President Milos Zeman sought on Sunday to defuse a row with China over a visit by the head of the Czech Senate to Taiwan, calling the speaker`s trip a "boyish provocation".

Senate speaker Milos Vystrcil grabbed headlines last week when he told Taiwan`s parliament "I am a Taiwanese" in a speech that echoed the late U.S. President John F. Kennedy`s defiance of communism in Berlin in 1963.

Vystrcil`s trip did not have the backing of the Czech government, which sets foreign policy, and angered China, which said the Czech speaker would "pay a heavy price" for visiting the democratic island it sees as its own territory.

This prompted Prague to summon China`s ambassador.

Zeman has sought closer business and political ties with China since taking office in 2013, but his efforts have been hit by failed investment plans and have divided politicians.

Zeman said in an interview on broadcaster Prima on Sunday he would stop inviting Vystrcil to meetings of the state`s top foreign policy officials and said his trip could be damaging for firms but that China`s comments were exaggerated.

"I consider it boyish provocation," Zeman said of the trip.

Prime Minister Andrej Babis said later on the same debate show he would fight to prevent fallout for Czech companies.

The Czech Republic, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan although Taiwan is a large investor in the country.

Many Czech companies operate in or export to China, the world`s second-largest economy. The richest Czech Petr Kellner`s Home Credit is a major consumer lender in China while the country is also the largest single market for Skoda Auto, the Czech car unit of Volkswagen.

President Milos Zeman sought on Sunday to defuse a row with China over a visit by the head of the Czech Senate to Taiwan, calling the speaker`s trip a "boyish provocation".

President Milos Zeman sought on Sunday to defuse a row with China over a visit by the head of the Czech Senate to Taiwan, calling the speaker`s trip a "boyish provocation". Senate speaker Milos Vystrcil grabbed headlines last week when he told Taiwan`s parliament "I am a Taiwanese" in a speech that echoed the late U.S. President John F. Kennedy`s defiance of communism in Berlin in 1963. Vystrcil`s trip did not have the backing of the Czech government, which sets foreign policy, and angered China, which said the Czech speaker would "pay a heavy price" for visiting the democratic island it sees as its own territory. This prompted Prague to summon China`s ambassador. Zeman has sought closer business and political ties with China since taking office in 2013, but his efforts have been hit by failed investment plans and have divided politicians. Zeman said in an interview on broadcaster Prima on Sunday he would stop inviting Vystrcil to meetings of the state`s top foreign policy officials and said his trip could be damaging for firms but that China`s comments were exaggerated. "I consider it boyish provocation," Zeman said of the trip. Prime Minister Andrej Babis said later on the same debate show he would fight to prevent fallout for Czech companies. The Czech Republic, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan although Taiwan is a large investor in the country. Many Czech companies operate in or export to China, the world`s second-largest economy. The richest Czech Petr Kellner`s Home Credit is a major consumer lender in China while the country is also the largest single market for Skoda Auto, the Czech car unit of Volkswagen.

Czech president tries to tamp down China anger after speaker's Taiwan trip

A senior Czech politician invoked a famous Cold War-era phrase by late US president John F Kennedy as he delivered a landmark speech to Taiwan's parliament Tuesday during a visit that has incensed Beijing.&nbsp;

Czech Senate speaker Milos Vystrcil channelled Kennedy's 1963 challenge to communism when he declared "Ich bin ein Berliner" to West Berlin citizens worried about the Soviet Union's looming presence behind the Iron Curtain.

Kennedy "used the phrase 'Ich bin ein Berliner' to show his support for the people of Berlin and the highest values of freedom", Vystrcil said.

"Maybe I can be more humble, but allow me to use the same determined phrase to conclude my speech in your country's parliament, in Taiwan -- I am Taiwanese."

His final declaration -- "I am Taiwanese" -- was delivered in Mandarin and received a standing ovation from lawmakers on the self-ruled island.

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As a precaution against coronavirus he gave his speech wearing a facemask, which was decorated with the flags of the Czech Republic and Taiwan.

Vystrcil is leading a 90-member delegation to Taiwan that Beijing has slammed as a "despicable act".

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned on Monday that Vystrcil would "pay a high price for his short-sighted behaviour and political speculation", while Beijing summoned the Czech ambassador.

Prague then summoned Beijing's ambassador in response to Wang's comments.&nbsp;

Beijing's authoritarian leaders view Taiwan as part of China's territory and have vowed to seize the island, by force if necessary.&nbsp;

It has tried to keep Taiwan diplomatically and economically isolated from the rest of the world, especially after the election of President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-czech-senate-speaker-will-pay-heavy-price-for-taiwan-visit-324169">Also read|&nbsp;China says Czech senate speaker will pay 'heavy price' for Taiwan visit</a>

She rejects Beijing's idea that Taiwan is part of "One China" and views the island as a de facto sovereign nation.

Diplomatic breakthrough

The Czech government accepts Beijing's "One China" policy and does not send official delegations to the island.

But Vystrcil is a member of the right-wing opposition Civic Democrats and is not bound by the protocol.

The delegation, including politicians, entrepreneurs, scientists and journalists, will meet Tsai on Thursday as part of their five-day trip.

Vystrcil said his visit was a way to highlight Czech sovereignty as his country "should not listen to the orders of another country, especially a non-democratic country", a clear reference to Beijing.&nbsp;

He said the Taiwan visit did not violate Czech's interpretation of the "one China" principle.&nbsp;

"We are not against the People's Republic of China," he told reporters.&nbsp;

"We also hope to have good, equal and mutually beneficial ties with the PRC, and similarly equal and mutually beneficial ties with Taiwan."&nbsp;

Taiwanese parliamentary leader Yu Shyi-kun called Vystrcil's visit a diplomatic breakthrough for Taipei that helps prove its existence to the international community.

"He does not yield to threats, intimidations and the lure of incentives... I believe that many countries will learn from Czech in the future," Yu said.&nbsp;

Vystrcil has said his trip follows in the footsteps of late Czech president Vaclav Havel, the dissident leader of the 1989 Velvet Revolution which toppled communism in the former Czechoslovakia.

Havel visited Taiwan in 2004, once he left office.&nbsp;

A senior Czech politician invoked a famous Cold War-era phrase by late US president John F Kennedy as he delivered a landmark speech to Taiwan's parliament Tuesday during a visit that has incensed Beijing.

A senior Czech politician invoked a famous Cold War-era phrase by late US president John F Kennedy as he delivered a landmark speech to Taiwan's parliament Tuesday during a visit that has incensed Beijing. Czech Senate speaker Milos Vystrcil channelled Kennedy's 1963 challenge to communism when he declared "Ich bin ein Berliner" to West Berlin citizens worried about the Soviet Union's looming presence behind the Iron Curtain. Kennedy "used the phrase 'Ich bin ein Berliner' to show his support for the people of Berlin and the highest values of freedom", Vystrcil said. "Maybe I can be more humble, but allow me to use the same determined phrase to conclude my speech in your country's parliament, in Taiwan -- I am Taiwanese." His final declaration -- "I am Taiwanese" -- was delivered in Mandarin and received a standing ovation from lawmakers on the self-ruled island. × As a precaution against coronavirus he gave his speech wearing a facemask, which was decorated with the flags of the Czech Republic and Taiwan. Vystrcil is leading a 90-member delegation to Taiwan that Beijing has slammed as a "despicable act". Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned on Monday that Vystrcil would "pay a high price for his short-sighted behaviour and political speculation", while Beijing summoned the Czech ambassador. Prague then summoned Beijing's ambassador in response to Wang's comments. Beijing's authoritarian leaders view Taiwan as part of China's territory and have vowed to seize the island, by force if necessary. It has tried to keep Taiwan diplomatically and economically isolated from the rest of the world, especially after the election of President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016. Also read| China says Czech senate speaker will pay 'heavy price' for Taiwan visit She rejects Beijing's idea that Taiwan is part of "One China" and views the island as a de facto sovereign nation. Diplomatic breakthrough The Czech government accepts Beijing's "One China" policy and does not send official delegations to the island. But Vystrcil is a member of the right-wing opposition Civic Democrats and is not bound by the protocol. The delegation, including politicians, entrepreneurs, scientists and journalists, will meet Tsai on Thursday as part of their five-day trip. Vystrcil said his visit was a way to highlight Czech sovereignty as his country "should not listen to the orders of another country, especially a non-democratic country", a clear reference to Beijing. He said the Taiwan visit did not violate Czech's interpretation of the "one China" principle. "We are not against the People's Republic of China," he told reporters. "We also hope to have good, equal and mutually beneficial ties with the PRC, and similarly equal and mutually beneficial ties with Taiwan." Taiwanese parliamentary leader Yu Shyi-kun called Vystrcil's visit a diplomatic breakthrough for Taipei that helps prove its existence to the international community. "He does not yield to threats, intimidations and the lure of incentives... I believe that many countries will learn from Czech in the future," Yu said. Vystrcil has said his trip follows in the footsteps of late Czech president Vaclav Havel, the dissident leader of the 1989 Velvet Revolution which toppled communism in the former Czechoslovakia. Havel visited Taiwan in 2004, once he left office.

'I am Taiwanese': Czech speaker channels Kennedy in Taiwan speech

Czech Senate speaker Milos Vystrcil will "pay a heavy price" for making an official trip to Taiwan and China will not sit idly by, the Chinese government`s top diplomat said on Monday, in a warning brushed off by Taiwan`s government.

Vystrcil arrived in Taipei on Sunday on a visit to promote business links with Taiwan, saying the Czech Republic would not bow to Beijing`s objections.

Speaking while in Germany, Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi said there would be retribution.

"The Chinese government and Chinese people won`t take a laissez-faire attitude or sit idly by, and will make him pay a heavy price for his short-sighted behaviour and political opportunism," China`s Foreign Ministry cited Wang as saying.

Wang said the Chinese government and people will not tolerate such "open provocation" by Vystrcil and the anti-China forces behind him, though gave no details of how exactly Beijing would react.

Speaking in Taipei, Taiwan Economics Minister Wang Mei-hua brushed off the criticism, though declined direct comment on China`s attack on Vystrcil.

"The Czech Republic and Taiwan are free and democratic countries which put great store on human rights. We have the same values as the Czechs," she told reporters, speaking before a joint business forum.

Vystrcil did not directly address China`s criticism of his visit in a brief speech at the same event, talking instead about how he was aiming to boost business relations.

"Freedom and democracy are the main basis of prosperity," he said, speaking through an interpreter.

Vystrcil is due to meet Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen later in his trip and will address Taiwan`s parliament before leaving on Friday.

China considers Taiwan a breakaway province ineligible for state-to-state relations.

Czech President Milos Zeman has sought closer business and political ties with China since taking office in 2013, but his efforts have been hit by failed investment plans and Czech wavering about allowing China`s Huawei Technologies&nbsp;to play a role in developing next-generation telecoms networks.

Czech Senate speaker Milos Vystrcil will "pay a heavy price" for making an official trip to Taiwan and China will not sit idly by, the Chinese government`s top diplomat said on Monday, in a warning brushed off by Taiwan`s government.

Czech Senate speaker Milos Vystrcil will "pay a heavy price" for making an official trip to Taiwan and China will not sit idly by, the Chinese government`s top diplomat said on Monday, in a warning brushed off by Taiwan`s government. Vystrcil arrived in Taipei on Sunday on a visit to promote business links with Taiwan, saying the Czech Republic would not bow to Beijing`s objections. Speaking while in Germany, Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi said there would be retribution. "The Chinese government and Chinese people won`t take a laissez-faire attitude or sit idly by, and will make him pay a heavy price for his short-sighted behaviour and political opportunism," China`s Foreign Ministry cited Wang as saying. Wang said the Chinese government and people will not tolerate such "open provocation" by Vystrcil and the anti-China forces behind him, though gave no details of how exactly Beijing would react. Speaking in Taipei, Taiwan Economics Minister Wang Mei-hua brushed off the criticism, though declined direct comment on China`s attack on Vystrcil. "The Czech Republic and Taiwan are free and democratic countries which put great store on human rights. We have the same values as the Czechs," she told reporters, speaking before a joint business forum. Vystrcil did not directly address China`s criticism of his visit in a brief speech at the same event, talking instead about how he was aiming to boost business relations. "Freedom and democracy are the main basis of prosperity," he said, speaking through an interpreter. Vystrcil is due to meet Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen later in his trip and will address Taiwan`s parliament before leaving on Friday. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province ineligible for state-to-state relations. Czech President Milos Zeman has sought closer business and political ties with China since taking office in 2013, but his efforts have been hit by failed investment plans and Czech wavering about allowing China`s Huawei Technologies to play a role in developing next-generation telecoms networks.

China says Czech senate speaker will pay 'heavy price' for Taiwan visit

The de facto U.S. ambassador in Taipei joined for the first time on Sunday a Taiwanese leader, amid rising tensions with Beijing, to commemorate a key military clash and the last time Taiwanese forces joined battle with China on a large scale.

China, which claims Taiwan as its own, has stepped up military activity around the democratic island, moves denounced by Taiwan’s government as an attempt at intimidation to force them to accept Chinese rule.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen laid a wreath and bowed her head in respect at a memorial park on Kinmen island, which sits a few kilometres (miles) off the Chinese metropolis of Xiamen, to mark the 62nd anniversary of the start of the second Taiwan Straits crisis.

In August 1958, Chinese forces began more than a month of bombarding Kinmen, along with the Taiwan-controlled Matsu archipelago further up the coast, including naval and air battles, seeking to force them into submission.

Brent Christensen, head of the American Institute in Taiwan and Washington’s de facto representative, offered his respects too, standing behind Tsai, in a symbolic show of U.S. support for the island.

Washington has no formal ties with Taipei but is its largest arms supplier. The administration of President Donald Trump has made bolstering relations a priority, to Beijing’s anger.

Like Tsai, Christensen did not make public comments.

Taiwan fought back at the time with support from the United States, which sent military equipment like advanced Sidewinder anti-aircraft missiles, giving Taiwan a technological edge. The crisis ended in a stalemate.

Major General Liu Qiang-hua, spokesman for the Kinmen garrison, said it was important to remember an event that was so crucial to ensuring Taiwan’s security.

“Of course we hope there is no war, but it is dangerous to forget about war. This is the spirit we need to safeguard,” he told Reuters.

Formerly called Quemoy in English, Kinmen today is a popular tourist destination, though remnants of past fighting like underground bunkers are scattered across the island, and Taiwan maintains a significant military presence.

The de facto U.S. ambassador in Taipei joined for the first time on Sunday a Taiwanese leader, amid rising tensions with Beijing, to commemorate a key military clash and the last time Taiwanese forces joined battle with China on a large scale.

The de facto U.S. ambassador in Taipei joined for the first time on Sunday a Taiwanese leader, amid rising tensions with Beijing, to commemorate a key military clash and the last time Taiwanese forces joined battle with China on a large scale. China, which claims Taiwan as its own, has stepped up military activity around the democratic island, moves denounced by Taiwan’s government as an attempt at intimidation to force them to accept Chinese rule. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen laid a wreath and bowed her head in respect at a memorial park on Kinmen island, which sits a few kilometres (miles) off the Chinese metropolis of Xiamen, to mark the 62nd anniversary of the start of the second Taiwan Straits crisis. In August 1958, Chinese forces began more than a month of bombarding Kinmen, along with the Taiwan-controlled Matsu archipelago further up the coast, including naval and air battles, seeking to force them into submission. Brent Christensen, head of the American Institute in Taiwan and Washington’s de facto representative, offered his respects too, standing behind Tsai, in a symbolic show of U.S. support for the island. Washington has no formal ties with Taipei but is its largest arms supplier. The administration of President Donald Trump has made bolstering relations a priority, to Beijing’s anger. Like Tsai, Christensen did not make public comments. Taiwan fought back at the time with support from the United States, which sent military equipment like advanced Sidewinder anti-aircraft missiles, giving Taiwan a technological edge. The crisis ended in a stalemate. Major General Liu Qiang-hua, spokesman for the Kinmen garrison, said it was important to remember an event that was so crucial to ensuring Taiwan’s security. “Of course we hope there is no war, but it is dangerous to forget about war. This is the spirit we need to safeguard,” he told Reuters. Formerly called Quemoy in English, Kinmen today is a popular tourist destination, though remnants of past fighting like underground bunkers are scattered across the island, and Taiwan maintains a significant military presence.

With China tensions rising, US joins Taiwan to mark battle anniversary

Taiwan announced on Thursday a T$42.1 billion ($1.4 billion) increase in the budget for defence next year as China shared details of its latest combat exercise near the island.&nbsp;

Beijing has intensified its military activities on the island which it considers its own territory.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dialogue-over-oppression-says-taiwanese-president-while-extending-support-to-hong-kong-319937">Dialogue over oppression, says Taiwanese president while extending support to Hong Kong</a>

Taiwan on Monday accused Chinese fights to briefly cross the sensitive median line of the Taiwan strait, the same day when President Tsai Ing-wen met US health secretary Alex Azar.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-to-turn-us-into-next-hong-kong-taiwan-to-us-official-on-visit-319622">China wants to turn us into next Hong Kong: Taiwan to US official on visit</a>

China has criticised Azar's visit to Taiwan.&nbsp;

The cabinet is proposing T$453.4 billion in military spending for the year starting in January, a 10 per cent increase from this year's T$411.3 billion budget, according to Reuters calculations.&nbsp;

"The steady increase in the defence budget will facilitate the implementation of various military-building and war-preparation tasks ... and ensure national security and regional peace and stability," Taiwan's Defence Ministry said.

Nearly three hours after this announcement, Beijing acknowledged that it had carried out combat drills at the Taiwan strait aimed at US's recent measures to "safeguard national sovereignty."&nbsp;

"Recently, a certain large country has continued to make negative moves on Taiwan-related issues, sending serious wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' forces, and seriously threatening the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait," the Chinese statement said.

"The theatre command's organising of patrols and exercises are necessary actions taken in response to the current security situation across the Taiwan Strait and to safeguard national sovereignty," it added.

(With Reuters inputs)

Taiwan announced on Thursday a T$42.1 billion ($1.4 billion) increase in the budget for defence next year as China shared details of its latest combat exercise near the island.

Taiwan announced on Thursday a T$42.1 billion ($1.4 billion) increase in the budget for defence next year as China shared details of its latest combat exercise near the island. Beijing has intensified its military activities on the island which it considers its own territory. Also read | Dialogue over oppression, says Taiwanese president while extending support to Hong Kong Taiwan on Monday accused Chinese fights to briefly cross the sensitive median line of the Taiwan strait, the same day when President Tsai Ing-wen met US health secretary Alex Azar. Also read | China wants to turn us into next Hong Kong: Taiwan to US official on visit China has criticised Azar's visit to Taiwan. The cabinet is proposing T$453.4 billion in military spending for the year starting in January, a 10 per cent increase from this year's T$411.3 billion budget, according to Reuters calculations. "The steady increase in the defence budget will facilitate the implementation of various military-building and war-preparation tasks ... and ensure national security and regional peace and stability," Taiwan's Defence Ministry said. Nearly three hours after this announcement, Beijing acknowledged that it had carried out combat drills at the Taiwan strait aimed at US's recent measures to "safeguard national sovereignty." "Recently, a certain large country has continued to make negative moves on Taiwan-related issues, sending serious wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' forces, and seriously threatening the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait," the Chinese statement said. "The theatre command's organising of patrols and exercises are necessary actions taken in response to the current security situation across the Taiwan Strait and to safeguard national sovereignty," it added. (With Reuters inputs)

Taiwan announces increase in military spending

It seems all is not well in China as President Xi Jinping is facing a challenge from two People's Liberation Army (PLA) hawks.&nbsp;

They have written about their disappointment with Xi's aggressive foreign policy.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-warning-to-xi-jinping-from-chinas-hawkish-generals-317113/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The two generals are calling for policy re-evaluation and warned against "serious mistakes".

One of these voices in retired Major General Qiao Liang, a hawkish voice in China.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-china-is-safeguarding-its-interests-in-sri-lanka-317074">How China is safeguarding its interests in Sri Lanka</a>

Qiao has written a book called "Unrestricted Warfare", which had suggestions on how China could become a global superpower.&nbsp;

The book also talks about exporting a virus, creating a pandemic.&nbsp;

Once again Qiao has written and his latest message is to President Xi that: don't treat the pandemic as an opportunity to take back Taiwan by force.&nbsp;

"China's ultimate goal is not the reunification of Taiwan, but to achieve the dream of national rejuvenation so that all 1.4 billion Chinese can have a good life. Could it be achieved by taking Taiwan back? Of course, not," he said in an interview on Monday.&nbsp;

What he spoke afterwards is equally interesting.&nbsp;

Even Qiao agreed on what we were saying for weeks that in case of a war, China will not be able to mobilise its troops.&nbsp;

"If Beijing wants to take Taiwan back by force, it will need to mobilise all its resources and power to do this...You shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket. It's too costly," he said.&nbsp;

Qiao is a retired major general and knows PLA's capacity.&nbsp;

He also posted a message on WeChat, where he said a move by the PLA to take Taiwan by force may trigger the US to declare war against Beijing.&nbsp;

He said China maritime links at the South China Sea may be cut-off, adding sanctions from other Western countries could hit Beijing's economic development.&nbsp;

Another prominent hawk, Dai Xi, a PLA General, also warns China on similar lines.&nbsp;

In a recently-written article, called: Four unexpected things and ten new understandings about the United States, Dai advises Beijing to take stock of its relative weakness vis-a-vis Washington.&nbsp;

"Remember, the 30 billion in tariffs imposed on you will bring an effect of 60 billion, 90 billion, or more. This is where imperial America is truly powerful. We must be rational, instead of angry and fight wisely," Dai wrote.&nbsp;

The PLA general claims that China's confrontation with the US has won it no friends.&nbsp;

This is a correct argument as several countries across continents are uniting against China.&nbsp;

Even China's chequebook diplomacy has failed in buying supporters.&nbsp;

Even Dai hints at this in a more subtle way.

"China has provided assistance to so many countries...benefiting them in so many ways...but at this critical moment, none of them has taken any unification action with China," he further wrote.&nbsp;

The point is, China's most prominent hawks know that their country is headed towards a downhill, and they are not just discussing this behind closed doors, but also writing about it in as many words possible.&nbsp;

Dai substantiates this point, writing "not a single country has stood out expressing sympathy and support for China".&nbsp;

Of course, the article is written in Mandarin, but the essence of it has not been lost in the translation. &nbsp;

What will happen if these Chinese hawks decide to put their words into action as they are still in a position to shape the opinion of the army.&nbsp;

If that happens, Xi's political survival will not be going to be easy.&nbsp;

It seems all is not well in China as President Xi Jinping is facing a challenge from two People's Liberation Army (PLA) hawks. They have written about their disappointment with Xi's aggressive foreign policy.

It seems all is not well in China as President Xi Jinping is facing a challenge from two People's Liberation Army (PLA) hawks. They have written about their disappointment with Xi's aggressive foreign policy. Watch | The two generals are calling for policy re-evaluation and warned against "serious mistakes". One of these voices in retired Major General Qiao Liang, a hawkish voice in China. Also read | How China is safeguarding its interests in Sri Lanka Qiao has written a book called "Unrestricted Warfare", which had suggestions on how China could become a global superpower. The book also talks about exporting a virus, creating a pandemic. Once again Qiao has written and his latest message is to President Xi that: don't treat the pandemic as an opportunity to take back Taiwan by force. "China's ultimate goal is not the reunification of Taiwan, but to achieve the dream of national rejuvenation so that all 1.4 billion Chinese can have a good life. Could it be achieved by taking Taiwan back? Of course, not," he said in an interview on Monday. What he spoke afterwards is equally interesting. Even Qiao agreed on what we were saying for weeks that in case of a war, China will not be able to mobilise its troops. "If Beijing wants to take Taiwan back by force, it will need to mobilise all its resources and power to do this...You shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket. It's too costly," he said. Qiao is a retired major general and knows PLA's capacity. He also posted a message on WeChat, where he said a move by the PLA to take Taiwan by force may trigger the US to declare war against Beijing. He said China maritime links at the South China Sea may be cut-off, adding sanctions from other Western countries could hit Beijing's economic development. Another prominent hawk, Dai Xi, a PLA General, also warns China on similar lines. In a recently-written article, called: Four unexpected things and ten new understandings about the United States, Dai advises Beijing to take stock of its relative weakness vis-a-vis Washington. "Remember, the 30 billion in tariffs imposed on you will bring an effect of 60 billion, 90 billion, or more. This is where imperial America is truly powerful. We must be rational, instead of angry and fight wisely," Dai wrote. The PLA general claims that China's confrontation with the US has won it no friends. This is a correct argument as several countries across continents are uniting against China. Even China's chequebook diplomacy has failed in buying supporters. Even Dai hints at this in a more subtle way. "China has provided assistance to so many countries...benefiting them in so many ways...but at this critical moment, none of them has taken any unification action with China," he further wrote. The point is, China's most prominent hawks know that their country is headed towards a downhill, and they are not just discussing this behind closed doors, but also writing about it in as many words possible. Dai substantiates this point, writing "not a single country has stood out expressing sympathy and support for China". Of course, the article is written in Mandarin, but the essence of it has not been lost in the translation. What will happen if these Chinese hawks decide to put their words into action as they are still in a position to shape the opinion of the army. If that happens, Xi's political survival will not be going to be easy.

Prominent Chinese hawks warn Xi Jinping to avoid 'serious mistakes'

Taiwan's parliament passed a proposal Wednesday to rebrand the island's largest airline to avoid confusion with carriers on the Chinese mainland.

China Airlines (CAL) is frequently mistaken for Air China -- the mainland's national carrier -- and there have long been calls to rename it or make it more clearly Taiwanese.

But the movement received fresh impetus during the coronavirus pandemic, which Taiwan has successfully tackled.

The self-ruled island has sent medical aid overseas as a diplomatic gesture of goodwill, often aboard China Airlines aircraft, sparking some confusion abroad over where the shipments had come from.

On Wednesday, lawmakers approved a proposal asking the transport ministry to come up with both short- and long-term rebranding plans for the carrier, which is partly government-owned.

"The ministry should make CAL more identifiable internationally with Taiwanese images to protect Taiwan's national interests as overseas it is mistaken for a Chinese airline," parliament speaker Yu Shyi-kun said while reading out the proposal.

The motion did not set a timeline for when the airline should be eventually renamed, saying it would require further discussion.

Some critics warn renaming the airline might provoke China -- especially if specific references to Taiwan are added.

Beijing views Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.

It baulks at any suggestion the island is not part of "one China".

The name China Airlines is a throwback to the aftermath of the Chinese Civil War, when the defeated Kuomintang (KMT) nationalists fled to Taiwan.

Their Republic of China -- Taiwan's official name -- set itself up as a rival to the People's Republic of China.

During the authoritarian KMT era many Taiwanese companies often had the words "China" or "Chinese" placed in their names.&nbsp;

Taiwan has since morphed into one of Asia's most progressive democracies and a distinct Taiwanese identity has emerged.

Taiwan's parliament passed a proposal Wednesday to rebrand the island's largest airline to avoid confusion with carriers on the Chinese mainland. China Airlines (CAL) is frequently mistaken for Air China -- the mainland's national carrier -- and there have long been calls to rename it or make it more clearly Taiwanese.

Taiwan's parliament passed a proposal Wednesday to rebrand the island's largest airline to avoid confusion with carriers on the Chinese mainland. China Airlines (CAL) is frequently mistaken for Air China -- the mainland's national carrier -- and there have long been calls to rename it or make it more clearly Taiwanese. But the movement received fresh impetus during the coronavirus pandemic, which Taiwan has successfully tackled. The self-ruled island has sent medical aid overseas as a diplomatic gesture of goodwill, often aboard China Airlines aircraft, sparking some confusion abroad over where the shipments had come from. On Wednesday, lawmakers approved a proposal asking the transport ministry to come up with both short- and long-term rebranding plans for the carrier, which is partly government-owned. "The ministry should make CAL more identifiable internationally with Taiwanese images to protect Taiwan's national interests as overseas it is mistaken for a Chinese airline," parliament speaker Yu Shyi-kun said while reading out the proposal. The motion did not set a timeline for when the airline should be eventually renamed, saying it would require further discussion. Some critics warn renaming the airline might provoke China -- especially if specific references to Taiwan are added. Beijing views Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary. It baulks at any suggestion the island is not part of "one China". The name China Airlines is a throwback to the aftermath of the Chinese Civil War, when the defeated Kuomintang (KMT) nationalists fled to Taiwan. Their Republic of China -- Taiwan's official name -- set itself up as a rival to the People's Republic of China. During the authoritarian KMT era many Taiwanese companies often had the words "China" or "Chinese" placed in their names. Taiwan has since morphed into one of Asia's most progressive democracies and a distinct Taiwanese identity has emerged.

Taiwan parliament passes proposal to rebrand China Airlines

Taiwanese Parliament is engulfed in turmoil due to repeated political brawls. Is Tawain's principle opposition party trying to corner Tsai Ing-wen at China's behest? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Is China influencing Taiwan's opposition?

Amid the escalating tensions between China and Taiwan, Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn has announced that it plans to step up its investments in India. Will China's growing military assertiveness force big businesses to deleverage from China?

Gravitas: China v/s Taiwan: The India angle

At her oath taking ceremony today, Tsai Ing-wen sent a strong message to China. Tsai said that Taiwan cannot accept becoming a part of China under its 'one country, two systems' model. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Taiwan: Tsai Ing-wen takes oath for a second time

Leading countries have now voiced their support for Taiwan's participation at the WHO, despite China's objections. India will now lead the WHO executive board. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why New Delhi must back Taiwan's participation as an observer at the WHO.

Gravitas: Why India must join the world in supporting Taiwan

What is the story behind the Taiwan-China divide? How Taiwan has grown despite China's aggression? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you the story of Taiwan.

Gravitas: The story of Taiwan

China-Taiwan tensions are on rise amid pandemic. Taiwan is facing military threat from China amid COVID-19 pandemic. Watch report.

Taiwan faces military threat from China amid COVID-19 pandemic

Taiwan President <a href="wionews.com/world/china-slams-united-states-for-congratulating-tsai-ing-wen-on-taiwan-poll-win-273789">Tsai Ing-wen</a> urged China on Wednesday to review its policy towards the island, days after she won a landslide re-election victory, in a rebuke that could fuel further tensions with China.

"We hope China can understand the opinion and will be expressed by Taiwanese people in this election and review their current policies," Tsai told reporters in Taipei. She did not elaborate.

China considers democratic Taiwan its own territory and has tried military threats and economic inducements to get the island to accept its rule. Taiwan says it is an independent country, called the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peoples-republic-of-china-celebrates-70th-anniversary-in-beijing-253107">Republic of China</a>, its official name.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen urged China on Wednesday to review its policy towards the island, days after she won a landslide re-election victory, in a rebuke that could fuel further tensions with China.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen urged China on Wednesday to review its policy towards the island, days after she won a landslide re-election victory, in a rebuke that could fuel further tensions with China. "We hope China can understand the opinion and will be expressed by Taiwanese people in this election and review their current policies," Tsai told reporters in Taipei. She did not elaborate. China considers democratic Taiwan its own territory and has tried military threats and economic inducements to get the island to accept its rule. Taiwan says it is an independent country, called the Republic of China, its official name.

Taiwan President urges China to review policy after election win

Taiwan said on Monday China was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-condemns-chinas-dictatorship-on-70th-anniversary-of-communist-rule-252977">practicing "authoritarian expansionism"</a> in the Pacific, pointing to reports of plans for Chinese military presence in two Pacific countries that have recently switched diplomatic allegiance to Beijing from Taipei.

"We have seen reports that China is interested in reopening this radar station in Kiribati, and building a naval base in Western Province of Solomon Islands," Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told a forum on cooperation among countries in the Pacific.

"From the long-term strategic perspective, like-minded friends and partners should really be worried whether the Pacific will remain free and open, and whether the key actors follow the rules-based international order."

The Solomon Islands and Kiribati decided to recognise China last month, dropping self-ruled and democratic Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own province with no rights to state-to-state relations.

That reduced the number of its diplomatic allies in the Pacific to just four - Palau, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Nauru. It now has formal diplomatic ties with just 15 nations in all.

Wu urged countries including the United States to "push back strongly" against China's moves to diminish Taiwan's presence in the Pacific.

"I certainly don't want to see the Pacific turned into another South China Sea, with us one day all sighing that it is too late for us to do anything," Wu said, referring to Chinese moves to build military installations on artificial islands and reefs in the disputed water.

China's Foreign Ministry was not immediately available for comment.

Diplomats attending the forum in Taipei include Sandra Oudkirk, US&nbsp;State Department deputy assistant secretary for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Oudkirk's visit has been seen by some analysts and diplomats in Taiwan as an effort to shore up support for Taipei.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taiwan-conducts-military-exercise-amid-tensions-with-china-142795">Taiwan has come under pressure from Beijing</a>, which includes regular Chinese bomber patrols around the island, since President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016. China suspects Tsai of pushing for Taiwan's formal independence, a red line for Beijing.

Taiwan has accused China of trying to meddle in its upcoming presidential votes in January as Tsai is seeking re-election - an accusation which China denies.

The United States, which has a fraught relationship with China over trade, defence and technology issues, upholds what is known as the "one-China" policy - officially recognising Beijing and not Taipei - while assisting Taiwan.

Taiwan said on Monday China was practicing "authoritarian expansionism" in the Pacific, pointing to reports of plans for Chinese military presence in two Pacific countries that have recently switched diplomatic allegiance to Beijing from Taipei.

Taiwan said on Monday China was practicing "authoritarian expansionism" in the Pacific, pointing to reports of plans for Chinese military presence in two Pacific countries that have recently switched diplomatic allegiance to Beijing from Taipei. "We have seen reports that China is interested in reopening this radar station in Kiribati, and building a naval base in Western Province of Solomon Islands," Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told a forum on cooperation among countries in the Pacific. "From the long-term strategic perspective, like-minded friends and partners should really be worried whether the Pacific will remain free and open, and whether the key actors follow the rules-based international order." The Solomon Islands and Kiribati decided to recognise China last month, dropping self-ruled and democratic Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own province with no rights to state-to-state relations. That reduced the number of its diplomatic allies in the Pacific to just four - Palau, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Nauru. It now has formal diplomatic ties with just 15 nations in all. Wu urged countries including the United States to "push back strongly" against China's moves to diminish Taiwan's presence in the Pacific. "I certainly don't want to see the Pacific turned into another South China Sea, with us one day all sighing that it is too late for us to do anything," Wu said, referring to Chinese moves to build military installations on artificial islands and reefs in the disputed water. China's Foreign Ministry was not immediately available for comment. Diplomats attending the forum in Taipei include Sandra Oudkirk, US State Department deputy assistant secretary for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Oudkirk's visit has been seen by some analysts and diplomats in Taiwan as an effort to shore up support for Taipei. Taiwan has come under pressure from Beijing, which includes regular Chinese bomber patrols around the island, since President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016. China suspects Tsai of pushing for Taiwan's formal independence, a red line for Beijing. Taiwan has accused China of trying to meddle in its upcoming presidential votes in January as Tsai is seeking re-election - an accusation which China denies. The United States, which has a fraught relationship with China over trade, defence and technology issues, upholds what is known as the "one-China" policy - officially recognising Beijing and not Taipei - while assisting Taiwan.

Taiwan says China is an 'authoritarian' threat in the Pacific

The last of Taiwan's four remaining allies in the Pacific reaffirmed diplomatic ties with Taipei on Thursday following last week's defection of two nations to China.

Nauru President Lionel Aingimea, who won office late last month, said his country "has enjoyed a close relationship with Taiwan for almost four decades and he looks forward to it continuing well into the future".

"Nauru considers its relationship with Taiwan as that of family and we stand with Taiwan in upholding democratic values and the rule of law," he said.

The pledge of loyalty will come as a relief to Taiwan, which<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-has-switched-relations-to-china-our-diplomatic-relations-terminated-taiwan-249995"> lost its largest Pacific ally, the Solomon Islands</a>, on September 17 after months of speculation over Honiara's intentions.

That was followed four days later by Kiribati's shock move into the Chinese stable, leaving Taiwan with just four nations that officially recognise it in the Pacific and 15 worldwide.

Poaching two of Taipei's highly prized allies was seen as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-meets-solomons-envoy-to-shore-up-ties-over-china-248580">a major diplomatic coup</a> for Beijing just weeks before it celebrates the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

But Nauru's statement means a flurry of high-level visits and diplomatic activity have paid off for Taiwan, with all four remaining Pacific partners vowing to remain steadfast.

The Marshall Islands parliament passed a resolution last week confirming ties and expressing "profound appreciation to the people and government of Taiwan".

Tuvalu's Foreign Minister Simon Kore told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday "the government is quite happy to continue our relationship with Taiwan... I don't expect any changes".

Palau President Tommy Remengesau said last week that his country had no plans to switch.

"We are friends with Taiwan because our principles and values are similar, our aspirations for democracy and freedom," he told reporters.

Taiwan has been a de facto sovereign nation since the end of a civil war in 1949, but China still views the island as its territory and has vowed to seize it, by force if necessary.

Beijing stepped up its campaign to diplomatically <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pence-rebuffs-solomon-islands-pm-after-nation-cuts-ties-with-taiwan-250328">isolate Taiwan</a> after President Tsai Ing-wen's 2016 election because she hails from a party that refuses to recognise the idea that the island is part of "one China".

The last of Taiwan's four remaining allies in the Pacific reaffirmed diplomatic ties with Taipei on Thursday following last week's defection of two nations to China.

The last of Taiwan's four remaining allies in the Pacific reaffirmed diplomatic ties with Taipei on Thursday following last week's defection of two nations to China. Nauru President Lionel Aingimea, who won office late last month, said his country "has enjoyed a close relationship with Taiwan for almost four decades and he looks forward to it continuing well into the future". "Nauru considers its relationship with Taiwan as that of family and we stand with Taiwan in upholding democratic values and the rule of law," he said. The pledge of loyalty will come as a relief to Taiwan, which lost its largest Pacific ally, the Solomon Islands, on September 17 after months of speculation over Honiara's intentions. That was followed four days later by Kiribati's shock move into the Chinese stable, leaving Taiwan with just four nations that officially recognise it in the Pacific and 15 worldwide. Poaching two of Taipei's highly prized allies was seen as a major diplomatic coup for Beijing just weeks before it celebrates the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. But Nauru's statement means a flurry of high-level visits and diplomatic activity have paid off for Taiwan, with all four remaining Pacific partners vowing to remain steadfast. The Marshall Islands parliament passed a resolution last week confirming ties and expressing "profound appreciation to the people and government of Taiwan". Tuvalu's Foreign Minister Simon Kore told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday "the government is quite happy to continue our relationship with Taiwan... I don't expect any changes". Palau President Tommy Remengesau said last week that his country had no plans to switch. "We are friends with Taiwan because our principles and values are similar, our aspirations for democracy and freedom," he told reporters. Taiwan has been a de facto sovereign nation since the end of a civil war in 1949, but China still views the island as its territory and has vowed to seize it, by force if necessary. Beijing stepped up its campaign to diplomatically isolate Taiwan after President Tsai Ing-wen's 2016 election because she hails from a party that refuses to recognise the idea that the island is part of "one China".

Taiwan's remaining Pacific allies reaffirm allegiance

The United States sent a Navy ship through the sensitive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-approves-sale-of-66-f-16-fighters-to-taiwan-244591">Taiwan Strait</a> on Friday as the US&nbsp;military increases the frequency of movement through the strategic waterway despite opposition from China.

"The ship's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US&nbsp;commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," the US&nbsp;military said in a statement.

The military identified the ship as the Green Bay, an amphibious transport dock ship. The 180 km-wide (112 miles) Taiwan Strait separates self-ruled Taiwan from China, which claims the island as its sacred territory.

Last month China had expressed "deep concern" over a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-concerned-over-us-warship-sailing-through-taiwan-strait-china-238390">US Navy warship</a> sailing through the Taiwan Strait.

The warship sent to the 112-mile-wide (180-km) Taiwan Strait was identified as the Antietam.

Taiwan is among a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which include a trade war, US sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols.

The United States has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide the island with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms.

China has repeatedly sent military aircraft and ships to circle Taiwan on exercises in the past few years and worked to isolate it internationally, whittling down its few remaining diplomatic allies.

The United States sent a Navy ship through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Friday as the US military increases the frequency of movement through the strategic waterway despite opposition from China.

The United States sent a Navy ship through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Friday as the US military increases the frequency of movement through the strategic waterway despite opposition from China. "The ship's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," the US military said in a statement. The military identified the ship as the Green Bay, an amphibious transport dock ship. The 180 km-wide (112 miles) Taiwan Strait separates self-ruled Taiwan from China, which claims the island as its sacred territory. Last month China had expressed "deep concern" over a US Navy warship sailing through the Taiwan Strait. The warship sent to the 112-mile-wide (180-km) Taiwan Strait was identified as the Antietam. Taiwan is among a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which include a trade war, US sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols. The United States has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide the island with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms. China has repeatedly sent military aircraft and ships to circle Taiwan on exercises in the past few years and worked to isolate it internationally, whittling down its few remaining diplomatic allies.

'Free and open Indo-Pacific': US military ship passes through Taiwan Strait

A populist mayor who can command huge crowds and wants closer ties with China has thrown his hat in the ring to stand as a candidate in Taiwan's upcoming presidential elections.

Han Kuo-yu, who seized the mayoralty of southern Kaohsiung city from the ruling party in a shock victory last year, was among five candidates announced on Monday by the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party for its primary election.

Confirmation of Han's entry shakes up an opposition list that had until now been dominated by Taiwan's richest man, Foxconn billionaire Terry Gou.

Taiwan goes to the polls in January and the race will be dominated by its relationship with China.

Gou and Han are seen as the two front-runners in the KMT primary, which will conclude on July 16.&nbsp;

Under current president Tsai Ing-wen, relations with Beijing have soured because she and her ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) refuse to recognise the idea that Taiwan is part of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/resolutely-oppose-one-country-two-systems-taiwan-president-tsai-on-xis-china-reunification-plan-187906"> "one China".</a>

Since her election, Beijing has cut official communications, ramped up military exercises, poached diplomatic allies and ratcheted up economic pressure on the island.

The KMT is pushing for much warmer ties with Beijing - a stance that appeals among older voters but rattles the nerves of much younger Taiwanese.

Han shot to political stardom after ending the DPP's 20-year rule in its traditional stronghold Kaohsiung during local elections last November, with media describing his rising popularity as the "Han tide".&nbsp;

Earlier this month, tens of thousands of supporters gathered in Taipei for a rally that was seen as a show of strength before announcing his run.

Supporters see him as a plain-talking maverick and political outsider who has shaken up the staid politics of the KMT -&nbsp;but detractors are unnerved by how favourably he speaks of China.&nbsp;

The 61-year-old took the unusual step of meeting with the head of China's Taiwan Affairs Office and Hong Kong's chief Carrie Lam, among other Chinese officials, during a trip to the mainland in March.

Observers say the KMT race is largely between Han and Gou, who has been actively campaigning since announcing in April that he has secured the backing of a local Sea Goddess for his presidential bid.

Gou, 69, has vowed to balance Taiwan's relationship with both the United States and China, but his huge factories in China have led to concerns about possible conflicts of interest.

A populist mayor who can command huge crowds and wants closer ties with China has thrown his hat in the ring to stand as a candidate in Taiwan's upcoming presidential elections.

A populist mayor who can command huge crowds and wants closer ties with China has thrown his hat in the ring to stand as a candidate in Taiwan's upcoming presidential elections. Han Kuo-yu, who seized the mayoralty of southern Kaohsiung city from the ruling party in a shock victory last year, was among five candidates announced on Monday by the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party for its primary election. Confirmation of Han's entry shakes up an opposition list that had until now been dominated by Taiwan's richest man, Foxconn billionaire Terry Gou. Taiwan goes to the polls in January and the race will be dominated by its relationship with China. Gou and Han are seen as the two front-runners in the KMT primary, which will conclude on July 16. Under current president Tsai Ing-wen, relations with Beijing have soured because she and her ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) refuse to recognise the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China". Since her election, Beijing has cut official communications, ramped up military exercises, poached diplomatic allies and ratcheted up economic pressure on the island. The KMT is pushing for much warmer ties with Beijing - a stance that appeals among older voters but rattles the nerves of much younger Taiwanese. Han shot to political stardom after ending the DPP's 20-year rule in its traditional stronghold Kaohsiung during local elections last November, with media describing his rising popularity as the "Han tide". Earlier this month, tens of thousands of supporters gathered in Taipei for a rally that was seen as a show of strength before announcing his run. Supporters see him as a plain-talking maverick and political outsider who has shaken up the staid politics of the KMT - but detractors are unnerved by how favourably he speaks of China. The 61-year-old took the unusual step of meeting with the head of China's Taiwan Affairs Office and Hong Kong's chief Carrie Lam, among other Chinese officials, during a trip to the mainland in March. Observers say the KMT race is largely between Han and Gou, who has been actively campaigning since announcing in April that he has secured the backing of a local Sea Goddess for his presidential bid. Gou, 69, has vowed to balance Taiwan's relationship with both the United States and China, but his huge factories in China have led to concerns about possible conflicts of interest.

Populist China-friendly mayor to run for Taiwan president

The Donald Trump administration has sanctioned sale of weapons worth $1.3 billion to Taiwan, a move that may provoke China.

Green-lighting sale of arms to Taiwan may be viewed by Beijing as a flagrant attempt on the part of the US to contravene its &#39;One China&#39; policy -- which states that Taiwan is a part of China.

But a US government official was keen to downplay the sale of military hardware and said the White House continued to honour Beijing&#39;s &#39;One China&#39; policy, which is deemed to be a crucial tenet to sustain diplomatic relations by the Asian powerhouse.

The official further said the transaction was part of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, under which the US can sell weapons to the country&nbsp;to &quot;maintain a sufficient self-defense capability&quot;.

The defence sales will help Taiwan upgrade its systems from analog to digital, the US government official said.

The US will be providing Taiwan with missiles, radar, torpedoes and parts of SM-2 missiles, Guardian reported.

The last US arms sale to Taiwan was in December 2015.

Announcement of the sale comes at a sensitive moment for the US and China, as President Trump is working to establish a partnership over trade differences and efforts to curb North Korea&#39;s nuclear program.

Just after winning election, Trump infuriated Beijing by accepting a congratulatory call from Taiwan&#39;s President Tsai Ing-wen, but once in office the president unequivocally endorsed the &quot;One China&quot; policy during a visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

While Washington cut off formal diplomatic ties with Taipei, it has never made a clear statement about Taiwan&#39;s sovereignty, and the island enjoys many of the trappings of diplomatic relations with the US.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Approving sale of weapons worth $1.3 billion to Taiwan may be viewed by Beijing as a flagrant attempt on the part of the US to contravene the 'One China' policy

The Donald Trump administration has sanctioned sale of weapons worth $1.3 billion to Taiwan, a move that may provoke China. Green-lighting sale of arms to Taiwan may be viewed by Beijing as a flagrant attempt on the part of the US to contravene its 'One China' policy -- which states that Taiwan is a part of China. But a US government official was keen to downplay the sale of military hardware and said the White House continued to honour Beijing's 'One China' policy, which is deemed to be a crucial tenet to sustain diplomatic relations by the Asian powerhouse. The official further said the transaction was part of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, under which the US can sell weapons to the country to "maintain a sufficient self-defense capability". The defence sales will help Taiwan upgrade its systems from analog to digital, the US government official said. The US will be providing Taiwan with missiles, radar, torpedoes and parts of SM-2 missiles, Guardian reported. The last US arms sale to Taiwan was in December 2015. Announcement of the sale comes at a sensitive moment for the US and China, as President Trump is working to establish a partnership over trade differences and efforts to curb North Korea's nuclear program. Just after winning election, Trump infuriated Beijing by accepting a congratulatory call from Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, but once in office the president unequivocally endorsed the "One China" policy during a visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. While Washington cut off formal diplomatic ties with Taipei, it has never made a clear statement about Taiwan's sovereignty, and the island enjoys many of the trappings of diplomatic relations with the US. (With inputs from Reuters)

US risks China's wrath by sanctioning arms sale to Taiwan

A Taiwanese delegation&#39;s visit to India earlier this week has raised China&#39;s hackles, who insist that all countries having diplomatic ties with them should respect the &#39;One-China policy&#39;.

China&#39;s foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang condemned the India visit made by Taiwanese legislators, saying New Delhi should take &quot;concrete actions for steady development of India-China relations&quot;.

&quot;The reason why China lodged the representation is because that we have been requiring countries that have diplomatic relations with China to fulfil their commitment to the &#39;One China&#39; principle,&quot; he said.

The Indian side has asked Beijing to not look at the visit from a political angle, with India&#39;s external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup saying there was &quot;nothing new or unusual about such visits&quot;.

A three-member women&#39;s parliamentary delegation from Taiwan visited India earlier this week amid growing engagement between the two countries.

&quot;Such informal groups have visited India in the past as well for business, religious and tourist purposes. I understand that they do so to China as well,&quot; Swarup said.

&#39;Playing with fire&#39;

The Chinese media was more belligerent in its tone, saying India was &quot;playing with fire&quot; by playing Beijing over the Taiwan issue.

China&#39;s state media Global Times said India was standing out as a &quot;provocateur&quot; at a time when even Trump has soft-pedalled on the issue.

The editorial further stated: &quot;High-level visits between India and Taiwan are not very frequent, so why did India invite the Taiwan delegation to visit at this time?&quot;&nbsp;

It also accused New Delhi of deliberately trying to rile Beijing by raking up issues that are sensitive to the Chinese mainland.&nbsp;

The Taiwanese delegation&#39;s visit last week was the first one since pro-independence President Tsai Ing-wen swept to power last year.

Brothers in arms?

India and Taiwan have enjoyed a steady relationship over the years much to Beijing&#39;s chagrin.

Though diplomatic relations have mainly stayed off radar,&nbsp;Taiwan currently has Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre located in New Delhi. India&#39;s office in Taiwan is called India-Taipei Association.

Taiwan has been a hot potato for Beijing as it considers the country to be a part of the mainland.

Beijing&#39;s &#39;One China principle&#39; views Taiwan to be an inalienable part of a single China.

But its &#39;One-China policy&#39; is slightly different as Beijing states that countries having diplomatic relations with them must not engage with Republic of China, also known as Taiwan.

Recently, the United States bore the brunt of China&#39;s ire when Donald Trump became the US president to phone&nbsp;his Taiwanese counterpart since 1979.

In the 1970s, the US had decided to adhere to the &#39;One-China policy&#39; by closing its embassy in Taiwan.

Diplomatic relations between the two sides were skewered when Trump called up Tsai to congratulate his election win.

But days after hectic diplomatic jostling, Trump affirmed that the US would abide by the &#39;One-China policy&#39;.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

&nbsp;

Beijing warned India that it was contravening the 'One-China policy' by maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan

A Taiwanese delegation's visit to India earlier this week has raised China's hackles, who insist that all countries having diplomatic ties with them should respect the 'One-China policy'. China's foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang condemned the India visit made by Taiwanese legislators, saying New Delhi should take "concrete actions for steady development of India-China relations". "The reason why China lodged the representation is because that we have been requiring countries that have diplomatic relations with China to fulfil their commitment to the 'One China' principle," he said. The Indian side has asked Beijing to not look at the visit from a political angle, with India's external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup saying there was "nothing new or unusual about such visits". A three-member women's parliamentary delegation from Taiwan visited India earlier this week amid growing engagement between the two countries. "Such informal groups have visited India in the past as well for business, religious and tourist purposes. I understand that they do so to China as well," Swarup said. 'Playing with fire' The Chinese media was more belligerent in its tone, saying India was "playing with fire" by playing Beijing over the Taiwan issue. China's state media Global Times said India was standing out as a "provocateur" at a time when even Trump has soft-pedalled on the issue. The editorial further stated: "High-level visits between India and Taiwan are not very frequent, so why did India invite the Taiwan delegation to visit at this time?" It also accused New Delhi of deliberately trying to rile Beijing by raking up issues that are sensitive to the Chinese mainland. The Taiwanese delegation's visit last week was the first one since pro-independence President Tsai Ing-wen swept to power last year. Brothers in arms? India and Taiwan have enjoyed a steady relationship over the years much to Beijing's chagrin. Though diplomatic relations have mainly stayed off radar, Taiwan currently has Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre located in New Delhi. India's office in Taiwan is called India-Taipei Association. Taiwan has been a hot potato for Beijing as it considers the country to be a part of the mainland. Beijing's 'One China principle' views Taiwan to be an inalienable part of a single China. But its 'One-China policy' is slightly different as Beijing states that countries having diplomatic relations with them must not engage with Republic of China, also known as Taiwan. Recently, the United States bore the brunt of China's ire when Donald Trump became the US president to phone his Taiwanese counterpart since 1979. In the 1970s, the US had decided to adhere to the 'One-China policy' by closing its embassy in Taiwan. Diplomatic relations between the two sides were skewered when Trump called up Tsai to congratulate his election win. But days after hectic diplomatic jostling, Trump affirmed that the US would abide by the 'One-China policy'. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Taiwan team's India visit raises China's hackles

China&#39;s official media today warned India against using the Dalai Lama &quot;card&quot;, saying New Delhi should stop behaving like a &quot;spoilt kid&quot; and learn lessons from how China handled Donald Trump after the US President-elect challenged &#39;One-China&#39; policy.

&quot;Sometimes, India behaves like a spoilt kid, carried away by the lofty crown of being &#39;the biggest democracy in the world&#39;. India has the potential to be a great nation, but the country&#39;s vision is shortsighted,&quot; an article in the state-run Global Times said.

It said India &quot;should draw some lessons from the recent interactions between Beijing and Trump over Taiwan&quot;.

&quot;After putting out feelers to test China&#39;s determination to protect its essential interests, Trump has met China&#39;s restrained but pertinent countermeasures, and must have understood that China&#39;s bottom line - sovereign integrity and national unity - is untouchable,&quot; the paper said.

While the article did not elaborate on counter measures, China besides protesting to Trump over his phone call to the Taiwanese President and his comments questioning One-China policy, also seized an &quot;unmanned underwater vehicle&quot; in the disputed South China Sea, the first such incident in the area.

The drone was returned subsequently after protests from US and Trump, an incident seen as an attempt by China to flex its muscles ahead of the President-elect taking over office next month.

The drone operated by a US survey vessel in the South China Sea was seized by a Chinese navy ship.

&quot;Even the US would have to think twice before it messes with China on such sensitive problems, so what makes India so confident that it could manage?,&quot; the article sounding strident in it tone and tenor said, referring to India going to Mongolia&#39;s assistance by granting USD one billion aid after Beijing imposed a blockade in retaliation to Ulaanbaatar hosting Dalai Lama last month despite China protests.

The Mongolian Ambassador to India had sought New Delhi&#39;s help to overcome China&#39;s counter measures. However, the Mongolian government has given in and pledged that it will never invite Dalai Lama again.&nbsp;

(PTI)

The article also warned India against using the 'Dalai Lama' card

China's official media today warned India against using the Dalai Lama "card", saying New Delhi should stop behaving like a "spoilt kid" and learn lessons from how China handled Donald Trump after the US President-elect challenged 'One-China' policy. "Sometimes, India behaves like a spoilt kid, carried away by the lofty crown of being 'the biggest democracy in the world'. India has the potential to be a great nation, but the country's vision is shortsighted," an article in the state-run Global Times said. It said India "should draw some lessons from the recent interactions between Beijing and Trump over Taiwan". "After putting out feelers to test China's determination to protect its essential interests, Trump has met China's restrained but pertinent countermeasures, and must have understood that China's bottom line - sovereign integrity and national unity - is untouchable," the paper said. While the article did not elaborate on counter measures, China besides protesting to Trump over his phone call to the Taiwanese President and his comments questioning One-China policy, also seized an "unmanned underwater vehicle" in the disputed South China Sea, the first such incident in the area. The drone was returned subsequently after protests from US and Trump, an incident seen as an attempt by China to flex its muscles ahead of the President-elect taking over office next month. The drone operated by a US survey vessel in the South China Sea was seized by a Chinese navy ship. "Even the US would have to think twice before it messes with China on such sensitive problems, so what makes India so confident that it could manage?," the article sounding strident in it tone and tenor said, referring to India going to Mongolia's assistance by granting USD one billion aid after Beijing imposed a blockade in retaliation to Ulaanbaatar hosting Dalai Lama last month despite China protests. The Mongolian Ambassador to India had sought New Delhi's help to overcome China's counter measures. However, the Mongolian government has given in and pledged that it will never invite Dalai Lama again. (PTI)

India behaves like spoilt kid, country's vision shortsighted: Chinese media

China has launched a diplomatic protest in reponse to Donald Trump&#39;s 10-minute phone conversation with the President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen.&nbsp;

The US under Jimmy Carter broke off diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979, and it&#39;s believed that no US president or president-elect has spoken with a Taiwanese leader since.

The <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/china-issues-diplomatic-protest-donald-trump-phone-call-taiwan-president-a7453501.html?cmpid=facebook-post">Independent </a>reports that China&#39;s foreign ministry said it had lodged &quot;stern representations&quot; with what it termed &quot;the relevant US side&quot;, urging for caution rather than provocation concerning the relationship of the two major powers. It stated, &quot;The one China principle is the political basis of the China-US relationship.&quot;

Wang Yi, China&#39;s foreign minister, blamed Taiwan for the exchange. For his part, Trump claimed in a tweet that Tsai Ing-wen took the initiative to call him first.

The White House insisted there was no change to its stance on China. &quot;We remain firmly committed to our &#39;one China&#39; policy,&quot; said New Price, a national security spokesman for President Obama.

&quot;Our fundamental interest is in peaceful and stable cross-Strait relations,&quot; Price&nbsp;continued.

The Island of Taiwan, off the southeastern coast of&nbsp;mainland China, for years has been&nbsp;pushing to become&nbsp;a sovereign state, rather than a province of China.

(WION)

Trump is the first US President or President-elect in 37 years to speak to a leader of Taiwan that is seeking independence from China

China has launched a diplomatic protest in reponse to Donald Trump's 10-minute phone conversation with the President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen. The US under Jimmy Carter broke off diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979, and it's believed that no US president or president-elect has spoken with a Taiwanese leader since. The Independent reports that China's foreign ministry said it had lodged "stern representations" with what it termed "the relevant US side", urging for caution rather than provocation concerning the relationship of the two major powers. It stated, "The one China principle is the political basis of the China-US relationship." Wang Yi, China's foreign minister, blamed Taiwan for the exchange. For his part, Trump claimed in a tweet that Tsai Ing-wen took the initiative to call him first. The White House insisted there was no change to its stance on China. "We remain firmly committed to our 'one China' policy," said New Price, a national security spokesman for President Obama. "Our fundamental interest is in peaceful and stable cross-Strait relations," Price continued. The Island of Taiwan, off the southeastern coast of mainland China, for years has been pushing to become a sovereign state, rather than a province of China. (WION)

China protests against Trump after phone conversation with Taiwan President

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