Japan will now allow Taiwan to be listed as a place of origin in its family registry. Taiwan welcomed the decision, while China strongly urged Japan to adhere to the One-China principle.

Japan to allow Taiwan to be listed in family records

As per reports, Taiwan is seeking to purchase billions of dollars worth of arms from the United States to secure support from the new Trump administration as China increases military pressure on the island.

Taiwan in talks for multi-billion-dollar US arms deal: Report

Taiwan is considering buying arms worth billions of dollars from the US, hoping to gather support from Trump's administration, Reuters reported, citing sources briefed on the matter.&nbsp;
This comes as China continues to apply military pressure on the island.&nbsp;
Taiwan is in talks with Washington, three sources familiar with the situation told Reuters on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;
The package is meant to demonstrate to the US that Taiwan is committed to its defence, one of the sources said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serious-regression-china-slams-us-for-dropping-wording-on-not-supporting-taiwan-independence-8728986" rel="dofollow">'Serious regression': China slams US for dropping wording on not supporting 'Taiwan independence'</a>
According to the second source, the package would include coastal defence cruise missiles and HIMARS rockets.&nbsp;
"I would be very surprised if it was less than $8 billion. Somewhere between $7 billion and $10 billion," the source said.
However, the White House did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;
US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said he wants to speed up the delivery of weapons to Taiwan.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-detects-19-chinese-aircraft-8-vessels-around-its-territory-8723210" rel="dofollow">Taiwan detects 19 Chinese aircraft, 8 vessels around its territory</a>
Moreover, Taiwan's defence ministry refused to comment on specific purchases but said it is focused on building its defences.&nbsp;
"Any weaponry and equipment that can achieve those goals for building the military are listed as targets for tender," it said.
This comes after the US State Department removed the statement stating that Washington does not support Taiwan's independence. The website further said that it "was part of a routine update".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-secretly-trying-to-gain-control-in-japan-specifically-in-okinawa-close-to-taiwan-8655020" rel="dofollow">China secretly trying to gain control in Japan, specifically in Okinawa, close to Taiwan</a>
China on Monday (Feb 17) slammed the US move, urging America to "correct its mistakes".&nbsp;
The move sparked anger in China, as it said that the revision "sends a wrong...signal to separatist forces advocating for Taiwan independence".&nbsp;
"This is yet another example of the United States' stubborn adherence to the erroneous policy of 'using Taiwan to suppress China'. We urge the United States side to immediately rectify its mistakes," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: The package is meant to demonstrate to US that Taiwan is committed to its defence. The second source said it would include coastal defence cruise missiles, HIMARS rockets.

Taiwan is considering buying arms worth billions of dollars from the US, hoping to gather support from Trump's administration, Reuters reported, citing sources briefed on the matter. This comes as China continues to apply military pressure on the island. Taiwan is in talks with Washington, three sources familiar with the situation told Reuters on condition of anonymity. The package is meant to demonstrate to the US that Taiwan is committed to its defence, one of the sources said. Also read: 'Serious regression': China slams US for dropping wording on not supporting 'Taiwan independence' According to the second source, the package would include coastal defence cruise missiles and HIMARS rockets. "I would be very surprised if it was less than $8 billion. Somewhere between $7 billion and $10 billion," the source said. However, the White House did not respond to a request for comment. US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said he wants to speed up the delivery of weapons to Taiwan. Also read: Taiwan detects 19 Chinese aircraft, 8 vessels around its territory Moreover, Taiwan's defence ministry refused to comment on specific purchases but said it is focused on building its defences. "Any weaponry and equipment that can achieve those goals for building the military are listed as targets for tender," it said. This comes after the US State Department removed the statement stating that Washington does not support Taiwan's independence. The website further said that it "was part of a routine update". Also read: China secretly trying to gain control in Japan, specifically in Okinawa, close to Taiwan China on Monday (Feb 17) slammed the US move, urging America to "correct its mistakes". The move sparked anger in China, as it said that the revision "sends a wrong...signal to separatist forces advocating for Taiwan independence". "This is yet another example of the United States' stubborn adherence to the erroneous policy of 'using Taiwan to suppress China'. We urge the United States side to immediately rectify its mistakes," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan mulling multi-billion dollar defence deal with US to win Trump admin's support: Report

#Gravitas A critical phrase from the U.S. State Department’s official Taiwan fact sheet is now gone.  The phrase explicitly stated, ‘We do not support Taiwan independence.’ Watch in for more details!

Will Taiwan become an independent country with Trump’s help?

China on Monday (Feb 17) slammed the US move to remove the statement stating that Washington does not support Taiwan's independence. Beijing urged America to "correct its mistakes."&nbsp;
On Sunday, the US State Department removed a statement from its website, which read that the US does not support Taiwan's independence.&nbsp;
The website further said that it "was part of a routine update".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-detects-19-chinese-aircraft-8-vessels-around-its-territory-8723210">Taiwan detects 19 Chinese aircraft, 8 vessels around its territory</a>
The fact sheet was updated last week, and it retains Washington's opposition to unilateral change from either Taiwan or China, claiming the democratically governed island as its own.&nbsp;
"We oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side," the State Department website reads in the update posted on Thursday. "We expect cross-Strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means, free from coercion, in a manner acceptable to the people on both sides of the (Taiwan) Strait."
The move sparked anger in China, as it said that the revision "sends a wrong...signal to separatist forces advocating for Taiwan independence".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sam-pitrodas-latest-remarks-stir-controversy-stop-assuming-that-china-is-the-enemy-8728596">'Stop assuming that China is the enemy': Sam Pitroda's latest remarks stir controversy</a>
"This is yet another example of the United States' stubborn adherence to the erroneous policy of 'using Taiwan to suppress China'. We urge the United States side to immediately rectify its mistakes," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said.&nbsp;
Moreover, the foreign ministry called the US revision a "serious regression" in the US stance on Taiwan.&nbsp;
"We urge the US to immediately correct its mistakes [and] earnestly adhere to the One China principle."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-secretly-trying-to-gain-control-in-japan-specifically-in-okinawa-close-to-taiwan-8655020" rel="dofollow">China secretly trying to gain control in Japan, specifically in Okinawa, close to Taiwan</a>
A US spokesperson said that it remains committed to the "One China" policy, adding that the US has formal ties with China rather than Taiwan.&nbsp;
The update comes around three weeks after Donald Trump was sworn in as US President.&nbsp;
<h2>Taiwan foreign minister thanks US&nbsp;</h2>
Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung thanked the US for what he called "positive, Taiwan-friendly wordings".&nbsp;
Lin thanked US President Donald Trump's administration for continuing to uphold the Taiwan Relations Act and "six assurances" to help Taiwan strengthen its self-defense capabilities, economic and societal resilience, and enhance cross-strait peace and stability, the statement read.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/marco-rubio-clashes-with-china-over-taiwan-in-first-call-as-us-secretary-of-state-8652040" rel="dofollow">Marco Rubio clashes with China over Taiwan in first call as US Secretary of State</a>
The US government, since ending official relations with Taiwan and shifting diplomatic recognition to China in 1979, has continually reiterated its position of not supporting Taiwanese independence.&nbsp;
China sees self-governed Taiwan as a breakaway province that will eventually be part of the country.&nbsp;
However, Taiwan considers itself to be an independent nation, although many Taiwanese are in favour of maintaining the status quo where Taiwan neither declares independence from China nor unites with it.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Fact sheet was updated last week, and it retains US's opposition to unilateral change from either Taiwan or China, claiming the democratically governed island as its own.

China on Monday (Feb 17) slammed the US move to remove the statement stating that Washington does not support Taiwan's independence. Beijing urged America to "correct its mistakes." On Sunday, the US State Department removed a statement from its website, which read that the US does not support Taiwan's independence. The website further said that it "was part of a routine update". Also read: Taiwan detects 19 Chinese aircraft, 8 vessels around its territory The fact sheet was updated last week, and it retains Washington's opposition to unilateral change from either Taiwan or China, claiming the democratically governed island as its own. "We oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side," the State Department website reads in the update posted on Thursday. "We expect cross-Strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means, free from coercion, in a manner acceptable to the people on both sides of the (Taiwan) Strait." The move sparked anger in China, as it said that the revision "sends a wrong...signal to separatist forces advocating for Taiwan independence". Also read: 'Stop assuming that China is the enemy': Sam Pitroda's latest remarks stir controversy "This is yet another example of the United States' stubborn adherence to the erroneous policy of 'using Taiwan to suppress China'. We urge the United States side to immediately rectify its mistakes," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said. Moreover, the foreign ministry called the US revision a "serious regression" in the US stance on Taiwan. "We urge the US to immediately correct its mistakes [and] earnestly adhere to the One China principle." Also read: China secretly trying to gain control in Japan, specifically in Okinawa, close to Taiwan A US spokesperson said that it remains committed to the "One China" policy, adding that the US has formal ties with China rather than Taiwan. The update comes around three weeks after Donald Trump was sworn in as US President. Taiwan foreign minister thanks US Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung thanked the US for what he called "positive, Taiwan-friendly wordings". Lin thanked US President Donald Trump's administration for continuing to uphold the Taiwan Relations Act and "six assurances" to help Taiwan strengthen its self-defense capabilities, economic and societal resilience, and enhance cross-strait peace and stability, the statement read. Also read: Marco Rubio clashes with China over Taiwan in first call as US Secretary of State The US government, since ending official relations with Taiwan and shifting diplomatic recognition to China in 1979, has continually reiterated its position of not supporting Taiwanese independence. China sees self-governed Taiwan as a breakaway province that will eventually be part of the country. However, Taiwan considers itself to be an independent nation, although many Taiwanese are in favour of maintaining the status quo where Taiwan neither declares independence from China nor unites with it. (With inputs from agencies)

'Serious regression': China slams US for dropping wording on not supporting 'Taiwan independence'

China’s military on Monday condemned the sailing of a Canadian warship in the Taiwan Strait, saying its air and naval forces had monitored and warned the ship. Watch this report for more details!

China condemns sailing of Canadian warship in Taiwan Strait

The US Department of State has removed a statement on its website that it does not support Taiwan's independence. Watch this report for more details!

US drops website wording on not supporting Taiwan independence

According to the top US military commander in the Indo-Pacific, China's military exercises around Taiwan have become so extensive that they could soon be used to conceal an attack on the island.

Taiwan Strait tensions: US warns of rising cooperation between China, Russia, and North Korea

Taiwan is taking bold steps to address growing trade tensions with the United States. In 2024, the island's trade surplus with the U.S. surged by 83 percent, reaching a record 64.9 billion dollars. In response to U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on Taiwan’s semiconductor chips, the country has committed to increasing investments in the U.S. to strengthen bilateral trade relations.

Taiwan responds to Trump’s chip tariff threat

Marine exploration could be redefined with China finally giving the green light to a deep-sea research facility. The facility will be anchored 2,000 meters below the surface of the strategically significant South China Sea, which is also subject to a number of competing territorial claims. Watch this report for more details!

China's aggressive push in South China Sea

China's underwater space station: A game changer

Two US Navy ships sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait this week in the first such mission since President Donald Trump took office last month, drawing an angry reaction from China. Watch this report for more details!

China deploys Naval, Air Forces near Taiwan after US strait transit

Last year, Taiwan prosecuted 64 people for spying for China. A vast majority, two-thirds, were either serving or retired military personnel. In fact, espionage cases in Taiwan have quadrupled over the past four years.

China's silent spy infiltration into Taiwan military

Taiwan and China need to talk to each other to achieve peace given the “multifold changes” in the international situation, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te said on Monday. Watch this report for more details!

Taiwan seeks dialogue with China amid tensions

Taiwan calls for talks with China amid tensions

Thousands of worshippers gather for Taiwan's annual “Holy Pig” festival, which sees local owners compete for a trophy awarded for the largest carcass of a giant overfed pig.

Taiwan celebrates annual 'Holy Pig' festival

In a turn of events, Taiwan has barred all its government agencies and critical infrastructure service providers from using DeepSeek. Taiwan has cited security concerns behind the move. According to Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs, these concerns include cross-border transmission and information leakage.

Taiwan: DeepSeek's ops involve security concerns

A retired Taiwanese general has been accused of plotting to create an armed group that would help Chinese forces to invade Taiwan. In a statement issued by the Taiwan high prosecutors office on Wednesday, the former Lieutenant General named Kao an-Kuo was among six people indicted for violating the national security law. Watch this report to find out more.

Taiwanese general charged with aiding Chinese forces

#GRAVITAS | A retired Taiwanese general has been accused of plotting to create an armed group that would help Chinese forces to invade Taiwan. In a statement issued by the Taiwan high prosecutors office on Wednesday, the former Lieutenant General named Kao an-Kuo was among six people indicted for violating the national security law. Watch this report to find out more.

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv receives 757 fallen soldiers in major repatriation

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) detected 14 Chinese aircraft and 5 naval vessels around the island on Wednesday. Watch this report for more details!

Taiwan detects 14 Chinese military aircraft, 5 vessels around its territory

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping hold a call to discuss escalating tensions over Taiwan. The conversation highlights the growing geopolitical concerns and the delicate balance between the two nations.

China-Taiwan Tensions: Putin, Xi discuss Taiwan after Donald Trump's inauguration

6.4-magnitude earthquake at a depth of 9.4 km struck southern Taiwan close to Chiayi. Buildings in Taipei had modest damage as a result of the earthquake. All employees at TSMC's factories in central and southern Taiwan have been safely evacuated. There have been no significant deaths recorded, despite the fact that several persons were trapped in Tainan's destroyed buildings. In several communities, there were reports of building damage and power outages. Because Taiwan is close to tectonic plate intersections, earthquakes happen there regularly.

Taiwan Earthquake: 27 Injured As 6.4 Magnitude Quake Hits Southern Taiwan

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said, injuring 27 people, triggering landslides and causing ceilings of homes to cave in according to local authorities.
An AFP journalist in the capital Taipei felt tremors for nearly a minute as the shallow quake struck shortly after midnight.
The epicentre was recorded 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) north of Yujing, a mango-growing district in southern Taiwan, the USGS said.
Firefighters rescued three people including a child who were trapped in a collapsed house in nearby Nanxi district, video posted on Facebook and verified by AFP showed.
Elsewhere, authorities said a person was injured by falling debris while two people were rescued from elevators.
More than 50 aftershocks have been recorded, said Taiwan's Central Weather Administration which reported the initial quake at magnitude 6.4.&nbsp;
The ceilings of several homes collapsed, while roads were blocked by falling rocks and landslides, the National Fire Agency said.
But the agency reported "no major damage" from the quake, which injured 27 people according to the health ministry.
The aftermath saw classes and office work cancelled in Nanxi district as well as Dapu Township in mountainous Chiayi County, north of the epicentre.&nbsp;
Some roads in Dapu were "damaged and impassable", and water and electricity supplies affected, Chiayi County chief Weng Chang-liang said.
Taiwanese chipmaking giant TSMC said it evacuated workers from some of its central and southern factories when the quake struck.
- Taiwan's enhanced warning system - Taiwan is frequently hit by earthquakes due to its location on the edges of two tectonic plates near the Pacific Ring of Fire, which USGS says is the most seismically active zone in the world.
The last major earthquake occurred in April 2024 when the island was hit by a deadly 7.4-magnitude tremor that officials said was the strongest in 25 years.
At least 17 people were killed in that quake, which triggered landslides and severely damaged buildings around Hualien.
April's earthquake was the most serious in Taiwan since it was struck by a 7.6-magnitude tremor in 1999.
Some 2,400 people died in that quake, making it the deadliest natural disaster in the island's history.
Since then, Taiwan has updated and enhanced its building code to incorporate quake-resistant construction methods, such as steel bars that allow a building to sway more easily when the ground moves.
Famous for its cutting-edge tech firms, Taiwan has built up an advanced early warning system that can alert the public to potentially serious ground shaking within seconds.
The system has been enhanced over the years to incorporate new tools such as smartphones and high-speed data connectivity, even in some of the most remote parts of the island.
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.

Taiwan is frequently hit by earthquakes due to its location on the edges of two tectonic plates near the Pacific Ring of Fire, which USGS says is the most seismically active zone in the world.

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said, injuring 27 people, triggering landslides and causing ceilings of homes to cave in according to local authorities. An AFP journalist in the capital Taipei felt tremors for nearly a minute as the shallow quake struck shortly after midnight. The epicentre was recorded 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) north of Yujing, a mango-growing district in southern Taiwan, the USGS said. Firefighters rescued three people including a child who were trapped in a collapsed house in nearby Nanxi district, video posted on Facebook and verified by AFP showed. Elsewhere, authorities said a person was injured by falling debris while two people were rescued from elevators. More than 50 aftershocks have been recorded, said Taiwan's Central Weather Administration which reported the initial quake at magnitude 6.4. The ceilings of several homes collapsed, while roads were blocked by falling rocks and landslides, the National Fire Agency said. But the agency reported "no major damage" from the quake, which injured 27 people according to the health ministry. The aftermath saw classes and office work cancelled in Nanxi district as well as Dapu Township in mountainous Chiayi County, north of the epicentre. Some roads in Dapu were "damaged and impassable", and water and electricity supplies affected, Chiayi County chief Weng Chang-liang said. Taiwanese chipmaking giant TSMC said it evacuated workers from some of its central and southern factories when the quake struck. - Taiwan's enhanced warning system - Taiwan is frequently hit by earthquakes due to its location on the edges of two tectonic plates near the Pacific Ring of Fire, which USGS says is the most seismically active zone in the world. The last major earthquake occurred in April 2024 when the island was hit by a deadly 7.4-magnitude tremor that officials said was the strongest in 25 years. At least 17 people were killed in that quake, which triggered landslides and severely damaged buildings around Hualien. April's earthquake was the most serious in Taiwan since it was struck by a 7.6-magnitude tremor in 1999. Some 2,400 people died in that quake, making it the deadliest natural disaster in the island's history. Since then, Taiwan has updated and enhanced its building code to incorporate quake-resistant construction methods, such as steel bars that allow a building to sway more easily when the ground moves. Famous for its cutting-edge tech firms, Taiwan has built up an advanced early warning system that can alert the public to potentially serious ground shaking within seconds. The system has been enhanced over the years to incorporate new tools such as smartphones and high-speed data connectivity, even in some of the most remote parts of the island. 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.

6.0-magnitude earthquake shakes Taiwan

AI continues to drive tech earnings in 2025. Taiwan semiconductor manufacturing company, or TSMC, has reported a record-breaking quarterly profit for the period ending December 31. The world’s largest contract chipmaker posted a 57% increase in net income, reaching $11.4 billion. This marked a significant achievement for TSMC, surpassing analyst expectations.

TSMC posts 57% profit surge, eyes strong 2025 growth

Taiwan's military has been struggling with personnel shortages, raising concerns about the nation's defense capabilities. According to data from the defense ministry, the number of volunteer soldiers and officers seeking early discharge has increased significantly over the past few years. Watch in for more details!

Taiwan struggling to attract & retain military personnel: Report

China has stepped up political and military efforts to back its claims that democratically governed Taiwan is a part of Chinese territory. Beijing's move includes military drills, cyber hacking, and espionage. As part of its warfare strategy. China is working to build its special landing barge, and its new class of amphibious barges has sparked fears that an attack on Taiwan may be coming soon. Watch this report for more details!

Taiwan Reports 'Significant Rise' In Suspected Chinese Espionage |

As per reports, China is building a fleet of barges suitable for amphibious landings amid fears of a Taiwan invasion. Watch this report for more details!

China Building Barges That Can Transport Troops To Taiwan: Report | WION | World News

Taiwan has experienced a significant increase in espionage cases involving individuals charged with spying for China, with the number rising from 16 in 2021 to 64 in 2024. According to the National Security Bureau, among those charged, 15 were military veterans and 28 were active service members. The report highlights that Chinese infiltration targeted military units, government agencies, and local associations.

Chinese spy prosecutions in Taiwan have tripled: Report | Gravitas

China is reportedly building a new class of amphibious barges, sparking speculation that it is gearing up for a military operation targeting Taiwan. Watch in for more details!

China building new class of amphibious barges: Report

Taiwan’s latest hypersonic missiles allow for precise long-range strikes on China’s vital infrastructure and military installations. Watch this report for more details!

Taiwan boosts defence with hypersonic missiles, aims for deep strikes into China

China is increasing airspace incursions around Taiwan, with a record number of military aircraft violations reported in 2024—over 3,000 in total. This rise marks a significant escalation from previous years and demonstrates China's growing capability to threaten Taiwan. In 2022, there were 1,727 incursions, doubling from the prior year. These activities strain Taiwan’s military resources and morale while limiting their operational range. Changes in reporting have made it difficult to specify the types of aircraft involved, but the increasing diversity and frequency of PLA actions remain a significant concern for Taiwan.

Secret Plans Reveal China’s Military Strategy to Squeeze Taiwan Through Airspace Incursions

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