Hundreds of people rallied in Taiwan's capital on Sunday (October 25) to call for China to release 12 Hongkongers arrested at sea by mainland authorities as part of a global campaign to support the pro-democracy movement in the financial hub.

Hundreds rally in Taiwan, call for release of 12 HK people arrested by China

Young people on the autism spectrum were invited to dance at a night club in Taipei City on Saturday night to enhance their opportunities to socialize and expand their horizons, according to the event organizers. Over 30 people, all over 18-years-old, danced with their family members at Chess Taipei nightclub while wearing surgical masks to prevent spreading diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adults on the autism spectrum go clubbing in Taipei

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

Several dozen people in Taipei participated in a protest on Sunday (August 16) in support of pro-democracy demonstrations taking place in Thailand.

Thai expats in Taiwan gather in support of pro-democracy protests back home

Starved of the travel experience during the coronavirus lockdown? One airport in Taiwan has the solution - a fake itinerary where you check in, go through passport control and security and even board the aircraft. You just never leave.

Check in but go nowhere: Taiwan offers fake flights for travel-starved tourists

Hundreds of people thronged a central square in Taiwan's capital Taipei in the rain for a Pride Parade on Sunday (June 28), unfurling a giant rainbow flag in front of the main memorial hall for late autocratic leader Chiang Kai-shek before being ushered away by police.

Taiwan - unscathed by coronavirus - holds Pride Parade "for the world"

Dragon boat teams in Taipei competed in a downsized festival amid lingering coronavirus fears on Thursday (June 25).

Taiwan dragon boat racers compete in scaled-back festival amid virus fears

The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organization and ignited a diplomatic row between China and some Western powers.

Led by the United States, a growing number of countries are calling for Taiwan to either be allowed into the WHO, or be given observer status.

The spat is likely to worsen at next week's World Health Assembly -- the WHO's annual policy making meeting -- which is gathering virtually because of the virus outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-indias-support-for-taiwans-who-membership-can-rattle-china-298744">Also read:&nbsp;How India's support for Taiwan's WHO membership can rattle China</a>

Why is Taiwan shut out?

Taiwan -- officially the Republic of China -- was a founding member of the WHO when the global health body was created in 1948. But it was expelled in 1972 a year after losing the "China" seat at the United Nations to the People's Republic of China.

The two sides have been ruled separately since 1949 after the Nationalists lost a civil war to the Communists and fled to Taiwan to set up a rival government. Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.

It balks at any international recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign nation and in recent years has ramped up economic, diplomatic and military pressure on the island.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-tsmc-plans-to-build-chip-plant-in-arizona-amid-us-china-rivalry-298838">Also read:&nbsp;Taiwan's TSMC plans to build chip plant in Arizona amid US-China rivalry</a>

Keeping it shut out of international bodies like the WHO is part of that campaign.

Was it always this way? No. Between 2009 and 2016 Beijing allowed Taiwan to attend the WHA as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei".

At the time, relations between Taipei and Beijing were warmer. Things turned frosty with the election of current president Tsai Ing-wen in 2016. She hails from a party that views Taiwan as a de facto independent nation and doesn't subscribe to Beijing's idea that it belongs to a "one China".

Taipei found little diplomatic support for its calls to be included but the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed that. China has found itself scrutinised for its initial response to the outbreak and allegations its authoritarian government made the global spread worse.

In contrast, democratic Taiwan has been praised as a model for how to handle the outbreak -- with only seven deaths and 433 infections.

Why does Taiwan's exclusion matter?

Taiwan and its supporters argue it is unfair to exclude 23 million Taiwanese from the world's health body, especially during such a huge health crisis. They also say global leaders and doctors could learn from the island's expertise in combating the virus.

"No one should be treated as an orphan in the health network that the WHA should look after," Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen, a US-trained epidemiologist, told reporters on Thursday.

"The WHO attaches too much importance to politics and forgets about its professionalism and neutrality," he added.

Taiwan's exclusion has also raised questions about Beijing's influence over the WHO.

This week the Trump administration accused the WHO of opting to "choose politics over public health" by being overly deferential to China.

What does the WHO say?

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said Taiwan's participation can only be decided by member states with the consent of "the relevant government" -- a reference to Beijing.

He rejects the notion that the body has been too deferential to Beijing under his tenure.

WHO officials say they are in regular contact with Taiwan and that Taiwanese officials are often included in technical meetings.

Taiwan has countered that it was previously invited to attend the WHA "at the discretion" of the then director general.

It says Tedros has a public health obligation to stand up to Beijing's blacklisting of the island.

The WHO later said an invite can be given by Tedros if a consensus existed between member states, which it does not.

Will Taiwan have its way? It's highly unlikely.

Only 15 nations still recognise Taiwan over China, most of them economic minnows in Latin America and the Pacific.

Few of the 194 countries within the WHO will want to stoke Beijing's anger -- a 2007 bid by Taiwan to seek membership was comprehensively defeated.

But any recognition of Taiwan's de facto sovereign nation status is seen as a win for Taipei and a blow for Beijing.

And it is here that Taiwan has seen significant success during the coronavirus pandemic.

In the last few weeks Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand have joined the US in publicly calling for Taiwan to be given observer status at the WHA.

That has infuriated Beijing. It has accused Western governments of using Taiwan as a wedge issue to distract from their own shortcomings in fighting the outbreak.

The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organization and ignited a diplomatic row between China and some Western powers.

The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organization and ignited a diplomatic row between China and some Western powers. Led by the United States, a growing number of countries are calling for Taiwan to either be allowed into the WHO, or be given observer status. The spat is likely to worsen at next week's World Health Assembly -- the WHO's annual policy making meeting -- which is gathering virtually because of the virus outbreak. Also read: How India's support for Taiwan's WHO membership can rattle China Why is Taiwan shut out? Taiwan -- officially the Republic of China -- was a founding member of the WHO when the global health body was created in 1948. But it was expelled in 1972 a year after losing the "China" seat at the United Nations to the People's Republic of China. The two sides have been ruled separately since 1949 after the Nationalists lost a civil war to the Communists and fled to Taiwan to set up a rival government. Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary. It balks at any international recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign nation and in recent years has ramped up economic, diplomatic and military pressure on the island. Also read: Taiwan's TSMC plans to build chip plant in Arizona amid US-China rivalry Keeping it shut out of international bodies like the WHO is part of that campaign. Was it always this way? No. Between 2009 and 2016 Beijing allowed Taiwan to attend the WHA as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei". At the time, relations between Taipei and Beijing were warmer. Things turned frosty with the election of current president Tsai Ing-wen in 2016. She hails from a party that views Taiwan as a de facto independent nation and doesn't subscribe to Beijing's idea that it belongs to a "one China". Taipei found little diplomatic support for its calls to be included but the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed that. China has found itself scrutinised for its initial response to the outbreak and allegations its authoritarian government made the global spread worse. In contrast, democratic Taiwan has been praised as a model for how to handle the outbreak -- with only seven deaths and 433 infections. Why does Taiwan's exclusion matter? Taiwan and its supporters argue it is unfair to exclude 23 million Taiwanese from the world's health body, especially during such a huge health crisis. They also say global leaders and doctors could learn from the island's expertise in combating the virus. "No one should be treated as an orphan in the health network that the WHA should look after," Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen, a US-trained epidemiologist, told reporters on Thursday. "The WHO attaches too much importance to politics and forgets about its professionalism and neutrality," he added. Taiwan's exclusion has also raised questions about Beijing's influence over the WHO. This week the Trump administration accused the WHO of opting to "choose politics over public health" by being overly deferential to China. What does the WHO say? WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said Taiwan's participation can only be decided by member states with the consent of "the relevant government" -- a reference to Beijing. He rejects the notion that the body has been too deferential to Beijing under his tenure. WHO officials say they are in regular contact with Taiwan and that Taiwanese officials are often included in technical meetings. Taiwan has countered that it was previously invited to attend the WHA "at the discretion" of the then director general. It says Tedros has a public health obligation to stand up to Beijing's blacklisting of the island. The WHO later said an invite can be given by Tedros if a consensus existed between member states, which it does not. Will Taiwan have its way? It's highly unlikely. Only 15 nations still recognise Taiwan over China, most of them economic minnows in Latin America and the Pacific. Few of the 194 countries within the WHO will want to stoke Beijing's anger -- a 2007 bid by Taiwan to seek membership was comprehensively defeated. But any recognition of Taiwan's de facto sovereign nation status is seen as a win for Taipei and a blow for Beijing. And it is here that Taiwan has seen significant success during the coronavirus pandemic. In the last few weeks Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand have joined the US in publicly calling for Taiwan to be given observer status at the WHA. That has infuriated Beijing. It has accused Western governments of using Taiwan as a wedge issue to distract from their own shortcomings in fighting the outbreak.

Explainer: Why is Taiwan excluded from the WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has "forgotten" its professionalism and neutrality in locking Taiwan out of the body for political reasons, Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen said on Thursday.

Taiwan says China and the WHO have conspired for political purposes to keep it out of key meetings, that the WHO has not responded to requests for coronavirus information and has misreported the number of its infections.

The WHO and China have strongly dispute the accusations, saying Taiwan has been given all the help it needed, but that only China, which claims democratic Taiwan as one of its provinces, has the right to fully represent it in the WHO.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-president-xi-spoke-to-who-chief-tedros-on-delaying-coronavirus-warning-298045">Also read:&nbsp;China denies President Xi spoke to WHO chief Tedros on delaying coronavirus warning</a>

Chen, a U.S.-trained epidemiologist, said the WHO had been putting politics above health.

"Unfortunately, because of political reasons, Taiwan`s 23 million people have become orphans in the global health system," he told reporters at the presidential office in Taipei.

"The WHO pays too much attention to politics and has forgotten their professionalism and neutrality. This is quite regrettable."

While the WHO has done good work and contributed to world health in the past, its record on the virus has not been as good, Chen added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-becomes-a-worry-in-indonesia-after-dead-indonesian-crew-thrown-in-sea-state-intel-website-hacked-298629">Also read:&nbsp;China becomes a worry in Indonesia after dead Indonesian crew thrown in sea; state intel website hacked</a>

"On the Wuhan pneumonia, we mostly criticise them for acting too slowly," he said, referring to the central Chinese city where the virus first emerged late last year, before spreading worldwide to infect 4.3 million people and kill 295,000.

Chen, who was Taiwan`s health minister during the 2002-2003 SARS crisis, said the world needed to be cautious with China`s virus numbers, and urged Beijing to be more transparent. 
He wished China well in its fight, however.

"Here I give my blessings to them and hope that they can contain the Wuhan pneumonia as early as possible and avoid a second wave," said Chen, who leaves office when President Tsai Ing-wen is sworn in for her second term next week.

Taiwan has lobbied to attend next week's meeting of the WHO`s decision-making World Health Assembly as an observer, but China objects.

In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Taiwan`s basis for participation in the WHO was damaged by the refusal of its ruling Democratic Progressive Party to recognise that the island is part of China.

There is no legal basis for a "non-sovereign region" to participate as an observer, Zhao added.

The United States has repeatedly clashed with China over its refusal to allow Taiwan full access to the body, helping to further fuel tension between Washington and Beijing.

Taiwan`s tally of 440 virus infections and seven deaths is far lower than many of its neighbours, thanks to early and effective prevention work and an efficient public health system.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has "forgotten" its professionalism and neutrality in locking Taiwan out of the body for political reasons, Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen said on Thursday.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has "forgotten" its professionalism and neutrality in locking Taiwan out of the body for political reasons, Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen said on Thursday. Taiwan says China and the WHO have conspired for political purposes to keep it out of key meetings, that the WHO has not responded to requests for coronavirus information and has misreported the number of its infections. The WHO and China have strongly dispute the accusations, saying Taiwan has been given all the help it needed, but that only China, which claims democratic Taiwan as one of its provinces, has the right to fully represent it in the WHO. Also read: China denies President Xi spoke to WHO chief Tedros on delaying coronavirus warning Chen, a U.S.-trained epidemiologist, said the WHO had been putting politics above health. "Unfortunately, because of political reasons, Taiwan`s 23 million people have become orphans in the global health system," he told reporters at the presidential office in Taipei. "The WHO pays too much attention to politics and has forgotten their professionalism and neutrality. This is quite regrettable." While the WHO has done good work and contributed to world health in the past, its record on the virus has not been as good, Chen added. Also read: China becomes a worry in Indonesia after dead Indonesian crew thrown in sea; state intel website hacked "On the Wuhan pneumonia, we mostly criticise them for acting too slowly," he said, referring to the central Chinese city where the virus first emerged late last year, before spreading worldwide to infect 4.3 million people and kill 295,000. Chen, who was Taiwan`s health minister during the 2002-2003 SARS crisis, said the world needed to be cautious with China`s virus numbers, and urged Beijing to be more transparent. He wished China well in its fight, however. "Here I give my blessings to them and hope that they can contain the Wuhan pneumonia as early as possible and avoid a second wave," said Chen, who leaves office when President Tsai Ing-wen is sworn in for her second term next week. Taiwan has lobbied to attend next week's meeting of the WHO`s decision-making World Health Assembly as an observer, but China objects. In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Taiwan`s basis for participation in the WHO was damaged by the refusal of its ruling Democratic Progressive Party to recognise that the island is part of China. There is no legal basis for a "non-sovereign region" to participate as an observer, Zhao added. The United States has repeatedly clashed with China over its refusal to allow Taiwan full access to the body, helping to further fuel tension between Washington and Beijing. Taiwan`s tally of 440 virus infections and seven deaths is far lower than many of its neighbours, thanks to early and effective prevention work and an efficient public health system.

Taiwan says WHO has 'forgotten' neutrality by barring island

As social distancing has taken over the world, a lot of businesses have suffered losses. However,&nbsp;a young Taiwanese sommelier has decided to not let the lockdown get the better of him. To keep his business afloat,&nbsp;Peter Petrus is teaching the art of wine tasting to his online audience by live streaming from his studio in Taipei.

“So I started contemplating if there might be a way to work around this situation - at the end of the day the company has to keep going,” said Peter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-through-sensitive-taiwan-strait-for-the-second-time-in-a-month-294403">Also read: US warship sails through sensitive Taiwan Strait for the second time in a month</a>

Peter sends different wine samples to his online students and then the students who receive the samples join him for an online class. He films the videos and livestreams via his smartphone. While he has been able to keep his students happy, sometime he feels that "The problem with wine is that it starts oxidation once you open the bottle."

His students, too, have been enjoying these online classes and find the idea of this class to be quite special.

“It feels just the same (as being there) with a bit of additional warmth and chill-out, because it’s so cozy at home,” says Candice Yang, a 32-year-old maths teacher.

Taiwan has managed to contain the spread of the virus. There are only 429 reported positive cases, 6 deaths and 275 recovered patients. However, the rules of social distancing still apply in Taiwan.

As social distancing has taken over the world, a lot of businesses have suffered losses. However, a young Taiwanese sommelier has decided to not let the lockdown get the better of him.

As social distancing has taken over the world, a lot of businesses have suffered losses. However, a young Taiwanese sommelier has decided to not let the lockdown get the better of him. To keep his business afloat, Peter Petrus is teaching the art of wine tasting to his online audience by live streaming from his studio in Taipei. “So I started contemplating if there might be a way to work around this situation - at the end of the day the company has to keep going,” said Peter. Also read: US warship sails through sensitive Taiwan Strait for the second time in a month Peter sends different wine samples to his online students and then the students who receive the samples join him for an online class. He films the videos and livestreams via his smartphone. While he has been able to keep his students happy, sometime he feels that "The problem with wine is that it starts oxidation once you open the bottle." His students, too, have been enjoying these online classes and find the idea of this class to be quite special. “It feels just the same (as being there) with a bit of additional warmth and chill-out, because it’s so cozy at home,” says Candice Yang, a 32-year-old maths teacher. Taiwan has managed to contain the spread of the virus. There are only 429 reported positive cases, 6 deaths and 275 recovered patients. However, the rules of social distancing still apply in Taiwan.

Taiwan sommelier teaches  wine tasting through online classes to fight lockdown blues

In this segment, know how Taiwan is keeping the coronavirus infection rate low despite it being in such close proximity to China.

Fineprint: Taiwan sets an example in combating COVID-19

In this segment we question Telegraph's Asia correspondent Nicola Smith, how Taiwan kept coronavirus infection rate low despite it being in such close proximity to China.

How Taiwan kept coronavirus infection rate low | World News

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

Dozens of activists joined a protest in front of Japan's de facto embassy in Taipei on Wednesday (August 14), demanding an official formal apology and monetary compensation for the Taiwanese 'comfort women' who were forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels.

Taiwan activists demand Japan apologise for forcing women to work in its wartime brothels

The mayor of Taipei said on Thursday he will form a political party to run in Taiwan`s 2020 elections, a move that could complicate President Tsai Ing-wen`s re-election and shake up the political landscape amid heightened tension with China.&nbsp;

Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je said he will set up the Taiwanese People`s Party in early August in a bid to run in legislative elections in January.&nbsp;

The self-ruled island is also set to hold its presidential election in January at a time of precarious relations with China, which considers it a wayward province and has never ruled out the use of force to bring it under Beijing`s control.

Ko, who advocates closer cross-strait ties and is known for his colourful comments about Taiwan politics, said he will decide whether to run in the highly competitive presidential race by early September.&nbsp;

"It`s not important whether I run (for the president) or not. What matters is the well-being of the people," Ko told reporters in Taipei.&nbsp;

Another who could complicate Tsai`s bid for re-election is Foxconn founder Terry Gou.

Gou lost the presidential nomination for the China-friendly opposition Kuomintang (KMT) last month but has not announced whether he will run as an independent in 2020.

A mayor from the island`s south won the KMT`s nomination for the presidential election, issuing a direct challenge to Tsai.

The Taiwan president is facing criticism over her party`s reform agenda amid rising diplomatic and military pressure from Beijing.

China said on Wednesday it will stop issuing individual travel permits to Chinese citizens for travel to Taiwan, a blow to the island`s tourism industry.

China`s military is also holding exercises this week in waters near Taiwan, days after Beijing reiterated it was ready to fight if there was any move towards independence for Taiwan.

The mayor of Taipei said on Thursday he will form a political party to run in Taiwan`s 2020 elections, a move that could complicate President Tsai Ing-wen`s re-election and shake up the political landscape amid heightened tension with China.

The mayor of Taipei said on Thursday he will form a political party to run in Taiwan`s 2020 elections, a move that could complicate President Tsai Ing-wen`s re-election and shake up the political landscape amid heightened tension with China. Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je said he will set up the Taiwanese People`s Party in early August in a bid to run in legislative elections in January. The self-ruled island is also set to hold its presidential election in January at a time of precarious relations with China, which considers it a wayward province and has never ruled out the use of force to bring it under Beijing`s control. Ko, who advocates closer cross-strait ties and is known for his colourful comments about Taiwan politics, said he will decide whether to run in the highly competitive presidential race by early September. "It`s not important whether I run (for the president) or not. What matters is the well-being of the people," Ko told reporters in Taipei. Another who could complicate Tsai`s bid for re-election is Foxconn founder Terry Gou. Gou lost the presidential nomination for the China-friendly opposition Kuomintang (KMT) last month but has not announced whether he will run as an independent in 2020. A mayor from the island`s south won the KMT`s nomination for the presidential election, issuing a direct challenge to Tsai. The Taiwan president is facing criticism over her party`s reform agenda amid rising diplomatic and military pressure from Beijing. China said on Wednesday it will stop issuing individual travel permits to Chinese citizens for travel to Taiwan, a blow to the island`s tourism industry. China`s military is also holding exercises this week in waters near Taiwan, days after Beijing reiterated it was ready to fight if there was any move towards independence for Taiwan.

Taipei mayor to form political party in challenge to Taiwan president

Senior national security officials from the United States and Taiwan have held their first meeting in four decades this month, with the aim of deepening cooperation, the government in Taipei has said.

Taiwan and US officials hold rare meeting amid China tension

Same-sex couples tied the knot in emotional scenes in Taiwan on Friday (May 24), the first legal marriages in Asia hailed by activists as a social revolution for the region.

Taiwan celebrates Asia's first same-sex marriages as couples tie knot

Asian equities bounced back&nbsp;Thursday&nbsp;from the previous day's mauling while the euro held on to a recovery as fears of turmoil in Italy were soothed by conciliatory noises from the country's two biggest populist parties.

The head of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement said he was prepared to offer a compromise candidate for the finance ministry after President Sergio Mattarella's decision to veto an avowed eurosceptic led to the collapse of the fledgling coalition government.

Later, the rightwing League's leader was said to be willing to discuss the issue.&nbsp;

Wednesday's&nbsp;news provided relief to global markets that were sent spinning by the crisis in Italy -- the eurozone's third biggest economy -- which many feared could lead to fresh elections that could essentially become a referendum on euro membership.

US and European markets rallied while the euro, which was wallowing around 10-month lows against the dollar, surged, helped by a surprise surge in German inflation.

"What a difference a day makes," said Greg McKenna, chief markets strategist at AxiTrader. "My hypothesis that the players... got the shock of their lives from the market's reaction to their posturing and the turmoil that ensued has proved correct."

"Italy may not be headed for a summer election. And that means the EU may not face a referendum on its future. Phew, storm in a teacup, nothing to see here, move along, please. At least that's the take markets appear to go with last night."

The gains continued in Asia, with Tokyo ending the morning session 0.4 percent higher, while Sydney added 0.5 percent, Singapore climbed 0.7 percent and Seoul put on 0.5 percent.&nbsp;

Hong Kong added 0.5 percent and Shanghai gained 0.8 percent, supported by data indicating a bigger-than-expected rise in Chinese factory activity in April.

Wellington, Taipei, Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta were also comfortably higher.

Oil prices were down slightly but holding up after they also rallied&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;in response to a report that said OPEC would likely lift output gradually, soothing concerns about a new supply glut.

Crude markets have been hammered since OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia and Russia last week indicated they could lift a cap on production, which has supported prices for two years, as an oversupply crisis eases.

Investors are now looking forward to the release&nbsp;Friday&nbsp;of key US jobs figures, which could provide some idea about the Federal Reserve's plans for raising interest rates.

Payrolls firm ADP estimated US private sector job growth at 178,000 in May, down from 204,000 in April and slightly below analysts' expectations.

However, while sentiment is positive, analysts warned that ongoing geopolitical issues and the unresolved China-US trade row continue to dog trading floors.

"We are going to be filled with tremendous uncertainty over the course of the summer," David Ader, chief macro strategist at Informa Financial Intelligence, told Bloomberg Television.

"If you look at things like the various economic surprise indices out there they have been slowing down, but on the other hand, you still have a Fed hike coming in June. I see a lot of uncertainty, which results in a lot of volatility."

US and European markets rallied while the euro, which was wallowing around 10-month lows against the dollar, surged, helped by a surprise surge in German inflation

Asian equities bounced back Thursday from the previous day's mauling while the euro held on to a recovery as fears of turmoil in Italy were soothed by conciliatory noises from the country's two biggest populist parties. The head of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement said he was prepared to offer a compromise candidate for the finance ministry after President Sergio Mattarella's decision to veto an avowed eurosceptic led to the collapse of the fledgling coalition government. Later, the rightwing League's leader was said to be willing to discuss the issue. Wednesday's news provided relief to global markets that were sent spinning by the crisis in Italy -- the eurozone's third biggest economy -- which many feared could lead to fresh elections that could essentially become a referendum on euro membership. US and European markets rallied while the euro, which was wallowing around 10-month lows against the dollar, surged, helped by a surprise surge in German inflation. "What a difference a day makes," said Greg McKenna, chief markets strategist at AxiTrader. "My hypothesis that the players... got the shock of their lives from the market's reaction to their posturing and the turmoil that ensued has proved correct." "Italy may not be headed for a summer election. And that means the EU may not face a referendum on its future. Phew, storm in a teacup, nothing to see here, move along, please. At least that's the take markets appear to go with last night." The gains continued in Asia, with Tokyo ending the morning session 0.4 percent higher, while Sydney added 0.5 percent, Singapore climbed 0.7 percent and Seoul put on 0.5 percent. Hong Kong added 0.5 percent and Shanghai gained 0.8 percent, supported by data indicating a bigger-than-expected rise in Chinese factory activity in April. Wellington, Taipei, Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta were also comfortably higher. Oil prices were down slightly but holding up after they also rallied Wednesday in response to a report that said OPEC would likely lift output gradually, soothing concerns about a new supply glut. Crude markets have been hammered since OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia and Russia last week indicated they could lift a cap on production, which has supported prices for two years, as an oversupply crisis eases. Investors are now looking forward to the release Friday of key US jobs figures, which could provide some idea about the Federal Reserve's plans for raising interest rates. Payrolls firm ADP estimated US private sector job growth at 178,000 in May, down from 204,000 in April and slightly below analysts' expectations. However, while sentiment is positive, analysts warned that ongoing geopolitical issues and the unresolved China-US trade row continue to dog trading floors. "We are going to be filled with tremendous uncertainty over the course of the summer," David Ader, chief macro strategist at Informa Financial Intelligence, told Bloomberg Television. "If you look at things like the various economic surprise indices out there they have been slowing down, but on the other hand, you still have a Fed hike coming in June. I see a lot of uncertainty, which results in a lot of volatility."

Asian markets recover with Euro as Italy fears ease

Washington has agreed to allow US defence contractors help Taiwan construct its own submarines, Taipei said, welcoming the breakthrough in long-standing ambitions to build up its fleet to counter the threat from China.

Taiwan last year launched a plan to manufacture its own submarines amid deteriorating relations with China after its hopes of buying them from the US came to nothing.

The US State Department has approved granting the licence necessary to sell Taiwan the technology needed for its submarine project.

The approval was a "breakthrough," Taiwan defence ministry spokesman Chen Chung-chi said Sunday.

"It is part of a process. We'll take it step by step," he told AFP, declining to provide further details.

The agreement is likely to anger Beijing, which regards the island as part of its territory even though the two sides have been ruled separately since the end of a civil war in 1949.

Washington's approval comes after President Donald Trump last month signed new rules allowing top-level US officials to travel to Taiwan.

China has protested at the move, saying the US should stop official exchanges with Taiwan to avoid "damaging Sino-US relations".

Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979 but maintains trade relations with the island and is its main arms supplier.

Since coming to power in May 2016, President Tsai Ing-wen has pushed for Taiwan to develop and build more of its weapons domestically.

Her office expressed thanks to Washington for the licence approval.

"The US government's decision will not only help Taiwan in raising its defence capabilities, it will also greatly benefit security and stability in the region," it said in a statement Saturday.

Taipei has long struggled to procure submarines from the US.

In April 2001 then-president George W&nbsp;Bush approved the sale of eight conventional submarines but there had been no progress on the deal, prompting Taipei's decision to build its own.

The United States has not built conventional submarines for more than 40 years and Germany and Spain reportedly declined to offer their designs for fear of offending China.

Taiwan's navy currently operates a fleet of four submarines, bought from abroad but only two of them can be deployed in the event of war.

The other two were built by the United States in the 1940s and are only used in training as they are too old for combat.

The first domestically-built submarine is expected to be deployed within 10 years.

&nbsp;

Washington has agreed to allow US defence contractors help Taiwan construct its own submarines, Taipei said, welcoming the breakthrough in long-standing ambitions to build up its fleet to counter the threat from China

Washington has agreed to allow US defence contractors help Taiwan construct its own submarines, Taipei said, welcoming the breakthrough in long-standing ambitions to build up its fleet to counter the threat from China. Taiwan last year launched a plan to manufacture its own submarines amid deteriorating relations with China after its hopes of buying them from the US came to nothing. The US State Department has approved granting the licence necessary to sell Taiwan the technology needed for its submarine project. The approval was a "breakthrough," Taiwan defence ministry spokesman Chen Chung-chi said Sunday. "It is part of a process. We'll take it step by step," he told AFP, declining to provide further details. The agreement is likely to anger Beijing, which regards the island as part of its territory even though the two sides have been ruled separately since the end of a civil war in 1949. Washington's approval comes after President Donald Trump last month signed new rules allowing top-level US officials to travel to Taiwan. China has protested at the move, saying the US should stop official exchanges with Taiwan to avoid "damaging Sino-US relations". Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979 but maintains trade relations with the island and is its main arms supplier. Since coming to power in May 2016, President Tsai Ing-wen has pushed for Taiwan to develop and build more of its weapons domestically. Her office expressed thanks to Washington for the licence approval. "The US government's decision will not only help Taiwan in raising its defence capabilities, it will also greatly benefit security and stability in the region," it said in a statement Saturday. Taipei has long struggled to procure submarines from the US. In April 2001 then-president George W Bush approved the sale of eight conventional submarines but there had been no progress on the deal, prompting Taipei's decision to build its own. The United States has not built conventional submarines for more than 40 years and Germany and Spain reportedly declined to offer their designs for fear of offending China. Taiwan's navy currently operates a fleet of four submarines, bought from abroad but only two of them can be deployed in the event of war. The other two were built by the United States in the 1940s and are only used in training as they are too old for combat. The first domestically-built submarine is expected to be deployed within 10 years.

US approves licence for Taiwan submarine plan

Taiwan&#39;s top court has ordered a dentist to pay his mother around Tw$22.33 million (US$744,000) as reimbursement for the money she spent raising and educating him.

Taiwan&#39;s supreme court on Tuesday upheld a previous ruling that the 41-year-old, identified by his family name Chu, should honour a contract he signed with his mother 20 years ago promising to refund her.

The plaintiff, surnamed Lo, divorced her husband in 1990 and raised their two sons on her own.

Worried that nobody would look after her when she got old, Lo signed the contracts with her sons after they both turned 20, stipulating that they must pay her 60 percent of the net profit from their incomes.

Lo accused her sons of ignoring her after they both started relationships, saying their girlfriends even sent her letters through their lawyers demanding her not to &quot;bother&quot; her sons, according to local reports.

She filed the lawsuit eight years ago when they refused to honour the contracts. The older son eventually paid her Tw$5 million to settle the case.

Her younger son claimed that the contract violated &quot;good customs&quot; as raising a child should not be measured in financial terms, and went to court against his mother.

Lo appealed all the way to the supreme court after lower courts ruled in favour of her son.

The supreme court said the contract was valid as Chu was an adult when he signed it, and that as a dentist he was capable of repaying his mother.

Cases of abuse and abandonment of senior citizens have been on the rise in Taiwan in recent years, prompting calls for a law to jail adults who fail to look after their elderly parents although it is yet to pass.

The plaintiff, surnamed Lo, divorced her husband in 1990 and raised their two sons on her own.

Taiwan's top court has ordered a dentist to pay his mother around Tw$22.33 million (US$744,000) as reimbursement for the money she spent raising and educating him. Taiwan's supreme court on Tuesday upheld a previous ruling that the 41-year-old, identified by his family name Chu, should honour a contract he signed with his mother 20 years ago promising to refund her. The plaintiff, surnamed Lo, divorced her husband in 1990 and raised their two sons on her own. Worried that nobody would look after her when she got old, Lo signed the contracts with her sons after they both turned 20, stipulating that they must pay her 60 percent of the net profit from their incomes. Lo accused her sons of ignoring her after they both started relationships, saying their girlfriends even sent her letters through their lawyers demanding her not to "bother" her sons, according to local reports. She filed the lawsuit eight years ago when they refused to honour the contracts. The older son eventually paid her Tw$5 million to settle the case. Her younger son claimed that the contract violated "good customs" as raising a child should not be measured in financial terms, and went to court against his mother. Lo appealed all the way to the supreme court after lower courts ruled in favour of her son. The supreme court said the contract was valid as Chu was an adult when he signed it, and that as a dentist he was capable of repaying his mother. Cases of abuse and abandonment of senior citizens have been on the rise in Taiwan in recent years, prompting calls for a law to jail adults who fail to look after their elderly parents although it is yet to pass.

Taiwan court orders dentist to pay mother for raising him

Taiwan will gradually get used to Chinese air force drills that encircle the island, China said on Wednesday, while Taiwan&#39;s premier reiterated the self-ruled island&#39;s desire for peaceful relations with its giant neighbour.

China considers democratic Taiwan to be its sacred territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring what it views as a wayward province under Chinese control.

It has taken an increasingly hostile stance towards Taiwan since Tsai Ing-wen, from the island&#39;s pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, won presidential elections last year and has stepped up its rhetoric and military exercises.

Beijing suspects her of pushing for the island&#39;s formal independence, a red line for China. Tsai says she wants peace with China, but also that she will defend Taiwan&#39;s security and way of life.

Chinese state media has given broad coverage to &quot;island encirclement&quot; exercises near Taiwan this month, including showing pictures of Chinese bomber aircraft with what they said was Taiwan&#39;s highest peak, Yushan, visible in the background.

Asked about the continuing drills and the footage released by the air force, China&#39;s policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office said it and the defence ministry had repeatedly described the exercises as routine.

&quot;Everyone will slowly get used it,&quot; spokesman An Fengshan told a routine news briefing, without elaborating.

China&#39;s air force has carried out 16 rounds of exercises close to Taiwan in the past year or so, Taiwan&#39;s defence ministry said in a white paper this week. China&#39;s military threat was growing by the day, it warned.

Proudly democratic Taiwan has shown no interest in being run by autocratic China, and Taiwan&#39;s government has accused Beijing of not understanding democracy when it criticises Taipei.

Taiwan Premier William Lai told a year-end news conference in Taipei that the United States, Japan and South Korea were all paying close attention to the activities of China&#39;s air force.

Lai said his government would take its lead from the president, who was in charge of relations across the Taiwan Strait.

&quot;Under the president&#39;s leadership the Executive Yuan pushes forward government affairs, stabilising cross-strait relations towards peaceful development,&quot; Lai said, using the formal name for Taiwan&#39;s cabinet.

Chinese state media has given broad coverage to "island encirclement" exercises near Taiwan this month, including showing pictures of Chinese bomber aircraft.

Taiwan will gradually get used to Chinese air force drills that encircle the island, China said on Wednesday, while Taiwan's premier reiterated the self-ruled island's desire for peaceful relations with its giant neighbour. China considers democratic Taiwan to be its sacred territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring what it views as a wayward province under Chinese control. It has taken an increasingly hostile stance towards Taiwan since Tsai Ing-wen, from the island's pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, won presidential elections last year and has stepped up its rhetoric and military exercises. Beijing suspects her of pushing for the island's formal independence, a red line for China. Tsai says she wants peace with China, but also that she will defend Taiwan's security and way of life. Chinese state media has given broad coverage to "island encirclement" exercises near Taiwan this month, including showing pictures of Chinese bomber aircraft with what they said was Taiwan's highest peak, Yushan, visible in the background. Asked about the continuing drills and the footage released by the air force, China's policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office said it and the defence ministry had repeatedly described the exercises as routine. "Everyone will slowly get used it," spokesman An Fengshan told a routine news briefing, without elaborating. China's air force has carried out 16 rounds of exercises close to Taiwan in the past year or so, Taiwan's defence ministry said in a white paper this week. China's military threat was growing by the day, it warned. Proudly democratic Taiwan has shown no interest in being run by autocratic China, and Taiwan's government has accused Beijing of not understanding democracy when it criticises Taipei. Taiwan Premier William Lai told a year-end news conference in Taipei that the United States, Japan and South Korea were all paying close attention to the activities of China's air force. Lai said his government would take its lead from the president, who was in charge of relations across the Taiwan Strait. "Under the president's leadership the Executive Yuan pushes forward government affairs, stabilising cross-strait relations towards peaceful development," Lai said, using the formal name for Taiwan's cabinet.

Get used to drills, China tells Taiwan; Taipei says it seeks peace

Around 120 Taiwanese nationals have been arrested in Greece for suspected telecom crimes, Taipei officials said today, the latest such arrests abroad. 
 
They were caught in the suburbs of Athens Thursday, along with some Greeks, when local police thwarted a telecom gambling crime ring, Taiwan&#39;s foreign ministry said. 
 
The ministry said police have declined to disclose specifics of the alleged crimes or any personal information regarding the suspects, citing confidentiality of an ongoing investigation. 
 
No Chinese nationals were implicated in the case, it said. 
 
The Taiwanese are being held in Greek police headquarters pending the investigation. 
 
&quot;We are monitoring the situation closely ... if the Greek side decides to deport the suspects, we will do our best to ensure they are sent back to our country to face trial,&quot; the ministry said in a statement. 
 
Taipei was furious over deportations of Taiwanese fraud suspects from Kenya, Malaysia and Cambodia to China. It accused Beijing of &quot;abducting&quot; its citizens from countries that do not recognise the island&#39;s government. 
 
Relations between Taiwan and China have grown frosty since Tsai Ing-wen and her pro-independence party came to power in May. 
 
China insists that self-ruling Taiwan is part of its territory even though the two sides split in 1949 after a civil war. 
 
(AFP)&nbsp;

The ministry said police have declined to disclose specifics of alleged crimes or any personal information regarding the suspects

Around 120 Taiwanese nationals have been arrested in Greece for suspected telecom crimes, Taipei officials said today, the latest such arrests abroad. They were caught in the suburbs of Athens Thursday, along with some Greeks, when local police thwarted a telecom gambling crime ring, Taiwan's foreign ministry said. The ministry said police have declined to disclose specifics of the alleged crimes or any personal information regarding the suspects, citing confidentiality of an ongoing investigation. No Chinese nationals were implicated in the case, it said. The Taiwanese are being held in Greek police headquarters pending the investigation. "We are monitoring the situation closely ... if the Greek side decides to deport the suspects, we will do our best to ensure they are sent back to our country to face trial," the ministry said in a statement. Taipei was furious over deportations of Taiwanese fraud suspects from Kenya, Malaysia and Cambodia to China. It accused Beijing of "abducting" its citizens from countries that do not recognise the island's government. Relations between Taiwan and China have grown frosty since Tsai Ing-wen and her pro-independence party came to power in May. China insists that self-ruling Taiwan is part of its territory even though the two sides split in 1949 after a civil war. (AFP)

120 Taiwanese arrested in Greece over suspected telecom crimes

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