Days after China's military said it had conducted "strike drills" around Taiwanese sea and airspace, Taiwan announced its decision to extend the current four-month-long mandatory military service to a year. The longer service requirements will be implemented from 2024.

Taiwan to extend compulsory military service as China shows air power

Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) reported that more United States lawmakers are set to visit Taiwan despite China's anger on Thursday evening. The news agency did not name the lawmakers who were coming.&nbsp;

The report only mentioned that they would arrive on a US military aircraft at Taipei's downtown Songshan airport. It also stated that they would meet Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen on Friday.&nbsp;

This will be the third arrival of the US delegation in the island nation this month after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's controversial trip and after that five US lawmakers visited Taipei. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-escalating-tensions-with-china-taiwan-proposes-double-digit-increase-defence-budget-510010">Amid escalating tensions with China, Taiwan proposes double-digit increase in defence budget</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

The recent visits have angered China as it staged military drills near Taiwan. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and even claimed that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories. and has vowed to one day take it, by force if necessary.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Taiwan's foreign ministry and the de facto US embassy in Taipei didn't give any confirmation.&nbsp;

Despite defying China, the visits are extremely important for Taiwan as Pelosi was the highest-ranked elected US official to visit Taiwan in 25 years.&nbsp;

But her visit has definitely flared up geo-political tensions between China and US as Beijing launched large-scale military drills in the waters around Taiwan.&nbsp;

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WATCH |&nbsp;UN report on Xinjiang's Uighur treatment may be further delayed&nbsp;

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China has never ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control.&nbsp;

Taiwan's government says the People's Republic of China has never ruled the island and so has no right to claim it, and that only its 23 million people can decide their future.&nbsp;

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Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) reported that more United States lawmakers are set to visit Taiwan despite China's anger on Thursday evening. The news agency did not name the lawmakers who were coming.

Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) reported that more United States lawmakers are set to visit Taiwan despite China's anger on Thursday evening. The news agency did not name the lawmakers who were coming. The report only mentioned that they would arrive on a US military aircraft at Taipei's downtown Songshan airport. It also stated that they would meet Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen on Friday. This will be the third arrival of the US delegation in the island nation this month after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's controversial trip and after that five US lawmakers visited Taipei. ALSO READ | Amid escalating tensions with China, Taiwan proposes double-digit increase in defence budget The recent visits have angered China as it staged military drills near Taiwan. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and even claimed that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories. and has vowed to one day take it, by force if necessary. Meanwhile, Taiwan's foreign ministry and the de facto US embassy in Taipei didn't give any confirmation. Despite defying China, the visits are extremely important for Taiwan as Pelosi was the highest-ranked elected US official to visit Taiwan in 25 years. But her visit has definitely flared up geo-political tensions between China and US as Beijing launched large-scale military drills in the waters around Taiwan. ALSO READ | Biden to kick off midterm rally in Maryland on Thursday WATCH | UN report on Xinjiang's Uighur treatment may be further delayed × China has never ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control. Taiwan's government says the People's Republic of China has never ruled the island and so has no right to claim it, and that only its 23 million people can decide their future. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

More US lawmakers to visit Taiwan despite China's anger

Why US lawmakers’ Taiwan trips keep riling China

China has reiterated its plans of "reunification" with Taiwan and firmly opposed any separatist activities or foreign interference.

Taiwan and China split during a civil war in 1949, but China claims the island as its own territory.&nbsp;

Speaking at the opening of the annual meeting of China's parliament, Li said Beijing stands by the "one China" principle, which states Taiwan is part of China.

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"We will advance the peaceful growth of relations across the Taiwan Strait and the reunification of China," he said. "We firmly oppose any separatist activities seeking 'Taiwan independence' and firmly oppose foreign interference."

"All of us, Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, should come together to advance the great and glorious cause of China's rejuvenation."

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council responded by saying China should focus more on addressing the real concerns of its people and promoting democracy rather than "undermining international rules and order".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-watch-taiwan-is-going-to-be-next-trump-warns-as-russia-ukraine-war-rages-on-458579">Also read |&nbsp;‘Just watch, Taiwan is going to be next’: Trump warns as Russia-Ukraine war rages on</a>

"Taiwanese public opinion firmly opposes the political framework, military intimidation and diplomatic suppression imposed by China," it said. "Democratic Taiwan is a force for regional peace and stability."

Beijing has used diplomatic and military means to isolate and intimidate the self-ruled island, but the US has continued to support Taiwan by selling it advanced weapons and fighter planes.

Tensions have been high since Taiwanese citizens elected Tsai Ing-wen as president in 2016, to which Beijing responded by cutting off previously established communications with the island’s government.

She says there is no need to declare independence, as Taiwan is already a sovereign nation called the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Tsai’s predecessor was friendly to China and had endorsed Beijing’s claim that the two are part of a single Chinese nation.

China's sabre-rattling has increased considerably over the past year, with warplanes breaching Taiwan's air defence zone on a near-daily basis.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

China has reiterated its plans of "reunification" with Taiwan and firmly opposed any separatist activities or foreign interference. Taiwan and China split during a civil war in 1949, but China claims the island as its own territory.

China has reiterated its plans of "reunification" with Taiwan and firmly opposed any separatist activities or foreign interference. Taiwan and China split during a civil war in 1949, but China claims the island as its own territory. Speaking at the opening of the annual meeting of China's parliament, Li said Beijing stands by the "one China" principle, which states Taiwan is part of China. "We will advance the peaceful growth of relations across the Taiwan Strait and the reunification of China," he said. "We firmly oppose any separatist activities seeking 'Taiwan independence' and firmly oppose foreign interference." "All of us, Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, should come together to advance the great and glorious cause of China's rejuvenation." Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council responded by saying China should focus more on addressing the real concerns of its people and promoting democracy rather than "undermining international rules and order". Also read | ‘Just watch, Taiwan is going to be next’: Trump warns as Russia-Ukraine war rages on "Taiwanese public opinion firmly opposes the political framework, military intimidation and diplomatic suppression imposed by China," it said. "Democratic Taiwan is a force for regional peace and stability." Beijing has used diplomatic and military means to isolate and intimidate the self-ruled island, but the US has continued to support Taiwan by selling it advanced weapons and fighter planes. Tensions have been high since Taiwanese citizens elected Tsai Ing-wen as president in 2016, to which Beijing responded by cutting off previously established communications with the island’s government. She says there is no need to declare independence, as Taiwan is already a sovereign nation called the Republic of China (Taiwan). Tsai’s predecessor was friendly to China and had endorsed Beijing’s claim that the two are part of a single Chinese nation. China's sabre-rattling has increased considerably over the past year, with warplanes breaching Taiwan's air defence zone on a near-daily basis. (With inputs from agencies)

China reiterates 'reunification' with Taiwan, firmly opposes foreign interference

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

United States backs Taiwan's presence at the UN

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

EU Parliament delegation visits Taiwan for the 1st time

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

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

At least 46 people have been killed after fire engulfed a residential building in southern Taiwan. More than 60 others have been hospitalized, some in critical condition.

Taiwan: Fire engulfs apartment building in Kaohsiung city

Taiwan is experiencing a profound shift demographic shift and is hurtling towards 'super-aged status as the birthrate plummets.

In 1951, the average Taiwanese woman gave birth to seven children. Now it is less than one.

Last year the island recorded more deaths than births, a watershed moment that signals&nbsp;Taiwan's population officially contracted for the first time.

In the first quarter of this year, deaths outpaced births by 47,626 to 34,917.

It is an increasingly familiar story across East Asia. Japan has led the way, hitting that population decline milestone in 2007.

South Korea, Hong Kong and&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;also joined the club last year.

Government census data released earlier this month showed China's population is now growing at its slowest pace in decades.&nbsp;

Much of Asia faces a looming labour crisis with few families supplying the average 2.1 children needed for a population to replicate.

Millions are approaching retirement age with neither enough younger generations, or immigrants, to fill their shoes.

Taiwan's dwindling birth rates reflect the increasing choice of younger people, especially women, to get married at an older age, have smaller families or stay single.

Another cause of low births is the sheer cost of living.&nbsp;Taiwan's industrialisation last century transformed the island into a regional economic powerhouse.&nbsp;

But in the last decade or so wages have stagnated as daily expenses continue to rise. Unless there is a radical change,&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;is projected to become a "super-aged society" by 2025 with one in every five citizens aged over 65.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan is experiencing a profound shift demographic shift and is hurtling towards 'super-aged status as the birthrate plummets. In 1951, the average Taiwanese woman gave birth to seven children.

Taiwan is experiencing a profound shift demographic shift and is hurtling towards 'super-aged status as the birthrate plummets. In 1951, the average Taiwanese woman gave birth to seven children. Now it is less than one. Last year the island recorded more deaths than births, a watershed moment that signals Taiwan's population officially contracted for the first time. In the first quarter of this year, deaths outpaced births by 47,626 to 34,917. It is an increasingly familiar story across East Asia. Japan has led the way, hitting that population decline milestone in 2007. South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan also joined the club last year. Government census data released earlier this month showed China's population is now growing at its slowest pace in decades. Much of Asia faces a looming labour crisis with few families supplying the average 2.1 children needed for a population to replicate. Millions are approaching retirement age with neither enough younger generations, or immigrants, to fill their shoes. Taiwan's dwindling birth rates reflect the increasing choice of younger people, especially women, to get married at an older age, have smaller families or stay single. Another cause of low births is the sheer cost of living. Taiwan's industrialisation last century transformed the island into a regional economic powerhouse. But in the last decade or so wages have stagnated as daily expenses continue to rise. Unless there is a radical change, Taiwan is projected to become a "super-aged society" by 2025 with one in every five citizens aged over 65. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan hurtling towards 'super-aged' status as birthrate plummets

China banned Pineapple imports from Taiwan. Suddenly, Taiwan needed a new market for its pineapples. With generous orders from friends and a hashtag - #FreedomPineapples are now breaking sales records. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: How Taiwan won a 'Pineapple war' against China

The victim was a woman in her 80s. The woman had been quarantined after a nurse who lived with her tested positive.

Taiwan reports 1st COVID-19 death in 8 months

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said the Shandong, which was formally commissioned almost exactly one year ago, accompanied by four warships had set out from the northern Chinese port of Dalian.

Taiwan deploys 8 fighter aircrafts, 6 warships after passage of Chinese warship

After making headlines for throwing water balloons at each other, Taiwan's legislators are now throwing pig intestines in the house. What started the fight?

Gravitas: Taiwan's legislators fight over pork import

Trade-dependent Taiwan has made "relatively" good progress towards joining the revamped version of the Trans-Pacific Partnership

Taiwan talks up trans-Pacific trade pact after exclusion from new deal

Trade-dependent&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;has made "relatively" good progress towards joining the revamped version of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, but it is awaiting clearer rules on membership, the island's chief trade negotiator said on Monday.

While a member of the World Trade Organization, many countries are wary of signing trade deals with&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;fearing objections from China, which claims the democratic island as its own territory, and&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;has sought greater access to multilateral deals.

Fifteen Asia-Pacific economies formed the world's largest free-trade bloc on Sunday, the China-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which does not include the United States or&nbsp;Taiwan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asian-nations-sign-rcep-a-china-backed-trade-pact-excluding-india-and-us-343226" hreflang="en">Asian nations sign RCEP, a China-backed trade pact, excluding India and US</a>

Tech-powerhouse&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;has instead been angling to join the 11-country Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), signed in 2018, again without the United States.

Taiwan&nbsp;minister without portfolio John Deng, who leads trade talks, told reporters they had expressed willingness to join the CPTPP.

"Countries that have made relatively good progress (in applying for membership) include Britain,&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and Thailand, and&nbsp;Taiwan's hard work has been welcomed by many," Deng said.

"They hope for us to stay in touch," he said, adding that&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;is waiting for the CPTPP grouping to make "clearer rules" about membership application.

The original 12-member agreement, known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), was thrown into limbo in early 2017 when U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew.

It was renamed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and links Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.

Taiwan&nbsp;has played down the impact of RCEP on its economy, saying that 70% of its exports to RCEP member countries, mostly electronic products, are already tariff free.

Taiwan&nbsp;hopes eventually to sign a free trade deal with the United States, its main arms seller and most important international backer, and the two will hold high-level economic talks at the end of this week.

Trade-dependent Taiwan has made "relatively" good progress towards joining the revamped version of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, but it is awaiting clearer rules on membership, the island's chief trade negotiator said on Monday.

Trade-dependent Taiwan has made "relatively" good progress towards joining the revamped version of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, but it is awaiting clearer rules on membership, the island's chief trade negotiator said on Monday. While a member of the World Trade Organization, many countries are wary of signing trade deals with Taiwan fearing objections from China, which claims the democratic island as its own territory, and Taiwan has sought greater access to multilateral deals. Fifteen Asia-Pacific economies formed the world's largest free-trade bloc on Sunday, the China-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which does not include the United States or Taiwan. Also read: Asian nations sign RCEP, a China-backed trade pact, excluding India and US Tech-powerhouse Taiwan has instead been angling to join the 11-country Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), signed in 2018, again without the United States. Taiwan minister without portfolio John Deng, who leads trade talks, told reporters they had expressed willingness to join the CPTPP. "Countries that have made relatively good progress (in applying for membership) include Britain, Taiwan and Thailand, and Taiwan's hard work has been welcomed by many," Deng said. "They hope for us to stay in touch," he said, adding that Taiwan is waiting for the CPTPP grouping to make "clearer rules" about membership application. The original 12-member agreement, known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), was thrown into limbo in early 2017 when U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew. It was renamed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and links Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. Taiwan has played down the impact of RCEP on its economy, saying that 70% of its exports to RCEP member countries, mostly electronic products, are already tariff free. Taiwan hopes eventually to sign a free trade deal with the United States, its main arms seller and most important international backer, and the two will hold high-level economic talks at the end of this week.

The United States&nbsp;mission in Geneva urged World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday to invite Taiwan to a major meeting the body is hosting next week expected to focus on the COVID-19 pandemic.

It issued a&nbsp;statement saying, "We encourage the WHO to expand its efforts to offer Taiwan increased meaningful cooperation and collaboration with the organization, and this (an invitation to participate) would be a needed step in that direction.''

Washington has been deeply critical of the WHO and its boss Tedros for its handling of the pandemic, saying it is too close to China, and plans to withdraw.

Explainer: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-why-is-taiwan-excluded-from-the-who-298975">Why is Taiwan excluded from the WHO</a>

Backed by the United States, Taiwan has stepped up lobbying this year to take part in the meeting of the WHO's decision-making body as an observer, angering China, which claims the democratically-run island as its own territory.

Taiwan&nbsp;has been excluded from the WHO and a number of other international organisations in the face of pressure from China, which regards the self-ruled democratic island of 23 million people as its own territory.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-indias-support-for-taiwans-who-membership-can-rattle-china-298744">How India's support for Taiwan's WHO membership can rattle China</a>

Taiwan, which was praised internationally for quickly containing the coronavirus, was not invited to an earlier meeting by the same body in May and it agreed to put off the issue until later in the year.

The World Medical Association (WMA), a confederation of national medical associations that jointly represent more than 10 million physicians, called Thursday for that to change.

"The Covid-19 pandemic is proof that cooperation for and with all health care systems in the world is necessary," WMA chairman Frank Montgomery said in an open letter to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

"We believe it is both cynical and counterproductive to continue excluding the health representatives from&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;from participating in the World Health Assembly."&nbsp;

"During this unprecedented global health emergency, the international community is counting on a WHA that leaves no one behind, including&nbsp;Taiwan," the US mission in Geneva said in a statement Friday.

The WHO has previously said it has no mandate to invite Taiwan since members disagree on the island's participation.

The virtual meeting of 194 member states is set to focus on the COVID-19 pandemic and related health issues.

The United States mission in Geneva urged World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday to invite Taiwan to a major meeting the body is hosting next week expected to focus on the COVID-19 pandemic.

The United States mission in Geneva urged World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday to invite Taiwan to a major meeting the body is hosting next week expected to focus on the COVID-19 pandemic. It issued a statement saying, "We encourage the WHO to expand its efforts to offer Taiwan increased meaningful cooperation and collaboration with the organization, and this (an invitation to participate) would be a needed step in that direction.'' Washington has been deeply critical of the WHO and its boss Tedros for its handling of the pandemic, saying it is too close to China, and plans to withdraw. Explainer: Why is Taiwan excluded from the WHO Backed by the United States, Taiwan has stepped up lobbying this year to take part in the meeting of the WHO's decision-making body as an observer, angering China, which claims the democratically-run island as its own territory. Taiwan has been excluded from the WHO and a number of other international organisations in the face of pressure from China, which regards the self-ruled democratic island of 23 million people as its own territory. Also read: How India's support for Taiwan's WHO membership can rattle China Taiwan, which was praised internationally for quickly containing the coronavirus, was not invited to an earlier meeting by the same body in May and it agreed to put off the issue until later in the year. The World Medical Association (WMA), a confederation of national medical associations that jointly represent more than 10 million physicians, called Thursday for that to change. "The Covid-19 pandemic is proof that cooperation for and with all health care systems in the world is necessary," WMA chairman Frank Montgomery said in an open letter to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "We believe it is both cynical and counterproductive to continue excluding the health representatives from Taiwan from participating in the World Health Assembly." "During this unprecedented global health emergency, the international community is counting on a WHA that leaves no one behind, including Taiwan," the US mission in Geneva said in a statement Friday. The WHO has previously said it has no mandate to invite Taiwan since members disagree on the island's participation. The virtual meeting of 194 member states is set to focus on the COVID-19 pandemic and related health issues.

US urges WHO chief to invite Taiwan to a key meeting

The US Department of State has approved the potential sale of three weapons systems to Taiwan, including sensors, missiles, and artillery that could have a total value of $1.8 BN. Watch report.

US helps Taiwan build defences against China: US to sell missiles, artillery to Taiwan

Taiwan's new envoy to India Baushuan Ger has arrived in India and expected to take charge officially shortly. He will be officially be heading the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC), the country's de facto embassy given under "One China" police New Delhi doesn't recognize Taiwan as a country.

In 1995, the two countries established representative offices in each other’s capitals, namely the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India (TECC) for the Republic of China (Taiwan) in New Delhi and India-Taipei Association (ITA) for India in Taipei.

Ahead of arriving in India, Ger in a documentary that went on WION said, "I am confident that through our joint efforts, Taiwan and India will become even stronger partners in the Indo pacific...lets work together to advance our common goal of peace and prosperity".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-hope-india-will-live-up-to-its-promise-and-hand-over-missing-soldier-says-china-336570" hreflang="en">Hope India will live up to its promise and hand over missing soldier: China</a>

Adding, "Taiwan and India are dependable and natural partners and we share fundamental values like rule of law, freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights"

Earlier, he was the director-general in East&nbsp;Asian and Pacific affairs. His past assignments included being the Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago.

His arrival comes at a time when India-China and China-Taiwan ties have suffered due to Beijing's increased aggressiveness. When it comes to India, China's aggressiveness at the Line of actual control in June led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers in Galway valley. With Taiwan, Chinese warplanes have breached the Taiwan strait median line.

Earlier this month, Taiwan's national day got a lot of public support after the Chinese embassy warned Indian media to not be part of it, sparking a backlash. Since then, in a growing sign of increased engagement, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-Wen has tweeted about her connection with India, especially her time in the country.

The previous envoy of Taiwan to India Tien Chung-Kwang went on to become deputy foreign minister of the country.

Bilateral trade has grown nearly six-fold from USD 1.19 billion in 2001 to almost USD 7.05 billion in 2018. India ranks as Taiwan’s 14th largest export destination and the 18th largest source of imports.

Taiwan's new envoy to India Baushuan Ger has arrived in India and expected to take charge officially shortly. He will be officially be heading the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC), the country's de facto embassy given under "One China" police New Delhi doesn't recognize Taiwan as a country.

Taiwan's new envoy to India Baushuan Ger has arrived in India and expected to take charge officially shortly. He will be officially be heading the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC), the country's de facto embassy given under "One China" police New Delhi doesn't recognize Taiwan as a country. In 1995, the two countries established representative offices in each other’s capitals, namely the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India (TECC) for the Republic of China (Taiwan) in New Delhi and India-Taipei Association (ITA) for India in Taipei. Ahead of arriving in India, Ger in a documentary that went on WION said, "I am confident that through our joint efforts, Taiwan and India will become even stronger partners in the Indo pacific...lets work together to advance our common goal of peace and prosperity". Also read: Hope India will live up to its promise and hand over missing soldier: China Adding, "Taiwan and India are dependable and natural partners and we share fundamental values like rule of law, freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights" Earlier, he was the director-general in East Asian and Pacific affairs. His past assignments included being the Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago. His arrival comes at a time when India-China and China-Taiwan ties have suffered due to Beijing's increased aggressiveness. When it comes to India, China's aggressiveness at the Line of actual control in June led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers in Galway valley. With Taiwan, Chinese warplanes have breached the Taiwan strait median line. Earlier this month, Taiwan's national day got a lot of public support after the Chinese embassy warned Indian media to not be part of it, sparking a backlash. Since then, in a growing sign of increased engagement, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-Wen has tweeted about her connection with India, especially her time in the country. The previous envoy of Taiwan to India Tien Chung-Kwang went on to become deputy foreign minister of the country. Bilateral trade has grown nearly six-fold from USD 1.19 billion in 2001 to almost USD 7.05 billion in 2018. India ranks as Taiwan’s 14th largest export destination and the 18th largest source of imports.

Taiwan's new envoy to India arrives in the country

Taiwan celebrated its national day on October 10, which marks the start of the Wuchang armed uprising that led to the overthrow of the Qing dynasty and the Republic of China in 1911. Watch report.

Taiwan National Day amid China tensions: Prez Tsai Ing-Wen addresses the nation

Taiwan National Day: Taiwan pledges strong defences

Taiwan all set to celebrate its 109th National Day, popularly known as 'The Double Tenth Day'. Watch this special report.

The Double Tenth Day, Celebrating ROC Taiwan's 109th National Day

Republican lawmakers are calling for the US to open trade talks with Taiwan in order to counter national security and economic threats from China. According to the Congressman who leads the group, a plan is "very much" on the radar screen of US Government.

Representative Michael McCaul, who chairs the China task force launched by Republicans said that negotiations for such a deal would be "an important foreign policy statement to make". He also said that this would help hold China accountable for how it handled the COVID-19 outbreak.

"It is very much on their radar screen," McCaul told Reuters, when asked if the Trump administration and its top trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, would pursue a deal. "I don`t think that Lighthizer has 100% approved it, but...it is one of the options on the table for them and I think a recommendation coming from the task force would carry a lot of weight."

The proposal is one of 400 recommendations outlined in a report set to be released later on Wednesday by the task force.

The report will also recommend bolstering U.S. medical supply chains, sanctioning Chinese telecoms companies engaged in economic or industrial espionage, and evaluating whether the Beijing`s repression of its Uigher Muslim minority amounts to genocide.

Taiwan has long sought a free trade agreement with the United States, its most important supporter on the international stage, but Washington has complained about barriers to access for U.S. pork and beef.

Last month, Taiwan paved the way for an eventual deal by announcing an easing of restrictions on the import of U.S. beef and pork that is expected to go into effect on Jan. 1.

Taiwan-U.S. trade last year was worth $85.5 billion, with the United States running a $23.1 billion deficit. Taiwan was the United States` 14th biggest export market in 2019.

The United States, like most countries, has no official relations with Taiwan, which is claimed by Beijing as sovereign Chinese territory. China has been stepping up its military activities near the island.

Republican lawmakers are calling for the US to open trade talks with Taiwan in order to counter national security and economic threats from China. According to the Congressman who leads the group, a plan is "very much" on the radar screen of US Government.

Republican lawmakers are calling for the US to open trade talks with Taiwan in order to counter national security and economic threats from China. According to the Congressman who leads the group, a plan is "very much" on the radar screen of US Government. Representative Michael McCaul, who chairs the China task force launched by Republicans said that negotiations for such a deal would be "an important foreign policy statement to make". He also said that this would help hold China accountable for how it handled the COVID-19 outbreak. "It is very much on their radar screen," McCaul told Reuters, when asked if the Trump administration and its top trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, would pursue a deal. "I don`t think that Lighthizer has 100% approved it, but...it is one of the options on the table for them and I think a recommendation coming from the task force would carry a lot of weight." The proposal is one of 400 recommendations outlined in a report set to be released later on Wednesday by the task force. The report will also recommend bolstering U.S. medical supply chains, sanctioning Chinese telecoms companies engaged in economic or industrial espionage, and evaluating whether the Beijing`s repression of its Uigher Muslim minority amounts to genocide. Taiwan has long sought a free trade agreement with the United States, its most important supporter on the international stage, but Washington has complained about barriers to access for U.S. pork and beef. Last month, Taiwan paved the way for an eventual deal by announcing an easing of restrictions on the import of U.S. beef and pork that is expected to go into effect on Jan. 1. Taiwan-U.S. trade last year was worth $85.5 billion, with the United States running a $23.1 billion deficit. Taiwan was the United States` 14th biggest export market in 2019. The United States, like most countries, has no official relations with Taiwan, which is claimed by Beijing as sovereign Chinese territory. China has been stepping up its military activities near the island.

Taiwan trade deal on Trump administration's radar, lawmaker says

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Taiwan trade deal on Trump administration's radar, lawmaker says