A search was underway for 152 Vietnamese who arrived in Taiwan on tourist visas, authorities said Wednesday, as local media reported they may have come to the island to work illegally.

The tourists have issued visas under an initiative launched three years ago to attract more visitors to Taiwan from the south and southeast Asia.

A total of 153 Vietnamese nationals arrived in southern Kaohsiung city over the weekend -- and only one has been tracked down, according to Taiwan's National Immigration Agency.

"The agency has set up a task force and worked with the police to investigate the tourists who are unaccounted for and the group behind them," it said in a statement, without elaborating.

Local media speculated that the Vietnamese may have come to Taiwan to work illegally.

They face deportation and a three- to five-year ban from the island, the immigration agency said.

About 150 tourists had previously gone missing under the programme, according to the Tourism Bureau, though it is not clear how many of them were found.

Meanwhile, Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told AFP it had asked Taiwanese authorities for clarification on the case and sought coordination so bilateral tourism and exchange programmes would not be affected.

The visas of the missing Vietnamese have been revoked and Taiwan's representative office in Vietnam has suspended issuing tourist visas to another 182 Vietnamese whose applications were approved by the Tourism Bureau, Taiwan's foreign ministry said.

The tourism programme is part of Taiwan's "southbound policy", which targets 16 south and southeast Asian countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand, in a bid to boost tourism as arrivals from mainland China decline.

The number of tourists from the mainland has slid dramatically as relations with China deteriorate, with speculation authorities are turning off the taps to pressure the government of the Beijing-sceptic President Tsai Ing-wen, who came to office in 2016.

A search was underway for 152 Vietnamese who arrived in Taiwan on tourist visas, authorities said Wednesday, as local media reported they may have come to the island to work illegally.

A search was underway for 152 Vietnamese who arrived in Taiwan on tourist visas, authorities said Wednesday, as local media reported they may have come to the island to work illegally. The tourists have issued visas under an initiative launched three years ago to attract more visitors to Taiwan from the south and southeast Asia. A total of 153 Vietnamese nationals arrived in southern Kaohsiung city over the weekend -- and only one has been tracked down, according to Taiwan's National Immigration Agency. "The agency has set up a task force and worked with the police to investigate the tourists who are unaccounted for and the group behind them," it said in a statement, without elaborating. Local media speculated that the Vietnamese may have come to Taiwan to work illegally. They face deportation and a three- to five-year ban from the island, the immigration agency said. About 150 tourists had previously gone missing under the programme, according to the Tourism Bureau, though it is not clear how many of them were found. Meanwhile, Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told AFP it had asked Taiwanese authorities for clarification on the case and sought coordination so bilateral tourism and exchange programmes would not be affected. The visas of the missing Vietnamese have been revoked and Taiwan's representative office in Vietnam has suspended issuing tourist visas to another 182 Vietnamese whose applications were approved by the Tourism Bureau, Taiwan's foreign ministry said. The tourism programme is part of Taiwan's "southbound policy", which targets 16 south and southeast Asian countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand, in a bid to boost tourism as arrivals from mainland China decline. The number of tourists from the mainland has slid dramatically as relations with China deteriorate, with speculation authorities are turning off the taps to pressure the government of the Beijing-sceptic President Tsai Ing-wen, who came to office in 2016.

Taiwan searches for 152 missing Vietnamese tourists

China today expressed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-china-conducts-limited-live-fire-drills-in-taiwan-straits-131380">concern over US Naval ships</a> passing through Taiwan Straits.

"China has closely watched and has fully grasped the whole route of the United States warships sailing through the Taiwan Strait. China has already expressed our concerns to the United States," a foreign ministry spokesman said.

China had earlier expressed its dissatisfaction over US plans to sell a batch of military parts to the Taiwanese government. The United States sent two Naval ships through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday riling the Communist state.

The Taiwan issue is related to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is the most important and sensitive issue in China-US relations," the spokesman added.

The US plans to sell F-16 fighter and the C-130 cargo plane including US ship standard spare parts for several aircrafts, a move which was frowned upon by China recently. China had accused US of violating "international laws and norms governing foreign relations".

China considers Taiwan as one of its provinces and has been at loggerheads with the Taiwan government since the 1940s. The US and Taiwan have been close allies since the 1970S with Washington being a major arms supplier to the island nation.

"We urge the United States to respect the one-China principle and the provisions of the three joint communiqués, cautiously and appropriately handle the Taiwan issue, avoid damaging the peace and stability of the Taiwan Straits and China-US relations," the spokesman added.

Taiwan has also been engaged in a bitter conflict with China over the South China Sea along with other nations insisting on "freedom of navigation", a move which was backed by US vice-president Mike Pence earlier.

Pence had said there was no place for "empire and aggression" in the Indo-Pacific region, referring to China's tiff with nations in the Pacific who have opposed China's South China Sea strategy.

The US has often called for a stop to the "militarization" of the South China Sea. The confrontation and conflict approach has marred US-China relations in recent months in the middle of an uncomfortable trade war.

China today expressed concern over US Naval ships passing through Taiwan Straits. "China has closely watched and has fully grasped the whole route of the United States warships sailing through the Taiwan Strait.

China today expressed concern over US Naval ships passing through Taiwan Straits. "China has closely watched and has fully grasped the whole route of the United States warships sailing through the Taiwan Strait. China has already expressed our concerns to the United States," a foreign ministry spokesman said. China had earlier expressed its dissatisfaction over US plans to sell a batch of military parts to the Taiwanese government. The United States sent two Naval ships through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday riling the Communist state. The Taiwan issue is related to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is the most important and sensitive issue in China-US relations," the spokesman added. The US plans to sell F-16 fighter and the C-130 cargo plane including US ship standard spare parts for several aircrafts, a move which was frowned upon by China recently. China had accused US of violating "international laws and norms governing foreign relations". China considers Taiwan as one of its provinces and has been at loggerheads with the Taiwan government since the 1940s. The US and Taiwan have been close allies since the 1970S with Washington being a major arms supplier to the island nation. "We urge the United States to respect the one-China principle and the provisions of the three joint communiqués, cautiously and appropriately handle the Taiwan issue, avoid damaging the peace and stability of the Taiwan Straits and China-US relations," the spokesman added. Taiwan has also been engaged in a bitter conflict with China over the South China Sea along with other nations insisting on "freedom of navigation", a move which was backed by US vice-president Mike Pence earlier. Pence had said there was no place for "empire and aggression" in the Indo-Pacific region, referring to China's tiff with nations in the Pacific who have opposed China's South China Sea strategy. The US has often called for a stop to the "militarization" of the South China Sea. The confrontation and conflict approach has marred US-China relations in recent months in the middle of an uncomfortable trade war.

We urge US to respect one-China principle and avoid damaging peace in Taiwan Straits: China

After more than three decades together, Wang Tien-ming and Ho Hsiang finally decided to tie the knot when Taiwan's top court ruled last year that same-sex marriage must be legalised.&nbsp;

But those wedding plans are on hold after conservative groups won a referendum battle over equal marriage which couples fear could water down their newly won rights.&nbsp;

The original landmark court decision in May 2017 made Taiwan the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage -– it ruled the change must be implemented within two years and sparked a wave of optimism in the LGBT community.

But almost 18 months have already passed as the government drags its feet in the face of conservative opposition.&nbsp;

A referendum on whether marriage should only be recognised as between a man and a woman in Taiwan's Civil Code won <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/anti-gay-marriage-groups-win-taiwan-referendum-battle-179211">more than seven million votes Saturday</a>, as did another calling for same-sex unions to be regulated under a separate law.&nbsp;

Gay rights activists had proposed that the Civil Code should give same-sex couples equal marriage rights, but only garnered three million votes.&nbsp; 
Ho said that after the original court ruling he believed he and Wang would be granted rights given to heterosexual married partners, including recognition as next of kin.

This made the couple think they could at last buy a house together, Wang told AFP, assured that if one of them died the other would inherit.&nbsp;

Wang, 57, is also the main carer for Ho, 75, who suffers from Parkinson's disease. He describes their relationship as "love at first sight".

"I want to get married because I want to say to the world: 'I don't want to be deprived of what is my basic right'," Wang said.

'Second class citizens'&nbsp;

Although the government has made clear the referendum results would not impact the court's original decision to legalise gay marriage, which should automatically be implemented next May, pro-gay marriage campaigners worry that their newly won rights will be weakened.&nbsp;

The court did not specify how it wanted gay marriage to be brought in, leaving room for conservative groups to call for separate regulations.&nbsp;

As Saturday's conservative referendums passed the threshold of 25 per cent of eligible voters, the government must by law take steps to reflect the result. 
Ho said he would not accept anything less than the amendment of the existing marriage law as laid out in the Civil Code to put gay couples on an equal footing with heterosexual couples.&nbsp;

"Having a special marriage law (for gay couples) means we are like second class citizens," he told AFP, adding that having a two-tier system would dent Taiwan's reputation as a trailblazer for equal marriage rights on the international stage.

"The Taiwanese value equality and freedom. If the gay community is been treated like second class citizens, where's the equality? This is our soft power," he said.&nbsp;

Taiwan's government has not yet responded to the referendum result and what impact it will have.&nbsp;

Kuo Huai-wen and her partner of 13 years had also been hoping to marry on the first day that the court's decision was implemented -- a day that is yet to come.&nbsp;

Kuo, 40, said she was "saddened and disappointed" over the referendum result, but still felt encouraged that three million people had backed the pro-gay marriage vote.&nbsp;

Kuo is pregnant with the couple's second child and said they would be forced to accept a union under a separate law for the sake of their children, even though they do not agree with it and want equal marriage rights.

"We have to be practical as we have kids and we can't afford to have all or nothing," said Kuo.

"We will register even if it's under a separate law, not because we are satisfied with that but because we need immediate protections."

After more than three decades together, Wang Tien-ming and Ho Hsiang finally decided to tie the knot when Taiwan's top court ruled last year that same-sex marriage must be legalised.

After more than three decades together, Wang Tien-ming and Ho Hsiang finally decided to tie the knot when Taiwan's top court ruled last year that same-sex marriage must be legalised. But those wedding plans are on hold after conservative groups won a referendum battle over equal marriage which couples fear could water down their newly won rights. The original landmark court decision in May 2017 made Taiwan the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage -– it ruled the change must be implemented within two years and sparked a wave of optimism in the LGBT community. But almost 18 months have already passed as the government drags its feet in the face of conservative opposition. A referendum on whether marriage should only be recognised as between a man and a woman in Taiwan's Civil Code won more than seven million votes Saturday, as did another calling for same-sex unions to be regulated under a separate law. Gay rights activists had proposed that the Civil Code should give same-sex couples equal marriage rights, but only garnered three million votes. Ho said that after the original court ruling he believed he and Wang would be granted rights given to heterosexual married partners, including recognition as next of kin. This made the couple think they could at last buy a house together, Wang told AFP, assured that if one of them died the other would inherit. Wang, 57, is also the main carer for Ho, 75, who suffers from Parkinson's disease. He describes their relationship as "love at first sight". "I want to get married because I want to say to the world: 'I don't want to be deprived of what is my basic right'," Wang said. 'Second class citizens' Although the government has made clear the referendum results would not impact the court's original decision to legalise gay marriage, which should automatically be implemented next May, pro-gay marriage campaigners worry that their newly won rights will be weakened. The court did not specify how it wanted gay marriage to be brought in, leaving room for conservative groups to call for separate regulations. As Saturday's conservative referendums passed the threshold of 25 per cent of eligible voters, the government must by law take steps to reflect the result. Ho said he would not accept anything less than the amendment of the existing marriage law as laid out in the Civil Code to put gay couples on an equal footing with heterosexual couples. "Having a special marriage law (for gay couples) means we are like second class citizens," he told AFP, adding that having a two-tier system would dent Taiwan's reputation as a trailblazer for equal marriage rights on the international stage. "The Taiwanese value equality and freedom. If the gay community is been treated like second class citizens, where's the equality? This is our soft power," he said. Taiwan's government has not yet responded to the referendum result and what impact it will have. Kuo Huai-wen and her partner of 13 years had also been hoping to marry on the first day that the court's decision was implemented -- a day that is yet to come. Kuo, 40, said she was "saddened and disappointed" over the referendum result, but still felt encouraged that three million people had backed the pro-gay marriage vote. Kuo is pregnant with the couple's second child and said they would be forced to accept a union under a separate law for the sake of their children, even though they do not agree with it and want equal marriage rights. "We have to be practical as we have kids and we can't afford to have all or nothing," said Kuo. "We will register even if it's under a separate law, not because we are satisfied with that but because we need immediate protections."

Taiwan's same-sex couples put future on hold after vote defeat

Taiwan began voting on Saturday in local elections, a key test of support for the island's pro-independence ruling party ahead of presidential polls in just over a year, and will also hold a referendum on same-sex marriage.

The results will be closely watched in China, which claims self-ruled and proudly democratic Taiwan as its own and which has ramped up pressure on President Tsai Ing-wen and her administration since taking office in 2016.

In the run-up to the election, Tsai and her government have repeatedly said China is attempting to sway election results with its "political bullying" and "fake news", accusations Beijing denies.

"This is a fight for democracy," Tsai said at a rally in northeastern Taiwan on Friday.

"Our vote is a demonstration to the world that false information and external forces will not defeat Taiwan's democracy and the dignity of the Taiwanese."

More than 11,000 seats are up for grabs in municipalities, counties, townships and villages, with the southern city of Kaohsiung a key battleground for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has held the city for two decades.

Candidates have fanned out across the island to press the flesh and canvass votes, and have held noisy, colourful rallies that have become the hallmarks of Taiwan's vibrant democracy, in marked contrast to China where the Communist Party tolerates no dissent to its rule.

Tensions across the Taiwan Strait have heightened with China conducting military drills around the island and snatching away Taiwan's dwindling number of diplomatic allies.

Tsai's domestic reform initiatives, from the island's pension scheme to labour law, have also come under intense voter scrutiny recently.

Confidence in the government has waned in recent months after reform moves upset both the opposition and some supporters, who said Tsai had backed away from promises to reduce the deficit and cut pollution.

Underscoring Tsai's challenge will be a series of public votes on Saturday on whether to make same-sex marriage legal, an issue which has deeply divided Taiwan.

Tsai has made little progress despite campaigning on a promise of marriage equality in the run-up to elections in 2016.

In Asia's first such ruling, Taiwan's constitutional court declared in May last year that same-sex couples had the right to legally marry, and set a two-year deadline for legalisation.

Voters will also be asked whether the island should join the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as Taiwan, rather than "Chinese Taipei" – the name agreed under a compromise signed in 1981.

A vote to compete under a Taiwan banner would further rile Beijing, which has never renounced the use of force to ensure eventual unification.

Taiwan began voting on Saturday in local elections, a key test of support for the island's pro-independence ruling party ahead of presidential polls in just over a year, and will also hold a referendum on same-sex marriage.

Taiwan began voting on Saturday in local elections, a key test of support for the island's pro-independence ruling party ahead of presidential polls in just over a year, and will also hold a referendum on same-sex marriage. The results will be closely watched in China, which claims self-ruled and proudly democratic Taiwan as its own and which has ramped up pressure on President Tsai Ing-wen and her administration since taking office in 2016. In the run-up to the election, Tsai and her government have repeatedly said China is attempting to sway election results with its "political bullying" and "fake news", accusations Beijing denies. "This is a fight for democracy," Tsai said at a rally in northeastern Taiwan on Friday. "Our vote is a demonstration to the world that false information and external forces will not defeat Taiwan's democracy and the dignity of the Taiwanese." More than 11,000 seats are up for grabs in municipalities, counties, townships and villages, with the southern city of Kaohsiung a key battleground for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has held the city for two decades. Candidates have fanned out across the island to press the flesh and canvass votes, and have held noisy, colourful rallies that have become the hallmarks of Taiwan's vibrant democracy, in marked contrast to China where the Communist Party tolerates no dissent to its rule. Tensions across the Taiwan Strait have heightened with China conducting military drills around the island and snatching away Taiwan's dwindling number of diplomatic allies. Tsai's domestic reform initiatives, from the island's pension scheme to labour law, have also come under intense voter scrutiny recently. Confidence in the government has waned in recent months after reform moves upset both the opposition and some supporters, who said Tsai had backed away from promises to reduce the deficit and cut pollution. Underscoring Tsai's challenge will be a series of public votes on Saturday on whether to make same-sex marriage legal, an issue which has deeply divided Taiwan. Tsai has made little progress despite campaigning on a promise of marriage equality in the run-up to elections in 2016. In Asia's first such ruling, Taiwan's constitutional court declared in May last year that same-sex couples had the right to legally marry, and set a two-year deadline for legalisation. Voters will also be asked whether the island should join the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as Taiwan, rather than "Chinese Taipei" – the name agreed under a compromise signed in 1981. A vote to compete under a Taiwan banner would further rile Beijing, which has never renounced the use of force to ensure eventual unification.

Taiwan votes in test for pro-independence ruling party as China watches

Voters in Taiwan backed anti-gay marriage referendums Saturday in what LGBT activists said was a major blow to the island's reputation as a rights trailblazer.

Taiwan's top court legalised same-sex marriage in May 2017, the first place in Asia to do so, and ruled that it must be brought in within two years, but the government has made little progress in the face of opposition from conservative groups.

A referendum on whether marriage should only be recognised as between a man and a woman in Taiwan's Civil Code won more than seven million votes, while another calling for same-sex unions to be regulated under a separate law gained over six million.&nbsp;

Gay rights activists had proposed that the Civil Code should give same-sex couples equal marriage rights, but only garnered three million votes.&nbsp;

"Pro-family" group the Coalition for the Happiness of our Next Generation said the win was a "victory of all people who treasure family values".

The conservative group also beat gay rights activists on competing for referendums about whether LGBT issues should be compulsory on the school curriculum.

"Everyone used every single 'yes' vote to tell the authorities what are the mainstream public opinions," the coalition said.&nbsp;

Jennifer Lu, a spokeswoman for Marriage Equality Coalition Taiwan, said they were saddened by what she described as the "absurd referendums" and blamed government "incompetence" for allowing the anti-gay marriage votes to go ahead.&nbsp;

"The regression of gender equality... deals the most severe blow to Taiwan's democratic values," she added.

Although the government has made clear the referendum results will not impact the court's original decision to legalise gay marriage, pro-gay campaigners worry that their newly won rights will be weakened.&nbsp;

The court did not specify how it wanted gay marriage to be implemented, leaving room for conservative groups to call for separate regulations.&nbsp;

With all three conservative referendums passing the threshold of 25 per cent of eligible voters, under referendum law the government must take steps to reflect the result.&nbsp;

Ahead of the vote, Amnesty International had urged the government not to "water down" same-sex marriage proposals in the face of a conservative win.

Voters in Taiwan backed anti-gay marriage referendums Saturday in what LGBT activists said was a major blow to the island's reputation as a rights trailblazer. Taiwan's top court legalised same-sex marriage in May 2017, the first place in Asia to do so, and ruled that it must be brought in within two years, but the government has made little progress in the face of opposition from conservative groups.

Voters in Taiwan backed anti-gay marriage referendums Saturday in what LGBT activists said was a major blow to the island's reputation as a rights trailblazer. Taiwan's top court legalised same-sex marriage in May 2017, the first place in Asia to do so, and ruled that it must be brought in within two years, but the government has made little progress in the face of opposition from conservative groups. A referendum on whether marriage should only be recognised as between a man and a woman in Taiwan's Civil Code won more than seven million votes, while another calling for same-sex unions to be regulated under a separate law gained over six million. Gay rights activists had proposed that the Civil Code should give same-sex couples equal marriage rights, but only garnered three million votes. "Pro-family" group the Coalition for the Happiness of our Next Generation said the win was a "victory of all people who treasure family values". The conservative group also beat gay rights activists on competing for referendums about whether LGBT issues should be compulsory on the school curriculum. "Everyone used every single 'yes' vote to tell the authorities what are the mainstream public opinions," the coalition said. Jennifer Lu, a spokeswoman for Marriage Equality Coalition Taiwan, said they were saddened by what she described as the "absurd referendums" and blamed government "incompetence" for allowing the anti-gay marriage votes to go ahead. "The regression of gender equality... deals the most severe blow to Taiwan's democratic values," she added. Although the government has made clear the referendum results will not impact the court's original decision to legalise gay marriage, pro-gay campaigners worry that their newly won rights will be weakened. The court did not specify how it wanted gay marriage to be implemented, leaving room for conservative groups to call for separate regulations. With all three conservative referendums passing the threshold of 25 per cent of eligible voters, under referendum law the government must take steps to reflect the result. Ahead of the vote, Amnesty International had urged the government not to "water down" same-sex marriage proposals in the face of a conservative win.

Anti-gay marriage groups win Taiwan referendum battle

Taiwan Premier William Lai said on Saturday he had offered his resignation to the president after the ruling Democratic Progressive Party was trounced in mayoral elections.

"The election results showed that people are not satisfied. For this, I feel sorry, and have offered my resignation to President Tsai Ing-wen to accept political responsibility," he wrote in a statement on his Facebook page.

Taiwan`s pro-independence ruling Democratic Progressive Party on Saturday admitted defeat in the mayoral election in Taiwan`s second-largest city of Taichung.

Mayor Lin Chia-lung conceded defeat to his challenger from the China-friendly opposition Kuomintang Party, Lu Shiow-yen, in comments carried live on Taiwanese television channels.

Taiwan Premier William Lai said on Saturday he had offered his resignation to the president after the ruling Democratic Progressive Party was trounced in mayoral elections.

Taiwan Premier William Lai said on Saturday he had offered his resignation to the president after the ruling Democratic Progressive Party was trounced in mayoral elections. "The election results showed that people are not satisfied. For this, I feel sorry, and have offered my resignation to President Tsai Ing-wen to accept political responsibility," he wrote in a statement on his Facebook page. Taiwan`s pro-independence ruling Democratic Progressive Party on Saturday admitted defeat in the mayoral election in Taiwan`s second-largest city of Taichung. Mayor Lin Chia-lung conceded defeat to his challenger from the China-friendly opposition Kuomintang Party, Lu Shiow-yen, in comments carried live on Taiwanese television channels.

Taiwan premier offers resignation after local election trouncing

The Chinese-speaking world`s version of the Oscars, the Golden Horse Awards, has created a sharp political divide between film stars and directors as the annual event becomes a lightning rod for questions about Taiwanese independence. 
 
At Saturday`s ceremony, held in Taipei, documentary filmmaker Fu Yue called for Taiwan to be recognised as "an independent entity", sparking off a live sparring match between mainland and Taiwanese stars at the glitzy show. 
 
Mainland actor Tu Men, while presenting an award, referred to Taiwan as "China Taiwan", while the chair of the awards committee, Oscar award-winning director Ang Lee, told reporters after the show that everyone was allowed to say what they wanted to say on stage. 
 
However, he added: "We hope that art can be art, and that no political issues will interfere with it because art is very pure." 
 
Taiwan is self-governed and has a democratically elected leadership, but China claims the island as a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to ensure unification. The question of Taiwanese independence is one of Beijing`s most sensitive political concerns. 
 
Tensions between China and Taiwan have grown since pro-independence President Tsai Ing-wen took power in 2016. Taiwan is now preparing for local elections on Saturday, seen as a bellwether for the ruling party`s performance in the 2020 presidential race. 
 
Tsai herself weighed into the debate on Sunday saying that Taiwan had never accepted being called "China Taiwan".&nbsp; 
 
"We can`t accept this term. Taiwan is simply Taiwan," she said on Facebook, adding she was "proud" of the awards ceremony which "highlighted that Taiwan was different from China, that being in our freedom and diversity". 
 
"Taiwan is a democratic and open society," she said. "No one here will be silenced or disappeared because they have different views. We have no sensitive words that will be censored online." 
 
Social media users also left close to 20,000 comments on Fu`s Facebook account after the show, with some criticising her support for Taiwan independence while others praised it. Some said she should not have politicised the ceremony.&nbsp; 
 
In a separate statement on Monday, Taiwan`s ruling Democratic Progressive Party said the criticism of Fu was an attempt at "election interference from outside forces". 
 
The Golden Horse Awards was one of the most discussed topics on China`s Twitter-like Weibo platform on Sunday, with a number of mainland stars also posting supportive posts about China`s claims over Taiwan. 
 
Among them was A-list Chinese movie star Fan Bingbing, who earlier this year vanished for months from public view sparking widespread rumours about her whereabouts. She was fined for tax evasion last month and in her apology said her achievements were inseparable from the Communist Party. 
 
Her Weibo post was her first since she issued her apology last month. 
 
"China cannot be reduced even just a tiny bit," she wrote, alongside a map of Chinese territory, including Taiwan.

The Chinese-speaking world`s version of the Oscars, the Golden Horse Awards, has created a sharp political divide between film stars and directors as the annual event becomes a lightning rod for questions about Taiwanese independence.

The Chinese-speaking world`s version of the Oscars, the Golden Horse Awards, has created a sharp political divide between film stars and directors as the annual event becomes a lightning rod for questions about Taiwanese independence. At Saturday`s ceremony, held in Taipei, documentary filmmaker Fu Yue called for Taiwan to be recognised as "an independent entity", sparking off a live sparring match between mainland and Taiwanese stars at the glitzy show. Mainland actor Tu Men, while presenting an award, referred to Taiwan as "China Taiwan", while the chair of the awards committee, Oscar award-winning director Ang Lee, told reporters after the show that everyone was allowed to say what they wanted to say on stage. However, he added: "We hope that art can be art, and that no political issues will interfere with it because art is very pure." Taiwan is self-governed and has a democratically elected leadership, but China claims the island as a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to ensure unification. The question of Taiwanese independence is one of Beijing`s most sensitive political concerns. Tensions between China and Taiwan have grown since pro-independence President Tsai Ing-wen took power in 2016. Taiwan is now preparing for local elections on Saturday, seen as a bellwether for the ruling party`s performance in the 2020 presidential race. Tsai herself weighed into the debate on Sunday saying that Taiwan had never accepted being called "China Taiwan". "We can`t accept this term. Taiwan is simply Taiwan," she said on Facebook, adding she was "proud" of the awards ceremony which "highlighted that Taiwan was different from China, that being in our freedom and diversity". "Taiwan is a democratic and open society," she said. "No one here will be silenced or disappeared because they have different views. We have no sensitive words that will be censored online." Social media users also left close to 20,000 comments on Fu`s Facebook account after the show, with some criticising her support for Taiwan independence while others praised it. Some said she should not have politicised the ceremony. In a separate statement on Monday, Taiwan`s ruling Democratic Progressive Party said the criticism of Fu was an attempt at "election interference from outside forces". The Golden Horse Awards was one of the most discussed topics on China`s Twitter-like Weibo platform on Sunday, with a number of mainland stars also posting supportive posts about China`s claims over Taiwan. Among them was A-list Chinese movie star Fan Bingbing, who earlier this year vanished for months from public view sparking widespread rumours about her whereabouts. She was fined for tax evasion last month and in her apology said her achievements were inseparable from the Communist Party. Her Weibo post was her first since she issued her apology last month. "China cannot be reduced even just a tiny bit," she wrote, alongside a map of Chinese territory, including Taiwan.

Lights, camera, factions: Stars at Chinese-language 'Oscars' split over Taiwan

Taiwan's president has expressed her support for the prestigious Golden Horse film awards after a pro-Taiwan independence director's speech ignited controversy in mainland China. 
 
President Tsai Ing-wen said in a Facebook post Sunday that "we have never accepted the term 'Chinese Taiwan' ... Taiwan is just Taiwan." 
&nbsp; 
She added that the Golden Horse Awards, akin to a Chinese-language Oscars, highlighted the freedoms that set Taiwan apart from China. 
 
Director Fu Yue said during her acceptance speech Saturday that her biggest hope was for "our country" to be regarded as an "independent entity."&nbsp; 
 
Her film 'Our Youth in Taiwan' won best documentary. 
 
Taiwan split from mainland China amid civil war in 1949, but Beijing considers the self-ruled island part of its territory. 
 
Chinese netizens strongly criticized Fu on her Facebook page.

Taiwan's president has expressed her support for the prestigious Golden Horse film awards after a pro-Taiwan independence director's speech ignited controversy in mainland China.

Taiwan's president has expressed her support for the prestigious Golden Horse film awards after a pro-Taiwan independence director's speech ignited controversy in mainland China. President Tsai Ing-wen said in a Facebook post Sunday that "we have never accepted the term 'Chinese Taiwan' ... Taiwan is just Taiwan." She added that the Golden Horse Awards, akin to a Chinese-language Oscars, highlighted the freedoms that set Taiwan apart from China. Director Fu Yue said during her acceptance speech Saturday that her biggest hope was for "our country" to be regarded as an "independent entity." Her film 'Our Youth in Taiwan' won best documentary. Taiwan split from mainland China amid civil war in 1949, but Beijing considers the self-ruled island part of its territory. Chinese netizens strongly criticized Fu on her Facebook page.

Taiwan president defends pro-independence film award winner

China on Wednesday urged the United States to stop official contacts or military ties with Taiwan and abide by the one-China principle so as not to harm the China-US relations.

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lu Kang made the statement at a press briefing in Beijing in response to a meeting between US and Taiwan military officers.

"China resolutely opposes the United States' engagement in any form of official contacts or military ties with Taiwan. This stance has been consistent and clear," said Lu.

Lu said China urges the US to honestly abide by the one-China principle and the provisions in the three joint communiques between China and the US, and stop any official contacts or military ties with Taiwan and arms sales to Taiwan.

"We hope the US could cautiously handle the issues related to Taiwan so as not to affect the China-US&nbsp;relations and the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits," said Lu.

China on Wednesday urged the United States to stop official contacts or military ties with Taiwan and abide by the one-China principle so as not to harm the China-US relations.

China on Wednesday urged the United States to stop official contacts or military ties with Taiwan and abide by the one-China principle so as not to harm the China-US relations. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lu Kang made the statement at a press briefing in Beijing in response to a meeting between US and Taiwan military officers. "China resolutely opposes the United States' engagement in any form of official contacts or military ties with Taiwan. This stance has been consistent and clear," said Lu. Lu said China urges the US to honestly abide by the one-China principle and the provisions in the three joint communiques between China and the US, and stop any official contacts or military ties with Taiwan and arms sales to Taiwan. "We hope the US could cautiously handle the issues related to Taiwan so as not to affect the China-US relations and the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits," said Lu.

Watch: China urges US to stop military contact with Taiwan

aiwan Air Force Staff Sergeant Jiang Pin-shiuan's pitch to freshmen at Taipei's Tamkang University seemed compelling: join the island's armed forces and get a state-sponsored degree, 110 days of leave each year and annual savings of T$312,500 ($10,200).

But many listening students showed little interest, arguing national service was a "waste of time" and prospects of the self-ruled island standing up economically or militarily to an increasingly aggressive China were slim.

"China could simply crush Taiwan with its economic power. There's no need for a war, which wastes money," said 18-year-old Chen Fang-yi, an engineering major. "I do not have much confidence and expectation for the national army."

From lectures in universities and high schools across the island, life-size dancing dolls to a flash mob performance by a special forces unit, Taiwan's military is working hard to recruit soldiers as it moves to a fully volunteer force after decades of conscription.

Taiwan vowed in 2011 to phase out conscription to cut costs and boost the professionalism of its forces as it tries to better deter the Chinese threat through enhanced cyber warfare capabilities and other high-tech weapons.

The island's defence ministry said it will be able to reach a target of enlisting 81 percent of the estimated 188,000 volunteer troops needed to defend against any attack by Beijing by year-end. It hopes to raise that to 90 percent by 2020.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Beijing sees self-ruled Taiwan as a wayward province and has never renounced the use of force to bring it to heel.

But military experts and government auditors say recruitment is proving challenging and the growth in voluntary recruitment isn't fast enough to catch up with a worsening military imbalance across the strait.

China, whose official defence budget grew to roughly 15 times that of Taiwan's last year, has alarmed Taipei by flying bombers around the island and luring away members of its dwindling band of diplomatic allies.

In a report from December, three government auditors warned the growth of voluntary recruits had been slow, raising concerns about Taiwan's combat power.

"The government needs to think whether it's necessary to bring conscription back if they think national security matters," said Lin Yu-fang, a convener for the Taipei-based National Policy Foundation and former head of Taiwan's congressional defence and foreign committee.

"We will pay a heavy price for the move...We won't be able to find enough soldiers."

The island's defence ministry told Reuters it will continue to raise the quantity and quality of its armed forces and has made all necessary plans for possible military actions from China. It also urged the public to give "support and encouragement" to the transition.

DODGING TRAINING

Convincing more young people to join the armed forces is made more difficult by Taiwan's past as a military dictatorship. The death of a young conscript in 2013 after being punished for misconduct, which triggered large protests, also dealt a blow to the army.

The service is so unpopular that more than 1,000 reservists were charged in the last three years for dodging mandatory retraining.

"It raises a very difficult question about national morale. If there ever is a conflict, what are people going to do?" said William Stanton, professor at National Taiwan University and former head of the de facto U.S. embassy in Taipei.&nbsp;

Taiwan last year spent nearly 47 percent of its defence budget of T$319.3 billion on manpower-related costs. Military experts said that squeezed the budget for weapon acquisitions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The island's goal to move to an all volunteer force by 2019 will be "costlier than anticipated", diverting funds from defence acquisition and readiness, the U.S. Defense Department said in a report to Congress in May.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Taiwan has shortened its mandatory service to a four-month training, from three years, a move analysts said was made to placate young voters who prioritise personal liberty over civil obligations.

But for some, even the reduced training is seen as an exercise in futility.

"We won't win a war with China anyway," said 20-year-old graduate Hsu Kai-wen, a reluctant conscript who was recently assigned a four-month service in the navy after drawing lots. "Why do I need to waste my time in the army?"

aiwan Air Force Staff Sergeant Jiang Pin-shiuan's pitch to freshmen at Taipei's Tamkang University seemed compelling: join the island's armed forces and get a state-sponsored degree, 110 days of leave each year and annual savings of T$312,500 ($10,200).

aiwan Air Force Staff Sergeant Jiang Pin-shiuan's pitch to freshmen at Taipei's Tamkang University seemed compelling: join the island's armed forces and get a state-sponsored degree, 110 days of leave each year and annual savings of T$312,500 ($10,200). But many listening students showed little interest, arguing national service was a "waste of time" and prospects of the self-ruled island standing up economically or militarily to an increasingly aggressive China were slim. "China could simply crush Taiwan with its economic power. There's no need for a war, which wastes money," said 18-year-old Chen Fang-yi, an engineering major. "I do not have much confidence and expectation for the national army." From lectures in universities and high schools across the island, life-size dancing dolls to a flash mob performance by a special forces unit, Taiwan's military is working hard to recruit soldiers as it moves to a fully volunteer force after decades of conscription. Taiwan vowed in 2011 to phase out conscription to cut costs and boost the professionalism of its forces as it tries to better deter the Chinese threat through enhanced cyber warfare capabilities and other high-tech weapons. The island's defence ministry said it will be able to reach a target of enlisting 81 percent of the estimated 188,000 volunteer troops needed to defend against any attack by Beijing by year-end. It hopes to raise that to 90 percent by 2020. Beijing sees self-ruled Taiwan as a wayward province and has never renounced the use of force to bring it to heel. But military experts and government auditors say recruitment is proving challenging and the growth in voluntary recruitment isn't fast enough to catch up with a worsening military imbalance across the strait. China, whose official defence budget grew to roughly 15 times that of Taiwan's last year, has alarmed Taipei by flying bombers around the island and luring away members of its dwindling band of diplomatic allies. In a report from December, three government auditors warned the growth of voluntary recruits had been slow, raising concerns about Taiwan's combat power. "The government needs to think whether it's necessary to bring conscription back if they think national security matters," said Lin Yu-fang, a convener for the Taipei-based National Policy Foundation and former head of Taiwan's congressional defence and foreign committee. "We will pay a heavy price for the move...We won't be able to find enough soldiers." The island's defence ministry told Reuters it will continue to raise the quantity and quality of its armed forces and has made all necessary plans for possible military actions from China. It also urged the public to give "support and encouragement" to the transition. DODGING TRAINING Convincing more young people to join the armed forces is made more difficult by Taiwan's past as a military dictatorship. The death of a young conscript in 2013 after being punished for misconduct, which triggered large protests, also dealt a blow to the army. The service is so unpopular that more than 1,000 reservists were charged in the last three years for dodging mandatory retraining. "It raises a very difficult question about national morale. If there ever is a conflict, what are people going to do?" said William Stanton, professor at National Taiwan University and former head of the de facto U.S. embassy in Taipei. Taiwan last year spent nearly 47 percent of its defence budget of T$319.3 billion on manpower-related costs. Military experts said that squeezed the budget for weapon acquisitions. The island's goal to move to an all volunteer force by 2019 will be "costlier than anticipated", diverting funds from defence acquisition and readiness, the U.S. Defense Department said in a report to Congress in May. Taiwan has shortened its mandatory service to a four-month training, from three years, a move analysts said was made to placate young voters who prioritise personal liberty over civil obligations. But for some, even the reduced training is seen as an exercise in futility. "We won't win a war with China anyway," said 20-year-old graduate Hsu Kai-wen, a reluctant conscript who was recently assigned a four-month service in the navy after drawing lots. "Why do I need to waste my time in the army?"

For Taiwan youth, military service is a hard sell despite China tension

China's army will take action "at any cost" to foil attempts to separate the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own, the country's defence minister said on Thursday.

Beijing has been infuriated by recent US sanctions on its military, one of a growing number of flashpoints in ties with Washington that include a bitter trade war, Taiwan and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea.

On Monday, the United States sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait in the second such operation this year and the latest in a series of gestures made by the White House in support of democratic Taiwan.

"The Taiwan issue is related to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and touches upon China's core interests," Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said at the opening of the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, which China styles as its answer to the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore.

"On this issue, it is extremely dangerous to repeatedly challenge China's bottom line. If someone tries to separate out Taiwan (from China), China's army will take the necessary actions at any cost."

China-Taiwan relations have deteriorated since the island's President Tsai Ing-wen, of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, swept to power in 2016.

Beijing, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, has also viewed US overtures toward the island with alarm, such as a new de facto embassy there and passage of a law to encourage visits by US officials.

China's military ties with the United States are important and sensitive, Wei said, adding that China will never give up an inch of its territory.

Beijing opposed displays of strength and provocation in the South China Sea by "nations from outside the region" carried out under the pretence of protecting freedom of flight and navigation, he added.

The world's two largest economies needed to deepen high-level ties so as to navigate tension and rein in the risk of inadvertent conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told his Chinese counterpart last week.

Mattis saw firsthand last month how mounting Sino-US friction can undermine military contacts, when Beijing upended plans for him to meet Wei in October.

China has been angered by the US sanctions on its military for buying weapons from Russia, and by what Beijing sees as stepped-up U.S. support for democratic Taiwan, which it claims as sacred territory.

China has also expressed concern after US President Donald Trump said Washington would withdraw from a landmark Cold War-era treaty that eliminated nuclear missiles from Europe because Russia was violating the pact.

China is not a party to that treaty, but Trump has also suggested Beijing's military strength played a role in his decision, which China has described as "completely wrong".

China's army will take action "at any cost" to foil attempts to separate the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own, the country's defence minister said on Thursday.

China's army will take action "at any cost" to foil attempts to separate the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own, the country's defence minister said on Thursday. Beijing has been infuriated by recent US sanctions on its military, one of a growing number of flashpoints in ties with Washington that include a bitter trade war, Taiwan and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea. On Monday, the United States sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait in the second such operation this year and the latest in a series of gestures made by the White House in support of democratic Taiwan. "The Taiwan issue is related to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and touches upon China's core interests," Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said at the opening of the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, which China styles as its answer to the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore. "On this issue, it is extremely dangerous to repeatedly challenge China's bottom line. If someone tries to separate out Taiwan (from China), China's army will take the necessary actions at any cost." China-Taiwan relations have deteriorated since the island's President Tsai Ing-wen, of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, swept to power in 2016. Beijing, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, has also viewed US overtures toward the island with alarm, such as a new de facto embassy there and passage of a law to encourage visits by US officials. China's military ties with the United States are important and sensitive, Wei said, adding that China will never give up an inch of its territory. Beijing opposed displays of strength and provocation in the South China Sea by "nations from outside the region" carried out under the pretence of protecting freedom of flight and navigation, he added. The world's two largest economies needed to deepen high-level ties so as to navigate tension and rein in the risk of inadvertent conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told his Chinese counterpart last week. Mattis saw firsthand last month how mounting Sino-US friction can undermine military contacts, when Beijing upended plans for him to meet Wei in October. China has been angered by the US sanctions on its military for buying weapons from Russia, and by what Beijing sees as stepped-up U.S. support for democratic Taiwan, which it claims as sacred territory. China has also expressed concern after US President Donald Trump said Washington would withdraw from a landmark Cold War-era treaty that eliminated nuclear missiles from Europe because Russia was violating the pact. China is not a party to that treaty, but Trump has also suggested Beijing's military strength played a role in his decision, which China has described as "completely wrong".

China says army will act 'at any cost' to prevent Taiwan split

The driver of a train in Taiwan that crashed killing 18 people told a court on Tuesday he had switched off its speed-control system, a court official said, as investigators pieced together events that led to the island's worst rail crash in decades.

The train came off the rails on Sunday on a curve while moving at almost 87 miles per hour (140 kmh), nearly twice the speed limit of 46 mph (74 kmh), in the island's mountainous northeast, the head of a government investigation team said.

Chief investigator Wu Ze-cheng told Reuters earlier it was not clear whether the speed-control system, called automatic train protection, had switched off by itself or had been manually disabled before the accident, which also injured 187 people.

A spokesman for Taiwan Yilan District Court told Reuters the driver told his bail hearing he switched off the system himself to boost the train's power when it had slowed down on an earlier stretch of the journey.

"He should have turned the system back on at the next stop," said the court spokesman, Huang Yong-sheng.

"The defendant is highly suspected to have been negligent."

Reuters was not able to reach the train driver, You Zhen-zhong, 48, for comment. He was granted bail of $16,167&nbsp;and barred from leaving Taiwan after being detained for the investigation.

You had been treated in hospital after the accident.

You's public defender, Kou Tua-jai, said the driver knew he had to turn the protection system back on, but he had failed to do so because he was busy communicating with other coordinators due to a separate problem with the train's speed.

"He admitted that he's responsible for dereliction of duty, but he’d like to raise one point: there was something wrong with the train," Kou told Reuters.

Kou said the driver said the speed shown on the train's indicator was not its real speed.

Chief investigator Wu said more investigation was needed to determine why the driver failed to turn the protection system back on.

He said it was not immediately clear if the speed shown on the train's indicator was different to its actual speed.

The disaster was Taiwan's deadliest rail accident since a 1981 collision that killed 30 people.

The head of the state railway administration, Lu Jie-shen, had offered to resign but that was not accepted by the transport minister, the railway authority said.

Premier William Lai apologised for the accident on behalf of the government.

"People expected the railway to be the safest," Lai told parliament.

"I apologise to the people on behalf of the Executive Yuan," he said, referring to the island's cabinet.

Train derailments are not uncommon on the island, which has rough, mountainous terrain, but deadly accidents are rare.

The driver of a train in Taiwan that crashed killing 18 people told a court on Tuesday he had switched off its speed-control system, a court official said, as investigators pieced together events that led to the island's worst rail crash in decades.

The driver of a train in Taiwan that crashed killing 18 people told a court on Tuesday he had switched off its speed-control system, a court official said, as investigators pieced together events that led to the island's worst rail crash in decades. The train came off the rails on Sunday on a curve while moving at almost 87 miles per hour (140 kmh), nearly twice the speed limit of 46 mph (74 kmh), in the island's mountainous northeast, the head of a government investigation team said. Chief investigator Wu Ze-cheng told Reuters earlier it was not clear whether the speed-control system, called automatic train protection, had switched off by itself or had been manually disabled before the accident, which also injured 187 people. A spokesman for Taiwan Yilan District Court told Reuters the driver told his bail hearing he switched off the system himself to boost the train's power when it had slowed down on an earlier stretch of the journey. "He should have turned the system back on at the next stop," said the court spokesman, Huang Yong-sheng. "The defendant is highly suspected to have been negligent." Reuters was not able to reach the train driver, You Zhen-zhong, 48, for comment. He was granted bail of $16,167 and barred from leaving Taiwan after being detained for the investigation. You had been treated in hospital after the accident. You's public defender, Kou Tua-jai, said the driver knew he had to turn the protection system back on, but he had failed to do so because he was busy communicating with other coordinators due to a separate problem with the train's speed. "He admitted that he's responsible for dereliction of duty, but he’d like to raise one point: there was something wrong with the train," Kou told Reuters. Kou said the driver said the speed shown on the train's indicator was not its real speed. Chief investigator Wu said more investigation was needed to determine why the driver failed to turn the protection system back on. He said it was not immediately clear if the speed shown on the train's indicator was different to its actual speed. The disaster was Taiwan's deadliest rail accident since a 1981 collision that killed 30 people. The head of the state railway administration, Lu Jie-shen, had offered to resign but that was not accepted by the transport minister, the railway authority said. Premier William Lai apologised for the accident on behalf of the government. "People expected the railway to be the safest," Lai told parliament. "I apologise to the people on behalf of the Executive Yuan," he said, referring to the island's cabinet. Train derailments are not uncommon on the island, which has rough, mountainous terrain, but deadly accidents are rare.

Had switched off speed-control system, Taiwan train accident driver tells court

An earthquake of magnitude 5.9 struck Taiwan, the United States Geological Survey said on Tuesday, and witnesses said it set buildings shaking in the capital Taipei.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties from the quake, which hit 95 km (59 miles) southeast of the coastal town of Su-ao at a depth of 26 km (16 miles).

Su-ao is about 70 km (44 miles) away from the capital.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.9 struck Taiwan, the United States Geological Survey said on Tuesday, and witnesses said it set buildings shaking in the capital Taipei.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.9 struck Taiwan, the United States Geological Survey said on Tuesday, and witnesses said it set buildings shaking in the capital Taipei. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties from the quake, which hit 95 km (59 miles) southeast of the coastal town of Su-ao at a depth of 26 km (16 miles). Su-ao is about 70 km (44 miles) away from the capital.

5.9-magnitude earthquake strikes off Taiwan; no causalities reported

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/22-dead-after-train-flips-in-taiwan-172667">offered words of consolation on Monday</a> as she met relatives of the 18 dead and 187 injured after a train derailed in the island's northeast, the worst rail disaster in more than three decades.

Officials said four carriages overturned on Sunday after all eight cars of a train carrying 366 passengers left the tracks on a bend near a railway station in Yilan county, about 40 km (25 miles) from Taipei, the capital.

Tsai joined Buddhist monks in prayer before an altar adorned with flowers next to a county hospital, while nearby, relatives and friends of the victims wept as they sifted through battered suitcases recovered from the train wreck.

"We are really sorry ... you have to stay strong," Tsai told Chen Yu-chan, 41, whose only daughter, a seventh grader, was killed.

"We will do everything we can," she told another person, who was sobbing bitterly during her visit to the hospital.

Health authorities appealed for blood donations to help treat the many injured people, who included one foreigner, an American. Six of the dead were below 18, officials said.

The disaster was Taiwan's deadliest rail tragedy since a 1981 collision in the northern region that killed 30 people, the official Central News Agency said.

China's policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office expressed "deep condolences" to the families of victims.

Train services resumed early on Monday, after all the derailed carriages had been moved to one side of the tracks.

Authorities said they were investigating to determine the cause of the accident, which remains unclear.

Many of the casualties happened in a carriage at the front of the train, said one official, adding that the driver, surnamed You, has been moved out of intensive care, though his condition was still unstable.

"We will ask him what happened after he stabilizes," said Liu Can-huang, head of the car maintenance unit of the railways.

The train recorder, which tracks speed, among other data, has been sent to prosecutors to be examined, he added.

The derailment was not expected to cause a major disruption to economic activity, however.

Tung Xiao-ling, 43, sobbed as she told Reuters how she had lost eight of 17 family members, aged nine to 67, as they returned from celebrating her sister's wedding.

"No one can accept that one day you are a bride and the next day you are mourning a family member," said Tung, who was not on board the derailed train.

"I hope they find out what happened as soon as possible. We trusted the safety of Puyuma," she said, referring to the express train line.

The fastest of Taiwan's regular trains, the Puyuma Express began operating in 2013 to negotiate the rough terrain of the east coast.

Hundreds of rescuers and military worked through the night, using spotlights to search the wreckage for survivors, as ambulances waited to take the injured to hospital.

Some rescue workers gave first aid to the injured, while others used cranes to lift some of the battered cars sprawled in a zigzag near the tracks.

"This is something that is not supposed to happen when taking a train," said Chen Tai-liang, whose niece, a seventh grader, was killed.

"Why did it happen?" he asked, after speaking to Tsai.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen offered words of consolation on Monday as she met relatives of the 18 dead and 187 injured after a train derailed in the island's northeast, the worst rail disaster in more than three decades.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen offered words of consolation on Monday as she met relatives of the 18 dead and 187 injured after a train derailed in the island's northeast, the worst rail disaster in more than three decades. Officials said four carriages overturned on Sunday after all eight cars of a train carrying 366 passengers left the tracks on a bend near a railway station in Yilan county, about 40 km (25 miles) from Taipei, the capital. Tsai joined Buddhist monks in prayer before an altar adorned with flowers next to a county hospital, while nearby, relatives and friends of the victims wept as they sifted through battered suitcases recovered from the train wreck. "We are really sorry ... you have to stay strong," Tsai told Chen Yu-chan, 41, whose only daughter, a seventh grader, was killed. "We will do everything we can," she told another person, who was sobbing bitterly during her visit to the hospital. Health authorities appealed for blood donations to help treat the many injured people, who included one foreigner, an American. Six of the dead were below 18, officials said. The disaster was Taiwan's deadliest rail tragedy since a 1981 collision in the northern region that killed 30 people, the official Central News Agency said. China's policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office expressed "deep condolences" to the families of victims. Train services resumed early on Monday, after all the derailed carriages had been moved to one side of the tracks. Authorities said they were investigating to determine the cause of the accident, which remains unclear. Many of the casualties happened in a carriage at the front of the train, said one official, adding that the driver, surnamed You, has been moved out of intensive care, though his condition was still unstable. "We will ask him what happened after he stabilizes," said Liu Can-huang, head of the car maintenance unit of the railways. The train recorder, which tracks speed, among other data, has been sent to prosecutors to be examined, he added. The derailment was not expected to cause a major disruption to economic activity, however. Tung Xiao-ling, 43, sobbed as she told Reuters how she had lost eight of 17 family members, aged nine to 67, as they returned from celebrating her sister's wedding. "No one can accept that one day you are a bride and the next day you are mourning a family member," said Tung, who was not on board the derailed train. "I hope they find out what happened as soon as possible. We trusted the safety of Puyuma," she said, referring to the express train line. The fastest of Taiwan's regular trains, the Puyuma Express began operating in 2013 to negotiate the rough terrain of the east coast. Hundreds of rescuers and military worked through the night, using spotlights to search the wreckage for survivors, as ambulances waited to take the injured to hospital. Some rescue workers gave first aid to the injured, while others used cranes to lift some of the battered cars sprawled in a zigzag near the tracks. "This is something that is not supposed to happen when taking a train," said Chen Tai-liang, whose niece, a seventh grader, was killed. "Why did it happen?" he asked, after speaking to Tsai.

Taiwan train accident: President Tsai, Buddhist monks offer prayers

Train derails in Taiwan kills 17

Thousands protest in Taiwan against China's bullying

Tens of thousands of Taiwan independence campaigners took to the streets Saturday for a major rally that is a rebuke to Beijing and a challenge to the island's already embattled government.

The protest in central Taipei came as China increasingly pushes its claim to the self-ruling democratic island and President Tsai Ing-wen struggles to appease Beijing and independence factions.

It was the first large-scale protest calling for an outright independence vote since Taiwan first became a democracy more than 20 years ago.

Organisers claimed a turnout of more than 100,000.&nbsp;

Demonstrators gathered outside the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) headquarters chanting "Want Referendum!" and "Oppose Annexation!"

China still sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, despite the two sides being ruled separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949.

Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state, with its own currency, political and judicial systems, but has never declared formal independence from the mainland.

Beijing has warned it would respond with force if Taiwan tried an official split.

Organised by new group Formosa Alliance, which is backed by two pro-independence former Taiwan presidents, Lee Teng-hui and Chen Shui-bian, the rally called for a public vote on whether the island should formally declare independence from China.

"We want to tell China to stop bullying Taiwan," Alliance leader Kuo Pei-horng, 63, told the crowd.

"Taiwanese people want to be their own master," he added.

Activist and lawmaker Huang Kuo-chang also spoke to protesters, calling for a new constitution.

"Taiwanese politicians should let Taiwanese people build a normal country through holding a referendum," he said.

Families brought their young children to the event, but the majority of protesters were older residents, with some pro-independence church groups also joining the rally.

"Only through holding a referendum can Taiwanese people show to the international community our right to build an independent new country," said Tsai Wen-li, 63, a retired postal worker who wore a T-shirt reading "Taiwan is my country".

"We should take concrete action, hold a referendum and declare independence," added 16-year-old Hung Chen-jen.

"I don't want Taiwan to be eaten up by China," she told AFP.

Engineer Rex Yang, 35, described Taiwan as an "orphan in the international community".

Beijing pressure

Even though the DPP is traditionally independence-leaning, Tsai has said she wants to maintain the status quo with China.

But that has not prevented relations deteriorating since she took office in 2016, as she refuses to adhere to Beijing's line that Taiwan is part of "one China".

Beijing has made a multi-pronged attack to erase Taiwan from the international stage, including blocking it from global forums and poaching its dwindling number of official diplomatic allies.

China has also successfully pressured global firms to list Taiwan as part of China on their company websites.

At the same time, Tsai's measured approach has alienated some pro-independence DPP supporters.

A vote on independence would require an amendment to current laws, which bar referendums on changing the constitution or sovereign territory.&nbsp;

Formosa Alliance is urging the DPP government, which has a majority in parliament, to change the laws to allow such a vote.

Analysts agree Tsai would be unlikely to allow such an amendment which would be a red flag to Beijing.

Chinese authorities have already said Formosa Alliance should not go down what they called a "dangerous path".

The DPP publicly prohibited its officials and candidates from attending Saturday's rally, instead holding its own protest against China's "annexation" of Taiwan in the southern city of Kaohsiung, its traditional heartland.

But the rally did not call for an independence vote and in a statement ahead of the protest, the DPP emphasised it did not want to "change the status quo of Taiwan's independent sovereignty".&nbsp;

Organisers said 10,000 people attended the Kaohshiung event.

Holding a separate rally was seen as a way for the DPP to distance itself from activists but to reflect the feelings of some of its more pro-independence members and supporters. 
&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of Taiwan independence campaigners took to the streets Saturday for a major rally that is a rebuke to Beijing and a challenge to the island's already embattled government.

Tens of thousands of Taiwan independence campaigners took to the streets Saturday for a major rally that is a rebuke to Beijing and a challenge to the island's already embattled government. The protest in central Taipei came as China increasingly pushes its claim to the self-ruling democratic island and President Tsai Ing-wen struggles to appease Beijing and independence factions. It was the first large-scale protest calling for an outright independence vote since Taiwan first became a democracy more than 20 years ago. Organisers claimed a turnout of more than 100,000. Demonstrators gathered outside the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) headquarters chanting "Want Referendum!" and "Oppose Annexation!" China still sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, despite the two sides being ruled separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949. Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state, with its own currency, political and judicial systems, but has never declared formal independence from the mainland. Beijing has warned it would respond with force if Taiwan tried an official split. Organised by new group Formosa Alliance, which is backed by two pro-independence former Taiwan presidents, Lee Teng-hui and Chen Shui-bian, the rally called for a public vote on whether the island should formally declare independence from China. "We want to tell China to stop bullying Taiwan," Alliance leader Kuo Pei-horng, 63, told the crowd. "Taiwanese people want to be their own master," he added. Activist and lawmaker Huang Kuo-chang also spoke to protesters, calling for a new constitution. "Taiwanese politicians should let Taiwanese people build a normal country through holding a referendum," he said. Families brought their young children to the event, but the majority of protesters were older residents, with some pro-independence church groups also joining the rally. "Only through holding a referendum can Taiwanese people show to the international community our right to build an independent new country," said Tsai Wen-li, 63, a retired postal worker who wore a T-shirt reading "Taiwan is my country". "We should take concrete action, hold a referendum and declare independence," added 16-year-old Hung Chen-jen. "I don't want Taiwan to be eaten up by China," she told AFP. Engineer Rex Yang, 35, described Taiwan as an "orphan in the international community". Beijing pressure Even though the DPP is traditionally independence-leaning, Tsai has said she wants to maintain the status quo with China. But that has not prevented relations deteriorating since she took office in 2016, as she refuses to adhere to Beijing's line that Taiwan is part of "one China". Beijing has made a multi-pronged attack to erase Taiwan from the international stage, including blocking it from global forums and poaching its dwindling number of official diplomatic allies. China has also successfully pressured global firms to list Taiwan as part of China on their company websites. At the same time, Tsai's measured approach has alienated some pro-independence DPP supporters. A vote on independence would require an amendment to current laws, which bar referendums on changing the constitution or sovereign territory. Formosa Alliance is urging the DPP government, which has a majority in parliament, to change the laws to allow such a vote. Analysts agree Tsai would be unlikely to allow such an amendment which would be a red flag to Beijing. Chinese authorities have already said Formosa Alliance should not go down what they called a "dangerous path". The DPP publicly prohibited its officials and candidates from attending Saturday's rally, instead holding its own protest against China's "annexation" of Taiwan in the southern city of Kaohsiung, its traditional heartland. But the rally did not call for an independence vote and in a statement ahead of the protest, the DPP emphasised it did not want to "change the status quo of Taiwan's independent sovereignty". Organisers said 10,000 people attended the Kaohshiung event. Holding a separate rally was seen as a way for the DPP to distance itself from activists but to reflect the feelings of some of its more pro-independence members and supporters.

Thousands rally in Taiwan, call for referendum on independence from China

Taiwan has invited Pope Francis to visit, its President Tsai Ing-wen said, just weeks after the Vatican reached a milestone deal on the appointment of bishops with China, which claims the self-ruled island as its own.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/rome-will-appoint-bishops-china-let-it-be-clear-pope-francis-167721">Also Read:&nbsp;Rome will appoint bishops in China, let it be clear: Pope Francis</a>

Last month's deal gives the Holy See, Taiwan's last remaining diplomatic ally in Europe, a long-sought say over such appointments, although both sides call it "provisional" and sources have said some key issues remain unresolved.

Taiwan vice president Chen Chien-jen met Francis on Sunday and invited him to visit, Tsai's office said in a statement, adding that the Pope had replied he would pray for Taiwan. But it gave no date for the proposed visit.

Chen emphasized the provisional nature of the agreement between the Vatican and China, saying it did not involve a "diplomatic element" or affect the friendship between Taiwan and the Vatican, the statement added.

"We urge everyone not to excessively interpret and worry about this (deal)," it quoted Chen as saying.

On social media, Tsai thanked the Pope for his blessings. "We will take active and concrete actions to support the pope and to transmit our common values of freedom, justice, peace and care to all corners of the world," she wrote.

Although the Vatican says its September&nbsp;22 deal is not political, some Taiwan officials worry it could be a prelude to establishing diplomatic ties with Beijing, and Taiwan's Vatican envoy has said China wants to make the island irrelevant.

Taipei has routinely accused China, which considers it a breakaway province and has never ruled out the use of force to return it to the fold, of using dollar diplomacy and bullying to lure away its allies, charges Beijing has denied.

This year, former allies El Salvador, Burkina Faso and the Dominican Republic switched ties to Beijing from Taipei, leaving it with just 17 formal allies, mostly less developed nations in Central America and the Pacific.

On October&nbsp;1st, in the first sign of a thaw after the pact, which was more than 10 years in the making, the Vatican said Beijing would, for the first time, allow Chinese bishops to attend a major Vatican meeting.

The meeting, known as a synod, began on October&nbsp;3 and runs until October&nbsp;28th.

However, Michael Yeung, the bishop of Hong Kong, told Reuters it will take time to tackle issues beyond the appointment of bishops and he feared suppression of Catholics in mainland China would continue despite the accord.

About a dozen bishops and priests, some elderly, remain in detention in China. Some have not been heard from in decades. Beijing has provided little clear information about their fate.

Taiwan has invited Pope Francis to visit, its President Tsai Ing-wen said, just weeks after the Vatican reached a milestone deal on the appointment of bishops with China, which claims the self-ruled island as its own.

Taiwan has invited Pope Francis to visit, its President Tsai Ing-wen said, just weeks after the Vatican reached a milestone deal on the appointment of bishops with China, which claims the self-ruled island as its own. Also Read: Rome will appoint bishops in China, let it be clear: Pope Francis Last month's deal gives the Holy See, Taiwan's last remaining diplomatic ally in Europe, a long-sought say over such appointments, although both sides call it "provisional" and sources have said some key issues remain unresolved. Taiwan vice president Chen Chien-jen met Francis on Sunday and invited him to visit, Tsai's office said in a statement, adding that the Pope had replied he would pray for Taiwan. But it gave no date for the proposed visit. Chen emphasized the provisional nature of the agreement between the Vatican and China, saying it did not involve a "diplomatic element" or affect the friendship between Taiwan and the Vatican, the statement added. "We urge everyone not to excessively interpret and worry about this (deal)," it quoted Chen as saying. On social media, Tsai thanked the Pope for his blessings. "We will take active and concrete actions to support the pope and to transmit our common values of freedom, justice, peace and care to all corners of the world," she wrote. Although the Vatican says its September 22 deal is not political, some Taiwan officials worry it could be a prelude to establishing diplomatic ties with Beijing, and Taiwan's Vatican envoy has said China wants to make the island irrelevant. Taipei has routinely accused China, which considers it a breakaway province and has never ruled out the use of force to return it to the fold, of using dollar diplomacy and bullying to lure away its allies, charges Beijing has denied. This year, former allies El Salvador, Burkina Faso and the Dominican Republic switched ties to Beijing from Taipei, leaving it with just 17 formal allies, mostly less developed nations in Central America and the Pacific. On October 1st, in the first sign of a thaw after the pact, which was more than 10 years in the making, the Vatican said Beijing would, for the first time, allow Chinese bishops to attend a major Vatican meeting. The meeting, known as a synod, began on October 3 and runs until October 28th. However, Michael Yeung, the bishop of Hong Kong, told Reuters it will take time to tackle issues beyond the appointment of bishops and he feared suppression of Catholics in mainland China would continue despite the accord. About a dozen bishops and priests, some elderly, remain in detention in China. Some have not been heard from in decades. Beijing has provided little clear information about their fate.

Taiwan invites Pope Francis; no dates announced

China accused the United States on Sunday of going on the offensive by sending US&nbsp;Navy vessels into the South China Sea and described US&nbsp;arms sales to Taiwan as interference in Chinese internal affairs.

"It’s not Chinese warships that are going to the coast of California or to the Gulf of Mexico. It’s so close to the Chinese islands and it is so close to the Chinese coast. So who is on the offensive, who is on the defensive? This is very clear," Ambassador Cui Tiankai told the "Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace" program, apparently referring to a US&nbsp;destroyer sailing near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on September&nbsp;30.&nbsp;

China accused the United States on Sunday of going on the offensive by sending US Navy vessels into the South China Sea and described US arms sales to Taiwan as interference in Chinese internal affairs.

China accused the United States on Sunday of going on the offensive by sending US Navy vessels into the South China Sea and described US arms sales to Taiwan as interference in Chinese internal affairs. "It’s not Chinese warships that are going to the coast of California or to the Gulf of Mexico. It’s so close to the Chinese islands and it is so close to the Chinese coast. So who is on the offensive, who is on the defensive? This is very clear," Ambassador Cui Tiankai told the "Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace" program, apparently referring to a US destroyer sailing near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on September 30.

China says US arms sales to Taiwan interfere in its affairs

Donald Trump has escalated his feud with China into a full-press offensive that has drawn comparisons to the Cold War. Now the question on both sides of the Pacific is, how will it end?

In recent weeks, Trump has slapped $250 billion worth of tariffs, boosted military support for rival Taiwan, accused China of interfering in US elections, stepped up denunciations of Beijing's human rights record and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-tightens-controls-on-china-imports-of-nuclear-components-170965">curtailed its access to US nuclear technology</a>.

The real estate mogul, who early in his tenure had described Chinese President Xi Jinping as a friend, was generally presumed to be most interested in trade as he has repeatedly vowed to ramp up US factory production by fighting back the flow of cheaper manufactured imports.&nbsp;

But his administration has expanded its pressure campaign to virtually all fronts, a strategy unprecedented since the time the United States and China established diplomatic relations four decades ago.

"It is a full-frontal assault by the US on China," said Elizabeth Economy, director for Asia studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.

"There is a general sense in Washington that China is simply too big now, it's simply too large as a country and as an economy, to allow it to continue to violate all sorts of expected international trade and investment norms," she said.

Economy said that the United States was also struck at how Xi has "presented a very different China to the world" with a "much more ambitious and expansive foreign policy."

"The US and other countries say, 'Okay, this is the China we have to deal with, not what we anticipated ten years ago.'"

China ready for 'marathon'

Hua Po, a political commentator in Beijing, agreed that trade was only the "superficial" source of friction.

He believed that the underlying concern of the United States was the Made in China 2025 plan, under which Beijing has set a goal of rapidly ensuring that a majority of its industry is sourced domestically.

The United States accuses China of rampantly stealing technology and seeking an unfair trade advantage by forcing foreign businesses to work with local partners.

"Even if the trade issue is resolved, other problems between China and the United States will continue to exist," Hua said.

Hua said that Trump seemed to want "to fight a new cold war." But Hua doubted that the United States would enjoy the support of its allies, especially in Europe, which do not see China as the same type of threat as the former Soviet Union.

And amid turbulence on Wall Street, China is expecting the US economy to see growing strains as negative effects emerge from Trump's signature domestic policy of tax cuts, Hua said.

"China does believe that this dispute will last for some time. The United States wants to run a 100-meter race with China, but China wants a marathon with the United States," he said.

Diplomacy through confrontation

Tensions soared between the world's two largest economies last month at the annual UN General Assembly session.&nbsp;

A closed-door meeting of foreign ministers from the five permanent members of the Security Council turned "icy" as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lashed out aggressively against China, whose foreign minister, Wang Yi, responded with similar intensity, according to a witness.

Vice President Mike Pence a week later delivered a speech in which he took China to task and made the headline-grabbing claim, a month ahead of congressional elections, that Beijing was intervening in US politics, citing the Asian power's purchase of newspaper advertisements and its imposition of counter tariffs in politically crucial states.

The two countries have still kept in contact on resolving the nuclear crisis with North Korea, a top priority for both powers, with Pompeo visiting Beijing after a stop in Pyongyang.

Ryan Hass, the director for China policy on the White House's National Security Council under Obama, said that Trump had taken a new course by emphasizing public pressure over diplomacy with China.

He said that Trump had gambled "on the assumption that Beijing needs a stable relationship with Washington" and that Beijing is ready to moderate its policies both at home and abroad.

"Beijing believes Washington is organizing itself to contest China's rise. As such, Beijing sees little incentive to accommodate Trump's demands on trade or other issues, because doing so would not resolve the underlying source of intensifying rivalry -- Washington's efforts to hold back China's rise," said Hass, now a fellow at the Brookings Institution.

"Given these dynamics, it is unlikely that either side will moderate its approach in the foreseeable future," he said.

Donald Trump has escalated his feud with China into a full-press offensive that has drawn comparisons to the Cold War. Now the question on both sides of the Pacific is, how will it end?

Donald Trump has escalated his feud with China into a full-press offensive that has drawn comparisons to the Cold War. Now the question on both sides of the Pacific is, how will it end? In recent weeks, Trump has slapped $250 billion worth of tariffs, boosted military support for rival Taiwan, accused China of interfering in US elections, stepped up denunciations of Beijing's human rights record and curtailed its access to US nuclear technology. The real estate mogul, who early in his tenure had described Chinese President Xi Jinping as a friend, was generally presumed to be most interested in trade as he has repeatedly vowed to ramp up US factory production by fighting back the flow of cheaper manufactured imports. But his administration has expanded its pressure campaign to virtually all fronts, a strategy unprecedented since the time the United States and China established diplomatic relations four decades ago. "It is a full-frontal assault by the US on China," said Elizabeth Economy, director for Asia studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. "There is a general sense in Washington that China is simply too big now, it's simply too large as a country and as an economy, to allow it to continue to violate all sorts of expected international trade and investment norms," she said. Economy said that the United States was also struck at how Xi has "presented a very different China to the world" with a "much more ambitious and expansive foreign policy." "The US and other countries say, 'Okay, this is the China we have to deal with, not what we anticipated ten years ago.'" China ready for 'marathon' Hua Po, a political commentator in Beijing, agreed that trade was only the "superficial" source of friction. He believed that the underlying concern of the United States was the Made in China 2025 plan, under which Beijing has set a goal of rapidly ensuring that a majority of its industry is sourced domestically. The United States accuses China of rampantly stealing technology and seeking an unfair trade advantage by forcing foreign businesses to work with local partners. "Even if the trade issue is resolved, other problems between China and the United States will continue to exist," Hua said. Hua said that Trump seemed to want "to fight a new cold war." But Hua doubted that the United States would enjoy the support of its allies, especially in Europe, which do not see China as the same type of threat as the former Soviet Union. And amid turbulence on Wall Street, China is expecting the US economy to see growing strains as negative effects emerge from Trump's signature domestic policy of tax cuts, Hua said. "China does believe that this dispute will last for some time. The United States wants to run a 100-meter race with China, but China wants a marathon with the United States," he said. Diplomacy through confrontation Tensions soared between the world's two largest economies last month at the annual UN General Assembly session. A closed-door meeting of foreign ministers from the five permanent members of the Security Council turned "icy" as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lashed out aggressively against China, whose foreign minister, Wang Yi, responded with similar intensity, according to a witness. Vice President Mike Pence a week later delivered a speech in which he took China to task and made the headline-grabbing claim, a month ahead of congressional elections, that Beijing was intervening in US politics, citing the Asian power's purchase of newspaper advertisements and its imposition of counter tariffs in politically crucial states. The two countries have still kept in contact on resolving the nuclear crisis with North Korea, a top priority for both powers, with Pompeo visiting Beijing after a stop in Pyongyang. Ryan Hass, the director for China policy on the White House's National Security Council under Obama, said that Trump had taken a new course by emphasizing public pressure over diplomacy with China. He said that Trump had gambled "on the assumption that Beijing needs a stable relationship with Washington" and that Beijing is ready to moderate its policies both at home and abroad. "Beijing believes Washington is organizing itself to contest China's rise. As such, Beijing sees little incentive to accommodate Trump's demands on trade or other issues, because doing so would not resolve the underlying source of intensifying rivalry -- Washington's efforts to hold back China's rise," said Hass, now a fellow at the Brookings Institution. "Given these dynamics, it is unlikely that either side will moderate its approach in the foreseeable future," he said.

The Trump-China trade war: How will it end? 

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen accused China of "seriously challenging" peace and stability Wednesday, describing the island she leads as being on the frontline of tensions in the Pacific.

It comes as Beijing pursues a multi-pronged attack on any claims to sovereignty by self-ruled democratic Taiwan, which it sees as part of its territory to be reunified, by force if necessary.&nbsp;

Relations between Beijing and Taipei have deteriorated since Tsai took office two years ago, as she refuses to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of "one China".

"As Taiwan is on the frontline of the Western Pacific, we are naturally subject to tremendous pressure," Tsai said in a televised speech to mark Taiwan's National Day.

"China's unilateral diplomatic offensive and military coercion have not only harmed cross-strait relations. They have also seriously challenged the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," she added.&nbsp;

Taiwan considers itself a sovereign country and has an independent political system, judiciary and currency, but has never formally declared a split, despite being ruled separately since 1949.&nbsp;

China has recently upped military drills around the island and has made a concerted effort to poach Taiwan's dwindling number of official allies -- only 17 countries still diplomatically recognise the island after five jumped ship since Tsai took power.&nbsp;

Beijing has also successfully put pressure on international businesses to list Taiwan as part of China on their websites and ensured Taiwan is shut out of global forums.&nbsp;

Strategic card

Tsai called on authorities in Beijing to "play a positive role in the region and the world, instead of being a source of conflict".

She pledged not to escalate tensions but also said Taiwan would seek to fortify its national security and diplomatic links, establishing its "irreplaceable strategic importance".

"I will not be provoked into confrontation or conflicts that endanger cross-strait relations, nor will I deviate from the will of the people, and sacrifice Taiwan's sovereignty," Tsai said.

"An effective response strategy must be rooted in national strength," she added.

China has recently upped military drills around the island and has made a concerted effort to poach Taiwan's dwindling number of official allies -- only 17 countries still diplomatically recognise the island after five jumped ship since Tsai took power.&nbsp;

Beijing has also successfully put pressure on international businesses to list Taiwan as part of China on their websites and ensured Taiwan is shut out of global forums.&nbsp;

Strategic card

Tsai called on authorities in Beijing to "play a positive role in the region and the world, instead of being a source of conflict".

She pledged not to escalate tensions but also said Taiwan would seek to fortify its national security and diplomatic links, establishing its "irreplaceable strategic importance".

"I will not be provoked into confrontation or conflicts that endanger cross-strait relations, nor will I deviate from the will of the people, and sacrifice Taiwan's sovereignty," Tsai said.

"An effective response strategy must be rooted in national strength," she added.

Worsening ties with Beijing and unpopular domestic reforms policies are putting Tsai's government under pressure ahead of major local elections next month.&nbsp;

Tsai warned in her speech that anyone interfering in the election process would "suffer serious consequences".&nbsp;

She has accused Beijing of spreading "fake information" to affect public trust in the government in the run-up to the vote.

Later Wednesday, thousands of supporters of Taiwan's Beijing-friendly opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party gathered in downtown Taipei, waving flags and singing Taiwan's anthem.

Under the former KMT government of President Ma Ying-jeou, from 2008 to 2016, there was an unprecedented rapprochement with Beijing.&nbsp;

Ma attended the rally and some participants said they hoped relations with China would improve.

"I hope Taiwan and China can maintain peace and not provoke each other," 55-year-old saleswoman Shui Tian told AFP at the rally.

She added that she was disappointed with the lack of Taiwan's national flag on display around the city, blaming the DPP.

Taiwan's official name is the Republic of China (ROC), and the ROC flag incorporates the white sun on a blue background motif that is the symbol of the KMT.

Some pro-independence campaigners want to see the island drop its old name and symbols and establish instead a Republic of Taiwan.&nbsp;

The DPP is traditionally pro-independence leaning, but Tsai has always emphasised the importance of maintaining the "status quo" with China.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen accused China of "seriously challenging" peace and stability Wednesday, describing the island she leads as being on the frontline of tensions in the Pacific.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen accused China of "seriously challenging" peace and stability Wednesday, describing the island she leads as being on the frontline of tensions in the Pacific. It comes as Beijing pursues a multi-pronged attack on any claims to sovereignty by self-ruled democratic Taiwan, which it sees as part of its territory to be reunified, by force if necessary. Relations between Beijing and Taipei have deteriorated since Tsai took office two years ago, as she refuses to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of "one China". "As Taiwan is on the frontline of the Western Pacific, we are naturally subject to tremendous pressure," Tsai said in a televised speech to mark Taiwan's National Day. "China's unilateral diplomatic offensive and military coercion have not only harmed cross-strait relations. They have also seriously challenged the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," she added. Taiwan considers itself a sovereign country and has an independent political system, judiciary and currency, but has never formally declared a split, despite being ruled separately since 1949. China has recently upped military drills around the island and has made a concerted effort to poach Taiwan's dwindling number of official allies -- only 17 countries still diplomatically recognise the island after five jumped ship since Tsai took power. Beijing has also successfully put pressure on international businesses to list Taiwan as part of China on their websites and ensured Taiwan is shut out of global forums. Strategic card Tsai called on authorities in Beijing to "play a positive role in the region and the world, instead of being a source of conflict". She pledged not to escalate tensions but also said Taiwan would seek to fortify its national security and diplomatic links, establishing its "irreplaceable strategic importance". "I will not be provoked into confrontation or conflicts that endanger cross-strait relations, nor will I deviate from the will of the people, and sacrifice Taiwan's sovereignty," Tsai said. "An effective response strategy must be rooted in national strength," she added. China has recently upped military drills around the island and has made a concerted effort to poach Taiwan's dwindling number of official allies -- only 17 countries still diplomatically recognise the island after five jumped ship since Tsai took power. Beijing has also successfully put pressure on international businesses to list Taiwan as part of China on their websites and ensured Taiwan is shut out of global forums. Strategic card Tsai called on authorities in Beijing to "play a positive role in the region and the world, instead of being a source of conflict". She pledged not to escalate tensions but also said Taiwan would seek to fortify its national security and diplomatic links, establishing its "irreplaceable strategic importance". "I will not be provoked into confrontation or conflicts that endanger cross-strait relations, nor will I deviate from the will of the people, and sacrifice Taiwan's sovereignty," Tsai said. "An effective response strategy must be rooted in national strength," she added. Worsening ties with Beijing and unpopular domestic reforms policies are putting Tsai's government under pressure ahead of major local elections next month. Tsai warned in her speech that anyone interfering in the election process would "suffer serious consequences". She has accused Beijing of spreading "fake information" to affect public trust in the government in the run-up to the vote. Later Wednesday, thousands of supporters of Taiwan's Beijing-friendly opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party gathered in downtown Taipei, waving flags and singing Taiwan's anthem. Under the former KMT government of President Ma Ying-jeou, from 2008 to 2016, there was an unprecedented rapprochement with Beijing. Ma attended the rally and some participants said they hoped relations with China would improve. "I hope Taiwan and China can maintain peace and not provoke each other," 55-year-old saleswoman Shui Tian told AFP at the rally. She added that she was disappointed with the lack of Taiwan's national flag on display around the city, blaming the DPP. Taiwan's official name is the Republic of China (ROC), and the ROC flag incorporates the white sun on a blue background motif that is the symbol of the KMT. Some pro-independence campaigners want to see the island drop its old name and symbols and establish instead a Republic of Taiwan. The DPP is traditionally pro-independence leaning, but Tsai has always emphasised the importance of maintaining the "status quo" with China.

China 'seriously challenging' Taiwan peace: Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen

Taiwan's infantry and air force conducted a joint anti-invasion drill on Tuesday, including what it called a "simulated invasion by opposing force", on the eve of the island's National Day.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-tells-taiwan-to-halt-all-mainland-spying-sabotage-activities-165907">Also Read:&nbsp;China tells Taiwan to halt all mainland spying, sabotage activities</a>

The drill started with fictitious enemy troops taking over an air base near the northern city of Taoyuan, followed by a joint operation of Taiwan's military and air force to reclaim control of the base.

"Taiwan's National Day coincides with a month of combat preparedness training demonstrations, so we are using this opportunity to invite President Abdo and President Tsai to learn more about the efficiency of Taiwan's military training," defence ministry spokesman Chen Chung-chi said.

China regards Taiwan as a wayward province and it has never renounced the use of force to bring the island back under its control. It has intensified military activity surrounding Taiwan in recent years.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen and her Paraguayan counterpart Mario Abdo Benitez both attended the drill, Abdo was on the island to attend the National Day celebrations set to take place the following day.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry spokesman Chen Chung-Chi told media that the drill demonstrated the combat readiness and efficacy of Taiwan's military and will also have a positive effect on future exchanges between Taiwan and Paraguay.

Taiwan's infantry and air force conducted a joint anti-invasion drill on Tuesday, including what it called a "simulated invasion by opposing force", on the eve of the island's National Day.

Taiwan's infantry and air force conducted a joint anti-invasion drill on Tuesday, including what it called a "simulated invasion by opposing force", on the eve of the island's National Day. Also Read: China tells Taiwan to halt all mainland spying, sabotage activities The drill started with fictitious enemy troops taking over an air base near the northern city of Taoyuan, followed by a joint operation of Taiwan's military and air force to reclaim control of the base. "Taiwan's National Day coincides with a month of combat preparedness training demonstrations, so we are using this opportunity to invite President Abdo and President Tsai to learn more about the efficiency of Taiwan's military training," defence ministry spokesman Chen Chung-chi said. China regards Taiwan as a wayward province and it has never renounced the use of force to bring the island back under its control. It has intensified military activity surrounding Taiwan in recent years. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen and her Paraguayan counterpart Mario Abdo Benitez both attended the drill, Abdo was on the island to attend the National Day celebrations set to take place the following day. Taiwan's Defense Ministry spokesman Chen Chung-Chi told media that the drill demonstrated the combat readiness and efficacy of Taiwan's military and will also have a positive effect on future exchanges between Taiwan and Paraguay.

Watch: Taiwan conducts 'anti-invasion' drill ahead of National Day

The United States unveiled a new $256 million representative office in Taiwan’s capital on Tuesday, a de facto embassy that underscores Washington’s strategic ties with the democratic, self-ruled island as it faces escalating tensions with China.

Washington cut diplomatic ties with Taipei in 1979 but remains the island’s strongest ally and sole foreign arms supplier. It opened the American Institute of Taiwan (AIT) to conduct relations between the two sides after severing ties.

In comments certain to rile Beijing, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said the new complex was a reaffirmation of both sides commitment to a “vital relationship.”

“The friendship between Taiwan and the U.S. has never been more promising. The great story of Taiwan-U.S. relations remains to be filled with the efforts of those that will one day occupy this building,” Tsai said.

So long as both sides stood together, nothing could come between them, she added.

The new complex, a significant upgrade from the low-key military building the AIT had used for decades, will serve as the representative office later this summer, said AIT Director Kin Moy.

Marie Royce, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, said at a ceremony to mark the unveiling that the complex was a symbol of the strength and vibrancy of the U.S.-Taiwan partnership.

“We have faced many trials along this journey, but we have risen to the challenge at every turn, knowing that our shared commitment to democracy would see us through,” said Royce, who is the highest-ranking State Department official to visit Taiwan since 2015.

The sprawling new site occupies 6.5 hectares, including Chinese gardens, in Taipei’s Neihu district. AIT’s Taipei office has nearly 500 American and local employees, while its Kaohsiung branch has more than 30 staff.

The ceremony was attended by scores of high-ranking Taiwan officials as well as senior business executives, including Morris Chang, the former chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC), the world’s biggest contract chip maker.

China claims self-ruled Taiwan under its “one China” policy and Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring what it sees as a wayward province under its control.

China’s hostility towards Taiwan has grown since President Tsai was elected in 2016. Beijing suspects Tsai wants to push for formal independence, which would cross a red line for Communist Party leaders in Beijing.

Widely read Chinese state-run newspaper the Global Times said on Tuesday China needed to warn Taiwan and the United States against provocation.

“The mainland must continue to build up its deterrence against Taiwanese authorities, making them know that the U.S. cannot be their savior,” it said in an editorial on the opening of the new office.

Taiwan recently lost two diplomatic allies after they switched ties to China, while some international companies have changed their websites to show the island’s designation as being part of China.

China has also stepped up military drills, sending bombers and jet fighters on exercises near the island that Taipei has denounced as intimidation.

Taiwan has lobbied Washington to sell it more advanced equipment, including new fighter jets, to bolster its defenses.

&nbsp

Washington cut diplomatic ties with Taipei in 1979 but remains the island’s strongest ally and sole foreign arms supplier. It opened the American Institute of Taiwan (AIT) to conduct relations between the two sides after severing ties

The United States unveiled a new $256 million representative office in Taiwan’s capital on Tuesday, a de facto embassy that underscores Washington’s strategic ties with the democratic, self-ruled island as it faces escalating tensions with China. Washington cut diplomatic ties with Taipei in 1979 but remains the island’s strongest ally and sole foreign arms supplier. It opened the American Institute of Taiwan (AIT) to conduct relations between the two sides after severing ties. In comments certain to rile Beijing, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said the new complex was a reaffirmation of both sides commitment to a “vital relationship.” “The friendship between Taiwan and the U.S. has never been more promising. The great story of Taiwan-U.S. relations remains to be filled with the efforts of those that will one day occupy this building,” Tsai said. So long as both sides stood together, nothing could come between them, she added. The new complex, a significant upgrade from the low-key military building the AIT had used for decades, will serve as the representative office later this summer, said AIT Director Kin Moy. Marie Royce, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, said at a ceremony to mark the unveiling that the complex was a symbol of the strength and vibrancy of the U.S.-Taiwan partnership. “We have faced many trials along this journey, but we have risen to the challenge at every turn, knowing that our shared commitment to democracy would see us through,” said Royce, who is the highest-ranking State Department official to visit Taiwan since 2015. The sprawling new site occupies 6.5 hectares, including Chinese gardens, in Taipei’s Neihu district. AIT’s Taipei office has nearly 500 American and local employees, while its Kaohsiung branch has more than 30 staff. The ceremony was attended by scores of high-ranking Taiwan officials as well as senior business executives, including Morris Chang, the former chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC), the world’s biggest contract chip maker. China claims self-ruled Taiwan under its “one China” policy and Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring what it sees as a wayward province under its control. China’s hostility towards Taiwan has grown since President Tsai was elected in 2016. Beijing suspects Tsai wants to push for formal independence, which would cross a red line for Communist Party leaders in Beijing. Widely read Chinese state-run newspaper the Global Times said on Tuesday China needed to warn Taiwan and the United States against provocation. “The mainland must continue to build up its deterrence against Taiwanese authorities, making them know that the U.S. cannot be their savior,” it said in an editorial on the opening of the new office. Taiwan recently lost two diplomatic allies after they switched ties to China, while some international companies have changed their websites to show the island’s designation as being part of China. China has also stepped up military drills, sending bombers and jet fighters on exercises near the island that Taipei has denounced as intimidation. Taiwan has lobbied Washington to sell it more advanced equipment, including new fighter jets, to bolster its defenses.

US unveils de facto embassy in Taiwan amid China tensions

Taiwan on Monday called for the militarization of the South China Sea to stop and denied having plans to lease Taiping Island in the disputed maritime area to the United States.

In a statement, the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry said that the South China Sea disputes must be resolved in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the freedom of navigation and overflight, while calling for the militarization in the area to be stopped.

In addition, Taiwan said that it has never had plans to allow any foreign country, including the United States, to use Taiping Island, a Taiwan-controlled islet that forms part of the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, and that Washington has never proposed this idea.

The Taiwanese government also called on the media not to spread false news that could disrupt its ties with China or worsen the disputes in the South China Sea, and reiterated the policy of using Taiping Island for humanitarian aid and international scientific research.

At the beginning of June, a think tank linked to the Taiwan Democratic Progressive Party proposed the idea of leasing the islet to the US amid China's growing diplomatic and military strength in the area. 
Taiwan has control over two islands in the South China Sea - Pratas and Taiping - and claims sovereignty over this strategic area along with China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.

In a statement, the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry said that the South China Sea disputes must be resolved in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the freedom of navigation and overflight, while calling for the militarization in the area to be stopped

Taiwan on Monday called for the militarization of the South China Sea to stop and denied having plans to lease Taiping Island in the disputed maritime area to the United States. In a statement, the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry said that the South China Sea disputes must be resolved in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the freedom of navigation and overflight, while calling for the militarization in the area to be stopped. In addition, Taiwan said that it has never had plans to allow any foreign country, including the United States, to use Taiping Island, a Taiwan-controlled islet that forms part of the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, and that Washington has never proposed this idea. The Taiwanese government also called on the media not to spread false news that could disrupt its ties with China or worsen the disputes in the South China Sea, and reiterated the policy of using Taiping Island for humanitarian aid and international scientific research. At the beginning of June, a think tank linked to the Taiwan Democratic Progressive Party proposed the idea of leasing the islet to the US amid China's growing diplomatic and military strength in the area. Taiwan has control over two islands in the South China Sea - Pratas and Taiping - and claims sovereignty over this strategic area along with China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.

Taiwan condemns militarisation in South China Sea

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