At the onset of the new year, fresh tensions have broken out between China and Taiwan after Xi Jinping sparked an uproar over his reunification remark. Early in the day, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, at the New Year's Day press conference, said the island nation must be prepared for danger in times of peace and boost its defense spending.


Taiwan President Lai Ching-te Urges Greater Defence Spending In New Year Speech

Taiwan now has hypersonic missiles that can strike China’s capital Beijing, capable of creating utter devastation. A day after Chinese President Xi Jinping said that no one can stop China’s unification with Taiwan.

Taiwan Ready To Hit Beijing With Hypersonic Missiles as Xi Threatens Conquest

China is constructing the world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibet, a project that has sparked global debate. The dam aims to generate vast amounts of energy, but concerns have arisen over environmental impacts and its potential influence on regional water resources.

China's Tibet Super-Dam Threatens Millions

In his New Year's address on Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed Beijing's determination to achieve "reunification" with Taiwan, emphasizing that no force could prevent it. Xi's remarks served as a stern warning to both pro-independence advocates within Taiwan and external actors supporting the island's autonomy.

Xi Jinping Says Taiwan 'Reunification' Will Happen

Tensions between China and Taiwan have escalated as China intensifies its military pressure on the island, coinciding with increased support from the United States for Taiwan’s defense. The situation raises concerns over regional stability and the potential for conflict in the Indo-Pacific.

Xi Jinping Says No One Can Stop China's 'Reunification' With Taiwan

China's Aggression Against Taiwan Escalates Amid US Support

China has sanctioned seven military-industrial companies and related senior executives over U.S. arms assistance and sales to Taiwan, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday.
Boeing subsidiary Insitu Inc., RTX Inc.'s Raytheon Canada and Raytheon Australia, as well as Hudson Technologies Co. are among the companies listed by the ministry in a statement.
The US recently approved USD 571.3 million in defence support for Taiwan, after giving the go-ahead to arms sales worth an estimated USD 385 million.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-firmly-opposes-outgoing-us-president-bidens-approval-5713-mn-military-aid-for-taiwan-786021">China 'firmly opposes' outgoing US President Biden's approval of $571.3 million military aid for Taiwan</a>
China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan strongly objects to China's sovereignty claims and says only the island's people can decide their future.
The US is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties between Washington and Taipei.
The sanctions will freeze the companies and executives' assets in China and ban organizations and individuals in China from trading or collaborating with them, the ministry said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-releases-annual-report-on-chinas-military-developments-a-look-at-the-key-facts-785627">Pentagon releases annual report on China's military developments showing disturbing rise in nukes</a>&nbsp;
The US move "seriously undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," a ministry spokesperson said in a regular press briefing on Friday.
China urges the US to abide by the one-China principle and stop arming Taiwan, the spokesperson Mao Ning said, adding that Beijing will "take all necessary measures" to safeguard its security and interests.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: Boeing subsidiary Insitu Inc., RTX Inc.'s Raytheon Canada and Raytheon Australia, as well as Hudson Technologies Co. are among the companies listed by the ministry.

China has sanctioned seven military-industrial companies and related senior executives over U.S. arms assistance and sales to Taiwan, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday. Boeing subsidiary Insitu Inc., RTX Inc.'s Raytheon Canada and Raytheon Australia, as well as Hudson Technologies Co. are among the companies listed by the ministry in a statement. The US recently approved USD 571.3 million in defence support for Taiwan, after giving the go-ahead to arms sales worth an estimated USD 385 million. Also read: China 'firmly opposes' outgoing US President Biden's approval of $571.3 million military aid for Taiwan China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan strongly objects to China's sovereignty claims and says only the island's people can decide their future. The US is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties between Washington and Taipei. The sanctions will freeze the companies and executives' assets in China and ban organizations and individuals in China from trading or collaborating with them, the ministry said. Also read: Pentagon releases annual report on China's military developments showing disturbing rise in nukes The US move "seriously undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," a ministry spokesperson said in a regular press briefing on Friday. China urges the US to abide by the one-China principle and stop arming Taiwan, the spokesperson Mao Ning said, adding that Beijing will "take all necessary measures" to safeguard its security and interests. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

China sanctions seven military firms over US aid to Taiwan

Taiwan prosecutors have charged a former mayor of Taipei who heads a small opposition party with accepting T$17.1 million ($522,392) in bribes over a major property development in the capital and misuse of political donations.
Prosecutors asked for a combined total of more than 28 years in prison for Ko Wen-je, saying he had helped a conglomerate "illegally benefit" to the tune of billions of Taiwan dollars. He also embezzled tens of millions in political donations, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office said in a statement on Thursday.
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Ko, mayor from 2014 to 2022 who came third in January's presidential election, was arrested in August after investigators raided his home and party and questioned him for hours.
Reuters was not able to reach Ko for comment, who is currently detained. Ko has previously denied any wrongdoing in the property case, which&nbsp;involves approvals given for a shopping centre project when he was the mayor.
The Taiwan People's Party (TPP), which was founded by Ko, told a media briefing that the prosecutors failed to offer concrete evidence to support Ko's bribery charges&nbsp;and said it was a "political prosecution" and called for his release.
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Ko and several other TPP members were also charged for the misuse of political donations to the party, including embezzling donations of more than T$68 million.
He and the TPP have previously acknowledged that campaign funds during the presidential campaign were misreported.
The TPP said Ko did not embezzle any political donations, which it said were used according to Taiwanese laws.
Ko has been widely expected to seek the presidency again at the next election in 2028. But opinion polls show that the scandals have hammered support for him and the TPP, which he founded in 2019 in an attempt to create a third force in Taiwanese politics.
The TPP has only eight lawmakers in Taiwan's 113-seat parliament but has an outsized role as neither the ruling Democratic Progressive Party nor the largest opposition party, the Kuomintang, has a majority.
($1 = 32.7340 Taiwan dollars)
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Prosecutors asked for a combined total of more than 28 years in prison for Ko Wen-je, saying he had helped a conglomerate "illegally benefit" to the tune of billions of Taiwan dollars.

Taiwan prosecutors have charged a former mayor of Taipei who heads a small opposition party with accepting T$17.1 million ($522,392) in bribes over a major property development in the capital and misuse of political donations. Prosecutors asked for a combined total of more than 28 years in prison for Ko Wen-je, saying he had helped a conglomerate "illegally benefit" to the tune of billions of Taiwan dollars. He also embezzled tens of millions in political donations, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office said in a statement on Thursday. Also read: Japan Airlines hit by cyberattack, flights may be affected Ko, mayor from 2014 to 2022 who came third in January's presidential election, was arrested in August after investigators raided his home and party and questioned him for hours. Reuters was not able to reach Ko for comment, who is currently detained. Ko has previously denied any wrongdoing in the property case, which involves approvals given for a shopping centre project when he was the mayor. The Taiwan People's Party (TPP), which was founded by Ko, told a media briefing that the prosecutors failed to offer concrete evidence to support Ko's bribery charges and said it was a "political prosecution" and called for his release. Also read: Video: Passenger captures Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash that killed 38 Ko and several other TPP members were also charged for the misuse of political donations to the party, including embezzling donations of more than T$68 million. He and the TPP have previously acknowledged that campaign funds during the presidential campaign were misreported. The TPP said Ko did not embezzle any political donations, which it said were used according to Taiwanese laws. Ko has been widely expected to seek the presidency again at the next election in 2028. But opinion polls show that the scandals have hammered support for him and the TPP, which he founded in 2019 in an attempt to create a third force in Taiwanese politics. The TPP has only eight lawmakers in Taiwan's 113-seat parliament but has an outsized role as neither the ruling Democratic Progressive Party nor the largest opposition party, the Kuomintang, has a majority. ($1 = 32.7340 Taiwan dollars) Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Former Taiwan mayor charged in bribery scandal; opposition cries ‘political prosecution’

Taiwan's parliament erupts into chaos as lawmakers engage in physical altercations over controversial bills, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic values. The clash highlights increasing political tensions as key legislative decisions are made.

Taiwan Lawmakers Clash Over Controversial Bills, Sparking Fears for Democracy

Taiwan's parliament erupts into chaos as lawmakers engage in physical altercations over controversial bills, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic values. The clash highlights increasing political tensions as key legislative decisions are made.



On Friday, Taiwan's lawmakers erupted into chaos over controversial bills perceived as threats to the nation's democracy. The scene in the legislative chamber turned turbulent, with members engaging in physical confrontations, spraying water, and exchanging pushes and kicks. Watch to know more!

Taiwan Lawmakers Fight Over Controversial Bills Seen As Threat To Democracy | Race To Power | WION

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence stated that it detected 10 Chinese military aircraft and 5 naval vessels around its territory on Wednesday. Watch in for more details!



China-Taiwan Tensions: PLA Aircrafts Enter Taiwan's Air Defence Zones

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence stated that it detected 10 Chinese military aircraft and 5 naval vessels around its territory on Wednesday. Watch in for more details!

Taiwan Identifies 10 Chinese Military Aircraft and 5 Naval Vessels

Taiwan has received 38 advanced Abrams battle tanks from the United States as the island boosts its military capabilities against a potential Chinese attack. Watch in for more details!



Taiwan Receives 38 US Abrams Tanks To Strengthen Military Amid China Threat

Taiwan received the first shipment of 38 M1A2 Abrams tanks from the US, bolstering its defense against potential Chinese aggression. Watch this report for more details!

Taiwan Receives First Batch of 38 Advanced Abrams Tank

Taiwan has received 38 advanced Abrams battle tanks from the United States as the island boosts its military capabilities against a potential Chinese attack. Watch in for more details!

Taiwan received the first batch of 38 M1A2T Abrams tanks from the United States. The tanks were requested in 2019 with Taiwan allocating more than $1.2 billion for them. The long-awaited M1A2T tanks is a version tailored for Taiwan’s operational requirements: Reports

M1A2T tanks are considered among the heaviest in the world. The tanks are equipped with a 120mm main gun, composite armor and enhanced mobility

The rest of the order is expected to be delivered in 2025 and 2026. 



The acquisition of Abram tanks is part of Taiwan’s strategy to boost its defense capabilities. Watch in for more details!



Taiwan Receives 38 US Abrams Tanks To Strengthen Military Amid Growing Chinese Threat

Taiwan received the first batch of 38 M1A2T Abrams tanks from the United States. The tanks were requested in 2019 with Taiwan allocating more than $1.2 billion for them. The long-awaited M1A2T tanks is a version tailored for Taiwan’s operational requirements: Reports M1A2T tanks are considered among the heaviest in the world. The tanks are equipped with a 120mm main gun, composite armor and enhanced mobility The rest of the order is expected to be delivered in 2025 and 2026. The acquisition of Abram tanks is part of Taiwan’s strategy to boost its defense capabilities. Watch in for more details!

Tensions rise as China remains silent regarding its military activity near Taiwan, fueling concerns over escalating tensions in the region. The lack of transparency has prompted increased scrutiny from international observers and governments.

China-Taiwan Tensions: China Silent About It's Activity Near Taiwan

Taipei says China is deploying its largest navy fleet in the region, including around Taiwan, in nearly three decades, with a threat level more severe than previous Chinese war games around the island, United States is cautiously watching the unfolding situation. Watch in for more details!

Tensions Rise In Taiwan Strait: Beijing Flexes Military Muscles Amid US-Taiwan Deepening

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