it (Taiwan) is in a zone where a new power equilibrium is yet to be built between the US and China,” Rugy said.

Another parliamentarian Aina Kuric stressed the need for democracies “to support each other” at a joint news conference on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-loses-another-ally-to-china-as-nicaragua-recognises-chinese-sovereignty-435709">Taiwan loses another ally to China as Nicaragua recognises Chinese sovereignty</a>

The French lawmakers arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday for a five-day visit. The latest visit follows a similar trip led by another group of French parliamentarians in October that China sought to discourage.

On Wednesday, China's foreign ministry criticised the latest French visit, saying “relevant parties should... stop sending false signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/while-us-was-hosting-democracy-summit-china-targeted-our-allies-taiwan-436971">While US was hosting democracy summit, China targeted our allies: Taiwan</a>

“China firmly opposes any official and political exchanges between Taiwan and other countries,” said spokesman Zhao Lijian.

Beijing claims Taiwan as a province of China. Unification is a key goal of the Chinese premier Xi Jinping, who has not ruled out taking Taiwan by force.

China conducted military drills near the Taiwan Strait following a visit by a group of American lawmakers last month.

Taiwan's defence minister has warned that military tensions between the island and China were at their highest in four decades, after around 150 Chinese warplanes -- a record number -- made incursions into Taiwan's air defence zone in October.

(With inputs from agencies)

A group of six French lawmakers visited Taiwan in a show of support in the face of China’s belligerence towards the island. Francois de Rugy, who heads the France-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, said the French government had been positive about moves to strengthen ties between the sides.

A group of six French lawmakers visited Taiwan in a show of support in the face of China’s belligerence towards the island. Francois de Rugy, who heads the France-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, said the French government had been positive about moves to strengthen ties between the sides. “We see that a certain number of countries are obviously deploying very important armament programs. This is of course the case for China, for Russia, which is rearming itself, it is also the case with the US, which is investing in armament as well, and it is also the case with some European countries, including France, to take on challenges of new threats or risks of (power) unbalances.” “So, in such cases, we think that Taiwan's position is particular. Taiwan is particular because it is threatened, such threats are new and very obvious. Besides, it (Taiwan) is in a zone where a new power equilibrium is yet to be built between the US and China,” Rugy said. Another parliamentarian Aina Kuric stressed the need for democracies “to support each other” at a joint news conference on Friday. Also read | Taiwan loses another ally to China as Nicaragua recognises Chinese sovereignty The French lawmakers arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday for a five-day visit. The latest visit follows a similar trip led by another group of French parliamentarians in October that China sought to discourage. On Wednesday, China's foreign ministry criticised the latest French visit, saying “relevant parties should... stop sending false signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces”. Also read | While US was hosting democracy summit, China targeted our allies: Taiwan “China firmly opposes any official and political exchanges between Taiwan and other countries,” said spokesman Zhao Lijian. Beijing claims Taiwan as a province of China. Unification is a key goal of the Chinese premier Xi Jinping, who has not ruled out taking Taiwan by force. China conducted military drills near the Taiwan Strait following a visit by a group of American lawmakers last month. Taiwan's defence minister has warned that military tensions between the island and China were at their highest in four decades, after around 150 Chinese warplanes -- a record number -- made incursions into Taiwan's air defence zone in October. (With inputs from agencies)

French lawmakers visit Taiwan to show support in the face of China’s belligerence

Over the last couple of months, the United States has appeared as one of the biggest supporters of Taiwan across the world. In October the US Secretary of State pushed for Taiwan's entry into the UN.

United States backs Taiwan's presence at the UN

Curfew has been imposed in Solomon Islands capital Honiara after protesters allegedly burned down a building in the parliament precinct, a police station and a store, amid reports of looting.

The burnt building was reportedly owned by a Chinese national.

The agitators were demanding the prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, to step down over failure to deliver promised infrastructure among other complaints, according to local media reports.

According to reports, the protesters belonged to Malaita province, the most populous province in the pacific island country,&nbsp;whose provincial government has had tense relations with the central government for years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-meets-solomons-envoy-to-shore-up-ties-over-china-248580">Taiwan leader meets Solomons envoy to shore up ties over China</a>

The tensions are also being attributed to Sogavare’s decision in 2019 to cut&nbsp;ties with Taiwan and establish a diplomatic relationship with China—a move that angered Malaita premier Daniel Suidani.

Police on Wednesday fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of protesters when they marched towards the parliament, a police spokesman said.

“A crowd formed in front of the parliament, I don’t know the exact numbers but it was a huge crowd,” the unnamed policeman told the AFP news agency.

“They intended to make the prime minister resign – that’s the public speculation – but we’re still investigating the motives. The important thing is police now have control of the situation and no one is out on the streets.”

He said police were unaware of any injuries.

Many communities in Malaita had forged deep ties with Taipei and the island’s local government has repeatedly complained about&nbsp;embracing China.

(With inputs from agencies)

Curfew has been imposed in Solomon Islands capital Honiara after protesters allegedly burned down a building in the parliament precinct, a police station and a store, amid reports of looting.

Curfew has been imposed in Solomon Islands capital Honiara after protesters allegedly burned down a building in the parliament precinct, a police station and a store, amid reports of looting. The burnt building was reportedly owned by a Chinese national. The agitators were demanding the prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, to step down over failure to deliver promised infrastructure among other complaints, according to local media reports. According to reports, the protesters belonged to Malaita province, the most populous province in the pacific island country, whose provincial government has had tense relations with the central government for years. Also read | Taiwan leader meets Solomons envoy to shore up ties over China The tensions are also being attributed to Sogavare’s decision in 2019 to cut ties with Taiwan and establish a diplomatic relationship with China—a move that angered Malaita premier Daniel Suidani. Police on Wednesday fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of protesters when they marched towards the parliament, a police spokesman said. “A crowd formed in front of the parliament, I don’t know the exact numbers but it was a huge crowd,” the unnamed policeman told the AFP news agency. “They intended to make the prime minister resign – that’s the public speculation – but we’re still investigating the motives. The important thing is police now have control of the situation and no one is out on the streets.” He said police were unaware of any injuries. Many communities in Malaita had forged deep ties with Taipei and the island’s local government has repeatedly complained about embracing China. (With inputs from agencies)

Protesters burn down parliament building, police station in Solomon Islands

The tensions are escalating between China and Taiwan and along with this, there is also talk of war. There is a complex situation between China, Taiwan and the United States that is feeding the public with a sense of crisis in the near future.

EU Parliament delegation visits Taiwan for the 1st time

US President Joe Biden said US would come to Taiwan's defense if attacked China, for the second time in three months. After which, China has urged the US to "avoid sending any false signals".

US President Biden hints at military intervention if China attacks Taiwan, The White House clarifies

Satellite images have revealed China is upgrading and reinforcing its airbases facing towards Taiwan along its southeastern coast, indicating Beijing may be stepping up its plans to take the island by force.

The tension between China and Taiwan at their highest

Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned Taiwan to work on unification of the country and get out of the existing "grim" situation.<o:p></o:p>

The self-ruled democratic Taiwan is usually claimed as a part of its territory by China and the Asian country has, on several occasions,&nbsp;stressed that it will one day re-take the country.<o:p></o:p>

Now, in a congratulatory message to Eric Chu, who has just been elected as the leader of the Kuomintang (KMT) party — which is China-friendly — China's President XI Jinping said the Communist Party and KMT should work together.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-welcomes-huawei-executive-meng-wanzhou-home-416107">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-welcomes-huawei-executive-meng-wanzhou-home-416107/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"In the past our two parties insisted on '1992 consensus' and opposing 'Taiwan independence' ... to promote peaceful developments in cross- strait relations," Xi said in the letter released by the KMT.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

He urged the two parties to come together for the ‘unification of the country’ and make sure the ‘grim’ situation is straightened out as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p>

"At present the situation in the Taiwan Strait is complex and grim," he said, urging the parties to jointly seek peace and "the unification of the country."&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Chu has replied back by saying he hopes the two parties will “seek common ground and respect their differences” to ensure and promote peace and stability in the area.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Beijing has been building military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan to admit and follow the idea of “One China”.<o:p></o:p>

Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned Taiwan to work on unification of the country and get out of the existing "grim" situation. The self-ruled democratic Taiwan is usually claimed as a part of its territory by China and the Asian country has, on several occasions, stressed that it will one day re-take the country.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned Taiwan to work on unification of the country and get out of the existing "grim" situation. The self-ruled democratic Taiwan is usually claimed as a part of its territory by China and the Asian country has, on several occasions, stressed that it will one day re-take the country. Now, in a congratulatory message to Eric Chu, who has just been elected as the leader of the Kuomintang (KMT) party — which is China-friendly — China's President XI Jinping said the Communist Party and KMT should work together. WATCH | "In the past our two parties insisted on '1992 consensus' and opposing 'Taiwan independence' ... to promote peaceful developments in cross- strait relations," Xi said in the letter released by the KMT. He urged the two parties to come together for the ‘unification of the country’ and make sure the ‘grim’ situation is straightened out as soon as possible. "At present the situation in the Taiwan Strait is complex and grim," he said, urging the parties to jointly seek peace and "the unification of the country." Chu has replied back by saying he hopes the two parties will “seek common ground and respect their differences” to ensure and promote peace and stability in the area. Meanwhile, Beijing has been building military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan to admit and follow the idea of “One China”.

China warns Taiwan about existing 'grim' situation

Taiwan launched a new English-language news and media streaming platform on Monday aiming to give it a greater voice on the world stage and help to tackle Beijing`s "squeeze" of the Chinese-claimed island on the world stage.

Taiwan+, backed by T$775 million ($28 million) in government funding, will broadcast content online focusing on news, as well as features about Taiwan, from food and tourism to culture and technology.

President Tsai Ing-wen, in a recorded message to the launch party at a Taipei museum, said Taiwan needed a platform to highlight to the world the island`s diversity, democratic achievements and aspiration to contribute to the international community.

"It is our own international media platform, a key part of our collective effort to show what Taiwan has to offer," she said. 
Taiwan+`s founding comes at a time when China is increasingly active in English-language media, putting across the ruling Communist Party`s views to an outside audience, especially via state television`s English language news channel China Global Television Network, or CGTN.

China is also squeezing Taiwan`s international space, including forcing foreign companies to refer to it as being part of China on their websites and routinely carrying out military drills near the island.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/respect-human-rights-and-dignities-taiwans-former-defence-minister-to-china-at-wion-global-summit-372787">Respect human rights and dignities': Taiwan's Former Defence Minister to China at WION Global Summit</a>

Parliament speaker You Si-kun said Taiwan needs to be able to tell its own stories and confront misconceptions put about by China.

"For a long time, the Chinese Communists have been squeezing Taiwan`s international space and creating a false image of Taiwan, leading to the diplomatic challenges Taiwan now faces," You said.

"In recent years, however, there has been a dramatic change in how the world sees the Chinese Communists. Major democracies around the world are now raising the alarm over China`s rise," he added.

Taiwan already has a handful of domestic English-language media, the most prominent of which is the Taipei Times, founded in 1999 and published by the mass circulation Liberty Times.

Taiwan launched a new English-language news and media streaming platform on Monday aiming to give it a greater voice on the world stage and help to tackle Beijing`s "squeeze" of the Chinese-claimed island on the world stage.

Taiwan launched a new English-language news and media streaming platform on Monday aiming to give it a greater voice on the world stage and help to tackle Beijing`s "squeeze" of the Chinese-claimed island on the world stage. Taiwan+, backed by T$775 million ($28 million) in government funding, will broadcast content online focusing on news, as well as features about Taiwan, from food and tourism to culture and technology. President Tsai Ing-wen, in a recorded message to the launch party at a Taipei museum, said Taiwan needed a platform to highlight to the world the island`s diversity, democratic achievements and aspiration to contribute to the international community. "It is our own international media platform, a key part of our collective effort to show what Taiwan has to offer," she said. Taiwan+`s founding comes at a time when China is increasingly active in English-language media, putting across the ruling Communist Party`s views to an outside audience, especially via state television`s English language news channel China Global Television Network, or CGTN. China is also squeezing Taiwan`s international space, including forcing foreign companies to refer to it as being part of China on their websites and routinely carrying out military drills near the island. Also read | Respect human rights and dignities': Taiwan's Former Defence Minister to China at WION Global Summit Parliament speaker You Si-kun said Taiwan needs to be able to tell its own stories and confront misconceptions put about by China. "For a long time, the Chinese Communists have been squeezing Taiwan`s international space and creating a false image of Taiwan, leading to the diplomatic challenges Taiwan now faces," You said. "In recent years, however, there has been a dramatic change in how the world sees the Chinese Communists. Major democracies around the world are now raising the alarm over China`s rise," he added. Taiwan already has a handful of domestic English-language media, the most prominent of which is the Taipei Times, founded in 1999 and published by the mass circulation Liberty Times.

Facing China ''squeeze'', Taiwan launches English-language news platform

Beijing would find it "deeply destabilising" if the United States were to explicitly state it would come to Taiwan`s defence in the event of a Chinese invasion, the Biden administration`s spy chief said on Thursday.

"From our perspective, if we were to see a US shift from strategic ambiguity, as you`ve identified it, to clarity over a willingness to intervene in a Taiwan contingency, the Chinese would find this deeply destabilizing," Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told the Senate Armed Services Committee, as quoted by The Hill.

"I think it would solidify Chinese perceptions that the US is bent on constraining China`s rise, including through military force, and would probably cause Beijing to aggressively undermine U.S. interests worldwide," she added.

From Taipei`s perspective, Haines said, it`s "possible" a US change from "strategic ambiguity" could lead to more Taiwanese movement toward independence." I would say that already Taiwan is hardening to some extent towards independence as they`re watching, essentially, what happened in Hong Kong, and I think that is an increasing challenge," she added.

The director`s comments at the committee's annual worldwide threats hearing come after the outgoing top U.S. military officer for the region suggested it`s time to rethink U.S. policy toward Taiwan.&nbsp;

The Hill reported that under the decades-old policy, the United States maintains "strategic ambiguity" toward Taiwan where it does not explicitly say it would come to the island`s defence in a conflict with China. The policy is aimed at both avoiding, provoking Beijing and not emboldening Taiwan into formally declaring independence, which could lead to a Chinese invasion.&nbsp;

When Asked about the strategic ambiguity policy at a Senate Armed Services hearing last month, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (Indo-Pacom) chief Adm. Philip Davidson said that while the current policy has "helped keep Taiwan in its current status," he believes "these things should be reconsidered routinely."Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lt. Gen. Scott Berrier, while testifying alongside Haines, said Chinese President Xi Jinping has a goal to "unify Taiwan with China."We don't know that he`s decided on how or when to do that," Berrier added, but noted there has been "an increase in [Chinese military] activity on the sea and the airspace around Taiwan over the last year." This comes as China 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. 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."

Beijing, on the other hand, reacted sharply to the statement and expressed firm opposition to Washington and Tokyo's demand for a 'stable' Taiwan strait.&nbsp;

China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea and has overlapping territorial claims with Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.&nbsp;

China has been increasing its maritime activities in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea over the past few months, partly in response to Beijing`s concerns over the increasing US military presence in the region because of escalating Sino-US tensions.&nbsp;

Beijing's rising assertiveness against counter claimants in the East and South Sea has resulted in unprecedented agreement across the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan, a democracy of almost 24 million people located off the southeastern coast of mainland China, although the two sides have been governed separately for more than seven decades.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

China has threatened that "Taiwan`s independence" means war.

Beijing would find it "deeply destabilising" if the United States were to explicitly state it would come to Taiwan`s defence in the event of a Chinese invasion, the Biden administration`s spy chief said on Thursday.

Beijing would find it "deeply destabilising" if the United States were to explicitly state it would come to Taiwan`s defence in the event of a Chinese invasion, the Biden administration`s spy chief said on Thursday. "From our perspective, if we were to see a US shift from strategic ambiguity, as you`ve identified it, to clarity over a willingness to intervene in a Taiwan contingency, the Chinese would find this deeply destabilizing," Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told the Senate Armed Services Committee, as quoted by The Hill. "I think it would solidify Chinese perceptions that the US is bent on constraining China`s rise, including through military force, and would probably cause Beijing to aggressively undermine U.S. interests worldwide," she added. From Taipei`s perspective, Haines said, it`s "possible" a US change from "strategic ambiguity" could lead to more Taiwanese movement toward independence." I would say that already Taiwan is hardening to some extent towards independence as they`re watching, essentially, what happened in Hong Kong, and I think that is an increasing challenge," she added. The director`s comments at the committee's annual worldwide threats hearing come after the outgoing top U.S. military officer for the region suggested it`s time to rethink U.S. policy toward Taiwan. The Hill reported that under the decades-old policy, the United States maintains "strategic ambiguity" toward Taiwan where it does not explicitly say it would come to the island`s defence in a conflict with China. The policy is aimed at both avoiding, provoking Beijing and not emboldening Taiwan into formally declaring independence, which could lead to a Chinese invasion. When Asked about the strategic ambiguity policy at a Senate Armed Services hearing last month, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (Indo-Pacom) chief Adm. Philip Davidson said that while the current policy has "helped keep Taiwan in its current status," he believes "these things should be reconsidered routinely."Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lt. Gen. Scott Berrier, while testifying alongside Haines, said Chinese President Xi Jinping has a goal to "unify Taiwan with China."We don't know that he`s decided on how or when to do that," Berrier added, but noted there has been "an increase in [Chinese military] activity on the sea and the airspace around Taiwan over the last year." This comes as China 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. 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." Beijing, on the other hand, reacted sharply to the statement and expressed firm opposition to Washington and Tokyo's demand for a 'stable' Taiwan strait. China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea and has overlapping territorial claims with Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan. China has been increasing its maritime activities in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea over the past few months, partly in response to Beijing`s concerns over the increasing US military presence in the region because of escalating Sino-US tensions. Beijing's rising assertiveness against counter claimants in the East and South Sea has resulted in unprecedented agreement across the Indo-Pacific. Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan, a democracy of almost 24 million people located off the southeastern coast of mainland China, although 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 would find change in policy toward Taiwan 'deeply destabilising': US

Taiwanese officials are set to brief the U.S. officials on China's actions in their territory and ask for increased support from Biden in matters of trade, economy and security

'Stay out of Taiwan', China warns Biden

The incursion involved 18 fighter jets, four bombers that can carry nuclear weapons, two anti-submarine aircraft and an early warning aircraft, according to Taiwan's defence ministry.

25 Chinese warplanes enter Taiwan defence zone

China is accelerating moves to supersede American military power in Asia, as a result of which it can invade Taiwan within the next six years, a top US commander has warned.

Taiwan split from China at the end of a civil war in 1949 and exists under the constant threat of invasion by the mainland. Chinese leaders view Taiwan as part of their territory and have vowed to one day take it back.

The US continues to remain the island’s most important unofficial ally -- previously, it wass Donald Trump who embraced warmer ties with the island, and now it is new President Joe Biden whose State Department said in January that its commitment to the island was “rock-solid”. Also, Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the US was formally invited to Biden’s inauguration, an unprecedented move since 1979 -- when Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China.

“I worry that they’re [China] accelerating their ambitions to supplant the United States and our leadership role in the rules-based international order... by 2050,” Washington’s top military officer in Asia-Pacific, Admiral Philip Davidson, told a US Senate armed services committee hearing on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-continue-assisting-taiwans-self-defence-capabilities-says-white-house-369156">Also read |&nbsp;US to continue assisting Taiwan's self-defence capabilities, says White House&nbsp;</a>

“Taiwan is clearly one of their ambitions before that. And I think the threat is manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next six years."

China also has made expansive territorial claims in the resource-rich South China Sea and even threatens the American island of Guam, underlined Davidson.&nbsp;

"Guam is a target today," he warned, recalling that the Chinese military released a video simulating an attack on an island base strongly resembling US facilities in Diego Garcia and Guam.&nbsp;

He called on lawmakers to approve the installation on Guam of an Aegis Ashore anti-missile battery, capable of intercepting the most powerful Chinese missiles in flight.&nbsp;

Guam "needs to be defended and it needs to be prepared for the threats that will come in the future," Davidson said.&nbsp;

In addition to other Aegis missile defence systems destined for Australia and Japan, Davidson called on lawmakers to budget for offensive armaments "to let China know that the costs of what they seek to do are too high."

Davidson said, however, that missile defence was not enough to deter a potential adversary, and countries&nbsp;need to "score some runs to win the match".

(with inputs)

China is accelerating moves to supersede American military power in Asia, as a result of which it can invade Taiwan within the next six years, a top US commander has warned.

China is accelerating moves to supersede American military power in Asia, as a result of which it can invade Taiwan within the next six years, a top US commander has warned. Taiwan split from China at the end of a civil war in 1949 and exists under the constant threat of invasion by the mainland. Chinese leaders view Taiwan as part of their territory and have vowed to one day take it back. The US continues to remain the island’s most important unofficial ally -- previously, it wass Donald Trump who embraced warmer ties with the island, and now it is new President Joe Biden whose State Department said in January that its commitment to the island was “rock-solid”. Also, Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the US was formally invited to Biden’s inauguration, an unprecedented move since 1979 -- when Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. “I worry that they’re [China] accelerating their ambitions to supplant the United States and our leadership role in the rules-based international order... by 2050,” Washington’s top military officer in Asia-Pacific, Admiral Philip Davidson, told a US Senate armed services committee hearing on Tuesday. Also read | US to continue assisting Taiwan's self-defence capabilities, says White House “Taiwan is clearly one of their ambitions before that. And I think the threat is manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next six years." China also has made expansive territorial claims in the resource-rich South China Sea and even threatens the American island of Guam, underlined Davidson. "Guam is a target today," he warned, recalling that the Chinese military released a video simulating an attack on an island base strongly resembling US facilities in Diego Garcia and Guam. He called on lawmakers to approve the installation on Guam of an Aegis Ashore anti-missile battery, capable of intercepting the most powerful Chinese missiles in flight. Guam "needs to be defended and it needs to be prepared for the threats that will come in the future," Davidson said. In addition to other Aegis missile defence systems destined for Australia and Japan, Davidson called on lawmakers to budget for offensive armaments "to let China know that the costs of what they seek to do are too high." Davidson said, however, that missile defence was not enough to deter a potential adversary, and countries need to "score some runs to win the match". (with inputs)

China could invade Taiwan in next six years, top US commander warns

China on Wednesday accused a top US commander of attempting to "hype up" the threat of an invasion of Taiwan to inflate Washington's defence spend.

The US' top military officer in Asia-Pacific, Admiral Philip Davidson, on Tuesday said China could invade Taiwan within the next six years. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos">Pictures: Thousands of Tibetans protest on the 62nd anniversary of the uprising against China</a> 
 
Taiwan split from China at the end of a civil war in 1949 and exists under the constant threat of invasion by the mainland. Chinese leaders view Taiwan as part of their territory and have vowed to one day take it back.

"Taiwan is clearly one of their ambitions before that. And I think the threat is manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next six years," Davidson told a US Senate committee.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-could-invade-taiwan-in-next-six-years-top-us-commander-warns-369267">Also read | China could invade Taiwan in next six years, top US commander warns</a>

Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, to this end, told reporters in Beijing: "Some US people continue to use the Taiwan issue to hype up China's military threat."

"But in essence this is the US searching for a pretext to increase its military spending, expand its forces and interfere in regional affairs."

Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, but remains the island's most important unofficial ally and military backer.

The US continues to remain the island’s most important unofficial ally -- earlier, it was Donald Trump who embraced warmer ties with the island, and now it is new President Joe Biden whose State Department said in January that its commitment to the island was “rock-solid”.&nbsp;

China also has made expansive territorial claims in the resource-rich South China Sea and even threatens the American island of Guam, underlined Davidson.&nbsp;

"Guam is a target today," he warned, recalling that the Chinese military released a video simulating an attack on an island base strongly resembling US facilities in Diego Garcia and Guam.&nbsp;

China on Wednesday accused a top US commander of attempting to "hype up" the threat of an invasion of Taiwan to inflate Washington's defence spend. The US' top military officer in Asia-Pacific, Admiral Philip Davidson, on Tuesday said China could invade Taiwan within the next six years.

China on Wednesday accused a top US commander of attempting to "hype up" the threat of an invasion of Taiwan to inflate Washington's defence spend. The US' top military officer in Asia-Pacific, Admiral Philip Davidson, on Tuesday said China could invade Taiwan within the next six years. Pictures: Thousands of Tibetans protest on the 62nd anniversary of the uprising against China Taiwan split from China at the end of a civil war in 1949 and exists under the constant threat of invasion by the mainland. Chinese leaders view Taiwan as part of their territory and have vowed to one day take it back. "Taiwan is clearly one of their ambitions before that. And I think the threat is manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next six years," Davidson told a US Senate committee. Also read | China could invade Taiwan in next six years, top US commander warns Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, to this end, told reporters in Beijing: "Some US people continue to use the Taiwan issue to hype up China's military threat." "But in essence this is the US searching for a pretext to increase its military spending, expand its forces and interfere in regional affairs." Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, but remains the island's most important unofficial ally and military backer. The US continues to remain the island’s most important unofficial ally -- earlier, it was Donald Trump who embraced warmer ties with the island, and now it is new President Joe Biden whose State Department said in January that its commitment to the island was “rock-solid”. China also has made expansive territorial claims in the resource-rich South China Sea and even threatens the American island of Guam, underlined Davidson. "Guam is a target today," he warned, recalling that the Chinese military released a video simulating an attack on an island base strongly resembling US facilities in Diego Garcia and Guam.

China accuses US admiral of 'hyping up' threat of Taiwan invasion

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China accuses US admiral of 'hyping up' threat of Taiwan invasion