Taiwan's air force scrambled aircraft on Friday as Chinese bombers flew around the self-ruled island, just a few hours after&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;vowed not to be cowed having lost another diplomatic ally amid growing Chinese pressure.

Taiwan&nbsp;is China's most sensitive territorial issue and a potential dangerous military flashpoint. China claims the island as its sacred territory and has vowed not to allow any attempts at what it views as&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;separatism.

Tension between democratic&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and its big neighbour has increased in recent months, with China suspicious the administration of President Tsai Ing-wen wants to push for the island's formal independence.

Tsai, who took offer in 2016, says she wants to maintain the status quo, but will protect&nbsp;Taiwan's security and not be bullied by Beijing.

In the latest flight by Chinese aircraft around&nbsp;Taiwan, two H-6 bombers passed through the Bashi Channel which separates&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;from the Philippines in the early hours of Friday and then rounded&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;via Japan's Miyako Strait, to&nbsp;Taiwan's northeast, the island's defence ministry said.

Taiwan&nbsp;aircraft accompanied and monitored the Chinese bombers throughout, the ministry said, describing the Chinese aircraft as being on a long-range training mission.

The people of&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;should not be alarmed as the air force was well able to monitor the Chinese aircraft as they approach and during their missions and can ensure&nbsp;Taiwan's security, the ministry added.

There was no immediate word from China. It has said these missions, which have become increasingly frequent, are to send a warning to&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;not to engage in separatist activity.

On Thursday,&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;lost its second diplomatic ally in less than a month when Burkina Faso said it had cut ties with the island. Tsai said&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;would not engage in "dollar diplomacy" and would not cower to China's pressure.

Speaking in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang would not say directly when China would establish ties with Burkina Faso, saying instead there was nothing surprising about countries wanting to develop normal relations with China.

Taiwan&nbsp;has only one diplomatic ally left in Africa – the tiny kingdom of Swaziland - and formal relations with just 18 countries worldwide, many of them poor countries in Central America and the Pacific like Belize and Nauru.

Taiwan&nbsp;Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told university students in Taipei that&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;needed allies to give it a voice on the international stage, as the island was excluded from most forums like the United Nations due to China's objections.

Wu also defended&nbsp;Taiwan's aid projects in its allies, saying when&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;was poor others helped it, and now it was time for&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;to help others.

"Taiwan&nbsp;absolutely cannot abandon this responsibility," Wu said, according to media.

"This isn't dollar diplomacy. This is diplomacy."

Taiwan is China's most sensitive territorial issue and a potential dangerous military flashpoint. China claims the island as its sacred territory and has vowed not to allow any attempts at what it views as Taiwan separatism

Taiwan's air force scrambled aircraft on Friday as Chinese bombers flew around the self-ruled island, just a few hours after Taiwan vowed not to be cowed having lost another diplomatic ally amid growing Chinese pressure. Taiwan is China's most sensitive territorial issue and a potential dangerous military flashpoint. China claims the island as its sacred territory and has vowed not to allow any attempts at what it views as Taiwan separatism. Tension between democratic Taiwan and its big neighbour has increased in recent months, with China suspicious the administration of President Tsai Ing-wen wants to push for the island's formal independence. Tsai, who took offer in 2016, says she wants to maintain the status quo, but will protect Taiwan's security and not be bullied by Beijing. In the latest flight by Chinese aircraft around Taiwan, two H-6 bombers passed through the Bashi Channel which separates Taiwan from the Philippines in the early hours of Friday and then rounded Taiwan via Japan's Miyako Strait, to Taiwan's northeast, the island's defence ministry said. Taiwan aircraft accompanied and monitored the Chinese bombers throughout, the ministry said, describing the Chinese aircraft as being on a long-range training mission. The people of Taiwan should not be alarmed as the air force was well able to monitor the Chinese aircraft as they approach and during their missions and can ensure Taiwan's security, the ministry added. There was no immediate word from China. It has said these missions, which have become increasingly frequent, are to send a warning to Taiwan not to engage in separatist activity. On Thursday, Taiwan lost its second diplomatic ally in less than a month when Burkina Faso said it had cut ties with the island. Tsai said Taiwan would not engage in "dollar diplomacy" and would not cower to China's pressure. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang would not say directly when China would establish ties with Burkina Faso, saying instead there was nothing surprising about countries wanting to develop normal relations with China. Taiwan has only one diplomatic ally left in Africa – the tiny kingdom of Swaziland - and formal relations with just 18 countries worldwide, many of them poor countries in Central America and the Pacific like Belize and Nauru. Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told university students in Taipei that Taiwan needed allies to give it a voice on the international stage, as the island was excluded from most forums like the United Nations due to China's objections. Wu also defended Taiwan's aid projects in its allies, saying when Taiwan was poor others helped it, and now it was time for Taiwan to help others. "Taiwan absolutely cannot abandon this responsibility," Wu said, according to media. "This isn't dollar diplomacy. This is diplomacy."

Taiwan sends aircraft to shadow Chinese bombers around island

The Sahel state of Burkina Faso announced&nbspThursday&nbspthat it was breaking diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

"The Burkina government decided today to break off its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan," Foreign Minister Alpha Barry&nbspsaid, in an announcement that follows a string of similar moves by African states since 2000.

"Since 1994, Burkina Faso has had cooperation relations with Taiwan," Barry said in a statement.

"But today, changes in the world, the current socio-economic challenges facing our country and our region call on us to reconsider our position."

The foreign minister did not mention whether Burkina Faso would switch diplomatic ties to China.

China considers Taiwan to be a renegade province.

The two have been engaged for years in a diplomatic tug-of-war in developing countries. Economic support and other aid are often used as bargaining chips for diplomatic recognition.

China has notched up a string of successes south of the Sahara, where it has gained a high profile in infrastructure projects, especially in transport.

"President Roch Marc Kabore has instructed me... to take all necessary steps to close our embassy in Taipei and Taiwan's (embassy) in our country," Barry said.

"This decision is guided by the firm will to defend the interests of Burkina and its people in the community of nations, and to develop better partnerships in order to strengthen our country's socio-economic progress."

A landlocked country of 18 million people on the southern rim of the Sahara, Burkina Faso is one of the poorest nations of the world.

It ranked 185th out of 188 states in the UN's Human Development Index for 2016.

"Since 1994, Burkina Faso has had cooperation relations with Taiwan," Barry said

The Sahel state of Burkina Faso announced&nbspThursday&nbspthat it was breaking diplomatic ties with Taiwan. "The Burkina government decided today to break off its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan," Foreign Minister Alpha Barry&nbspsaid, in an announcement that follows a string of similar moves by African states since 2000. "Since 1994, Burkina Faso has had cooperation relations with Taiwan," Barry said in a statement. "But today, changes in the world, the current socio-economic challenges facing our country and our region call on us to reconsider our position." The foreign minister did not mention whether Burkina Faso would switch diplomatic ties to China. China considers Taiwan to be a renegade province. The two have been engaged for years in a diplomatic tug-of-war in developing countries. Economic support and other aid are often used as bargaining chips for diplomatic recognition. China has notched up a string of successes south of the Sahara, where it has gained a high profile in infrastructure projects, especially in transport. "President Roch Marc Kabore has instructed me... to take all necessary steps to close our embassy in Taipei and Taiwan's (embassy) in our country," Barry said. "This decision is guided by the firm will to defend the interests of Burkina and its people in the community of nations, and to develop better partnerships in order to strengthen our country's socio-economic progress." A landlocked country of 18 million people on the southern rim of the Sahara, Burkina Faso is one of the poorest nations of the world. It ranked 185th out of 188 states in the UN's Human Development Index for 2016.

Burkina Faso breaks diplomatic ties with Taiwan

Taiwan's foreign minister&nbsp;Joseph Wu resigned today after Burkina Faso announced it was cutting diplomatic ties with the island nation.

China considers Taiwan as a breakway province and has been conducting military drills in Taiwan Straits for the past one month.

"I have already verbally tendered my resignation to the president," Wu told a press conference.

The Dominican Republic had earlier in the month broken ties with Taiwan.

In a&nbsp;statement, Burkina Faso's foreign minister Alpha Barry said his country was breaking diplomatic relationship with Taiwan.

"Since 1994, Burkina Faso has had cooperation relations with Taiwan," Barry said in a statement, adding, "but today, changes in the world, the current socio-economic challenges facing our country and our region call on us to reconsider our position."

Taiwan now has diplomatic relations with only 18 countries.&nbsp;

"President Roch Marc Kabore has instructed me... to take all necessary steps to close our embassy in Taipei and Taiwan's (embassy) in our country," Barry said.

"This decision is guided by the firm will to defend the interests of Burkina and its people in the community of nations, and to develop better partnerships in order to strengthen our country's socio-economic progress," the foreign minister added. 
&nbsp;

Taiwan now has diplomatic relations with only 18 countries.

Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu resigned today after Burkina Faso announced it was cutting diplomatic ties with the island nation. China considers Taiwan as a breakway province and has been conducting military drills in Taiwan Straits for the past one month. "I have already verbally tendered my resignation to the president," Wu told a press conference. The Dominican Republic had earlier in the month broken ties with Taiwan. In a statement, Burkina Faso's foreign minister Alpha Barry said his country was breaking diplomatic relationship with Taiwan. "Since 1994, Burkina Faso has had cooperation relations with Taiwan," Barry said in a statement, adding, "but today, changes in the world, the current socio-economic challenges facing our country and our region call on us to reconsider our position." Taiwan now has diplomatic relations with only 18 countries. "President Roch Marc Kabore has instructed me... to take all necessary steps to close our embassy in Taipei and Taiwan's (embassy) in our country," Barry said. "This decision is guided by the firm will to defend the interests of Burkina and its people in the community of nations, and to develop better partnerships in order to strengthen our country's socio-economic progress," the foreign minister added.

China effect? Now, Burkina Faso cuts diplomatic ties with Taiwan

China today expressed strong <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-backs-one-china-policy-in-first-call-with-chinas-xi-jinping-12241">dissatisfaction against the US</a> for going against the One-China policy urging it to abid by the policy set in motion in 1979.

"We urge the United States to abide <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-country-can-be-exception-to-one-china-principle-china-10201">by the one-China principle, the regulations </a>and relevant commitments made in the Three Sino-US joint communiques," China's ministry of foreign affairs said, adding," I don't understand why the United States prevents other countries from recognizing the one-China principle and normalizing their relations with China."

The foreign ministry cited a 1979 communique signed between to two countries to assert that "one-China principle had won recognition and support from the international community."

China's state-run Global Times recently said White House decision to criticise China's Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) that foreign airlines remove references on their websites suggesting Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao as "countries" "won't not scare Beijing".

In February, US President Trump had called President Xi to convey that he will honour the one-China policy after declaring earlier that the US did not necessarily have to stick to the one-China policy as the Chinese government expressed "serious concern".

"We urge it not to point fingers or make inappropriate remarks on other countries for developing relations with China, and not to interfere in Chinese internal affairs concerning cross-Strait ties," the foreign ministry said.

Even before taking office officially, Trump after winning the US election had called Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen which infuriated China.&nbsp;

China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province since 1949 when the Chinese republic had come into existence.&nbsp;

Although President Carter had restored ties with China in 1979, although China insisted the US sever ties with Taiwan but the Carter administration passed the Taiwan Relations Act ensuring ties with China urging both sides to pursue "constructive dialogue".

China recently conducted military drills near Taiwan Straits in what Beijing said was "designed to send a clear message to the island." Taiwan denounced the threats.

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office had said it would "foil any form of Taiwan independence separatist plots and moves and to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."

China recently conducted military drills near Taiwan Straits in what Beijing said was "designed to send a clear message to the island."

China today expressed strong dissatisfaction against the US for going against the One-China policy urging it to abid by the policy set in motion in 1979. "We urge the United States to abide by the one-China principle, the regulations and relevant commitments made in the Three Sino-US joint communiques," China's ministry of foreign affairs said, adding," I don't understand why the United States prevents other countries from recognizing the one-China principle and normalizing their relations with China." The foreign ministry cited a 1979 communique signed between to two countries to assert that "one-China principle had won recognition and support from the international community." China's state-run Global Times recently said White House decision to criticise China's Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) that foreign airlines remove references on their websites suggesting Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao as "countries" "won't not scare Beijing". In February, US President Trump had called President Xi to convey that he will honour the one-China policy after declaring earlier that the US did not necessarily have to stick to the one-China policy as the Chinese government expressed "serious concern". "We urge it not to point fingers or make inappropriate remarks on other countries for developing relations with China, and not to interfere in Chinese internal affairs concerning cross-Strait ties," the foreign ministry said. Even before taking office officially, Trump after winning the US election had called Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen which infuriated China. China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province since 1949 when the Chinese republic had come into existence. Although President Carter had restored ties with China in 1979, although China insisted the US sever ties with Taiwan but the Carter administration passed the Taiwan Relations Act ensuring ties with China urging both sides to pursue "constructive dialogue". China recently conducted military drills near Taiwan Straits in what Beijing said was "designed to send a clear message to the island." Taiwan denounced the threats. Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office had said it would "foil any form of Taiwan independence separatist plots and moves and to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Watch: We urge US to abide by one-China principle, says China

China is engaging in "cheque book diplomacy", <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-pakistan-having-security-economic-issues-in-cpec-project-132289">meaning Beijing is advancing loans</a> to countries that are unable to repay loans, researchers at Harvard University have said.

As a result of huge debt piling up, countries are ending up handing over land, ports and even airports to Chinese firms on long-term lease which finally end up serving China's ever-expanding strategic and military ambitions, Harvard researchers have said in a report.

The study has identified at least <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/36-glacial-lakes-in-gilgit-baltistan-declared-dangerous-due-to-china-pakistan-economic-corridor-34599">16 countries all over the world that owe China</a> large sums of money including Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia and several others.

Significantly, India's neighbours Pakistan and Sri Lanka top the list. Beijing is committed to investing $62 billion in infrastructure project in Pakistan under the&nbsp;China–Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) project. &nbsp;It has handed over the Gwadar port to China and also ceded land for a naval base nearby

The question on the minds of most Pakistan experts is how will Islamabad pay back China all the money, along with interest. Pakistan already owes China $19 billion for loans taken on various accounts including day-to-day spending. It has already handed over the Gwadar port to China.

Sri Lanka owes China $8 billion for loans forwarded by Beijing for various infrastructure projects. Like Pakistan, it has already handed over the Hambantota port on a 99-year long lease and Chinese ships have already started docking there during voyages from bases in the South China Sea.

In the far east, China invested $7 billion in Cambodia last December alone and with loans taken over the last two decades Cambodia is indebted to China to the tune of 60 per cent.

The dependence has seen Cambodia scrap the Angkor sentinel military exercise with the US and ties with Taiwan, Harvard researchers revealed.

Also, China has ensured Loas debt burden to rack up to 65 per cent which has resulted in vast tracts of agricultural land being taken over by Chinese migrants, the study said.&nbsp;China is also funding a new $6.7 billion railway line and it is&nbsp;not clear what China will demand if the Loas government is unable to repay the debt.

Elsewhere in Papua New Guinea near Australia, the government may have to surrender control over some of its reserves of oil, gold, copper and coffee, the study found. China is already a majority-owner in nickel mine and is funding construction of roads, ports and high-speed Intenet in the country.&nbsp;

This has meant Papua New Guinea's debt to China has risen from less than $ 3 million in five years to over $20 million today.

Malaysia which was earlier a staunch critic of China has toned down its rhetoric of China's muscle-flexing in the South China Sea after Beijing invested more than $2 billion in the country's state development fund. On the other hand, Philippines saw its banana exports being hit after it criticised China over its intervention in the South China Sea.

As part of the renewed push towards 'debt book diplomacy', Vanuatu located in the south pacific ocean, owes China half of its debts with reports suggesting Beijing may get a naval base there, the study said.

Several experts fear China is dumping unviable projects deliberately to push long-term strategic objectives, if India is concerned about Chinese investments in Sri Lanka and recently in Nepal, Australia is concerned about China's activities in its neighbourhood.

For the US, its strategic hold over the Marshalls islands and Palau in the Pacific could end as China muscles its way through &nbsp;"cheque book diplomacy".

China is also funding a new $6.7 billion railway line and it's not clear what China will demand if the Laos government is unable to repay the debt.

China is engaging in "cheque book diplomacy", meaning Beijing is advancing loans to countries that are unable to repay loans, researchers at Harvard University have said. As a result of huge debt piling up, countries are ending up handing over land, ports and even airports to Chinese firms on long-term lease which finally end up serving China's ever-expanding strategic and military ambitions, Harvard researchers have said in a report. The study has identified at least 16 countries all over the world that owe China large sums of money including Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia and several others. Significantly, India's neighbours Pakistan and Sri Lanka top the list. Beijing is committed to investing $62 billion in infrastructure project in Pakistan under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) project. It has handed over the Gwadar port to China and also ceded land for a naval base nearby The question on the minds of most Pakistan experts is how will Islamabad pay back China all the money, along with interest. Pakistan already owes China $19 billion for loans taken on various accounts including day-to-day spending. It has already handed over the Gwadar port to China. Sri Lanka owes China $8 billion for loans forwarded by Beijing for various infrastructure projects. Like Pakistan, it has already handed over the Hambantota port on a 99-year long lease and Chinese ships have already started docking there during voyages from bases in the South China Sea. In the far east, China invested $7 billion in Cambodia last December alone and with loans taken over the last two decades Cambodia is indebted to China to the tune of 60 per cent. The dependence has seen Cambodia scrap the Angkor sentinel military exercise with the US and ties with Taiwan, Harvard researchers revealed. Also, China has ensured Loas debt burden to rack up to 65 per cent which has resulted in vast tracts of agricultural land being taken over by Chinese migrants, the study said. China is also funding a new $6.7 billion railway line and it is not clear what China will demand if the Loas government is unable to repay the debt. Elsewhere in Papua New Guinea near Australia, the government may have to surrender control over some of its reserves of oil, gold, copper and coffee, the study found. China is already a majority-owner in nickel mine and is funding construction of roads, ports and high-speed Intenet in the country. This has meant Papua New Guinea's debt to China has risen from less than $ 3 million in five years to over $20 million today. Malaysia which was earlier a staunch critic of China has toned down its rhetoric of China's muscle-flexing in the South China Sea after Beijing invested more than $2 billion in the country's state development fund. On the other hand, Philippines saw its banana exports being hit after it criticised China over its intervention in the South China Sea. As part of the renewed push towards 'debt book diplomacy', Vanuatu located in the south pacific ocean, owes China half of its debts with reports suggesting Beijing may get a naval base there, the study said. Several experts fear China is dumping unviable projects deliberately to push long-term strategic objectives, if India is concerned about Chinese investments in Sri Lanka and recently in Nepal, Australia is concerned about China's activities in its neighbourhood. For the US, its strategic hold over the Marshalls islands and Palau in the Pacific could end as China muscles its way through "cheque book diplomacy".

China's 'cheque book diplomacy' leading Pak, Sri Lanka & others to give away land, ports: Harvard study

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said today that the Dominican Republic has signed an agreement to establish diplomatic ties with the Communist state.

"We have taken the decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, with the conviction that this decision will be extraordinarily positive for the future of our country," an official statement from the Dominican Republic said.

The Dominican Republic added that it was breaking relations with Taiwan.

Taiwan's foreign minister, Joseph Wu, condemned the Dominican Republic for establishing official links with China.

"Its decision to switch allegiance was because of financial incentives from China," Wu said.

Taiwan has decided to recall all its officials after the announcement of Dominican Republic to establish relations with China.

"President Danilo Medina of the Dominican Republic has ignored our long-term partnership, the wishes of the people of the Dominican Republic, and the years of development assistance provided by Taiwan, to accept false promises of investment and aid by China," Wu said.

The Caribbean nation had established relations with Taiwan in the 1940s.

Taiwan "strongly condemns China's objectionable decision to use dollar diplomacy to convert Taiwan's diplomatic allies. Beijing's attempts at foreign policy have only served to drive a wedge between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, erode mutual trust and further harm the feelings of the people of Taiwan", he added.

The Dominican Republic added that it was breaking relations with Taiwan

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said today that the Dominican Republic has signed an agreement to establish diplomatic ties with the Communist state. "We have taken the decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, with the conviction that this decision will be extraordinarily positive for the future of our country," an official statement from the Dominican Republic said. The Dominican Republic added that it was breaking relations with Taiwan. Taiwan's foreign minister, Joseph Wu, condemned the Dominican Republic for establishing official links with China. "Its decision to switch allegiance was because of financial incentives from China," Wu said. Taiwan has decided to recall all its officials after the announcement of Dominican Republic to establish relations with China. "President Danilo Medina of the Dominican Republic has ignored our long-term partnership, the wishes of the people of the Dominican Republic, and the years of development assistance provided by Taiwan, to accept false promises of investment and aid by China," Wu said. The Caribbean nation had established relations with Taiwan in the 1940s. Taiwan "strongly condemns China's objectionable decision to use dollar diplomacy to convert Taiwan's diplomatic allies. Beijing's attempts at foreign policy have only served to drive a wedge between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, erode mutual trust and further harm the feelings of the people of Taiwan", he added.

Dominican Republic establishes ties with China, to break relations with Taiwan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-accord-trump-hints-at-real-agreement-with-iran-133873">Nuclear accord: Trump hints at 'real agreement' with Iran</a>

Amid speculation US president will pull out of the Iran nuclear deal, Trump said doing so will send the right message ahead of talks with North Korea. "I think it sends the right message," Trump told reporters on whether it would send a wrong message to Kim's regime as the two nations get ready for summit talks.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-postpones-steel-tariff-decision-for-canada-eu-mexico-133863">Trump postpones steel tariff decision for Canada, EU, Mexico</a>

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has postponed a decision on imposing steel and aluminium tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico until June 1, and has reached an agreement in principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil, a source familiar with the decision said on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dominican-republic-establishes-ties-with-china-to-break-relations-with-taiwan-133869">Dominican</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dominican-republic-establishes-ties-with-china-to-break-relations-with-taiwan-133869"> Republic establishes ties with China, to break relations with Taiwan</a>

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said today that the Dominican Republic has signed an agreement to establish diplomatic ties with the Communist state.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-envoys-meet-with-myanmar-leader-over-refugee-crisis-133870">UN envoys meet with Myanmar leader over </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-envoys-meet-with-myanmar-leader-over-refugee-crisis-133870">refugee</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-envoys-meet-with-myanmar-leader-over-refugee-crisis-133870"> crisis</a>

Myanmar's government leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with United Nations Security Council envoys on Monday over the plight of nearly 700,000 mainly Rohingya Muslims who fled to Bangladesh amid a military crackdown, pledging to investigate any credible accusations of abuse, said diplomats who attended the meeting.

<a href="Netanyahu says Iran lied on nuclear arms, pressures US to scrap deal">Netanyahu says Iran lied on nuclear arms, pressures </a><a href="Netanyahu says Iran lied on nuclear arms, pressures US to scrap deal">US</a><a href="Netanyahu says Iran lied on nuclear arms, pressures US to scrap deal"> to scrap </a><a href="Netanyahu says Iran lied on nuclear arms, pressures US to scrap deal">deal</a>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday stepped up pressure on the United States to pull out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, presenting what he called evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme in a prime-time address on Israeli TV.

Nuclear accord: Trump hints at 'real agreement' with Iran Amid speculation US president will pull out of the Iran nuclear deal, Trump said doing so will send the right message ahead of talks with North Korea. "I think it sends the right message," Trump told reporters on whether it would send a wrong message to Kim's regime as the two nations get ready for summit talks. Trump postpones steel tariff decision for Canada, EU, Mexico US President Donald Trump has postponed a decision on imposing steel and aluminium tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico until June 1, and has reached an agreement in principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil, a source familiar with the decision said on Monday. Dominican Republic establishes ties with China, to break relations with Taiwan Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said today that the Dominican Republic has signed an agreement to establish diplomatic ties with the Communist state. UN envoys meet with Myanmar leader over refugee crisis Myanmar's government leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with United Nations Security Council envoys on Monday over the plight of nearly 700,000 mainly Rohingya Muslims who fled to Bangladesh amid a military crackdown, pledging to investigate any credible accusations of abuse, said diplomats who attended the meeting. Netanyahu says Iran lied on nuclear arms, pressures US to scrap deal Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday stepped up pressure on the United States to pull out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, presenting what he called evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme in a prime-time address on Israeli TV.

News brief: Big stories of the day

At least seven people were killed and one was injured in a fire that broke out at a factory in northern Taiwan, reports said on Sunday.&nbsp

Five out of the seven people that died included firefighters and the rest were migrant workers. the fire broke to put on Saturday night in Pingzhen District.&nbsp

The inferno raged through the eight-floor building of a circuit board maker, located in an industrial district in Taoyuan City.

The company mainly manufactures rigid printed circuit boards. Traces of diesel and toxic chemicals were also found at the scene, reports said.

More than 180 firefighters and 67 fire trucks and ambulances were sent to the scene, the city's fire department said.

More than 180 firefighters and 67 fire trucks and ambulances were sent to the scene, the city's fire department said

At least seven people were killed and one was injured in a fire that broke out at a factory in northern Taiwan, reports said on Sunday. Five out of the seven people that died included firefighters and the rest were migrant workers. the fire broke to put on Saturday night in Pingzhen District. The inferno raged through the eight-floor building of a circuit board maker, located in an industrial district in Taoyuan City. The company mainly manufactures rigid printed circuit boards. Traces of diesel and toxic chemicals were also found at the scene, reports said. More than 180 firefighters and 67 fire trucks and ambulances were sent to the scene, the city's fire department said.

At least seven people dead after fire breaks out in Taiwan factory

In a move which further fueled tensions, Chinese aircraft flew around Taiwan today which the Air Force said was meant for&nbsp"combat military drills".

"H-6K bombers conducted numerous drills circling Taiwan since April 18 to improve its ability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Chinese Air Force said in a statement.

China has racked up pressure on Taiwan in recent months conducting naval and air excercises close to Taiwan waters, a move which the Taiwan government has described as "military intimidation".

Ma Xiaoguang, China's spokesman of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council had said on Wednesday that his country will unite with "Taiwan compatriots, overcome difficulties and remove obstacles" to pursue the "bright prospect for the peaceful development of the cross-Strait relations."

Taiwan is set to start the "Han Guang exercise" in which the military says it will&nbspconduct "computer-simulated war games". The military exercise is meant for combat readiness in case of an attack by China.

Taiwan media had reported that it won't be conducting live-drills given the changing nature of its armed forces instead it will devise a "new military strategy".

"We have the confidence and capacity to maintain the overall situation of the cross-Strait relations, control the future direction of the development of the cross-Strait ties, and frustrate any acts provoking the cross-Strait ties," Ma asserted.

China does not recognise Taiwan as an independent country and has often hit out against US-Taiwan relations even as President Trump has tried to boost relations between the two countries.

"The series of operations we are carrying out is directed against Taiwan independence forces and activities in the island," the Chinese defence ministry spokesman said, adding, "their purpose is to prevent that the Taiwan independence forces' plot damages the welfare of the Taiwanese people. If the independence forces continue to wantonly take rash actions, we will take further actions.

China does not recognise Taiwan as an independent country and has often hit out against US-Taiwan relations

In a move which further fueled tensions, Chinese aircraft flew around Taiwan today which the Air Force said was meant for "combat military drills". "H-6K bombers conducted numerous drills circling Taiwan since April 18 to improve its ability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Chinese Air Force said in a statement. China has racked up pressure on Taiwan in recent months conducting naval and air excercises close to Taiwan waters, a move which the Taiwan government has described as "military intimidation". Ma Xiaoguang, China's spokesman of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council had said on Wednesday that his country will unite with "Taiwan compatriots, overcome difficulties and remove obstacles" to pursue the "bright prospect for the peaceful development of the cross-Strait relations." Taiwan is set to start the "Han Guang exercise" in which the military says it will&nbspconduct "computer-simulated war games". The military exercise is meant for combat readiness in case of an attack by China. Taiwan media had reported that it won't be conducting live-drills given the changing nature of its armed forces instead it will devise a "new military strategy". "We have the confidence and capacity to maintain the overall situation of the cross-Strait relations, control the future direction of the development of the cross-Strait ties, and frustrate any acts provoking the cross-Strait ties," Ma asserted. China does not recognise Taiwan as an independent country and has often hit out against US-Taiwan relations even as President Trump has tried to boost relations between the two countries. "The series of operations we are carrying out is directed against Taiwan independence forces and activities in the island," the Chinese defence ministry spokesman said, adding, "their purpose is to prevent that the Taiwan independence forces' plot damages the welfare of the Taiwanese people. If the independence forces continue to wantonly take rash actions, we will take further actions.

Chinese Air Force bombers 'circle around' Taiwan

China's military has conducted live-fire drills along the southeast coastline, state television reported, but it was unclear if these were the same exercises that had been flagged as taking place in the sensitive Taiwan Strait.

The government had said the drills would happen on Wednesday off the city of Quanzhou, in between two groups of islands close to China's coast but that Taiwan has controlled since 1949 when defeated Nationalist forces fled to the island at the end of the Chinese civil war.

Chinese state media has said the drills were a direct response to "provocations" by Taiwan leaders related to what China fears are moves to push for the self-ruled island's formal independence. China claims Taiwan as its sacred territory.

Late on Wednesday, Chinese state television showed footage of helicopters firing missiles during an exercise it said was happening on China's southeast coast.

State television only showed pictures of helicopters, with no mention of ships or other military equipment such as tanks or amphibious assault vehicles.

The exercises took place from 8 am&nbsp(0000GMT) until midnight, the report said, giving the same time frame for the previously announced drills in the Taiwan Strait.

The Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the exercise, and whether it was the same ones previously reported to be happening in the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan on Wednesday denounced the exercises, saying Beijing was using "cheap verbal intimidation and sabre rattling" to threaten the island.

Taiwan is one of China's most sensitive issues and a potential military flashpoint. China has ramped up military exercises around Taiwan in the past year, including flying bombers around the island.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said on Wednesday afternoon two Chinese H-6K bombers had flown around the island, passing first through the Miyako Strait to Taiwan's northeast and then back to base via the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines.

The latest Chinese military movements come during a time of heightened tension between Beijing and the island and follows strong warnings by Chinese President Xi Jinping against Taiwan separatism last month.

China claims Taiwan as its own and considers it a breakaway province.

China's hostility towards Taiwan has grown since Tsai Ing-wen from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party won a presidential election on the island in 2016.

China fears she wants to push for the island's formal independence. Tsai says she is committed to peace and maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, but will defend Taiwan's security.

Setting aside the tension with China, Tsai began a visit to the southern African nation of Swaziland on Wednesday, one of only 20 countries which maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

The exercises took place from 8 am (0000GMT) until midnight, state media said, giving the same time frame for previously announced drills in the Taiwan Strait

China's military has conducted live-fire drills along the southeast coastline, state television reported, but it was unclear if these were the same exercises that had been flagged as taking place in the sensitive Taiwan Strait. The government had said the drills would happen on Wednesday off the city of Quanzhou, in between two groups of islands close to China's coast but that Taiwan has controlled since 1949 when defeated Nationalist forces fled to the island at the end of the Chinese civil war. Chinese state media has said the drills were a direct response to "provocations" by Taiwan leaders related to what China fears are moves to push for the self-ruled island's formal independence. China claims Taiwan as its sacred territory. Late on Wednesday, Chinese state television showed footage of helicopters firing missiles during an exercise it said was happening on China's southeast coast. State television only showed pictures of helicopters, with no mention of ships or other military equipment such as tanks or amphibious assault vehicles. The exercises took place from 8 am (0000GMT) until midnight, the report said, giving the same time frame for the previously announced drills in the Taiwan Strait. The Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the exercise, and whether it was the same ones previously reported to be happening in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan on Wednesday denounced the exercises, saying Beijing was using "cheap verbal intimidation and sabre rattling" to threaten the island. Taiwan is one of China's most sensitive issues and a potential military flashpoint. China has ramped up military exercises around Taiwan in the past year, including flying bombers around the island. Taiwan's Defence Ministry said on Wednesday afternoon two Chinese H-6K bombers had flown around the island, passing first through the Miyako Strait to Taiwan's northeast and then back to base via the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines. The latest Chinese military movements come during a time of heightened tension between Beijing and the island and follows strong warnings by Chinese President Xi Jinping against Taiwan separatism last month. China claims Taiwan as its own and considers it a breakaway province. China's hostility towards Taiwan has grown since Tsai Ing-wen from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party won a presidential election on the island in 2016. China fears she wants to push for the island's formal independence. Tsai says she is committed to peace and maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, but will defend Taiwan's security. Setting aside the tension with China, Tsai began a visit to the southern African nation of Swaziland on Wednesday, one of only 20 countries which maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

China carries out live-fire drills, unclear if aimed at Taiwan

China conducted 'limited' <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-china-conducts-live-fire-drills-in-taiwan-strait-131189">live-fire </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-china-conducts-live-fire-drills-in-taiwan-strait-131189">excercise</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-china-conducts-live-fire-drills-in-taiwan-strait-131189"> in Taiwan </a>Straits with the local media warning the&nbsp;"Taiwan independence groups" and the US not to damage "cross-Straits" ties.

China's Global Times said "military drills not only sent a tough message to Taiwan independence groups but also delivered a warning to the US, which recently boosted communication and ties with Taiwan."

The state-run newspaper quoting Chinese mainland's Fujian Maritime Safety Administration said he duration and location of the live-fire drills was relatively "closer to Fujian Province than Taiwan", and scale of the drills were "limited".

"The drills follow recent pro-independence activities on the island, especially the high-profile advocacy for independence by the head of Taiwan's administrative authority, Lai Ching-te," the newspaper said, adding that Taiwan also conducted military exercises on Friday, and Taiwan's regional leader Tsai Ing-wen watched the exercises. &nbsp;

Taiwan meanwhile said China's drills amounted to "military intimidation".&nbsp;

Taiwan's defence ministry said two Chinese H-6K bombers had flown around the island, passing first through the Miyako Strait to Taiwan's northeast and then back to base via the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines.

Taiwan's defence ministry said two Chinese H-6K bombers had flown around the island

China conducted 'limited' live-fire excercise in Taiwan Straits with the local media warning the "Taiwan independence groups" and the US not to damage "cross-Straits" ties. China's Global Times said "military drills not only sent a tough message to Taiwan independence groups but also delivered a warning to the US, which recently boosted communication and ties with Taiwan." The state-run newspaper quoting Chinese mainland's Fujian Maritime Safety Administration said he duration and location of the live-fire drills was relatively "closer to Fujian Province than Taiwan", and scale of the drills were "limited". "The drills follow recent pro-independence activities on the island, especially the high-profile advocacy for independence by the head of Taiwan's administrative authority, Lai Ching-te," the newspaper said, adding that Taiwan also conducted military exercises on Friday, and Taiwan's regional leader Tsai Ing-wen watched the exercises. Taiwan meanwhile said China's drills amounted to "military intimidation". Taiwan's defence ministry said two Chinese H-6K bombers had flown around the island, passing first through the Miyako Strait to Taiwan's northeast and then back to base via the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines.

Watch: China conducts 'limited' live-fire drills in Taiwan Straits

China today conducted live-fire drills in the Taiwan Straits which the Taiwan defence ministry dismissed as "cheap verbal intimidation and sabre rattling".

A day of China's fire drills, Taiwan had started its own live-fire shooting excercises in &nbspMatsu and Kinmen, islands close to China.

China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province.

"The Chinese communists have been using cheap verbal intimidation and sabre rattling on every aspect of the Republic of China in the hope of affecting our morale or creating social unease," Taiwan's defence ministry said.

China's aircraft carrier Liaoning has been carrying out drills in the South China Sea which is at the centre of dispute between several countries including Taiwan.

Chinese fighter jets took part in the excercise.

"We flew and recovered the fighter jets in a continuous manner, making a breakthrough in our flight missions, said Nie Kunxiang, deputy head of the carrier-based fighter jets dispatch detachment.

China does not recognise Taiwan as an independent country and has constantly lashed out at the country. It has often taken on the US over its support to Taiwan even attacking President Trump for his tasid support to the island nation.&nbsp

China's aircraft carrier Liaoning has been carrying out drills in the South China Sea which is at the centre of dispute between several countries including Taiwan.

China today conducted live-fire drills in the Taiwan Straits which the Taiwan defence ministry dismissed as "cheap verbal intimidation and sabre rattling". A day of China's fire drills, Taiwan had started its own live-fire shooting excercises in &nbspMatsu and Kinmen, islands close to China. China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province. "The Chinese communists have been using cheap verbal intimidation and sabre rattling on every aspect of the Republic of China in the hope of affecting our morale or creating social unease," Taiwan's defence ministry said. China's aircraft carrier Liaoning has been carrying out drills in the South China Sea which is at the centre of dispute between several countries including Taiwan. Chinese fighter jets took part in the excercise. "We flew and recovered the fighter jets in a continuous manner, making a breakthrough in our flight missions, said Nie Kunxiang, deputy head of the carrier-based fighter jets dispatch detachment. China does not recognise Taiwan as an independent country and has constantly lashed out at the country. It has often taken on the US over its support to Taiwan even attacking President Trump for his tasid support to the island nation.

Watch: China conducts live-fire drills in Taiwan Strait

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Taiwan's business community on Tuesday to shun any idea of independence for their island and to promote peace and stable ties with the mainland, state media reported.

Ties between Beijing and self-ruled Taiwan have been frosty since the independence-leaning Diplomatic Progressive Party (DPP) won a Taiwan election in 2016, defeating the nationalist Kuomintang party.

Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Chinese control.

"Friends in the island's business community should take a stand and firmly maintain the '1992 consensus', oppose 'Taiwan independence' and firmly promote the peace and stability of cross-straits relations," Xi told the chairman of a foundation that promotes trade between China and Taiwan.

The "1992 consensus" refers to an agreement reached that year that both sides are part of "one China", a cherished principle in Beijing.

Xi made the remarks to Vincent Siew, a former vice-president of the Kuomintang and head of the Taiwan-based Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation, on the sidelines of the Chinese Boao Forum for Asia on Hainan island.

"The Taiwan problem is of great concern for the basic interests of the Chinese nation," Xi told Siew, according to a report of their talk from the official People's Daily newspaper.

"We hope that compatriots across the straights can together shoulder the virtuous cause of the nation and push for the peaceful reunification of the motherland."

Xi said in a speech to China's annual meeting of parliament in March that Taiwan would face the "punishment of history" for any attempts at separatism, his strongest on the issue warning yet.

China fears DPP leader Tsai Ing-wen wants will push for formal independence, though Tsai says she wants to maintain the status quo and is committed to peace.

Overtures by the administration of US President Donald Trump towards strengthening ties with the island have ratcheted up the tension.

China repeatedly says that the US acceptance that Taiwan and China are one country is the political bedrock for healthy ties between them.&nbsp

China opposes any semblance of formal military or diplomatic ties between the United States and Taiwan.

China said on Monday it opposed the United States selling weapons to Taiwan, after the Trump administration approved the marketing licence required for US manufacturers to sell technology to Taiwan that would allow for building submarines. 
&nbsp

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Taiwan's business community on Tuesday to shun any idea of independence for their island and to promote peace and stable ties with the mainland, state media reported

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Taiwan's business community on Tuesday to shun any idea of independence for their island and to promote peace and stable ties with the mainland, state media reported. Ties between Beijing and self-ruled Taiwan have been frosty since the independence-leaning Diplomatic Progressive Party (DPP) won a Taiwan election in 2016, defeating the nationalist Kuomintang party. Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Chinese control. "Friends in the island's business community should take a stand and firmly maintain the '1992 consensus', oppose 'Taiwan independence' and firmly promote the peace and stability of cross-straits relations," Xi told the chairman of a foundation that promotes trade between China and Taiwan. The "1992 consensus" refers to an agreement reached that year that both sides are part of "one China", a cherished principle in Beijing. Xi made the remarks to Vincent Siew, a former vice-president of the Kuomintang and head of the Taiwan-based Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation, on the sidelines of the Chinese Boao Forum for Asia on Hainan island. "The Taiwan problem is of great concern for the basic interests of the Chinese nation," Xi told Siew, according to a report of their talk from the official People's Daily newspaper. "We hope that compatriots across the straights can together shoulder the virtuous cause of the nation and push for the peaceful reunification of the motherland." Xi said in a speech to China's annual meeting of parliament in March that Taiwan would face the "punishment of history" for any attempts at separatism, his strongest on the issue warning yet. China fears DPP leader Tsai Ing-wen wants will push for formal independence, though Tsai says she wants to maintain the status quo and is committed to peace. Overtures by the administration of US President Donald Trump towards strengthening ties with the island have ratcheted up the tension. China repeatedly says that the US acceptance that Taiwan and China are one country is the political bedrock for healthy ties between them. China opposes any semblance of formal military or diplomatic ties between the United States and Taiwan. China said on Monday it opposed the United States selling weapons to Taiwan, after the Trump administration approved the marketing licence required for US manufacturers to sell technology to Taiwan that would allow for building submarines.

XI Jinping urges Taiwan business community to oppose independence

The Man Booker International Prize has reversed a move to change a Taiwanese author's nationality to "Taiwan, China", after the literary award was criticised for bowing to pressure from Beijing.

Wu Ming-yi -- whose novel "The Stolen Bicycle" was among the 13 books longlisted for the prestigious prize -- had protested after his nationality on the Man Booker website was revised from "Taiwan" to "Taiwan, China".

The change was prompted by a complaint from the Chinese embassy in Britain, according to the London-based award organiser Booker Prize Foundation.

Taiwan is a self-ruled democracy but China views it as part of its territory, to be brought back under its control using force if necessary.

Beijing rejects any recognition of Taiwan's sovereignty and has recently rebuked foreign firms -- including Zara, Marriott, and Delta -- for listing Taiwan as a separate country on their websites.

But the organisers said on Wednesday it has decided to change Wu's nationality back to "Taiwan" after consulting interested parties and British government advice.&nbsp;

"The country/territory of longlisted authors and translators will appear, and Wu Ming-yi will be listed as 'Taiwan,'" the Booker Prize Foundation said in a statement.&nbsp;

In what may be a compromise, "territory" was a new addition to the Man Booker International Prize nominee list appearing on its website Wednesday.&nbsp;

"The prize is not about defining nationality all global citizens are eligible, provided they are published in translation in the UK," it added.

The foundation has notified the Chinese embassy but did not consult with them.

Taiwan's foreign ministry thanked Man Booker on Wednesday for the reversal and criticised Beijing.&nbsp;

"China is putting pressure on Taiwan's international space on all fronts and at all times, both in official and civil situations," the ministry said.&nbsp;

Wu's novel, written in Chinese and translated into English, is about a novelist searching for his missing father's bicycle.&nbsp;

The shortlist for the prize will be announced on April 12 and winner on May 22.&nbsp;

Wu Ming-yi -- whose novel 'The Stolen Bicycle' was among the 13 books longlisted for the prestigious prize -- had protested after his nationality on the Man Booker website was revised from 'Taiwan' to 'Taiwan, China'

The Man Booker International Prize has reversed a move to change a Taiwanese author's nationality to "Taiwan, China", after the literary award was criticised for bowing to pressure from Beijing. Wu Ming-yi -- whose novel "The Stolen Bicycle" was among the 13 books longlisted for the prestigious prize -- had protested after his nationality on the Man Booker website was revised from "Taiwan" to "Taiwan, China". The change was prompted by a complaint from the Chinese embassy in Britain, according to the London-based award organiser Booker Prize Foundation. Taiwan is a self-ruled democracy but China views it as part of its territory, to be brought back under its control using force if necessary. Beijing rejects any recognition of Taiwan's sovereignty and has recently rebuked foreign firms -- including Zara, Marriott, and Delta -- for listing Taiwan as a separate country on their websites. But the organisers said on Wednesday it has decided to change Wu's nationality back to "Taiwan" after consulting interested parties and British government advice. "The country/territory of longlisted authors and translators will appear, and Wu Ming-yi will be listed as 'Taiwan,'" the Booker Prize Foundation said in a statement. In what may be a compromise, "territory" was a new addition to the Man Booker International Prize nominee list appearing on its website Wednesday. "The prize is not about defining nationality all global citizens are eligible, provided they are published in translation in the UK," it added. The foundation has notified the Chinese embassy but did not consult with them. Taiwan's foreign ministry thanked Man Booker on Wednesday for the reversal and criticised Beijing. "China is putting pressure on Taiwan's international space on all fronts and at all times, both in official and civil situations," the ministry said. Wu's novel, written in Chinese and translated into English, is about a novelist searching for his missing father's bicycle. The shortlist for the prize will be announced on April 12 and winner on May 22.

Man Booker reverts author's nationality to Taiwan after outcry

Two senior US&nbspRepublican senators asked the Trump administration&nbspon Monday&nbspto allow the sale of Lockheed Martin Corp. F-35 fighter jets to Taiwan, saying it would help it "remain a democracy" in the face of threats from China.

 
China`s hostility towards Taiwan has grown since Tsai Ing-wen from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party won presidential elections on the island in 2016. China claims Taiwan as its own and the self-ruled island which is one of China`s most sensitive issues.

 
"These fighters will have a positive impact on Taiwan`s self-defense and would act as a necessary deterrent to China`s aggressive military posture across the Asia-Pacific region," Senators John Cornyn, the assistant majority leader, and James Inhofe, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, said in a letter to President Donald Trump.

 
"After years of military modernization, China shows the ability to wage war against Taiwan for the first time since the 1950`s," they wrote. "However, with your leadership, it is possible to help Taiwan remain a democracy, free to establish a relationship with China that is not driven by military coercion."

 
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

 
The sale of the jets could increase tensions with Beijing, where officials were infuriated when Trump signed legislation this month that encourages the United States to send senior officials to Taiwan to meet Taiwanese counterparts and vice versa. 
On Tuesday, the office of Taiwan`s president reiterated its support for the legislation and awarded US&nbspRepresentative Ed Royce, who is currently visiting the island, a medal of honour for his contributions toward Taiwan-US&nbsprelations.

 
"President Tsai believes that stable relations between Taiwan and the US&nbspserve as an important foundation for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan has the ability and is willing to work with the United States in the Indo-Pacific region to make more contributions," the presidential office said.

 
Separately, Liu Jieyi, head of China`s Taiwan Affairs Office, told state television late&nbspon Monday&nbspthat "certain Americans" were trying to play the Taiwan card, which harmed the interest of people both in China and Taiwan.

 
"This is duping Taiwan compatriots," Liu said, without naming any US&nbspofficials. "It is futile for any outside forces to try and play the Taiwan card and doing anything to harm the interest of the Chinese people."

 
The US&nbspmilitary has put countering China and Russia at the centre of a new national defence strategy unveiled by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis in January.

 
Other US&nbspallies in the Asia Pacific region, such as Singapore, also are exploring the purchase of the stealthy F-35.

 
Lockheed hit its 2017 target to deliver 66 F-35 fighter jets to the United States and its allies last year.

Two senior US Republican senators asked the Trump administration to allow the sale of Lockheed Martin Corp. F-35 fighter jets to Taiwan

Two senior US&nbspRepublican senators asked the Trump administration&nbspon Monday&nbspto allow the sale of Lockheed Martin Corp. F-35 fighter jets to Taiwan, saying it would help it "remain a democracy" in the face of threats from China. China`s hostility towards Taiwan has grown since Tsai Ing-wen from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party won presidential elections on the island in 2016. China claims Taiwan as its own and the self-ruled island which is one of China`s most sensitive issues. "These fighters will have a positive impact on Taiwan`s self-defense and would act as a necessary deterrent to China`s aggressive military posture across the Asia-Pacific region," Senators John Cornyn, the assistant majority leader, and James Inhofe, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, said in a letter to President Donald Trump. "After years of military modernization, China shows the ability to wage war against Taiwan for the first time since the 1950`s," they wrote. "However, with your leadership, it is possible to help Taiwan remain a democracy, free to establish a relationship with China that is not driven by military coercion." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The sale of the jets could increase tensions with Beijing, where officials were infuriated when Trump signed legislation this month that encourages the United States to send senior officials to Taiwan to meet Taiwanese counterparts and vice versa. On Tuesday, the office of Taiwan`s president reiterated its support for the legislation and awarded US&nbspRepresentative Ed Royce, who is currently visiting the island, a medal of honour for his contributions toward Taiwan-US&nbsprelations. "President Tsai believes that stable relations between Taiwan and the US&nbspserve as an important foundation for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan has the ability and is willing to work with the United States in the Indo-Pacific region to make more contributions," the presidential office said. Separately, Liu Jieyi, head of China`s Taiwan Affairs Office, told state television late&nbspon Monday&nbspthat "certain Americans" were trying to play the Taiwan card, which harmed the interest of people both in China and Taiwan. "This is duping Taiwan compatriots," Liu said, without naming any US&nbspofficials. "It is futile for any outside forces to try and play the Taiwan card and doing anything to harm the interest of the Chinese people." The US&nbspmilitary has put countering China and Russia at the centre of a new national defence strategy unveiled by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis in January. Other US&nbspallies in the Asia Pacific region, such as Singapore, also are exploring the purchase of the stealthy F-35. Lockheed hit its 2017 target to deliver 66 F-35 fighter jets to the United States and its allies last year.

US Republicans press for F-35 fighter jet sale to Taiwan

China signalled today it was hardening its stance on dissent in Taiwan and Hong Kong, where it faces growing frustration with the increasingly authoritarian government of President Xi Jinping.

In a report to the opening session of the annual National People&#39;s Congress in Beijing, Premier Li Keqiang warned China &quot;will never tolerate any separatist schemes&quot; in Taiwan, amid growing tensions between the mainland and the self-ruled island.

The warning to the almost 3,000 members of the mostly ceremonial legislature followed the omission of language supporting the political autonomy of Hong Kong and Macau that had featured prominently in previous years.

The report said Beijing would continue to uphold its &quot;one China&quot; principle and promote &quot;peaceful growth&quot; relations with Taiwan under the 1992 consensus, which agrees that there is only one China without specifying whether Beijing or Taipei is its rightful representative.

Beijing will also &quot;advance China&#39;s peaceful reunification&quot;, Li said.

But, he added, it &quot;will never tolerate any separatist schemes or activities for &#39;Taiwan independence&#39;.&quot;

China still sees Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification and has cut off official communications with Taipei because President Tsai Ing-wen refuses to acknowledge the democratic island as part of &quot;one China&quot;.

China voiced anger last week after the US Senate passed a Taiwan travel bill to encourage visits between Washington and Taipei &quot;at all levels&quot;.

Washington cut formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979 in favour of Beijing. But it maintains trade relations with the island and sells it weapons, angering China.

The report also hinted at a hardening stance towards dissent in the semi-autonomous cities of Hong Kong and Macau, which Beijing rules under the principle of &quot;One country, two systems&quot;.

Last year the section of the report on governing the former European colonies said they would be allowed &quot;a high degree of autonomy&quot;, a statement in keeping with past years, but this year&#39;s report omitted the phrase.

While this year&#39;s report referred to the &quot;One country, two systems&quot; concept, it no longer said it would &quot;steadfastly&quot; apply the principle.

The change may seem minor but silence speaks volumes in a system where government documents are edited down to the last comma.

Hong Kong has been governed under a &quot;one country, two systems&quot; deal since 1997, when Britain handed the territory back to China.

This allows residents rights unseen on the mainland, including freedom of speech and a partially directly elected legislature, as well as an independent judiciary.

But there are fears these freedoms are under threat from Beijing.

Tanya Chan, a pro-democracy lawmaker in the city, said the omission of the mention of Hong Kong people governing themselves was no mistake.

&quot;I don&#39;t think any omission is without purpose, especially when Hong Kong people are concerned about autonomy and the whole system,&quot; she said.

&quot;I worry about whether the Chinese government still respects these very important promises,&quot; Chan added, predicting more &quot;serious and overt&quot; intervention by Beijing.

Claudia Mo, also a pro-democracy legislator, said the &quot;one country, two systems&quot; deal was already dead. &quot;They are just confirming it,&quot; she added.

In a report to the opening session of the annual National People's Congress in Beijing, Premier Li Keqiang warned China 'will never tolerate any separatist schemes' in Taiwan

China signalled today it was hardening its stance on dissent in Taiwan and Hong Kong, where it faces growing frustration with the increasingly authoritarian government of President Xi Jinping. In a report to the opening session of the annual National People's Congress in Beijing, Premier Li Keqiang warned China "will never tolerate any separatist schemes" in Taiwan, amid growing tensions between the mainland and the self-ruled island. The warning to the almost 3,000 members of the mostly ceremonial legislature followed the omission of language supporting the political autonomy of Hong Kong and Macau that had featured prominently in previous years. The report said Beijing would continue to uphold its "one China" principle and promote "peaceful growth" relations with Taiwan under the 1992 consensus, which agrees that there is only one China without specifying whether Beijing or Taipei is its rightful representative. Beijing will also "advance China's peaceful reunification", Li said. But, he added, it "will never tolerate any separatist schemes or activities for 'Taiwan independence'." China still sees Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification and has cut off official communications with Taipei because President Tsai Ing-wen refuses to acknowledge the democratic island as part of "one China". China voiced anger last week after the US Senate passed a Taiwan travel bill to encourage visits between Washington and Taipei "at all levels". Washington cut formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979 in favour of Beijing. But it maintains trade relations with the island and sells it weapons, angering China. The report also hinted at a hardening stance towards dissent in the semi-autonomous cities of Hong Kong and Macau, which Beijing rules under the principle of "One country, two systems". Last year the section of the report on governing the former European colonies said they would be allowed "a high degree of autonomy", a statement in keeping with past years, but this year's report omitted the phrase. While this year's report referred to the "One country, two systems" concept, it no longer said it would "steadfastly" apply the principle. The change may seem minor but silence speaks volumes in a system where government documents are edited down to the last comma. Hong Kong has been governed under a "one country, two systems" deal since 1997, when Britain handed the territory back to China. This allows residents rights unseen on the mainland, including freedom of speech and a partially directly elected legislature, as well as an independent judiciary. But there are fears these freedoms are under threat from Beijing. Tanya Chan, a pro-democracy lawmaker in the city, said the omission of the mention of Hong Kong people governing themselves was no mistake. "I don't think any omission is without purpose, especially when Hong Kong people are concerned about autonomy and the whole system," she said. "I worry about whether the Chinese government still respects these very important promises," Chan added, predicting more "serious and overt" intervention by Beijing. Claudia Mo, also a pro-democracy legislator, said the "one country, two systems" deal was already dead. "They are just confirming it," she added.

China signals hardened stance on Hong Kong, Taiwan

China lodged an official protest with the United States on Thursday, saying it was &quot;strongly dissatisfied&quot; after the US Senate passed a bill promoting relations with self-governing Taiwan.

The US Senate passed the Taiwan Travel Act, intended to encourage visits between the United States and Taiwan &quot;at all levels&quot;, by unanimous consent on Wednesday, following its approval in the House of Representatives in January.

The bill adds that it should be US policy for high-level Taiwanese officials to enter the United States, meet with US officials and conduct business in the country.

President Donald Trump&#39;s signature is now all that is needed for the bill to become law -- something that is not likely to be an obstacle, given that the bill was passed unanimously.

Washington cut formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979, recognising the Communist mainland rulers in Beijing as the sole government of &quot;One China.&quot;&nbsp;

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that while some of the new bill&#39;s provisions are not legally binding, it &quot;seriously violates&quot; the &quot;One China&quot;&nbsp;principle.

&quot;China is strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposes it,&quot; Hua told a regular news briefing, adding that Beijing had made &quot;solemn representations&quot; to the US - a diplomatic protest.

The United States, she said, should stop official exchanges with Taiwan and handle Taiwan issues &quot;prudently and properly&quot; to avoid &quot;damaging Sino-US relations&quot;.

Under the terms of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, Washington maintains an ambiguous approach to the island, maintaining trade relations and selling Taipei weapons.

Trump sparked protest from China shortly after his election in 2016 by accepting a phone call from Taiwan&#39;s leader Tsai Ing-wen, an action seen as breaking the protocol of the One China policy.

He made amends by vowing to uphold the One China policy shortly before Chinese President Xi Jinping&#39;s visit to his Florida Mar-a-Lago resort -- but infuriated Beijing again last summer by approving a $1.3 billion arms sale to Taiwan.

The US Senate passed the Taiwan Travel Act, intended to encourage visits between the United States and Taiwan "at all levels"

China lodged an official protest with the United States on Thursday, saying it was "strongly dissatisfied" after the US Senate passed a bill promoting relations with self-governing Taiwan. The US Senate passed the Taiwan Travel Act, intended to encourage visits between the United States and Taiwan "at all levels", by unanimous consent on Wednesday, following its approval in the House of Representatives in January. The bill adds that it should be US policy for high-level Taiwanese officials to enter the United States, meet with US officials and conduct business in the country. President Donald Trump's signature is now all that is needed for the bill to become law -- something that is not likely to be an obstacle, given that the bill was passed unanimously. Washington cut formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979, recognising the Communist mainland rulers in Beijing as the sole government of "One China." Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that while some of the new bill's provisions are not legally binding, it "seriously violates" the "One China" principle. "China is strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposes it," Hua told a regular news briefing, adding that Beijing had made "solemn representations" to the US - a diplomatic protest. The United States, she said, should stop official exchanges with Taiwan and handle Taiwan issues "prudently and properly" to avoid "damaging Sino-US relations". Under the terms of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, Washington maintains an ambiguous approach to the island, maintaining trade relations and selling Taipei weapons. Trump sparked protest from China shortly after his election in 2016 by accepting a phone call from Taiwan's leader Tsai Ing-wen, an action seen as breaking the protocol of the One China policy. He made amends by vowing to uphold the One China policy shortly before Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to his Florida Mar-a-Lago resort -- but infuriated Beijing again last summer by approving a $1.3 billion arms sale to Taiwan.

Dissatisfied and firmly oppose US Senate bill on promoting relations with Taiwan: China

Taiwan plans to ban single-use of plastic items. The blanket ban will encompass commodities like plastic straws, cups and shopping bags. The country plans to phase out single-use of plastic completely by the year 2030 in a bid to cut pollution. Taiwan already has a recycling programme in plastic and charges citizens for plastic bags.

The country&#39;s eco-drive has also had a crackdown on the use of incense at temples and during festivals.

The plastic ban will require major restaurants to stop providing plastic straws for in-store use from 2019. All dining outlets will be required to abide by the directive from 2020.

Consumers will have to shell out extra money to be able to use plastic articles like straws, shopping bags, disposable utensils and beverage cups from 2025.

&quot;We aim to implement a blanket ban by 2030 to significantly reduce plastic waste that pollutes the ocean and also gets into the food chain to affect human health,&quot; said Lai Ying-ying, an EPA official supervising the new programme.

According to EPA data, a Taiwanese person uses nearly 700 plastic bags annually. The EPA aims to reduce the number to 100 by 2025 and to zero by 2030.

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

Consumers will have to shell out extra money to be able to use plastic articles from 2025

Taiwan plans to ban single-use of plastic items. The blanket ban will encompass commodities like plastic straws, cups and shopping bags. The country plans to phase out single-use of plastic completely by the year 2030 in a bid to cut pollution. Taiwan already has a recycling programme in plastic and charges citizens for plastic bags. The country's eco-drive has also had a crackdown on the use of incense at temples and during festivals. The plastic ban will require major restaurants to stop providing plastic straws for in-store use from 2019. All dining outlets will be required to abide by the directive from 2020. Consumers will have to shell out extra money to be able to use plastic articles like straws, shopping bags, disposable utensils and beverage cups from 2025. "We aim to implement a blanket ban by 2030 to significantly reduce plastic waste that pollutes the ocean and also gets into the food chain to affect human health," said Lai Ying-ying, an EPA official supervising the new programme. According to EPA data, a Taiwanese person uses nearly 700 plastic bags annually. The EPA aims to reduce the number to 100 by 2025 and to zero by 2030. (With inputs from AFP)

Taiwan to phase out disposable plastic items completely by 2030

Scores of aftershocks hampered rescue efforts on Thursday as emergency personnel combed through collapsed buildings in search of survivors after a powerful earthquake killed at least 10 people near Taiwan`s tourist city of Hualien.

The coastal city was hit on Tuesday by a magnitude 6.4 quake just before midnight (1600 GMT) that injured 270 people. Four buildings collapsed, officials said, and seven people were still missing.

Rescuers stepped up efforts at one of the worst-hit structures, a 12-storey building that housed apartments and a small hotel, where authorities believe most of those still missing to have been, including several foreigners.

Thick steel girders propped up the heavily leaning structure to keep it from collapsing further, with the lower floors having already caved in.

&quot;Everyone was surprised,&quot; said Huang Chang Po, the 58-year-old owner of a unit in the building, built in 1994.

&quot;We have strong earthquakes all the time in Hualien and it&rsquo;s really bizarre that our building collapsed,&quot; he told Reuters.

Up to 100 soldiers, rescuers, police, aid workers and volunteers scrambled in the cold and rain outside to find survivors, as excavators cleared away debris.

At an emergency meeting on Thursday, other residents and owners raised concerns about possible recent modifications and demanded a structural check by engineers to determine the cause of the collapse.

It was too early to ascertain the cause, however, said Chang Cheng Chen, an engineer from a regional architects&#39;&nbsp;association.

&quot;It requires a thorough technical inspection, which may take two to three months,&quot; he said, adding that factors such as the nature of the soil and how quake waves passed through the building could have played a part.

More than 220 aftershocks followed the main quake, including a 5.7 quake late on Wednesday. A Reuters witness said people rushed out of a residential building and rescue workers looked up from piles of debris after one such quiver.

Authorities &quot;would not give up&quot; on disaster relief efforts, Taiwan&#39;s President Tsai Ing-wen said during her second visit to the quake-hit area on Thursday.&nbsp;

&quot;I didn&#39;t really dare stay at home,&quot; said Hualien resident Yang Yantin. &quot;The area around my house is actually not that bad, the houses are all OK but, because of the aftershocks, I don&#39;t really want to stay there.&quot;&nbsp;

Lin Tzu Wei, an official at the Central Weather Bureau, said continued vigilance of seismic activity was needed.

&quot;We have not seen a sign of a slowdown yet,&quot; he told Reuters by telephone. &quot;We need to continue to monitor the situation for one to two days...this is quite a rare event.&quot;

As many as 150 people were initially feared missing in the rubble.

More than 600 soldiers and 1,300 police spread out to help the rescue effort, along with a team from Japan. The government said three mainland Chinese were among the dead.

Chen Deming, president of China&#39;s Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, said the mainland was willing to help with relief efforts, such as sending teams to the island. Taiwan authorities declined, however.&nbsp;

More than 800 people sought refuge in shelters overnight, many too scared to stay home as aftershocks fuelled panic.

Hualien, whose rugged Pacific coastline and picturesque Taroko Gorge National Park are a major tourist draw, is home to about 100,000 people. Its streets were buckled by the quake, leaving large cracks in major roads.

&quot;I&#39;ve never experienced an earthquake but I&#39;d heard people say there were often earthquakes here, so at first, I didn`t react,&quot; said tourist Zhang Hongcong.

&quot;But later when all the lights started smashing - the floor was covered in glass - that is when I realised it was serious.&quot;&nbsp;

Taiwan, a self-ruled island that China considers its own, lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is prone to earthquakes. An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1struck nearby on Sunday.

More than 100 people were killed in a quake in southern Taiwan in 2016, and in 1999, a quake of magnitude 7.6 killed more than 2,000 people.

Up to 100 soldiers, rescuers, police, aid workers and volunteers scrambled in the cold and rain outside to find survivors

Scores of aftershocks hampered rescue efforts on Thursday as emergency personnel combed through collapsed buildings in search of survivors after a powerful earthquake killed at least 10 people near Taiwan`s tourist city of Hualien. The coastal city was hit on Tuesday by a magnitude 6.4 quake just before midnight (1600 GMT) that injured 270 people. Four buildings collapsed, officials said, and seven people were still missing. Rescuers stepped up efforts at one of the worst-hit structures, a 12-storey building that housed apartments and a small hotel, where authorities believe most of those still missing to have been, including several foreigners. Thick steel girders propped up the heavily leaning structure to keep it from collapsing further, with the lower floors having already caved in. "Everyone was surprised," said Huang Chang Po, the 58-year-old owner of a unit in the building, built in 1994. "We have strong earthquakes all the time in Hualien and it’s really bizarre that our building collapsed," he told Reuters. Up to 100 soldiers, rescuers, police, aid workers and volunteers scrambled in the cold and rain outside to find survivors, as excavators cleared away debris. At an emergency meeting on Thursday, other residents and owners raised concerns about possible recent modifications and demanded a structural check by engineers to determine the cause of the collapse. It was too early to ascertain the cause, however, said Chang Cheng Chen, an engineer from a regional architects' association. "It requires a thorough technical inspection, which may take two to three months," he said, adding that factors such as the nature of the soil and how quake waves passed through the building could have played a part. More than 220 aftershocks followed the main quake, including a 5.7 quake late on Wednesday. A Reuters witness said people rushed out of a residential building and rescue workers looked up from piles of debris after one such quiver. Authorities "would not give up" on disaster relief efforts, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen said during her second visit to the quake-hit area on Thursday. "I didn't really dare stay at home," said Hualien resident Yang Yantin. "The area around my house is actually not that bad, the houses are all OK but, because of the aftershocks, I don't really want to stay there." Lin Tzu Wei, an official at the Central Weather Bureau, said continued vigilance of seismic activity was needed. "We have not seen a sign of a slowdown yet," he told Reuters by telephone. "We need to continue to monitor the situation for one to two days...this is quite a rare event." As many as 150 people were initially feared missing in the rubble. More than 600 soldiers and 1,300 police spread out to help the rescue effort, along with a team from Japan. The government said three mainland Chinese were among the dead. Chen Deming, president of China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, said the mainland was willing to help with relief efforts, such as sending teams to the island. Taiwan authorities declined, however. More than 800 people sought refuge in shelters overnight, many too scared to stay home as aftershocks fuelled panic. Hualien, whose rugged Pacific coastline and picturesque Taroko Gorge National Park are a major tourist draw, is home to about 100,000 people. Its streets were buckled by the quake, leaving large cracks in major roads. "I've never experienced an earthquake but I'd heard people say there were often earthquakes here, so at first, I didn`t react," said tourist Zhang Hongcong. "But later when all the lights started smashing - the floor was covered in glass - that is when I realised it was serious." Taiwan, a self-ruled island that China considers its own, lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is prone to earthquakes. An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1struck nearby on Sunday. More than 100 people were killed in a quake in southern Taiwan in 2016, and in 1999, a quake of magnitude 7.6 killed more than 2,000 people.

Earthquake-hit Taiwan city still on edge as rescuers hunt for survivors

Scores of aftershocks hampered rescue efforts on Thursday as emergency personnel combed through collapsed buildings in search of survivors after a powerful earthquake killed at least 10 people near Taiwan&#39;s popular tourist city of Hualien.

The coastal city of Hualien was hit by a magnitude 6.4 quake just before midnight (1600 GMT) on Tuesday that also injured 265 people. Four buildings collapsed, officials said, and about 58 people were still missing.

Nervous residents endured more than 200 aftershocks, including a 5.7 quake late on Wednesday and smaller tremors early on Thursday. Aftershocks with a magnitude of at least 5.0 could rock the island over the next two weeks, the government said.

&quot;There were constant aftershocks so I didn&#39;t really dare stay at home. The area around my house is actually not that bad, the houses are all OK but, because of the aftershocks, I don&#39;t really want to stay there,&quot; said Hualien resident Yang Yantin.

A&nbsp;witness said people rushed out of a residential building and rescue workers looked up from piles of debris after another strong aftershock rattled the city at around 11 a.m. on Thursday (0300 GMT).

Horns sounded to warn people to leave buildings and chanting from groups of Buddhists could also be heard.

It was initially feared as many as 150 people may have been missing in the rubble. The death toll had been put at seven overnight.

Many of the missing were believed to be trapped in a 12-storey residential building that was tilting at a 45-degree angle. Tenants and their furniture were flung across their apartments in the damaged building.

More than 600 soldiers and 1,300 police have been deployed to help with rescue efforts. The government said three mainland Chinese were among the dead.

Chen Deming, president of China&#39;s Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, said the mainland was willing to assist with relief efforts, including sending teams to the island.

Rescue workers used ladders and flashlights as they searched for survivors among the rubble on Thursday.

More than 800 people sought refuge in shelters overnight, many too scared to stay in their homes as aftershocks stirred panic.

Hualien is home to about 100,000 people. Its streets were buckled by the force of the quake, with large cracks along major roads.

&quot;I&#39;ve never actually experienced an earthquake before but I&#39;d heard people say that there were often earthquakes here, so at first, I didn&#39;t really react, but later when all the lights started smashing - the floor was covered in glass - that is when I realised it was really serious,&quot; said tourist Zhang Hongcong.

Taiwan, a self-ruled island that China considers part of its territory, lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is prone to earthquakes. An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1struck nearby on Sunday.

More than 100 people were killed in a quake in southern Taiwan in 2016, and some Taiwanese remain scarred by a 7.6 magnitude quake that was felt across the island and killed more than 2,000 people in 1999.

The coastal city of Hualien was hit by a magnitude 6.4 quake just before midnight (1600 GMT) on Tuesday that also injured 265 people.

Scores of aftershocks hampered rescue efforts on Thursday as emergency personnel combed through collapsed buildings in search of survivors after a powerful earthquake killed at least 10 people near Taiwan's popular tourist city of Hualien. The coastal city of Hualien was hit by a magnitude 6.4 quake just before midnight (1600 GMT) on Tuesday that also injured 265 people. Four buildings collapsed, officials said, and about 58 people were still missing. Nervous residents endured more than 200 aftershocks, including a 5.7 quake late on Wednesday and smaller tremors early on Thursday. Aftershocks with a magnitude of at least 5.0 could rock the island over the next two weeks, the government said. "There were constant aftershocks so I didn't really dare stay at home. The area around my house is actually not that bad, the houses are all OK but, because of the aftershocks, I don't really want to stay there," said Hualien resident Yang Yantin. A witness said people rushed out of a residential building and rescue workers looked up from piles of debris after another strong aftershock rattled the city at around 11 a.m. on Thursday (0300 GMT). Horns sounded to warn people to leave buildings and chanting from groups of Buddhists could also be heard. It was initially feared as many as 150 people may have been missing in the rubble. The death toll had been put at seven overnight. Many of the missing were believed to be trapped in a 12-storey residential building that was tilting at a 45-degree angle. Tenants and their furniture were flung across their apartments in the damaged building. More than 600 soldiers and 1,300 police have been deployed to help with rescue efforts. The government said three mainland Chinese were among the dead. Chen Deming, president of China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, said the mainland was willing to assist with relief efforts, including sending teams to the island. Rescue workers used ladders and flashlights as they searched for survivors among the rubble on Thursday. More than 800 people sought refuge in shelters overnight, many too scared to stay in their homes as aftershocks stirred panic. Hualien is home to about 100,000 people. Its streets were buckled by the force of the quake, with large cracks along major roads. "I've never actually experienced an earthquake before but I'd heard people say that there were often earthquakes here, so at first, I didn't really react, but later when all the lights started smashing - the floor was covered in glass - that is when I realised it was really serious," said tourist Zhang Hongcong. Taiwan, a self-ruled island that China considers part of its territory, lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is prone to earthquakes. An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1struck nearby on Sunday. More than 100 people were killed in a quake in southern Taiwan in 2016, and some Taiwanese remain scarred by a 7.6 magnitude quake that was felt across the island and killed more than 2,000 people in 1999.

Aftershocks rattle Taiwan as quake toll rises to 10, 58 missing

Taiwan was hit by an earthquake of 5.7 magnitude on the eastern coast of the island, the government said late on Wednesday night.

The government said the earthquake took place late on Wednesday near Hualien, the same area as a strong quake on Tuesday and where <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/rescuers-scour-tilting-buildings-after-taiwan-quake-kills-seven-32139" target="_blank">recovery efforts are still ongoing</a>.

The US&nbsp;Geological Survey said the quake was 21 km northeast of the city at a depth of 11 km.

At least seven people were killed and 67 were still missing from the earthquake in the popular tourist city of Hualien as of late Wednesday, the government said in a statement.

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit Hualien Wendesday night, the same area as a strong quake on Tuesday

Taiwan was hit by an earthquake of 5.7 magnitude on the eastern coast of the island, the government said late on Wednesday night. The government said the earthquake took place late on Wednesday near Hualien, the same area as a strong quake on Tuesday and where recovery efforts are still ongoing. The US Geological Survey said the quake was 21 km northeast of the city at a depth of 11 km. At least seven people were killed and 67 were still missing from the earthquake in the popular tourist city of Hualien as of late Wednesday, the government said in a statement.

New quake shakes Taiwan's Hualien

Rescue workers pulled survivors and bodies from buildings tilting precariously in the Taiwanese city of Hualien Wednesday after an overnight earthquake killed at least seven people, injured more than 250 and left dozens missing.

Emergency responders were focusing on a 12-storey apartment block and a nearby hotel, both of which were leaning dangerously with their lower floors pancaked after the 6.4-magnitude quake hit the popular tourist city late Tuesday.

The national fire agency said seven people had been killed across the city, and 260 were injured.&nbsp;

Some 67 people remained unaccounted for late Wednesday evening.

There were grave concerns for the badly leaning Yun Tsui residential building, which also housed a restaurant, shops and a hostel.

Dozens of residents -- and several pets -- were rescued with ropes, ladders and cranes. But fire department staff at the site told AFP at least four bodies had been pulled out of the building in the day.

Of those still missing, the Hualien disaster relief centre said, 39 are residents at the apartment block and 13 are guests at the Beauty Stay Hotel -- which is on the bottom floors of the Yun Tsui building.

One of the people killed at the apartment block was a woman from mainland China, authorities said.

Officials temporarily suspended rescue efforts over fears the building might slip further as engineers raced to push large concrete blocks and steel bars to support the leaning side.&nbsp;

Rescue efforts continued as night fell, with emergency responders wielding crowbars and torches to search the lower floors for survivors.

Continual aftershocks forced rescuers searching the apartment block to run for safety every time they struck. The responders would go back inside when the tremors stopped.

The strongest of them was a shallow 5.7-magnitude quake that was felt as far away as the capital Taipei, around 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Hualien.

One resident who lives nearby told AFP how he watched the tower block partially collapse.

&quot;I saw the first floor sink into the ground. Then it sank and tilted further and the fourth floor became the first floor,&quot; said Lu Chih-son, 35, who saw 20 people rescued from the building.

Chen Chih-wei, 80, said he was sleeping in his apartment on the top floor of the building when the quake struck.

&quot;My bed turned completely vertical. I was sleeping and suddenly I was standing,&quot; he told AFP.&nbsp;

Chen said he managed to crawl to a balcony to wait for rescue, adding that the quake was the strongest he had felt in more than five decades of living in Hualien.

Tourists rescued

At the Marshal Hotel, which was also leaning and badly damaged, at least two people were killed when the lower floors collapsed. But most residents got out and authorities said they believed no more people were trapped inside.&nbsp;

President Tsai Ing-wen visited the apartment block Wednesday morning. &quot;Now is the prime time for our rescue efforts, our first priority is to save people,&quot; she said in a Facebook post.

Hualien is one of Taiwan&#39;s most popular tourist hubs as it lies on the picturesque east coast rail line and near the popular Taroko Gorge.

The government said 17 foreigners sought medical treatment for minor injuries.

Local resident Blue Hsu said some of those carried out of the hotel were foreigners.&nbsp;

&quot;The lower floors sunk into the ground and I saw panicked tourists being rescued from the hotel,&quot; Hsu told AFP.

Some 830 people were in shelters, officials said, while 1,900 houses were without power.

Pope Francis expressed solidarity with the victims and encouraged emergency responders in a statement issued by the Vatican on Wednesday.

&quot;His Holiness willingly invokes upon all the Taiwanese people the divine blessings of strength and peace,&quot; the statement said.

Quake anniversary

The quake hit just before midnight (1550 GMT) around 21 kilometres (13 miles) northeast of Hualien, according to the USGS.

It followed almost 100 smaller tremors to have hit the area in the last three days and comes exactly two years since a quake of the same magnitude struck the southern Taiwanese city of Tainan, killing more than 100 people.

Most of the deaths from the February 2016 earthquake were from the 16-storey Wei-kuan apartment complex, which toppled on its side and buried many residents in the rubble.

The safety of the building was called into question immediately after the disaster when metal cans and foam were found to have been used as fillers in the concrete and residents said there had been cracks in the structure.

Five people were found guilty over the disaster, including the developer and two architects.

Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is regularly hit by earthquakes.

The island&#39;s worst tremor in recent decades was a 7.6-magnitude quake in September 1999 that killed around 2,400 people.

The national fire agency said seven people had been killed across the city, and 260 were injured

Rescue workers pulled survivors and bodies from buildings tilting precariously in the Taiwanese city of Hualien Wednesday after an overnight earthquake killed at least seven people, injured more than 250 and left dozens missing. Emergency responders were focusing on a 12-storey apartment block and a nearby hotel, both of which were leaning dangerously with their lower floors pancaked after the 6.4-magnitude quake hit the popular tourist city late Tuesday. The national fire agency said seven people had been killed across the city, and 260 were injured. Some 67 people remained unaccounted for late Wednesday evening. There were grave concerns for the badly leaning Yun Tsui residential building, which also housed a restaurant, shops and a hostel. Dozens of residents -- and several pets -- were rescued with ropes, ladders and cranes. But fire department staff at the site told AFP at least four bodies had been pulled out of the building in the day. Of those still missing, the Hualien disaster relief centre said, 39 are residents at the apartment block and 13 are guests at the Beauty Stay Hotel -- which is on the bottom floors of the Yun Tsui building. One of the people killed at the apartment block was a woman from mainland China, authorities said. Officials temporarily suspended rescue efforts over fears the building might slip further as engineers raced to push large concrete blocks and steel bars to support the leaning side. Rescue efforts continued as night fell, with emergency responders wielding crowbars and torches to search the lower floors for survivors. Continual aftershocks forced rescuers searching the apartment block to run for safety every time they struck. The responders would go back inside when the tremors stopped. The strongest of them was a shallow 5.7-magnitude quake that was felt as far away as the capital Taipei, around 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Hualien. One resident who lives nearby told AFP how he watched the tower block partially collapse. "I saw the first floor sink into the ground. Then it sank and tilted further and the fourth floor became the first floor," said Lu Chih-son, 35, who saw 20 people rescued from the building. Chen Chih-wei, 80, said he was sleeping in his apartment on the top floor of the building when the quake struck. "My bed turned completely vertical. I was sleeping and suddenly I was standing," he told AFP. Chen said he managed to crawl to a balcony to wait for rescue, adding that the quake was the strongest he had felt in more than five decades of living in Hualien. Tourists rescued At the Marshal Hotel, which was also leaning and badly damaged, at least two people were killed when the lower floors collapsed. But most residents got out and authorities said they believed no more people were trapped inside. President Tsai Ing-wen visited the apartment block Wednesday morning. "Now is the prime time for our rescue efforts, our first priority is to save people," she said in a Facebook post. Hualien is one of Taiwan's most popular tourist hubs as it lies on the picturesque east coast rail line and near the popular Taroko Gorge. The government said 17 foreigners sought medical treatment for minor injuries. Local resident Blue Hsu said some of those carried out of the hotel were foreigners. "The lower floors sunk into the ground and I saw panicked tourists being rescued from the hotel," Hsu told AFP. Some 830 people were in shelters, officials said, while 1,900 houses were without power. Pope Francis expressed solidarity with the victims and encouraged emergency responders in a statement issued by the Vatican on Wednesday. "His Holiness willingly invokes upon all the Taiwanese people the divine blessings of strength and peace," the statement said. Quake anniversary The quake hit just before midnight (1550 GMT) around 21 kilometres (13 miles) northeast of Hualien, according to the USGS. It followed almost 100 smaller tremors to have hit the area in the last three days and comes exactly two years since a quake of the same magnitude struck the southern Taiwanese city of Tainan, killing more than 100 people. Most of the deaths from the February 2016 earthquake were from the 16-storey Wei-kuan apartment complex, which toppled on its side and buried many residents in the rubble. The safety of the building was called into question immediately after the disaster when metal cans and foam were found to have been used as fillers in the concrete and residents said there had been cracks in the structure. Five people were found guilty over the disaster, including the developer and two architects. Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is regularly hit by earthquakes. The island's worst tremor in recent decades was a 7.6-magnitude quake in September 1999 that killed around 2,400 people.

Rescuers scour tilting buildings after Taiwan quake kills seven

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A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck near the coastal city of Hualien in Taiwan late on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey&nbsp;said. 
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A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck near the coastal city of Hualien in Taiwan late on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said.

US House of Representatives moves bill to end 'non-defence aid' to Pakistan The bill seeks to divert the money for infrastructure projects in the United States. 2 killed, over 200 injured in 6.4-magnitude Taiwan earthquake A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck near the coastal city of Hualien in Taiwan late on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said. SpaceX sends a sports car into space with world's most powerful rocket The world's most powerful rocket, SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, roared into space through clear blue skies in its debut test flight on Tuesday. Trump tells Pentagon to plan military parade US President Donald Trump has asked for a military parade to showcase American muscle and underscore his role as commander-in-chief. Prepping for 'No More Tours 2' in spring, Ozzy Osbourne says 'I'm not retiring Black Sabbath star Ozzy Osbourne will kickstart last tour of his life this spring but will continue performing gigs around the world, he confirmed.

WION Morning News brief, February 7, 2018

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck near the coastal city of Hualien in Taiwan late on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said, killing at least two people and causing several buildings to collapse.

A hotel and an apartment block were the worst hit by the quake in the port city of Hualien, according to the national fire agency.

Five more buildings including a hospital have also been damaged with roads strewn with rubble, cracks along highways and damaged buildings tilted at angles.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
震度は修正します。 
花蓮地区は7級強震。 
ビルは倒壊して情況発生しました。 
花蓮地区のみんなが無事を祈ります????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E5%9C%B0%E9%9C%87?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#地震</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> <a href="https://t.co/pfmY9oubTx">pic.twitter.com/pfmY9oubTx</a>
&mdash; 凱 = ガイ（KAI） (@1974kai) <a href="https://twitter.com/1974kai/status/960915168535261184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The worst-hit Marshal Hotel partly crumpled into the ground, leaving it slanting on its side, as rescuers on cranes attempted to free people from its upper floors.

&quot;It&#39;s the biggest quake I&#39;ve experienced in Hualien in more than 10 years,&quot; resident Blue Hsu told media, who said his home shook violently.

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Rescue personnel search a collapsed building after an earthquake hit Hualien. (Reuters)
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Describing the scene at the hotel, Hsu said its bottom storeys had been crushed.

&quot;The lower floors sunk into the ground and I saw panicked tourists being rescued from the hotel,&quot; he said.

Hualien is one of Taiwan&#39;s most popular tourist hubs as it lies on the picturesque east coast rail line and is near to popular Taroko Gorge.

Facebook user Sun Chen-Hsiang, who was live streaming the scene at the hotel from a distance, told how the building next to his home had also collapsed.

&quot;All the people watching this live stream, please get yourself to a safe place and don&#39;t stay home,&quot; he said.

Another resident told media how an apartment block near his flat had also partially collapsed.

&quot;I saw the first floor sink into the ground. Then it sunk and tilted further and the fourth floor became the first floor,&quot; said Lu Chih-son, 35, adding he saw 20 people rescued from the building.

&quot;My family were unhurt, but a neighbour was injured in the head and is bleeding. We dare not go back home now. There are many aftershocks and we are worried the house is damaged.&quot;

There had been at least 15 aftershocks following the quake, Taiwan&#39;s weather bureau said. Officials from Hualien fire department said 149 people had been rescued from damaged buildings.

Authorities said some people remained trapped but were unable to give an overall figure.

Rescuers from around the island were preparing to help, Taiwan&#39;s president Tsai Ing-wen said on her Facebook page, promising rapid disaster relief.

The quake hit at 23:50 pm (1550 GMT) around 21 kilometres (13 miles) northeast of Hualien, according to the United States Geological Survey.

It follows almost 100 smaller tremors to have hit the area in the last three days and comes exactly two years since a quake of the same magnitude struck the southern Taiwanese city of Tainan, killing more than 100 people.

Most of the deaths from the February 2016 earthquake were from the 16-storey Wei-Kuan apartment complex, which toppled on its side with many of its residents buried in the rubble. 
It was the only high-rise in Tainan to crumble completely in the quake, which came two days before Lunar New Year when many people would have been visiting relatives for the biggest celebration of the Chinese calendar.

The safety of the building was called into question immediately after the disaster when metal cans and foam were found to have been used as fillers in the concrete and residents said there had been cracks in the structure.

Five people were found guilty and sentenced to five years imprisonment over the disaster, including the developer and two architects, with prosecutors saying they &quot;cut corners&quot; that affected the building&#39;s structural integrity.

Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is regularly hit by earthquakes.

The island&#39;s worst tremor in recent decades was a 7.6 magnitude quake in September 1999 that killed around 2,400 people.

A shallow 6.4-magnitude earthquake in Taiwan has struck the eastern city of Hualien, killing at least two people and injuring more than 100

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck near the coastal city of Hualien in Taiwan late on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said, killing at least two people and causing several buildings to collapse. A hotel and an apartment block were the worst hit by the quake in the port city of Hualien, according to the national fire agency. Five more buildings including a hospital have also been damaged with roads strewn with rubble, cracks along highways and damaged buildings tilted at angles. 震度は修正します。 花蓮地区は7級強震。 ビルは倒壊して情況発生しました。 花蓮地区のみんなが無事を祈ります????#地震 #earthquake pic.twitter.com/pfmY9oubTx — 凱 = ガイ（KAI） (@1974kai) February 6, 2018 × The worst-hit Marshal Hotel partly crumpled into the ground, leaving it slanting on its side, as rescuers on cranes attempted to free people from its upper floors. "It's the biggest quake I've experienced in Hualien in more than 10 years," resident Blue Hsu told media, who said his home shook violently. Rescue personnel search a collapsed building after an earthquake hit Hualien. (Reuters) × Describing the scene at the hotel, Hsu said its bottom storeys had been crushed. "The lower floors sunk into the ground and I saw panicked tourists being rescued from the hotel," he said. Hualien is one of Taiwan's most popular tourist hubs as it lies on the picturesque east coast rail line and is near to popular Taroko Gorge. Facebook user Sun Chen-Hsiang, who was live streaming the scene at the hotel from a distance, told how the building next to his home had also collapsed. "All the people watching this live stream, please get yourself to a safe place and don't stay home," he said. Another resident told media how an apartment block near his flat had also partially collapsed. "I saw the first floor sink into the ground. Then it sunk and tilted further and the fourth floor became the first floor," said Lu Chih-son, 35, adding he saw 20 people rescued from the building. "My family were unhurt, but a neighbour was injured in the head and is bleeding. We dare not go back home now. There are many aftershocks and we are worried the house is damaged." There had been at least 15 aftershocks following the quake, Taiwan's weather bureau said. Officials from Hualien fire department said 149 people had been rescued from damaged buildings. Authorities said some people remained trapped but were unable to give an overall figure. Rescuers from around the island were preparing to help, Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen said on her Facebook page, promising rapid disaster relief. The quake hit at 23:50 pm (1550 GMT) around 21 kilometres (13 miles) northeast of Hualien, according to the United States Geological Survey. It follows almost 100 smaller tremors to have hit the area in the last three days and comes exactly two years since a quake of the same magnitude struck the southern Taiwanese city of Tainan, killing more than 100 people. Most of the deaths from the February 2016 earthquake were from the 16-storey Wei-Kuan apartment complex, which toppled on its side with many of its residents buried in the rubble. It was the only high-rise in Tainan to crumble completely in the quake, which came two days before Lunar New Year when many people would have been visiting relatives for the biggest celebration of the Chinese calendar. The safety of the building was called into question immediately after the disaster when metal cans and foam were found to have been used as fillers in the concrete and residents said there had been cracks in the structure. Five people were found guilty and sentenced to five years imprisonment over the disaster, including the developer and two architects, with prosecutors saying they "cut corners" that affected the building's structural integrity. Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is regularly hit by earthquakes. The island's worst tremor in recent decades was a 7.6 magnitude quake in September 1999 that killed around 2,400 people.

Two killed, over 200 injured in 6.4-magnitude Taiwan earthquake

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