Taiwan launched a large-scale search operation late on Tuesday evening (January 6) after an F-16V pilot ejected from the aircraft off the island's eastern coast during a training mission. President Lai Ching-te immediately ordered all agencies to prioritise the aviator's safety above all else. The single-seat F-16V Block 20, identified by tail number 6700, lost radar contact at 7:29 pm local time, about 10 nautical miles (18.5 km) east of Fengbin Township in Hualien County, according to the Air Force Command. The pilot, Captain Hsin (full name not disclosed), took off from Hualien Air Base at 6:17 pm for a routine night training mission. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.&nbsp;The Air Force set up an emergency response center right after the plane lost contact with radar. They quickly launched air and sea search operations in the waters near Hualien. Military officials have not confirmed if Captain Hsin was able to eject from the plane or made any radio calls before or after the incident. His current whereabouts are still unknown, and search teams are working through the night in bad weather.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-gop-is-going-to-make-history-with-midterm-polls-trump-gop-zoharan-mamdani-democratic-party-house-republican-retreat-trump-1767716495772">'GOP IS GOING TO MAKE HISTORY WITH MIDTERM POLLS': Trump</a>&nbsp;Upon hearing about the incident, Premier Cho Jung-tai immediately contacted Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo. According to Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee, the premier organised a joint effort with various government agencies to quickly deploy rescue resources.&nbsp;The Ministry of National Defense and the National Airborne Service Corps sent C-130 transport planes and Sea Gull helicopters to help search in the area off the coast of Hualien. The Coast Guard also sent ships, and the Fisheries Agency asked local fishing boats to join the search. Currently, several agencies are working together to find Captain Hsin in the waters east of Fengbin Township.

Taiwan launches extensive search after F-16V pilot ejects over Eastern Coast during training

Taiwan launched a large-scale search operation late on Tuesday evening (January 6) after an F-16V pilot ejected from the aircraft off the island's eastern coast during a training mission. President Lai Ching-te immediately ordered all agencies to prioritise the aviator's safety above all else. The single-seat F-16V Block 20, identified by tail number 6700, lost radar contact at 7:29 pm local time, about 10 nautical miles (18.5 km) east of Fengbin Township in Hualien County, according to the Air Force Command. The pilot, Captain Hsin (full name not disclosed), took off from Hualien Air Base at 6:17 pm for a routine night training mission. The cause of the incident remains under investigation. The Air Force set up an emergency response center right after the plane lost contact with radar. They quickly launched air and sea search operations in the waters near Hualien. Military officials have not confirmed if Captain Hsin was able to eject from the plane or made any radio calls before or after the incident. His current whereabouts are still unknown, and search teams are working through the night in bad weather. Also Read: 'GOP IS GOING TO MAKE HISTORY WITH MIDTERM POLLS': Trump Upon hearing about the incident, Premier Cho Jung-tai immediately contacted Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo. According to Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee, the premier organised a joint effort with various government agencies to quickly deploy rescue resources. The Ministry of National Defense and the National Airborne Service Corps sent C-130 transport planes and Sea Gull helicopters to help search in the area off the coast of Hualien. The Coast Guard also sent ships, and the Fisheries Agency asked local fishing boats to join the search. Currently, several agencies are working together to find Captain Hsin in the waters east of Fengbin Township.

Taiwan launched a search operation after an F-16V pilot ejected over the eastern coast during training. The cause remains unknown as the search for the aviator continues

It&nbsp;is&nbsp;‘impossible’&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;People's&nbsp;Republic&nbsp;of&nbsp;China&nbsp;to&nbsp;become&nbsp;Taiwan's&nbsp;motherland&nbsp;because&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;has older political roots, the island's&nbsp;President&nbsp;Lai Ching-te said on Saturday.

Lai, who took office in May, is condemned by Beijing as a "separatist". He rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying that the island is a country called the&nbsp;Republic&nbsp;of&nbsp;China, which traces its origins back to the 1911 revolution that overthrew the last imperial dynasty.

The&nbsp;republican government fled to&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists who set up the&nbsp;People's&nbsp;Republic&nbsp;of&nbsp;China, which continues to claim the island as its "sacred" territory.

Speaking at a concert ahead of&nbsp;Taiwan's national day celebrations on Oct. 10, Lai noted that the&nbsp;People's&nbsp;Republic&nbsp;had celebrated its 75th anniversary on Oct. 1, and in a few days it would be the&nbsp;Republic&nbsp;of&nbsp;China's 113th birthday.

"Therefore, in terms of age, it is absolutely impossible for the&nbsp;People's&nbsp;Republic&nbsp;of&nbsp;China&nbsp;to become the 'motherland' of the&nbsp;Republic&nbsp;of&nbsp;China's people. On the contrary, the&nbsp;Republic&nbsp;of&nbsp; China&nbsp;may be the&nbsp;motherland&nbsp;of the people of the&nbsp;People's&nbsp;Republic&nbsp;of&nbsp;China&nbsp;who are over 75 years old," Lai added, to applause.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/journalist-sets-himself-on-fire-at-ceasefire-protest-in-washington-as-gaza-war-nears-first-anniversary-764889">Journalist sets himself on fire at Gaza ceasefire protest in Washington</a>

"One of the most important meanings of these celebrations is that we must remember that we are a sovereign and independent country," he said.

China's&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Affairs Office did not answer calls seeking comment outside of office hours.

Chinese&nbsp;President&nbsp;Xi Jinping, in a speech on the eve of his country's national day, reiterated his government's view that&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;was its territory.

Lai, who will give his own keynote national day address on Oct. 10, has needled Beijing before with historical references.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-sees-record-high-in-international-flights-passing-through-its-airspace-heres-why-764906">Afghanistan sees record high in int'l flights passing through its airspace</a>

Last month, Lai said that if&nbsp;China's claims on&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;were about territorial integrity then it should also take back land from Russia signed over by the last Chinese dynasty in the 19th century.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

It is ‘impossible’ for the People's Republic of China to become Taiwan's motherland because Taiwan has older political roots, the island's President Lai Ching-te said on Saturday.

It is ‘impossible’ for the People's Republic of China to become Taiwan's motherland because Taiwan has older political roots, the island's President Lai Ching-te said on Saturday. Lai, who took office in May, is condemned by Beijing as a "separatist". He rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying that the island is a country called the Republic of China, which traces its origins back to the 1911 revolution that overthrew the last imperial dynasty. The republican government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists who set up the People's Republic of China, which continues to claim the island as its "sacred" territory. Speaking at a concert ahead of Taiwan's national day celebrations on Oct. 10, Lai noted that the People's Republic had celebrated its 75th anniversary on Oct. 1, and in a few days it would be the Republic of China's 113th birthday. "Therefore, in terms of age, it is absolutely impossible for the People's Republic of China to become the 'motherland' of the Republic of China's people. On the contrary, the Republic of China may be the motherland of the people of the People's Republic of China who are over 75 years old," Lai added, to applause. Also read: Journalist sets himself on fire at Gaza ceasefire protest in Washington "One of the most important meanings of these celebrations is that we must remember that we are a sovereign and independent country," he said. China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not answer calls seeking comment outside of office hours. Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a speech on the eve of his country's national day, reiterated his government's view that Taiwan was its territory. Lai, who will give his own keynote national day address on Oct. 10, has needled Beijing before with historical references. Also read: Afghanistan sees record high in int'l flights passing through its airspace Last month, Lai said that if China's claims on Taiwan were about territorial integrity then it should also take back land from Russia signed over by the last Chinese dynasty in the 19th century. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Mainland China cannot be our ‘motherland‘, it’s the other way round says Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te

Taiwanese&nbsp;President&nbsp;Lai Ching-te has challenged China to take back land from Russia if the Xi Jinping regime truly believes it has a claim over the island nation.&nbsp;

China claims self-ruled democratic Taiwan as a part of its territory with Jinping&nbsp;not renouncing the use of force to bring the island under control. Beijing is of the view that Taiwan had been part of China since ancient times but was taken away by Japan during the "century of humiliation" - a period between 1839 and 1949 when China was subjected to routine defeats and subjugation.&nbsp;

“If it is for the sake of territorial integrity, why doesn’t it take back the lands occupied by Russia that were signed over in the treaty of Aigun? Russia is now at its weakest, right?,” said Lai during an interview.&nbsp;

“You can ask Russia (for the land back) but you don’t. So it’s obvious they don’t want to invade Taiwan for territorial reasons,” Lai said.

Lai was referring to the 1858 treaty in which&nbsp;Russia annexed about one million sq km of Chinese territory, including Haishengwei – today known as Vladivostok.

Lai, who was elected president in January, said that Beijing's true plans for 'invading' Taiwan were geopolitical as Jinping wants to change the world order in his favour.&nbsp;

Chinese officials have repeatedly attended economic forums in the far-east city of Vladivostok and there have been no major claims from the Politburo to annex the region.&nbsp;

However, earlier this year, nationalist social media users&nbsp;on Weibo, an X-like Chinese social media platform, demanded that Russia return Vladivostok to China. The claims were intensified after Putin in an interview with former Fox News anchor, Tucker Carlson, reflected on how Ukraine was part a Russian territory since the beginning.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;US-China war over Taiwan? Xi Jinping demands 'modern system for military governance' | Details

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-19="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-china-war-over-taiwan-xi-jinping-demands-modern-system-for-military-governance-details-623039/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Will China invade Taiwan?</h2>

Last week, Taiwan's defence ministry claimed that China lacks the&nbsp;ability to "fully" invade the island nation but was bringing advanced new weapons and other options to threaten Taiwan.&nbsp;

"However, the use of tactics and strategies against Taiwan is still limited by the natural geographical environment of the Taiwan Strait and insufficient landing equipment and logistic capabilities," it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-spreading-false-narratives-china-warns-blinken-on-taiwan-during-beijing-visit-754217">Also read |&nbsp;'Stop spreading false narratives': China warns Sullivan to stop colluding with Taiwan during Beijing visit</a>

China is speeding up the development of a slew of new weapons, such as the H-20 bomber and hypersonic missiles and beefing up the number of nuclear warheads while testing new tactics, the ministry said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has challenged China to take back land from Russia if the Xi Jinping regime truly believes it has a claim over the island nation.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has challenged China to take back land from Russia if the Xi Jinping regime truly believes it has a claim over the island nation. China claims self-ruled democratic Taiwan as a part of its territory with Jinping not renouncing the use of force to bring the island under control. Beijing is of the view that Taiwan had been part of China since ancient times but was taken away by Japan during the "century of humiliation" - a period between 1839 and 1949 when China was subjected to routine defeats and subjugation. “If it is for the sake of territorial integrity, why doesn’t it take back the lands occupied by Russia that were signed over in the treaty of Aigun? Russia is now at its weakest, right?,” said Lai during an interview. “You can ask Russia (for the land back) but you don’t. So it’s obvious they don’t want to invade Taiwan for territorial reasons,” Lai said. Lai was referring to the 1858 treaty in which Russia annexed about one million sq km of Chinese territory, including Haishengwei – today known as Vladivostok. Lai, who was elected president in January, said that Beijing's true plans for 'invading' Taiwan were geopolitical as Jinping wants to change the world order in his favour. Chinese officials have repeatedly attended economic forums in the far-east city of Vladivostok and there have been no major claims from the Politburo to annex the region. However, earlier this year, nationalist social media users on Weibo, an X-like Chinese social media platform, demanded that Russia return Vladivostok to China. The claims were intensified after Putin in an interview with former Fox News anchor, Tucker Carlson, reflected on how Ukraine was part a Russian territory since the beginning. Also watch | US-China war over Taiwan? Xi Jinping demands 'modern system for military governance' | Details Will China invade Taiwan? Last week, Taiwan's defence ministry claimed that China lacks the ability to "fully" invade the island nation but was bringing advanced new weapons and other options to threaten Taiwan. "However, the use of tactics and strategies against Taiwan is still limited by the natural geographical environment of the Taiwan Strait and insufficient landing equipment and logistic capabilities," it said. Also read | 'Stop spreading false narratives': China warns Sullivan to stop colluding with Taiwan during Beijing visit China is speeding up the development of a slew of new weapons, such as the H-20 bomber and hypersonic missiles and beefing up the number of nuclear warheads while testing new tactics, the ministry said. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Take back land from Russia first’: Taiwan president challenges China over territorial claims

Multiple warnings have gone unheard in Taiwan as the island chose Lai Ching-te as its next President. Beijing had said choosing the Democratic Progressive Party leader would mean choosing war, but it still failed to sway voters. Taiwan says China has to face the reality, but China remains stern in its stance as it continues to remind the World that reunification is inevitable. Watch in for more details!

China says Taiwan independence a dead end, New Taiwan President calls on China to stop its threats

Multiple warnings have gone unheard in Taiwan as the island chose Lai Chingte as its next President. Beijing had said choosing the democratic progressive party leader would mean choosing war, but it still failed to sway voters. Taiwan says China has to face the reality, but China remains stern in its stance as it continues to remind the world that reunification is inevitable.

Lai Ching-Te takes oath as Taiwan's new President | China ramps up pressure on Taiwan

Multiple warnings have gone unheard in Taiwan as the island chose Lai Chingte as its next President. Beijing had said choosing the Democratic Progressive Party leader would mean choosing war, but it still failed to sway voters. Taiwan says China has to face the reality, but China remains stern in its stance as it continues to remind the World that reunification is inevitable.

Lai Ching-Te takes oath as new President of Taiwan, hails 'glorious era' for Island's democracy

Taiwan will vote for a new president on Saturday (Jan 13) in an election watched across the world as the new leader in Taipei City will determine the course of affairs in the self-ruled island nation amid growing aggression by Communist-ruled China.&nbsp;

China views Taiwan as its territory&nbsp;and has never renounced the use of force to take it one day.

A&nbsp;vibrant democracy of over 23 million, Taiwan is separated by a narrow 180-kilometer (110-mile) strait from&nbsp;China, which in recent years has become an active geo-economic spot of aggression by Chinese&nbsp;armed forces.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is weighing in a third term in a row with the frontrunner and Vice President Lai Ching-te calling upon the Taiwanese voters to "choose the right path" for the island nation's democratic credentials.<img alt="AFP | Taiwan elections" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="71841057-0be4-41e7-af79-d98ce1b5c466" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-01-11T171640.417.png" />

This picture taken on December 7, 2023, shows a motorcyclist riding past a poster of Taiwan 2024 presidential candidate Lai Ching-te for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) outside the DPP party branch in Kinmen | AFP

His main opponent, former police chief and mayor Hou Yu-ih has described Lai as a danger to Taipei-Beijing relations. Hou, the leader of&nbsp;the once all-powerful Kuomintang (KMT) party has attempted to put across his party as the only political force capable of maintaining peace with China.

<h2>Taiwan elections 2024: Focus on day-to-day issues</h2>

While in the corridors of power across the world&nbsp;the concern&nbsp;has been on China's assertiveness in the region, inside Taiwan&nbsp;the&nbsp;notable focus remains on domestic concerns as well as discontent towards the ruling Democratic Progressive establishment for neglecting day-to-day issues.&nbsp;<img alt="AFP image: Taiwan elections" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="00ba4c61-aba3-4730-95bc-2d9e6f2b6e55" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-01-11T172007.326.png" />

Hou Yu-ih (C), presidential candidate of the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), visits the Sanhe Market during his campaign rally with local legislative candidates in Kaohsiung on January 10, 2024 | AFP

The island nation's dealings with China, however, remain one of the major issues for the Taiwanese voters. But the wide-ranging discussions among voters point towards concerns that affect their day-to-day&nbsp;life more, experts based out of Taipei City told WION.

"Although China holds a central position in Taiwanese elections, there is a notable focus on domestic concerns and discontent towards the establishment for neglecting day-to-day issues.&nbsp;Some Taiwanese feel that an excessive emphasis on China has diverted attention from crucial aspects that directly shape their lives," <a href="https://www.taef.org/people/SanaHashmi">Sana Hashmi</a>, Postdoctoral Fellow at Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation in Taipei City, told WION.&nbsp;

The sustenance of democracy in the&nbsp;past many decades remains a defining distinction that sets Taiwan apart from Communist-ruled China.

"The diverse and spirited discussions around multifaceted issues influencing voting patterns signify Taiwan's cherished democracy, especially among the younger voters. This appreciation for democratic values sets Taiwan apart from China and serves as a distinctive element defining its identity," Hashmi added.

But it's the demographic pattern of falling birth rates that has emerged as a matter of similarity between democratically-ruled Taiwan and Communist-ruled&nbsp;China in recent years.&nbsp;The current fertility rate for Taiwan is&nbsp;1.250 births per woman, with only immigration preventing a real decline in the island nation's population.

The fertility rate is one of many things that all three presidential candidates&nbsp;— Vice President Lai Ching-te of DPP,&nbsp;Hou Yu-ih of&nbsp;KMT; and Ko Wen-je of Taiwan People’s Party (TPP)&nbsp;— have emphasised upon during the past many&nbsp;weeks of the election campaign.&nbsp;

TPP's Ko is credited&nbsp;to have politicised the issue of the fertility rate after he called a press conference on November 7, 2023, specifically to discuss responses to the declining birth rate in Taiwan. Ko then promised a novel pregnancy bonus if elected to power.&nbsp;<img alt="TPP election AFP image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="66330f52-dc04-4fa2-b617-34e6b6769c5f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-01-11T191359.666.png" />

Ko Wen-je, Taiwan presidential candidate from the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), is greeted by supporters during a campaign rally in Kaohsiung on January 7, 2024 | AFP 
 
In response, Vice President Lai's team brought&nbsp;attention to Ko's misogynistic comments from the past such as "unmarried women are like disabled parking spaces" and that they cause "instability and a national security crisis".

"Besides China, there are multiple domestic issues like Covid mismanagement and falling birth rate, which are equally important for the 2024 Taiwan elections," Suyash Desai, a Taiwan-based research scholar&nbsp;told WION.&nbsp;

<h2>Taiwan's indispensable place in global economy</h2>

Meanwhile, Taiwan's indispensable economic significance in the world is underlined by the fact that the&nbsp;36,193 sq km territory&nbsp;produces around 90 per cent of the world's leading-edge semiconductors&nbsp;that are used for artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing applications.

The semiconductor chips are increasingly emerging as pivots of the global economy, and are described as the 'new oil' of the technology age. The computing power accessed through microchips, from data centres to smartphones, is required for all parts of the global&nbsp;economy.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Who's winning the Chip War?

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-whos-winning-the-chip-war-545297/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The tensions with China over its sovereignty and Washington's role in ensuring Taiwan's self-defence in the face of Chinese aggression are all linked with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-chip-war-intensify-amid-calls-for-small-yard-high-fence-approach-to-contain-china-618392">chip wars</a>, the fight for the world's most crucial technologies, as well. 
 
"The election outcomes hold profound significance beyond the semiconductor industry in Taiwan. They wield influence over the strategic and economic landscape, extending to cross-strait relations and the dynamics between the US and China," Hashmi told WION.&nbsp;

<h2>The China factor</h2>

The 2024 Taiwan elections are unique primarily because of the change in the Chinese approach and coercion tactics that it applies while dealing with the cross-strait dispute.

Beijing's aggression against Taiwan escalated in 2019 when it&nbsp;crossed the median line for the first time in 20 years, a recurrence whose frequency in recent years has become&nbsp;symbolic of the&nbsp;security threat posed by China to the sovereignty of Taiwan.&nbsp;

Since September 2020, China has also begun regular incursions into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

On December 31, 2023,&nbsp;Chinese President Xi Jinping <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-will-surely-be-reunified-says-president-xi-jinping-in-new-years-speech-675342">said</a> that the country&nbsp;would "surely be reunified", in his&nbsp;most direct threat so far to annex Taiwan.

As the voting day of Jan 13, 2024 closes in, Beijing has called the&nbsp;presidential frontrunner&nbsp;Lai Ching-te&nbsp;a "severe danger" and said he would threaten peace by following the "evil path" of independence.&nbsp;Lai, who had once called himself a "pragmatic worker for&nbsp;Taiwan's independence", has taken a softer line on the issue on the campaign trail.

Also watch |&nbsp;Taiwan's elections marked by testy exchange on autonomy, independence

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwans-elections-marked-by-testy-exchange-on-autonomy-independence-675184/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

One-time opponents of the Chinese Communist Party, Taiwan's oldest political party Kuomintang (KMT) has evolved into a political force that sees Taiwan's economic fortunes closely&nbsp;linked to better ties with Beijing.

The previous election in 2020 saw a historic landslide for the Democratic Progressive Party's Tsai Ing-wen, who boldly asserted that Taiwan is "already independent".

Over Tsai's eight-year tenure, Beijing refused to engage with her government, as tensions ramped up across the Taiwan Strait. After hosting the US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August 2022, the Tsai administration also extended mandatory military service from four months to one year.<img alt="Nancy Pelosi in China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d7ec808-113d-4367-bd4f-ca1cbe6f7c97" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-01-11T184015.825.png" />

The&nbsp;US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (2nd L) with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (2nd R), Vice President William Lai (R) and Director of American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Sandra Oudkirk listen, in the Presidential Office in Taipei&nbsp;on August 3, 2022 | AFP

Tsai has been emphatic that&nbsp;'peace with China will not fall from the sky' and that Taiwan can&nbsp;avoid a war with China "by being capable of fighting a war".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-extended-conscription-and-loss-of-face-for-xi-jinping-547113">Taiwan's extended conscription and 'loss of face' for Xi Jinping</a>

With Vice President Lai Ching-te a frontrunner for president, experts say that the outcome of Saturday's&nbsp;election will have serious implications for the security of the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Sana Hashmi told WION: "The results of these elections&nbsp;will chart trajectories that could reverberate across the Indo-Pacific, influencing regional stability and shaping the US' and other countries' approaches to China and the region."

Taiwan will vote for a new president on Saturday (Jan 13) in an election watched across the world as the new leader in Taipei City will determine the course of affairs in the self-ruled island nation amid growing aggression by Communist-ruled China.

Taiwan will vote for a new president on Saturday (Jan 13) in an election watched across the world as the new leader in Taipei City will determine the course of affairs in the self-ruled island nation amid growing aggression by Communist-ruled China. China views Taiwan as its territory and has never renounced the use of force to take it one day. A vibrant democracy of over 23 million, Taiwan is separated by a narrow 180-kilometer (110-mile) strait from China, which in recent years has become an active geo-economic spot of aggression by Chinese armed forces. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is weighing in a third term in a row with the frontrunner and Vice President Lai Ching-te calling upon the Taiwanese voters to "choose the right path" for the island nation's democratic credentials. This picture taken on December 7, 2023, shows a motorcyclist riding past a poster of Taiwan 2024 presidential candidate Lai Ching-te for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) outside the DPP party branch in Kinmen | AFP His main opponent, former police chief and mayor Hou Yu-ih has described Lai as a danger to Taipei-Beijing relations. Hou, the leader of the once all-powerful Kuomintang (KMT) party has attempted to put across his party as the only political force capable of maintaining peace with China. Taiwan elections 2024: Focus on day-to-day issues While in the corridors of power across the world the concern has been on China's assertiveness in the region, inside Taiwan the notable focus remains on domestic concerns as well as discontent towards the ruling Democratic Progressive establishment for neglecting day-to-day issues. Hou Yu-ih (C), presidential candidate of the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), visits the Sanhe Market during his campaign rally with local legislative candidates in Kaohsiung on January 10, 2024 | AFP The island nation's dealings with China, however, remain one of the major issues for the Taiwanese voters. But the wide-ranging discussions among voters point towards concerns that affect their day-to-day life more, experts based out of Taipei City told WION. "Although China holds a central position in Taiwanese elections, there is a notable focus on domestic concerns and discontent towards the establishment for neglecting day-to-day issues. Some Taiwanese feel that an excessive emphasis on China has diverted attention from crucial aspects that directly shape their lives," Sana Hashmi, Postdoctoral Fellow at Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation in Taipei City, told WION. The sustenance of democracy in the past many decades remains a defining distinction that sets Taiwan apart from Communist-ruled China. "The diverse and spirited discussions around multifaceted issues influencing voting patterns signify Taiwan's cherished democracy, especially among the younger voters. This appreciation for democratic values sets Taiwan apart from China and serves as a distinctive element defining its identity," Hashmi added. But it's the demographic pattern of falling birth rates that has emerged as a matter of similarity between democratically-ruled Taiwan and Communist-ruled China in recent years. The current fertility rate for Taiwan is 1.250 births per woman, with only immigration preventing a real decline in the island nation's population. The fertility rate is one of many things that all three presidential candidates — Vice President Lai Ching-te of DPP, Hou Yu-ih of KMT; and Ko Wen-je of Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) — have emphasised upon during the past many weeks of the election campaign. TPP's Ko is credited to have politicised the issue of the fertility rate after he called a press conference on November 7, 2023, specifically to discuss responses to the declining birth rate in Taiwan. Ko then promised a novel pregnancy bonus if elected to power. Ko Wen-je, Taiwan presidential candidate from the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), is greeted by supporters during a campaign rally in Kaohsiung on January 7, 2024 | AFP In response, Vice President Lai's team brought attention to Ko's misogynistic comments from the past such as "unmarried women are like disabled parking spaces" and that they cause "instability and a national security crisis". "Besides China, there are multiple domestic issues like Covid mismanagement and falling birth rate, which are equally important for the 2024 Taiwan elections," Suyash Desai, a Taiwan-based research scholar told WION. Taiwan's indispensable place in global economy Meanwhile, Taiwan's indispensable economic significance in the world is underlined by the fact that the 36,193 sq km territory produces around 90 per cent of the world's leading-edge semiconductors that are used for artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing applications. The semiconductor chips are increasingly emerging as pivots of the global economy, and are described as the 'new oil' of the technology age. The computing power accessed through microchips, from data centres to smartphones, is required for all parts of the global economy. Also watch | Gravitas Plus: Who's winning the Chip War? × The tensions with China over its sovereignty and Washington's role in ensuring Taiwan's self-defence in the face of Chinese aggression are all linked with chip wars, the fight for the world's most crucial technologies, as well. "The election outcomes hold profound significance beyond the semiconductor industry in Taiwan. They wield influence over the strategic and economic landscape, extending to cross-strait relations and the dynamics between the US and China," Hashmi told WION. The China factor The 2024 Taiwan elections are unique primarily because of the change in the Chinese approach and coercion tactics that it applies while dealing with the cross-strait dispute. Beijing's aggression against Taiwan escalated in 2019 when it crossed the median line for the first time in 20 years, a recurrence whose frequency in recent years has become symbolic of the security threat posed by China to the sovereignty of Taiwan. Since September 2020, China has also begun regular incursions into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). On December 31, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that the country would "surely be reunified", in his most direct threat so far to annex Taiwan. As the voting day of Jan 13, 2024 closes in, Beijing has called the presidential frontrunner Lai Ching-te a "severe danger" and said he would threaten peace by following the "evil path" of independence. Lai, who had once called himself a "pragmatic worker for Taiwan's independence", has taken a softer line on the issue on the campaign trail. Also watch | Taiwan's elections marked by testy exchange on autonomy, independence × One-time opponents of the Chinese Communist Party, Taiwan's oldest political party Kuomintang (KMT) has evolved into a political force that sees Taiwan's economic fortunes closely linked to better ties with Beijing. The previous election in 2020 saw a historic landslide for the Democratic Progressive Party's Tsai Ing-wen, who boldly asserted that Taiwan is "already independent". Over Tsai's eight-year tenure, Beijing refused to engage with her government, as tensions ramped up across the Taiwan Strait. After hosting the US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August 2022, the Tsai administration also extended mandatory military service from four months to one year. The US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (2nd L) with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (2nd R), Vice President William Lai (R) and Director of American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Sandra Oudkirk listen, in the Presidential Office in Taipei on August 3, 2022 | AFP Tsai has been emphatic that 'peace with China will not fall from the sky' and that Taiwan can avoid a war with China "by being capable of fighting a war". Also read | Taiwan's extended conscription and 'loss of face' for Xi Jinping With Vice President Lai Ching-te a frontrunner for president, experts say that the outcome of Saturday's election will have serious implications for the security of the broader Indo-Pacific region. Sana Hashmi told WION: "The results of these elections will chart trajectories that could reverberate across the Indo-Pacific, influencing regional stability and shaping the US' and other countries' approaches to China and the region."

Explained: How Taiwan is keeping up with democracy amid Xi Jinping's 'reunification' threat

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen appealed to voters on Sunday to think of what had happened to Chinese-controlled Hong Kong when they cast their ballots next month, saying peace must be backed up with a commitment to boost defences. China detests Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and its presidential candidate, Vice President Lai Ching-te, calling them dangerous separatists.

Taiwanese President: Think of what happened to Hong Kong when you vote

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Saturday said the self-ruled island would work to improve its rescue and defence capabilities with new technologies, adding that strengthening Taiwan is key to maintaining peace.

Tsai also pledged that her government would promote policies to safeguard maritime and border security after inspecting an anti-terror drill in Kaohsiung city in southwestern Taiwan.

“The safer Taiwan is, the safer the world is,” she said.

Tsai's remarks came as the democratic island faces increasing military threats from China, which sees Taiwan as a breakaway province to be retaken by force if necessary.

During Saturday's drills, Taiwanese security officers demonstrated how they would defend against terrorist acts at sea.

Some climbed from small boats onto a vessel controlled by “terrorists” and brought them under control.

Others rappelled down from a flying helicopter. The simulation ended with a dramatic scene in which some officers hung in the air as they were sent back to the helicopter.

Taiwan and China split in 1949 following a civil war that ended with the ruling Communist Party in control of the mainland.

The island has never been part of the People's Republic of China, but Beijing says it must unite with the mainland.

Beijing also has intensified its battle to win away Taiwan's diplomatic allies since independence-leaning Tsai took office in 2016.&nbsp;

In March, Honduras established formal relations with China, becoming the latest in a string of countries to break diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

Honduran President Xiomara Castro arrived in Shanghai on Friday on her first visit since the establishment of ties.

She said her country would strengthen cooperation with the financial hub and actively participate in the China International Import Expo to be held there in November, according to a report by state media Xinhua on Saturday.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Saturday said the self-ruled island would work to improve its rescue and defence capabilities with new technologies, adding that strengthening Taiwan is key to maintaining peace.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Saturday said the self-ruled island would work to improve its rescue and defence capabilities with new technologies, adding that strengthening Taiwan is key to maintaining peace. Tsai also pledged that her government would promote policies to safeguard maritime and border security after inspecting an anti-terror drill in Kaohsiung city in southwestern Taiwan. “The safer Taiwan is, the safer the world is,” she said. Tsai's remarks came as the democratic island faces increasing military threats from China, which sees Taiwan as a breakaway province to be retaken by force if necessary. During Saturday's drills, Taiwanese security officers demonstrated how they would defend against terrorist acts at sea. Some climbed from small boats onto a vessel controlled by “terrorists” and brought them under control. Others rappelled down from a flying helicopter. The simulation ended with a dramatic scene in which some officers hung in the air as they were sent back to the helicopter. Taiwan and China split in 1949 following a civil war that ended with the ruling Communist Party in control of the mainland. The island has never been part of the People's Republic of China, but Beijing says it must unite with the mainland. Beijing also has intensified its battle to win away Taiwan's diplomatic allies since independence-leaning Tsai took office in 2016. In March, Honduras established formal relations with China, becoming the latest in a string of countries to break diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Honduran President Xiomara Castro arrived in Shanghai on Friday on her first visit since the establishment of ties. She said her country would strengthen cooperation with the financial hub and actively participate in the China International Import Expo to be held there in November, according to a report by state media Xinhua on Saturday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Taiwan president pledges to strengthen island’s defence capabilities with new technologies

Taiwan’s Former President Ma Ying-jeou will visit China later this month, said his office on Sunday (March 19). The move will mark the first time that a former or current Taiwanese leader has visited since the defeated Republic of China government fled to the island in 1949. Notably, the Republic of China remains Taiwan’s official name.&nbsp;

The visit, which will take place between March 27 and April 7, also comes amid a rise in tensions between Beijing and Taipei. Ma who is also a senior member of Kuomintang (KMT) the opposition party in Taiwan has traditionally favoured China but has vehemently denied being ‘pro-Beijing’.&nbsp;

Notably, Ma also held a landmark meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Singapore in late 2015 shortly before incumbent Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen was elected. This also comes amid KMT seemingly increasing its engagement with China since both Beijing and Taipei have eased Covid-related restrictions.&nbsp;

Last month, the deputy chairman of the opposition party, Andrew Hsia visited Beijing and met senior Communist Party leader Wang Huning. The visit garnered significant criticism from Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) which accused KMT of being too close to Beijing and wanting to sell out Taiwan.&nbsp;

During his visit, Ma will visit five cities Nanjing, Wuhan, Changsha, Chongqing and Shanghai, said his office, as per Reuters. The former Taiwanese president will also reportedly meet students and visit sites connected to World War II, the second Sino-Japanese War, and the 1911 revolution which overthrew the last Chinese emperor and led to the beginning of the Republic of China, said Ma’s office.&nbsp;

However, it is not clear if the former Taiwanese president will meet any Chinese officials or leaders including Xi. KMT has previously argued that it is important to keep open communication with China given the current tensions.&nbsp;

Beijing has declined to hold talks with Tsai accusing her of being a “separatist”. Tsai who was first elected president of Taiwan in 2016 has previously said that only Taiwan’s people can decide their future and rejected China’s claim on Taipei.&nbsp;

This comes as Beijing continues to maintain its military and political pressure for democratically-elected Taiwan to accept Chinese sovereignty and reiterated calls for reunification with the self-governing island. 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Taiwan’s Former President Ma Ying-jeou will visit China later this month, said his office on Sunday (March 19). The move will mark the first time that a former or current Taiwanese leader has visited since the defeated Republic of China government fled to the island in 1949.

Taiwan’s Former President Ma Ying-jeou will visit China later this month, said his office on Sunday (March 19). The move will mark the first time that a former or current Taiwanese leader has visited since the defeated Republic of China government fled to the island in 1949. Notably, the Republic of China remains Taiwan’s official name. The visit, which will take place between March 27 and April 7, also comes amid a rise in tensions between Beijing and Taipei. Ma who is also a senior member of Kuomintang (KMT) the opposition party in Taiwan has traditionally favoured China but has vehemently denied being ‘pro-Beijing’. Notably, Ma also held a landmark meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Singapore in late 2015 shortly before incumbent Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen was elected. This also comes amid KMT seemingly increasing its engagement with China since both Beijing and Taipei have eased Covid-related restrictions. Last month, the deputy chairman of the opposition party, Andrew Hsia visited Beijing and met senior Communist Party leader Wang Huning. The visit garnered significant criticism from Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) which accused KMT of being too close to Beijing and wanting to sell out Taiwan. During his visit, Ma will visit five cities Nanjing, Wuhan, Changsha, Chongqing and Shanghai, said his office, as per Reuters. The former Taiwanese president will also reportedly meet students and visit sites connected to World War II, the second Sino-Japanese War, and the 1911 revolution which overthrew the last Chinese emperor and led to the beginning of the Republic of China, said Ma’s office. However, it is not clear if the former Taiwanese president will meet any Chinese officials or leaders including Xi. KMT has previously argued that it is important to keep open communication with China given the current tensions. Beijing has declined to hold talks with Tsai accusing her of being a “separatist”. Tsai who was first elected president of Taiwan in 2016 has previously said that only Taiwan’s people can decide their future and rejected China’s claim on Taipei. This comes as Beijing continues to maintain its military and political pressure for democratically-elected Taiwan to accept Chinese sovereignty and reiterated calls for reunification with the self-governing island. 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.

Former Taiwanese president Ma to visit China from March 27

Following Turkey's deadly earthquake, Taiwanese President Tsai-Ing wen and Vice President William Lai will donate a month's salary for the&nbsp;relief efforts, Taiwan's presidential office said on Thursday, Reuters reported.&nbsp;The office said, "Hope to do their part to help Turkey rebuild its homeland as soon as possible."

The salary contribution will add to the existing aid that has been sent already by the island nation.&nbsp;According to estimates, President Tsai-Ing wen earns about T$400,000 ($13,330) monthly.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-syria-earthquake-cryptocurrency-firms-pledge-donations-worth-millions-560266">Turkey-Syria earthquake: Cryptocurrency firms pledge donations worth millions</a>

The Taiwanese president also visited the de facto embassy in Taipei on Thursday to sign the book of condolence, and wrote, "My heart goes with our Turkish friends. Taiwan stands with Türkiye."

The help comes despite Turkey like most countries don't share any diplomatic relations with the island nation. Still, the two countries maintain de facto embassies in each other's capitals and also have direct flights between Istanbul and Taipei.&nbsp;

Taiwan, which itself suffers from frequent earthquakes, has announced aid of T$ 2 million for disaster relief and has sent two rescue teams to Turkey to help in the search for survivors.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-earthquake-how-long-a-person-can-survive-under-rubble-what-role-does-mental-condition-play-in-this-560204">Turkey Earthquake: How long a person can survive under rubble; what role does mental condition play in this?</a>

This is not the first time Tsai and Lai are donating their month's salary for relief efforts.&nbsp;

Last year, both of them donated their one month's salary to aid the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.&nbsp;

The combined death toll for the Turkey-Syria earthquake has surged&nbsp;past 19,300, even as search for more survivors is still underway.&nbsp;

It's just not countries, but several cryptocurrency firms have also pledged to donate millions to help quake-hit countries. &nbsp;These firms including Tether, OKZ, and Kucoin will donate around nine million to victims, according to a report by Decrypt.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Following Turkey's deadly earthquake, Taiwanese President Tsai-Ing wen and Vice President William Lai will donate a month's salary for the relief efforts, Taiwan's presidential office said on Thursday, Reuters reported.

Following Turkey's deadly earthquake, Taiwanese President Tsai-Ing wen and Vice President William Lai will donate a month's salary for the relief efforts, Taiwan's presidential office said on Thursday, Reuters reported. The office said, "Hope to do their part to help Turkey rebuild its homeland as soon as possible." The salary contribution will add to the existing aid that has been sent already by the island nation. According to estimates, President Tsai-Ing wen earns about T$400,000 ($13,330) monthly. Also read | Turkey-Syria earthquake: Cryptocurrency firms pledge donations worth millions The Taiwanese president also visited the de facto embassy in Taipei on Thursday to sign the book of condolence, and wrote, "My heart goes with our Turkish friends. Taiwan stands with Türkiye." The help comes despite Turkey like most countries don't share any diplomatic relations with the island nation. Still, the two countries maintain de facto embassies in each other's capitals and also have direct flights between Istanbul and Taipei. Taiwan, which itself suffers from frequent earthquakes, has announced aid of T$ 2 million for disaster relief and has sent two rescue teams to Turkey to help in the search for survivors. Also read | Turkey Earthquake: How long a person can survive under rubble; what role does mental condition play in this? This is not the first time Tsai and Lai are donating their month's salary for relief efforts. Last year, both of them donated their one month's salary to aid the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The combined death toll for the Turkey-Syria earthquake has surged past 19,300, even as search for more survivors is still underway. It's just not countries, but several cryptocurrency firms have also pledged to donate millions to help quake-hit countries. These firms including Tether, OKZ, and Kucoin will donate around nine million to victims, according to a report by Decrypt. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Taiwan's president, vice president to donate a month's salary for Turkey relief efforts

Responding to China, the Taiwan president made a fierce national day speech, saying the country would keep bolstering its defenses to ensure that nobody forces them to take the path that China has laid down.

Taiwan: President Tsai Ing-Wen, makes a fierce national day speech

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said the region is ready to hold "meaningful" talks with China if Beijing puts aside "antagonism" and improve relations on the basis of "reciprocity and dignity" in her new year's speech on Friday.&nbsp;

"I want to reiterate, that when it comes to cross-strait relations we will not advance rashly and will stick to our principles," Tsai was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-president-willing-to-hold-talks-with-china-as-equals-353828/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"As long as the Beijing authorities are determined to defuse antagonism and improve cross-strait relations, in line with the principles of reciprocity and dignity, we are willing to jointly promote meaningful dialogue."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-jails-29-taiwanese-deported-from-spain-for-fraud-353551">China jails 29 Taiwanese deported from Spain for fraud</a>

Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is at odds with Beijing over its authoritarian measures in Taiwan, an island that China considers its own.&nbsp;

Recently, China has pushed military activity near the island amid Taiwan's growing engagement with the United States.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump signed into Taiwan Assurance Act that bolsters support to the island region and has been included in a $2.3 trillion pandemic aid package.&nbsp;

China in 2016 ended formal talks mechanism with the island region after Tsai first came into office, saying she has to accept that the island is a part of China, something that the Taiwanese president refused to do.&nbsp;

The Taiwanese president was hopeful that once the coronavirus pandemic is under control "normal and orderly exchanges to increase understanding and reduce misunderstandings" between Chinese and Taiwanese people can resume.&nbsp;

However, Liu Jieyi, the head of China's Taiwan Affairs Office affirmed in his new year message that "peace and stability" can be achieved in the Taiwan strait only when the demand of Taiwan independence is over.

"Only by eliminating the scourge of 'Taiwan independence' can there be peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," Liu was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said the region is ready to hold "meaningful" talks with China if Beijing puts aside "antagonism" and improve relations on the basis of "reciprocity and dignity" in her new year's speech on Friday.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said the region is ready to hold "meaningful" talks with China if Beijing puts aside "antagonism" and improve relations on the basis of "reciprocity and dignity" in her new year's speech on Friday. "I want to reiterate, that when it comes to cross-strait relations we will not advance rashly and will stick to our principles," Tsai was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters. Watch | "As long as the Beijing authorities are determined to defuse antagonism and improve cross-strait relations, in line with the principles of reciprocity and dignity, we are willing to jointly promote meaningful dialogue." Also read | China jails 29 Taiwanese deported from Spain for fraud Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is at odds with Beijing over its authoritarian measures in Taiwan, an island that China considers its own. Recently, China has pushed military activity near the island amid Taiwan's growing engagement with the United States. On Monday, US President Donald Trump signed into Taiwan Assurance Act that bolsters support to the island region and has been included in a $2.3 trillion pandemic aid package. China in 2016 ended formal talks mechanism with the island region after Tsai first came into office, saying she has to accept that the island is a part of China, something that the Taiwanese president refused to do. The Taiwanese president was hopeful that once the coronavirus pandemic is under control "normal and orderly exchanges to increase understanding and reduce misunderstandings" between Chinese and Taiwanese people can resume. However, Liu Jieyi, the head of China's Taiwan Affairs Office affirmed in his new year message that "peace and stability" can be achieved in the Taiwan strait only when the demand of Taiwan independence is over. "Only by eliminating the scourge of 'Taiwan independence' can there be peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," Liu was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.

Taiwanese President calls for 'meaningful' talks with China

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

The last two days of Chinese aircraft approaching Taiwan demonstrate that Beijing is a threat to the entire region and have shown Taiwanese even more clearly the true nature of China`s government, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Sunday.

Multiple Chinese aircraft flew across the mid line of the Taiwan Strait and into Taiwan`s air defence identification zone on Friday and Saturday, causing Taiwan to scramble jets to intercept. China claims Taiwan as its own territory.

At a news conference in Beijing on Friday about China`s U.N. peacekeeping efforts, China announced combat drills near the Taiwan Strait and denounced what it called collusion between the island and the United States.

The exercises took place as U.S. Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Keith Krach was in Taipei, the most senior State Department office to come in four decades.

Speaking to reporters, Tsai denounced China`s drills.

"I believe these activities are no help to China`s international image, and what`s more have put Taiwan`s people even more on their guard, understanding even better the true nature of the Chinese Communist regime," she said.

"Additionally, other countries in the region also have a better understanding of the threat posed by China," Tsai added.

"The Chinese Communists must restrain themselves, and not provoke."

China`s air force on Saturday put out a video showing its nuclear capable H-6 bombers, which have been involved in many Chinese fly-bys of Taiwan, exercising.

One montage shows a simulation of an H-6 attack against an air base which appears by its runway layout to be the main U.S. air force base on Guam.

Asked about that footage, and China`s decision to release it while Krach was in Taiwan, Tsai said China`s recent activities where a threat broader than just to Taiwan.

"China`s existence is indeed aggressive and will bring a definite threat."

China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. Most people in democratic Taiwan have shown no interest in being run by autocratic China.

The last two days of Chinese aircraft approaching Taiwan demonstrate that Beijing is a threat to the entire region and have shown Taiwanese even more clearly the true nature of China`s government, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Sunday.

The last two days of Chinese aircraft approaching Taiwan demonstrate that Beijing is a threat to the entire region and have shown Taiwanese even more clearly the true nature of China`s government, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Sunday. Multiple Chinese aircraft flew across the mid line of the Taiwan Strait and into Taiwan`s air defence identification zone on Friday and Saturday, causing Taiwan to scramble jets to intercept. China claims Taiwan as its own territory. At a news conference in Beijing on Friday about China`s U.N. peacekeeping efforts, China announced combat drills near the Taiwan Strait and denounced what it called collusion between the island and the United States. The exercises took place as U.S. Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Keith Krach was in Taipei, the most senior State Department office to come in four decades. Speaking to reporters, Tsai denounced China`s drills. "I believe these activities are no help to China`s international image, and what`s more have put Taiwan`s people even more on their guard, understanding even better the true nature of the Chinese Communist regime," she said. "Additionally, other countries in the region also have a better understanding of the threat posed by China," Tsai added. "The Chinese Communists must restrain themselves, and not provoke." China`s air force on Saturday put out a video showing its nuclear capable H-6 bombers, which have been involved in many Chinese fly-bys of Taiwan, exercising. One montage shows a simulation of an H-6 attack against an air base which appears by its runway layout to be the main U.S. air force base on Guam. Asked about that footage, and China`s decision to release it while Krach was in Taiwan, Tsai said China`s recent activities where a threat broader than just to Taiwan. "China`s existence is indeed aggressive and will bring a definite threat." China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. Most people in democratic Taiwan have shown no interest in being run by autocratic China.

Taiwan president says drills show China is threat to whole region

Tsai ing-wen starts her second term as Taiwan’s president on May 20 in Taipei. Besides a record approval rating and a so-far successful effort to contain the coronavirus outbreak, Tsai has benefited from an upswing of support from the US and its allies.

Tsai ing-wen begins second term as Taiwan's President

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took to Twitter to congratulate&nbsp;Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-Wen on her re-election&nbsp;as the island’s first female leader.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations to Dr. Tsai Ing-wen on the commencement of your second-term as Taiwan’s President. Taiwan’s vibrant democracy is an inspiration to the region and the world. With President Tsai at the helm, our partnership with Taiwan will continue to flourish.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1262724419513966598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

''Her re-election by a huge margin shows that she has earned the respect, admiration, and trust of the people on Taiwan,''&nbsp;Pompeo said in his statement released ahead of the ceremony.

''Her courage and vision in leading Taiwan’s vibrant democracy is an inspiration to the region and the world. As we look toward the future, I am confident that, with President Tsai at the helm, our partnership with Taiwan will continue to flourish.''

While China views Tsai as a separatist, bent on formal independence for Taiwan, Pompeo reportedly said that recent COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for the international community to see why Taiwan’s pandemic-response model is worthy of emulation.

His remarks were read aloud at the ceremony on Wednesday, ahead of Tsai’s inauguration speech in which she vowed to defend the island from threats, and said it would not accept Beijing’s ''one country, two systems''&nbsp;proposal for cross-strait unification.

She said&nbsp;that Taiwan will seek to ‘actively participate’ in international bodies and deepen its cooperation with ''like-minded countries''.

Beijing’s proposal would downgrade Taiwan and undermine the cross-strait status quo, she added.

Meanwhile, as Taiwan had been seeking to join a ministerial meeting this month of the WHO’s decision-making body, the organisation had locked Taiwan out, at China’s request.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took to Twitter to congratulate Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-Wen on her re-election as the island’s first female leader. Congratulations to Dr.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took to Twitter to congratulate Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-Wen on her re-election as the island’s first female leader. Congratulations to Dr. Tsai Ing-wen on the commencement of your second-term as Taiwan’s President. Taiwan’s vibrant democracy is an inspiration to the region and the world. With President Tsai at the helm, our partnership with Taiwan will continue to flourish. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) May 19, 2020 × ''Her re-election by a huge margin shows that she has earned the respect, admiration, and trust of the people on Taiwan,'' Pompeo said in his statement released ahead of the ceremony. ''Her courage and vision in leading Taiwan’s vibrant democracy is an inspiration to the region and the world. As we look toward the future, I am confident that, with President Tsai at the helm, our partnership with Taiwan will continue to flourish.'' While China views Tsai as a separatist, bent on formal independence for Taiwan, Pompeo reportedly said that recent COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for the international community to see why Taiwan’s pandemic-response model is worthy of emulation. His remarks were read aloud at the ceremony on Wednesday, ahead of Tsai’s inauguration speech in which she vowed to defend the island from threats, and said it would not accept Beijing’s ''one country, two systems'' proposal for cross-strait unification. She said that Taiwan will seek to ‘actively participate’ in international bodies and deepen its cooperation with ''like-minded countries''. Beijing’s proposal would downgrade Taiwan and undermine the cross-strait status quo, she added. Meanwhile, as Taiwan had been seeking to join a ministerial meeting this month of the WHO’s decision-making body, the organisation had locked Taiwan out, at China’s request.

Pompeo congratulates Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen for re-election

President Tsai Ing-wen on January 15 warned China and said that any invasion would be "very costly" for Beijing. China's leadership had made no secret of its desire to see Tsai turfed out because she and her party refuse to acknowledge their view that the island is part of a "one China".

WION Dispatch: Taiwan's new President warns 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.&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

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen left for the United States on Thursday on a trip that has angered Beijing, warning democracy must be defended and the island faced threats from “overseas forces”, in a veiled reference to China.

Taiwan president leaves for US, warns of threat from 'overseas forces'

Terry Gou, chairman of Apple supplier Foxconn, said on Wednesday he will contest Taiwan's 2020 presidential election, shaking up the political landscape at a time of heightened tension between the self-ruled island and Beijing.

Gou, Taiwan's richest person with a net worth of $7.6 billion according to Forbes, said he would join the already competitive race, and take part in the opposition, China-friendly Kuomintang (KMT) primaries.

His decision capped a flurry of news this week that began when Gou said on Monday he planned to step down from the world's largest contract manufacturer to pave the way for younger talent to move up the company's ranks.

He later announced he was considering a presidential bid and hinted he was close to a decision, and then told more than 100 people packed into a temple he would follow the instruction of a sea goddess who had told him to run for president.

The sea goddess Mazu is a popular deity in Taiwan and is believed to hold sway over one's safety and fortune.

"Peace, stability, economy, future, are my core values," Gou said later at the KMT's headquarters in Taipei.

He urged the party to rediscover its spirit, the honour of its members and the lost support of the youth, and to establish a fair and transparent system for the primary race.

The KMT's primary was already highly competitive, with contenders including a former KMT chairman, Eric Chu, and a former head of the island's parliament, Wang Jin-pyng.

The KMT has not agreed how the race should be run or how candidates will be decided.

Gou's bid, which requires KMT approval, comes at a delicate time for cross-strait relations and delivers a blow to the ruling pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, which is struggling in opinion polls.

China-Taiwan relations have deteriorated since the island's president, Tsai Ing-wen, of the independence-leaning DPP, swept to power in 2016.

China suspects Tsai is pushing for the island's formal independence. That is a red line for China, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.

Tsai says she wants to maintain the status quo with China but will defend Taiwan's security and democracy.

'VERY PRO-CHINA'

A senior adviser to Tsai said Gou's bid could create problems, given his extensive business ties with China.

"This is problematic to Taiwan's national security," the adviser, Yao Chia-wen, said.

"He's very pro-China and he represents the class of the wealthy people. Will that gain support from Taiwanese?" Yao said, adding he believed Gou would face a tough battle in the KMT primary.

Tension between Taipei and Beijing escalated again on Monday, as Chinese bombers and warships conducted drills around the island, prompting Taiwan to scramble jets and ships to monitor the Chinese forces.

A senior US official denounced Beijing's military manoeuvres as "coercion" and a threat to stability in the region.

Gou has questioned Taiwan's ties with the United States and said this week the island should stop buying US weapons. He said peace was the best the defence.

William Stanton, professor at National Taiwan University and former head of the de facto US embassy in Taipei, said he would have concerns if Gou were to become president.

"I’d be concerned about how he would behave. He did not have a positive attitude towards the US," Stanton said.

The KMT, which once ruled China before fleeing to Taiwan at the end of a civil war with the Communists in 1949, said in February it could sign a peace treaty with Beijing if it won the presidential election.

Zhang Baohui, a regional security analyst at Hong Kong's Lingnan University, said Gou's run could mark the start of the most unusual election in Taiwan history.

"This is something entirely fresh for Taiwan politics - here is a candidate who sees everything through the pragmatic angle of a businessman rather than raw politics or ideology," Zhang said.

"He has no baggage and that will be a fascinating scenario."

Gou's news comes as Tsai is grappling with a series of unpopular domestic reform initiatives, from a pension scheme to labour law, which have come under intense voter scrutiny.

The KMT said this week Gou had been a party member for more than 50 years and had given it an interest-free loan of T$45 million ($1.5 million) in 2016 under the name of his mother, which had signalled his loyalty to the party.

Foxconn said on Tuesday Gou would remain chairman, though he planned to withdraw from daily operations.

It was not immediately clear when he planned to pull back or if his presidential bid would require him to step down from Foxconn. There were no regulations related to a company executive running for the presidency, the island's stock exchange said.

Foxconn's shares closed up 2.1 percent at T$91.80 ahead of Gou's formal declaration, the highest in six months. His Hong Kong-listed FIH Mobile closed up 28 percent, tracking the strength in parent Foxconn.

Terry Gou, chairman of Apple supplier Foxconn, said on Wednesday he will contest Taiwan's 2020 presidential election, shaking up the political landscape at a time of heightened tension between the self-ruled island and Beijing.

Terry Gou, chairman of Apple supplier Foxconn, said on Wednesday he will contest Taiwan's 2020 presidential election, shaking up the political landscape at a time of heightened tension between the self-ruled island and Beijing. Gou, Taiwan's richest person with a net worth of $7.6 billion according to Forbes, said he would join the already competitive race, and take part in the opposition, China-friendly Kuomintang (KMT) primaries. His decision capped a flurry of news this week that began when Gou said on Monday he planned to step down from the world's largest contract manufacturer to pave the way for younger talent to move up the company's ranks. He later announced he was considering a presidential bid and hinted he was close to a decision, and then told more than 100 people packed into a temple he would follow the instruction of a sea goddess who had told him to run for president. The sea goddess Mazu is a popular deity in Taiwan and is believed to hold sway over one's safety and fortune. "Peace, stability, economy, future, are my core values," Gou said later at the KMT's headquarters in Taipei. He urged the party to rediscover its spirit, the honour of its members and the lost support of the youth, and to establish a fair and transparent system for the primary race. The KMT's primary was already highly competitive, with contenders including a former KMT chairman, Eric Chu, and a former head of the island's parliament, Wang Jin-pyng. The KMT has not agreed how the race should be run or how candidates will be decided. Gou's bid, which requires KMT approval, comes at a delicate time for cross-strait relations and delivers a blow to the ruling pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, which is struggling in opinion polls. China-Taiwan relations have deteriorated since the island's president, Tsai Ing-wen, of the independence-leaning DPP, swept to power in 2016. China suspects Tsai is pushing for the island's formal independence. That is a red line for China, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. Tsai says she wants to maintain the status quo with China but will defend Taiwan's security and democracy. 'VERY PRO-CHINA' A senior adviser to Tsai said Gou's bid could create problems, given his extensive business ties with China. "This is problematic to Taiwan's national security," the adviser, Yao Chia-wen, said. "He's very pro-China and he represents the class of the wealthy people. Will that gain support from Taiwanese?" Yao said, adding he believed Gou would face a tough battle in the KMT primary. Tension between Taipei and Beijing escalated again on Monday, as Chinese bombers and warships conducted drills around the island, prompting Taiwan to scramble jets and ships to monitor the Chinese forces. A senior US official denounced Beijing's military manoeuvres as "coercion" and a threat to stability in the region. Gou has questioned Taiwan's ties with the United States and said this week the island should stop buying US weapons. He said peace was the best the defence. William Stanton, professor at National Taiwan University and former head of the de facto US embassy in Taipei, said he would have concerns if Gou were to become president. "I’d be concerned about how he would behave. He did not have a positive attitude towards the US," Stanton said. The KMT, which once ruled China before fleeing to Taiwan at the end of a civil war with the Communists in 1949, said in February it could sign a peace treaty with Beijing if it won the presidential election. Zhang Baohui, a regional security analyst at Hong Kong's Lingnan University, said Gou's run could mark the start of the most unusual election in Taiwan history. "This is something entirely fresh for Taiwan politics - here is a candidate who sees everything through the pragmatic angle of a businessman rather than raw politics or ideology," Zhang said. "He has no baggage and that will be a fascinating scenario." Gou's news comes as Tsai is grappling with a series of unpopular domestic reform initiatives, from a pension scheme to labour law, which have come under intense voter scrutiny. The KMT said this week Gou had been a party member for more than 50 years and had given it an interest-free loan of T$45 million ($1.5 million) in 2016 under the name of his mother, which had signalled his loyalty to the party. Foxconn said on Tuesday Gou would remain chairman, though he planned to withdraw from daily operations. It was not immediately clear when he planned to pull back or if his presidential bid would require him to step down from Foxconn. There were no regulations related to a company executive running for the presidency, the island's stock exchange said. Foxconn's shares closed up 2.1 percent at T$91.80 ahead of Gou's formal declaration, the highest in six months. His Hong Kong-listed FIH Mobile closed up 28 percent, tracking the strength in parent Foxconn.

Foxconn's Gou throws hat in ring for Taiwan presidency, with blessing of sea goddess

Taiwan on Friday appointed the former chairman of its ruling pro-independence party as premier, after the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-premier-cabinet-to-quit-after-local-election-defeat-189441"> incumbent resigned </a>along with the entire cabinet, in response to local election defeats.

November's election losses presented a major challenge to President Tsai Ing-wen, who faced mounting criticism at home over her reform agenda while facing renewed threats from China, which considers the self-ruled island its own.

Tsai appointed Su Tseng-chang, a two-term former chairman of her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), saying Taiwan faced challenges amid rising Chinese threats and trade tension between key backer the United States and China.

"Taiwan's democracy and development must face certain challenges," Tsai said, adding that China was looking to force its "one country, two systems" structure on the island.

Su vowed to lead the administration amid the challenges and learn from earlier mistakes.

"The situation is difficult and the task is tough," he said.

Su's appointment followed the widely expected resignation of William Lai, the second premier to quit since Tsai took office in 2016, in line with a practice of leaders quitting when their party loses a major election.

"I must resign to take responsibility for the election defeat," Lai told a cabinet meeting earlier on Friday.

Taiwan's premier forms the cabinet and runs the government on a day-to-day basis. New ministerial appointments are expected soon.

Just a year ahead of the next presidential election, analysts say Tsai and the new premier must shore up public support for the government's policy on China ties and further boost the island's export-reliant economy in a challenging year amid the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/explaining-the-us-china-trade-war-which-grabbed-spotlight-in-2018-185043"> China-US trade war</a>.

Su was appointed premier in 2006 by former president Chen Shui-bian, who infuriated Beijing and strained Taiwan's relationship with the United States during his tenure from 2000 to 2008.

Su, nicknamed "light bulb" by his supporters for his bald head, has led Taiwan's most populous New Taipei City for years. He was defeated by a candidate from the China-friendly opposition Kuomintang in November.

Tsai has said her administration would reflect on the election defeats but would stand firm to defend Taiwan's democracy in the face of renewed Chinese threats.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has stepped up pressure on Taiwan since Tsai became president, threatened this month to use force to bring the island under Beijing's rule and urged "reunification".

"The new premier not only has to focus on domestic matters but must also pay much more attention to cross-Strait and national security issues," Yao Chia-wen, a senior adviser to the president, told Reuters.

He said the new premier must deal with issues such as the prevention of swine fever from China and possible election interference.

Some from within the embattled leader's party have urged Tsai not to seek re-election. She has not explicitly said whether she would run for president in 2020 but has warned against Chinese efforts to interfere with elections.

Taiwan on Friday appointed the former chairman of its ruling pro-independence party as premier, after the incumbent resigned along with the entire cabinet, in response to local election defeats.

Taiwan on Friday appointed the former chairman of its ruling pro-independence party as premier, after the incumbent resigned along with the entire cabinet, in response to local election defeats. November's election losses presented a major challenge to President Tsai Ing-wen, who faced mounting criticism at home over her reform agenda while facing renewed threats from China, which considers the self-ruled island its own. Tsai appointed Su Tseng-chang, a two-term former chairman of her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), saying Taiwan faced challenges amid rising Chinese threats and trade tension between key backer the United States and China. "Taiwan's democracy and development must face certain challenges," Tsai said, adding that China was looking to force its "one country, two systems" structure on the island. Su vowed to lead the administration amid the challenges and learn from earlier mistakes. "The situation is difficult and the task is tough," he said. Su's appointment followed the widely expected resignation of William Lai, the second premier to quit since Tsai took office in 2016, in line with a practice of leaders quitting when their party loses a major election. "I must resign to take responsibility for the election defeat," Lai told a cabinet meeting earlier on Friday. Taiwan's premier forms the cabinet and runs the government on a day-to-day basis. New ministerial appointments are expected soon. Just a year ahead of the next presidential election, analysts say Tsai and the new premier must shore up public support for the government's policy on China ties and further boost the island's export-reliant economy in a challenging year amid the China-US trade war. Su was appointed premier in 2006 by former president Chen Shui-bian, who infuriated Beijing and strained Taiwan's relationship with the United States during his tenure from 2000 to 2008. Su, nicknamed "light bulb" by his supporters for his bald head, has led Taiwan's most populous New Taipei City for years. He was defeated by a candidate from the China-friendly opposition Kuomintang in November. Tsai has said her administration would reflect on the election defeats but would stand firm to defend Taiwan's democracy in the face of renewed Chinese threats. Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has stepped up pressure on Taiwan since Tsai became president, threatened this month to use force to bring the island under Beijing's rule and urged "reunification". "The new premier not only has to focus on domestic matters but must also pay much more attention to cross-Strait and national security issues," Yao Chia-wen, a senior adviser to the president, told Reuters. He said the new premier must deal with issues such as the prevention of swine fever from China and possible election interference. Some from within the embattled leader's party have urged Tsai not to seek re-election. She has not explicitly said whether she would run for president in 2020 but has warned against Chinese efforts to interfere with elections.

Taiwan appoints new premier after resignations over poll defeats

US senator Ted Cruz met on Sunday with Taiwan&#39;s President Tsai Ing-Wen, despite objections from Chinese diplomats.

The Republican from Texas, who lost in the US primary elections to President-elect Donald Trump, said in a statement that the two discussed arms sales, diplomatic exchanges and economic relations during the meeting in Houston.

&quot;Furthering economic cooperation between our two nations must be a priority; increased access to Taiwanese markets will benefit Texas farmers, ranchers and small business owners alike,&quot; Cruz said in a statement.

Cruz went through with the meeting despite Chinese opposition: &quot;Shortly before our meeting, the Houston congressional delegation received a curious letter from the Chinese consulate asking members of Congress not to meet with President Tsai, and to uphold the &#39;One China policy,&quot; the senator said.

&quot;The People&#39;s Republic of China needs to understand that in America we make decisions about meeting with visitors for ourselves,&quot; the Republican continued.&nbsp;

&quot;The Chinese do not give us veto power over those with whom they meet. We will continue to meet with anyone, including the Taiwanese, as we see fit.&quot;

The Taiwanese president was transiting in Houston this weekend en route to Central America, and is slated to return to Taipei after a stopover in San Francisco next weekend.

Beijing has asked Washington to bar Tsai from flying through US airspace.

A phone call between Trump and Tsai in December, after the Republican businessman won the presidency, upended decades of diplomatic precedent in which Washington has effectively ignored Taipei in favor of Beijing, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province to be brought back within its fold.

Trump himself appeared to have ruled out meeting Tsai this trip, saying it is &quot;a little bit inappropriate&quot; to meet anybody until he takes office January 20.

(AFP)

He said in a statement that the two discussed arms sales, diplomatic exchanges and economic relations during the meeting in Houston

US senator Ted Cruz met on Sunday with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-Wen, despite objections from Chinese diplomats. The Republican from Texas, who lost in the US primary elections to President-elect Donald Trump, said in a statement that the two discussed arms sales, diplomatic exchanges and economic relations during the meeting in Houston. "Furthering economic cooperation between our two nations must be a priority; increased access to Taiwanese markets will benefit Texas farmers, ranchers and small business owners alike," Cruz said in a statement. Cruz went through with the meeting despite Chinese opposition: "Shortly before our meeting, the Houston congressional delegation received a curious letter from the Chinese consulate asking members of Congress not to meet with President Tsai, and to uphold the 'One China policy," the senator said. "The People's Republic of China needs to understand that in America we make decisions about meeting with visitors for ourselves," the Republican continued. "The Chinese do not give us veto power over those with whom they meet. We will continue to meet with anyone, including the Taiwanese, as we see fit." The Taiwanese president was transiting in Houston this weekend en route to Central America, and is slated to return to Taipei after a stopover in San Francisco next weekend. Beijing has asked Washington to bar Tsai from flying through US airspace. A phone call between Trump and Tsai in December, after the Republican businessman won the presidency, upended decades of diplomatic precedent in which Washington has effectively ignored Taipei in favor of Beijing, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province to be brought back within its fold. Trump himself appeared to have ruled out meeting Tsai this trip, saying it is "a little bit inappropriate" to meet anybody until he takes office January 20. (AFP)

US senator Ted Cruz meets Taiwan's president despite objections from China

Taiwan will not bend to pressure despite China returning to its &quot;old ways&quot; of intimidation, President Tsai Ing-wen said Saturday, following Beijing&#39;s protests over her call to US President-elect Donald Trump.

China has stepped up military drills near Taiwan since the call earlier in December, in a move seen as putting on a show of strength as its ties with the self-ruled island and the United States deteriorate.

The call with Trump upended decades of diplomatic precedent in which Washington has effectively ignored Taipei in favour of Beijing, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province to be brought back within its fold.

In her end-of-year address, Tsai urged calm from Beijing and warned that recent actions by China were affecting cross-strait stability.

&quot;Beijing authorities are returning to their old ways of isolating and suppressing Taiwan, and even of threats and intimidation,&quot; Tsai said.

&quot;We hope this is not a policy decision by Beijing,&quot; she said. &quot;We won&#39;t bend to pressure yet we also won&#39;t return to the old path of confrontation.&quot;

The Taiwanese leader called on Beijing to resume dialogue to find a &quot;reasonable&quot; solution.

China cut off official communications with Tsai&#39;s government after it refused to accept Beijing&#39;s interpretation of the &quot;One China&quot; concept.

Taiwan&#39;s defence minister warned Tuesday that enemy threats were growing daily after China&#39;s aircraft carrier and a flotilla of other warships passed south of the island.&nbsp;

Tsai said Saturday that Taiwan was &quot;sufficiently capable&quot; of handling the challenges and changes it was facing, whether they were national defence or economic issues, and that people should not &quot;overly panic&quot;.

The two sides split in 1949 after a civil war but Beijing still claims the self-ruling island as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring about unification.

The Taiwan Strait that separates them has been heavily fortified for decades.

&quot;Whether cross-strait relations can be turned around next year depends on our patience and belief,&quot; Tsai told reporters.

Tsai is scheduled to transit through the United States when she travels to Central America in January, stopping in Houston and San Francisco.

Beijing has asked Washington to bar Tsai from flying through its airspace.

She did not confirm whether she would be meeting with any officials in Trump&#39;s team during her stopover.

Tsai said diplomatic relations with Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador -- the Central American nations she will visit -- were all &quot;considered stable&quot;.

The comment comes amid speculation Taiwan may lose more allies after the small African nation of Sao Tome and Principe cut ties with the island in favour of Beijing in late December.&nbsp;

That leaves Taiwan with formal diplomatic ties to only 21 states, including the Vatican, its highest profile supporter.&nbsp;

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

China is deeply suspicious of Tsai, who it thinks wants to push for the formal independence of Taiwan

Taiwan will not bend to pressure despite China returning to its "old ways" of intimidation, President Tsai Ing-wen said Saturday, following Beijing's protests over her call to US President-elect Donald Trump. China has stepped up military drills near Taiwan since the call earlier in December, in a move seen as putting on a show of strength as its ties with the self-ruled island and the United States deteriorate. The call with Trump upended decades of diplomatic precedent in which Washington has effectively ignored Taipei in favour of Beijing, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province to be brought back within its fold. In her end-of-year address, Tsai urged calm from Beijing and warned that recent actions by China were affecting cross-strait stability. "Beijing authorities are returning to their old ways of isolating and suppressing Taiwan, and even of threats and intimidation," Tsai said. "We hope this is not a policy decision by Beijing," she said. "We won't bend to pressure yet we also won't return to the old path of confrontation." The Taiwanese leader called on Beijing to resume dialogue to find a "reasonable" solution. China cut off official communications with Tsai's government after it refused to accept Beijing's interpretation of the "One China" concept. Taiwan's defence minister warned Tuesday that enemy threats were growing daily after China's aircraft carrier and a flotilla of other warships passed south of the island. Tsai said Saturday that Taiwan was "sufficiently capable" of handling the challenges and changes it was facing, whether they were national defence or economic issues, and that people should not "overly panic". The two sides split in 1949 after a civil war but Beijing still claims the self-ruling island as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring about unification. The Taiwan Strait that separates them has been heavily fortified for decades. "Whether cross-strait relations can be turned around next year depends on our patience and belief," Tsai told reporters. Tsai is scheduled to transit through the United States when she travels to Central America in January, stopping in Houston and San Francisco. Beijing has asked Washington to bar Tsai from flying through its airspace. She did not confirm whether she would be meeting with any officials in Trump's team during her stopover. Tsai said diplomatic relations with Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador -- the Central American nations she will visit -- were all "considered stable". The comment comes amid speculation Taiwan may lose more allies after the small African nation of Sao Tome and Principe cut ties with the island in favour of Beijing in late December. That leaves Taiwan with formal diplomatic ties to only 21 states, including the Vatican, its highest profile supporter. (AFP)

Won't bend to pressure from China, says Taiwan President Tsai Ing

Donald Trump said the United States did not necessarily have to stick to its long-standing position that Taiwan is part of &quot;one China&quot;, in his first Sunday show interview as president-elect, news agency Reuters reports.

Trump&rsquo;s comments on &ldquo;Fox News Sunday&rdquo; came after his phone call with President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan on December 2 prompted a diplomatic protest from China.

&quot;I fully understand the &#39;one China&#39; policy, but I don&#39;t know why we have to be bound by a &#39;one China&#39; policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade,&quot; Trump told Fox, Reuters reports.

&quot;I don&#39;t want China dictating to me and this was a call put into me. &nbsp;I didn&#39;t make the call, and it was a call, very short call saying congratulations, sir, on the victory. It was a very nice call. Short,&quot; Trump added.

Trump&#39;s call with President Tsai Ing-wen was the first such contact with Taiwan by a US president-elect or president since President Jimmy Carter switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, acknowledging Taiwan as part of &quot;one China&quot;, according to Reuters.

Trump has accused China of manipulating the value of its currency in order to give its products price advantages in the American market.

&quot;We&#39;re being hurt very badly by China with devaluation, with taxing us heavy at the borders when we don&#39;t tax them, with building a massive fortress in the middle of the South China Sea, which they shouldn&#39;t be doing, and frankly with not helping us at all with North Korea,&quot; Reuters quoted him as saying.

&quot;You have North Korea. You have nuclear weapons and China could solve that problem and they&#39;re not helping us at all.&quot;

(WION) 
&nbsp;

Trump?s comments on 'Fox News Sunday' came after his phone call with Taiwan's president prompted a diplomatic protest from China

Donald Trump said the United States did not necessarily have to stick to its long-standing position that Taiwan is part of "one China", in his first Sunday show interview as president-elect, news agency Reuters reports. Trump’s comments on “Fox News Sunday” came after his phone call with President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan on December 2 prompted a diplomatic protest from China. "I fully understand the 'one China' policy, but I don't know why we have to be bound by a 'one China' policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade," Trump told Fox, Reuters reports. "I don't want China dictating to me and this was a call put into me. I didn't make the call, and it was a call, very short call saying congratulations, sir, on the victory. It was a very nice call. Short," Trump added. Trump's call with President Tsai Ing-wen was the first such contact with Taiwan by a US president-elect or president since President Jimmy Carter switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, acknowledging Taiwan as part of "one China", according to Reuters. Trump has accused China of manipulating the value of its currency in order to give its products price advantages in the American market. "We're being hurt very badly by China with devaluation, with taxing us heavy at the borders when we don't tax them, with building a massive fortress in the middle of the South China Sea, which they shouldn't be doing, and frankly with not helping us at all with North Korea," Reuters quoted him as saying. "You have North Korea. You have nuclear weapons and China could solve that problem and they're not helping us at all." (WION)

Trump says US not necessarily bound by 'one China' policy

China called on US officials on Tuesday not to let Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen pass through the United States en route to Guatemala next month, days after President-elect Donald Trump irked Beijing by speaking to Tsai in a break with decades of precedent.

The US State Department appeared to reject the call, saying that such transits were based on &quot;long-standing US practice, consistent with the unofficial nature of (US) relations with Taiwan&quot;.

China is deeply suspicious of Tsai, whom it thinks wants to push for the formal independence of Taiwan, a self-governing island that Beijing regards as a renegade province.

Her call with Trump on Friday was the first between a US president-elect or president and a Taiwanese leader since President Jimmy Carter switched diplomatic recognition to China from Taiwan in 1979.

Tsai is due to visit Guatemala, one of Taiwan&#39;s small band of diplomatic allies, on January 11-12, its foreign minister, Carlos Raul Morales, told Reuters.

Taiwan&#39;s Liberty Times, considered close to Tsai&#39;s ruling Democratic Progressive Party, reported on Monday that she was planning to go through New York early next month on her way to Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador.

Taiwan has not formally confirmed Tsai&#39;s trip but visits to its allies in the region are normally combined with transit stops in the United States and meetings with Taiwan-friendly officials.

The trip would take place before Trump is inaugurated on January 20 to replace Democrat Barack Obama and Tsai&#39;s delegation would seek to meet Trump&#39;s team, including his White House chief of staff Reince Priebus, the Liberty Times said.

&nbsp;

Meeting unlikely

An adviser to Trump&#39;s transition team said he considered it &quot;very unlikely&quot; there would be a meeting between Tsai and Trump if she were to go through New York.

China&#39;s Foreign Ministry said the one-China principle, which states Taiwan is part of China, was commonly recognised by the international community and that Tsai&#39;s real aim was &quot;self-evident&quot;.

China hopes the United States &quot;does not allow her transit, and does not send any wrong signals to &#39;Taiwan independence&#39; forces,&quot; the ministry said in a statement sent to Reuters.

US&nbsp;State Department spokesman Mark Toner said on Monday he had no information whether Tsai would meet US&nbsp;officials if she stopped in transit but said Taiwanese presidents did stop over periodically.

He said the transits were &quot;based on long-standing US&nbsp;practice, consistent with the unofficial nature of our relations with Taiwan.&quot; A spokeswoman repeated the position on Tuesday when asked to comment on the Chinese call.

In a meeting with American reporters on Tuesday, Tsai played down the significance of her conversation with Trump, saying it was to congratulate the president-elect.

&quot;I do not foresee major policy shifts in the near future because we all see the value of stability in the region,&quot; she told the reporters.

US vice president-elect Mike Pence told the Fox News Channel on Tuesday that Trump did not regret taking the call.

&quot;(The) president-elect was fully aware of the one-China policy,&quot; Pence said. &quot;He&rsquo;s also very aware that the United States has sold billions of dollars in arms to Taiwan. We have a unique relationship with that country that&rsquo;s been defined over the decades since we&rsquo;ve reopened relations with the People&rsquo;s Republic of China but I think he think he felt it would be rude not to take the call.&rdquo;

Taiwan has been self governing since 1949 when Nationalist forces fled to the island after defeat by Mao Zedong&#39;s communists in China&#39;s civil war. Taiwan&#39;s Presidential Office said media reports about a January trip were &quot;excessive speculation&quot;.

El Salvador&#39;s government said it was working with Taiwan on plans for a visit by Tsai in the second week of January but gave no specific dates.

The Nicaraguan government had no immediate comment. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega is to be sworn in for a third consecutive term on January 10, however, so Tsai&#39;s trip to Guatemala would dovetail with that ceremony.

The White House said on Monday it had sought to reassure China after Trump&#39;s phone call with Tsai, which the Obama administration warned could undermine progress in relations with Beijing.

(Reuters)

The US State Department appeared to reject the request, saying that such transits were based on 'long-standing US practice'

China called on US officials on Tuesday not to let Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen pass through the United States en route to Guatemala next month, days after President-elect Donald Trump irked Beijing by speaking to Tsai in a break with decades of precedent. The US State Department appeared to reject the call, saying that such transits were based on "long-standing US practice, consistent with the unofficial nature of (US) relations with Taiwan". China is deeply suspicious of Tsai, whom it thinks wants to push for the formal independence of Taiwan, a self-governing island that Beijing regards as a renegade province. Her call with Trump on Friday was the first between a US president-elect or president and a Taiwanese leader since President Jimmy Carter switched diplomatic recognition to China from Taiwan in 1979. Tsai is due to visit Guatemala, one of Taiwan's small band of diplomatic allies, on January 11-12, its foreign minister, Carlos Raul Morales, told Reuters. Taiwan's Liberty Times, considered close to Tsai's ruling Democratic Progressive Party, reported on Monday that she was planning to go through New York early next month on her way to Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador. Taiwan has not formally confirmed Tsai's trip but visits to its allies in the region are normally combined with transit stops in the United States and meetings with Taiwan-friendly officials. The trip would take place before Trump is inaugurated on January 20 to replace Democrat Barack Obama and Tsai's delegation would seek to meet Trump's team, including his White House chief of staff Reince Priebus, the Liberty Times said. Meeting unlikely An adviser to Trump's transition team said he considered it "very unlikely" there would be a meeting between Tsai and Trump if she were to go through New York. China's Foreign Ministry said the one-China principle, which states Taiwan is part of China, was commonly recognised by the international community and that Tsai's real aim was "self-evident". China hopes the United States "does not allow her transit, and does not send any wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' forces," the ministry said in a statement sent to Reuters. US State Department spokesman Mark Toner said on Monday he had no information whether Tsai would meet US officials if she stopped in transit but said Taiwanese presidents did stop over periodically. He said the transits were "based on long-standing US practice, consistent with the unofficial nature of our relations with Taiwan." A spokeswoman repeated the position on Tuesday when asked to comment on the Chinese call. In a meeting with American reporters on Tuesday, Tsai played down the significance of her conversation with Trump, saying it was to congratulate the president-elect. "I do not foresee major policy shifts in the near future because we all see the value of stability in the region," she told the reporters. US vice president-elect Mike Pence told the Fox News Channel on Tuesday that Trump did not regret taking the call. "(The) president-elect was fully aware of the one-China policy," Pence said. "He’s also very aware that the United States has sold billions of dollars in arms to Taiwan. We have a unique relationship with that country that’s been defined over the decades since we’ve reopened relations with the People’s Republic of China but I think he think he felt it would be rude not to take the call.” Taiwan has been self governing since 1949 when Nationalist forces fled to the island after defeat by Mao Zedong's communists in China's civil war. Taiwan's Presidential Office said media reports about a January trip were "excessive speculation". El Salvador's government said it was working with Taiwan on plans for a visit by Tsai in the second week of January but gave no specific dates. The Nicaraguan government had no immediate comment. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega is to be sworn in for a third consecutive term on January 10, however, so Tsai's trip to Guatemala would dovetail with that ceremony. The White House said on Monday it had sought to reassure China after Trump's phone call with Tsai, which the Obama administration warned could undermine progress in relations with Beijing. (Reuters)

China asks US to block Taiwan president's stopover after Trump phone call

US&nbsp;President-elect Donald Trump spoke by phone with President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan, the first such contact between the two sides in nearly four decades, but China dismissed the call as a &quot;petty action&quot; by the self-ruled island it claims as its own.

The 10-minute telephone call with Taiwan&#39;s leadership was the first by a US&nbsp;president-elect or president since President Jimmy Carter switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, acknowledging Taiwan as part of &quot;one China&quot;.

Hours after Friday&#39;s call, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi blamed Taiwan for the exchange, avoiding what could have been a major rift with Washington just before Trump assumes the presidency.

&quot;This is just the Taiwan side engaging in a petty action, and cannot change the &#39;one China&#39; structure already formed by the international community,&quot; Wang said at an academic forum in Beijing, state media reported.

&quot;I believe that it won&#39;t change the longstanding &#39;one China&#39; policy of the United States government.&quot;

In comments at the same forum, Wang noted how quickly President Xi Jinping and Trump had spoken by telephone after Trump&#39;s victory, and that Trump had praised China as a great country.

Wang said the exchange sent &quot;a very positive signal about the future development of Sino-US&nbsp;relations&quot;, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry&#39;s website. Taiwan was not mentioned in that call, according to an official Chinese transcript.

Trump said on Twitter that Tsai had initiated the call he had with the Taiwan president. &quot;The President of Taiwan CALLED ME today to wish me congratulations on winning the Presidency. Thank you!&quot; he said.

Alex Huang, a spokesman for Tsai, said: &quot;Of course both sides agreed ahead of time before making contact.&quot;

Trump and Tsai noted that &quot;close economic, political and security ties exist between Taiwan and the United States&quot;, the Trump transition team said in a statement. Taiwan&#39;s presidential office said the two discussed strengthening bilateral interactions and establishing closer cooperation.

Later on Saturday, Taiwan&#39;s policy making body on China said Beijing must look at the call &quot;calmly&quot;.

&quot;We call on China to face the new situation in the Asia-Pacific region and work with us towards developing a benign cross-strait relationship,&quot; the Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement, referring to the stretch of water between the two sides.

China considers Taiwan a wayward province and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under its control. Relations between the two sides have worsened since Tsai, who heads the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, was elected president in January.

China&#39;s influential state-run tabloid the Global Times said in an online editorial that if Trump really overturned the &quot;one China&quot; principle upon assuming office it would create such a crisis with China he&#39;d have little time to do anything else.

&quot;We believe this is not something the shrewd Trump wants to do.&quot;

Arms supplier

Washington remains Taiwan&#39;s most important political ally and sole arms supplier, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, the irony of which was not lost on Trump.

&quot;Interesting how the US&nbsp;sells Taiwan billions of dollars of military equipment but I should not accept a congratulatory call,&quot; Trump said in another tweet.

Trump has eschewed tradition in other calls with foreign leaders since he won the US&nbsp;election, prompting the White House to encourage him to make use of the diplomatic expertise and counsel of the State Department.

The White House said after Trump&#39;s call that &quot;longstanding policy&quot; on China and Taiwan had not changed.

&quot;We remain firmly committed to our &#39;one China&#39; policy,&quot; said Ned Price, a national security spokesman for President Barack Obama. &quot;Our fundamental interest is in peaceful and stable cross-Strait relations.&quot;

Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway said on CNN that Trump was &quot;well aware of what US&nbsp;policy has been&quot; on Taiwan.

Administration officials said Trump&#39;s team did not alert the White House about the call ahead of time.

Advisers to the Republican president-elect have indicated that he is likely to take a more robust policy towards China than Obama, a Democrat, and that Trump plans to boost the US&nbsp;military in part in response to China&#39;s increasing power in Asia. However, details of his plans remain scant.

Trump lambasted China throughout the US&nbsp;election campaign, drumming up headlines with pledges to slap 45 percent tariffs on imported Chinese goods and label the country a currency manipulator on his first day in office.

Earlier this week, Trump spoke to Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and praised him, according to the Pakistani leader&#39;s office, as a &quot;terrific guy&quot;.

Islamabad and Washington have seen relations sour in recent years over US&nbsp;accusations that Pakistan shelters Islamist militants who kill U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, a charge denied by the South Asian nation.

Trump also invited Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte to the White House next year during what a Duterte aide said was a &quot;very engaging, animated&quot; phone conversation. Duterte has openly insulted Obama, who cancelled a planned meeting with him in September.

A statement issued by Trump&#39;s transition team made no mention of the invitation.

(Reuters)

The 10-minute telephone call with Taiwan's leadership was the first by a US president-elect or president since President Jimmy Carter

US President-elect Donald Trump spoke by phone with President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan, the first such contact between the two sides in nearly four decades, but China dismissed the call as a "petty action" by the self-ruled island it claims as its own. The 10-minute telephone call with Taiwan's leadership was the first by a US president-elect or president since President Jimmy Carter switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, acknowledging Taiwan as part of "one China". Hours after Friday's call, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi blamed Taiwan for the exchange, avoiding what could have been a major rift with Washington just before Trump assumes the presidency. "This is just the Taiwan side engaging in a petty action, and cannot change the 'one China' structure already formed by the international community," Wang said at an academic forum in Beijing, state media reported. "I believe that it won't change the longstanding 'one China' policy of the United States government." In comments at the same forum, Wang noted how quickly President Xi Jinping and Trump had spoken by telephone after Trump's victory, and that Trump had praised China as a great country. Wang said the exchange sent "a very positive signal about the future development of Sino-US relations", according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry's website. Taiwan was not mentioned in that call, according to an official Chinese transcript. Trump said on Twitter that Tsai had initiated the call he had with the Taiwan president. "The President of Taiwan CALLED ME today to wish me congratulations on winning the Presidency. Thank you!" he said. Alex Huang, a spokesman for Tsai, said: "Of course both sides agreed ahead of time before making contact." Trump and Tsai noted that "close economic, political and security ties exist between Taiwan and the United States", the Trump transition team said in a statement. Taiwan's presidential office said the two discussed strengthening bilateral interactions and establishing closer cooperation. Later on Saturday, Taiwan's policy making body on China said Beijing must look at the call "calmly". "We call on China to face the new situation in the Asia-Pacific region and work with us towards developing a benign cross-strait relationship," the Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement, referring to the stretch of water between the two sides. China considers Taiwan a wayward province and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under its control. Relations between the two sides have worsened since Tsai, who heads the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, was elected president in January. China's influential state-run tabloid the Global Times said in an online editorial that if Trump really overturned the "one China" principle upon assuming office it would create such a crisis with China he'd have little time to do anything else. "We believe this is not something the shrewd Trump wants to do." Arms supplier Washington remains Taiwan's most important political ally and sole arms supplier, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, the irony of which was not lost on Trump. "Interesting how the US sells Taiwan billions of dollars of military equipment but I should not accept a congratulatory call," Trump said in another tweet. Trump has eschewed tradition in other calls with foreign leaders since he won the US election, prompting the White House to encourage him to make use of the diplomatic expertise and counsel of the State Department. The White House said after Trump's call that "longstanding policy" on China and Taiwan had not changed. "We remain firmly committed to our 'one China' policy," said Ned Price, a national security spokesman for President Barack Obama. "Our fundamental interest is in peaceful and stable cross-Strait relations." Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway said on CNN that Trump was "well aware of what US policy has been" on Taiwan. Administration officials said Trump's team did not alert the White House about the call ahead of time. Advisers to the Republican president-elect have indicated that he is likely to take a more robust policy towards China than Obama, a Democrat, and that Trump plans to boost the US military in part in response to China's increasing power in Asia. However, details of his plans remain scant. Trump lambasted China throughout the US election campaign, drumming up headlines with pledges to slap 45 percent tariffs on imported Chinese goods and label the country a currency manipulator on his first day in office. Earlier this week, Trump spoke to Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and praised him, according to the Pakistani leader's office, as a "terrific guy". Islamabad and Washington have seen relations sour in recent years over US accusations that Pakistan shelters Islamist militants who kill U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, a charge denied by the South Asian nation. Trump also invited Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte to the White House next year during what a Duterte aide said was a "very engaging, animated" phone conversation. Duterte has openly insulted Obama, who cancelled a planned meeting with him in September. A statement issued by Trump's transition team made no mention of the invitation. (Reuters)

China blames Taiwan for president's 'petty' phone call with Trump

taiwan-president

Taiwan President, News on Taiwan President, stories on Taiwan President, articles on Taiwan President, Taiwan President stories at Wion, Taiwan President news, Taiwan President latest news

taiwan president