<p>China said on Monday (May 20) it would sanction three US defence companies over their sales of arms to Taiwan, as the self-ruled island inaugurated a new president.</p>

<p>The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced that it will add three US companies—General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems, and Boeing Defense, Space &amp; Security—to its list of "unreliable entities."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-drone-searching-for-raisis-plane-finds-heat-source-could-be-aircrafts-debris-723214">Rescue teams spot helicopter carrying Iran's President Raisi: Official</a></p>

<p>"They will be barred from engaging in China-related import or export activities, and are forbidden to make new investments in China," the state-run Xinhua news agency said.</p>

<p>"The move also bars top executives from setting foot in China, revoking their work permits and any existing visas," it further stated.</p>

<p>China’s announcement came as Lai Ching-te was sworn in on Monday as president of the democratic island.</p>

<p>It is worth mentioning here, China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has branded 64-year-old Lai a dangerous separatist who will bring war and decline to the island.</p>

<p>Despite switching diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979, the United States remains Taiwan's strongest international partner and primary source of military equipment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, the US approved a significant military aid package for Taiwan, including $1.9 billion to bolster its defenses.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-deploy-47-rescue-specialists-helicopter-after-raisis-aircraft-crashes-723207">Russia to deploy 47 rescuers, helicopter after Raisi's aircraft crashes</a></p>

<p>Beijing fumed over the package, warned it would increase the risk of conflict along the strait.</p>

<h2><strong>Antony Blinken congratulates Taiwan's newly inaugurated President</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Taiwan's newly inaugurated President Lai Ching-te, saying he looked forward to Washington and Taipei deepening ties and maintaining "peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait."</p>

<p>"We also congratulate the Taiwan people for once again demonstrating the strength of their robust and resilient democratic system," Blinken said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>Taiwan's new president&nbsp;Lai Ching-te</strong></h2>

<p>Lai Ching-te on Monday (May 20) sworn in as Taiwan's new president on Monday (May 20).&nbsp;After taking office, Lai, who is seen as a moderate figure, called on China to 'cease political and military intimidation'.</p>

<p>Vice President Hsia Bi-khim also took an oath in front of Sun Yat-Sen portrait, founding father of the Republic of China (ROC), as Taiwan has been known officially.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


China said on Monday (May 20) it would sanction three US defence companies over their sales of arms to Taiwan, as the self-ruled island inaugurated a new president.

China said on Monday (May 20) it would sanction three US defence companies over their sales of arms to Taiwan, as the self-ruled island inaugurated a new president. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced that it will add three US companies—General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems, and Boeing Defense, Space & Security—to its list of "unreliable entities." Also read: Rescue teams spot helicopter carrying Iran's President Raisi: Official "They will be barred from engaging in China-related import or export activities, and are forbidden to make new investments in China," the state-run Xinhua news agency said. "The move also bars top executives from setting foot in China, revoking their work permits and any existing visas," it further stated. China’s announcement came as Lai Ching-te was sworn in on Monday as president of the democratic island. It is worth mentioning here, China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has branded 64-year-old Lai a dangerous separatist who will bring war and decline to the island. Despite switching diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979, the United States remains Taiwan's strongest international partner and primary source of military equipment. Last month, the US approved a significant military aid package for Taiwan, including $1.9 billion to bolster its defenses. Also read: Russia to deploy 47 rescuers, helicopter after Raisi's aircraft crashes Beijing fumed over the package, warned it would increase the risk of conflict along the strait. Antony Blinken congratulates Taiwan's newly inaugurated President Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Taiwan's newly inaugurated President Lai Ching-te, saying he looked forward to Washington and Taipei deepening ties and maintaining "peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait." "We also congratulate the Taiwan people for once again demonstrating the strength of their robust and resilient democratic system," Blinken said in a statement. Taiwan's new president Lai Ching-te Lai Ching-te on Monday (May 20) sworn in as Taiwan's new president on Monday (May 20). After taking office, Lai, who is seen as a moderate figure, called on China to 'cease political and military intimidation'. Vice President Hsia Bi-khim also took an oath in front of Sun Yat-Sen portrait, founding father of the Republic of China (ROC), as Taiwan has been known officially. (With inputs from agencies)

China sanctions US defence companies selling arms to Taiwan

China's commerce ministry on Sunday launched an anti-dumping probe into POM copolymers, a type of engineering plastic, imported from the European Union, United States, Japan and Taiwan. Watch in for more details!

China launches anti-dumping probe on EU, US, Japan & Taiwan

<p>China on Monday (May 20) announced sanctions against Boeing and two other US defence companies for arms sales to Taiwan. The move comes on the day of Taiwan’s presidential inauguration. So far, it is unclear how the sanctions will impact Beijing's businesses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chinese Ministry of Commerce placed Boeing's Defense, Space &amp; Security unit, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, and General Dynamics Land Systems on an "unreliable entities" list. The ministry forbade their further investment in China, in addition to travel bans on senior management for the companies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent years, Beijing has taken action against several defence companies for weapons sales to Taiwan. The recent announcement is in addition to the same.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-taiwans-new-president-lai-ching-te-a-severe-danger-for-china-723504">Meet Taiwan's new president Lai Ching-te, a 'severe danger' for China</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>China froze assets of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems held within China in April.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Self-ruled Taiwan considers itself a distinct nation from China, but Beijing claims Taipei as its own territory since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China believes that the island nation will defy China's one-nation policy by pushing for formal independence. Beijing even claimed that, if needed, it would use force to unite the two territories.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Lai Ching-te, who is Taiwan’s new president, vowed to strengthen Taiwan’s security through imports of advanced fighters and other technology and strengthening its domestic defence industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-launches-anti-dumping-probe-on-pom-copolymers-723439">China launches anti-dumping probe on POM copolymers</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China warns-Lai will bring 'war and decline' to Taiwan&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>China's message to Taiwan&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On Monday, Beijing said that changes in Taiwan's politics do not alter the "fact" it is part of China after the island swore in the new president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No matter how the internal political situation in Taiwan changes, it will not change the historical and legal fact that both sides of the strait belong to one China," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


China on Monday (May 20) announced sanctions against Boeing and two other US defence companies for arms sales to Taiwan. The move comes on the day of Taiwan’s presidential inauguration.

China on Monday (May 20) announced sanctions against Boeing and two other US defence companies for arms sales to Taiwan. The move comes on the day of Taiwan’s presidential inauguration. So far, it is unclear how the sanctions will impact Beijing's businesses. Chinese Ministry of Commerce placed Boeing's Defense, Space & Security unit, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, and General Dynamics Land Systems on an "unreliable entities" list. The ministry forbade their further investment in China, in addition to travel bans on senior management for the companies. In recent years, Beijing has taken action against several defence companies for weapons sales to Taiwan. The recent announcement is in addition to the same. Also read: Meet Taiwan's new president Lai Ching-te, a 'severe danger' for China China froze assets of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems held within China in April. Self-ruled Taiwan considers itself a distinct nation from China, but Beijing claims Taipei as its own territory since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s. China believes that the island nation will defy China's one-nation policy by pushing for formal independence. Beijing even claimed that, if needed, it would use force to unite the two territories. Meanwhile, Lai Ching-te, who is Taiwan’s new president, vowed to strengthen Taiwan’s security through imports of advanced fighters and other technology and strengthening its domestic defence industry. Also read: China launches anti-dumping probe on POM copolymers Watch: China warns-Lai will bring 'war and decline' to Taiwan × China's message to Taiwan On Monday, Beijing said that changes in Taiwan's politics do not alter the "fact" it is part of China after the island swore in the new president. "No matter how the internal political situation in Taiwan changes, it will not change the historical and legal fact that both sides of the strait belong to one China," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. (With inputs from agencies)

China announces sanctions against Boeing, two other US defence companies for Taiwan arms sales

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

Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te vows to maintain Taiwan strait despite Chinese presence

<p>Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te assumed the self-ruled island's highest office on Monday (May 20) after rising from a humble coal-mining town. President Lai now faces the challenge of combating falling birth rates in the island alongside widening rift with Xi Jinping's China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 64-year-old Harvard graduate swept to the presidency in January's elections after promising that he will defend Taiwan's democracy while resisting Beijing's claims on the island.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-taiwan-elections-2024-beyond-xi-jinpings-unification-threat-679049">Explained: How Taiwan is keeping up with democracy amid Xi Jinping's 'reunification' threat</a></strong></p>

<p>In his inaugural speech, Lai called on Taiwanese to "come together to safeguard our nation" against China's threats to bring the island under its control.</p>

<p>"We must demonstrate our resolution to defend our nation," he said, warning Taiwan "must not harbour any delusions" about Beijing's goal.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why China deems President Lai a 'severe danger'?</strong></h2>

<p>As the voting day of January&nbsp;13, 2024 closed in, Beijing described the then presidential frontrunner&nbsp;Lai Ching-te&nbsp;a "severe danger" and claimed he would threaten peace by following the "evil path" of independence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lai, who had once called himself a "pragmatic worker for&nbsp;Taiwan's independence", took a softer line on the issue on the campaign trail.</p>

<p>But he has vowed to continue his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen's policies of building up Taiwan's military capabilities as a deterrence against a potential invasion from China.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-extended-conscription-and-loss-of-face-for-xi-jinping-547113">Taiwan's extended conscription and 'loss of face' for Xi Jinping</a></strong></p>

<p>Lai, however,&nbsp;has also made repeated overtures to resuming dialogue with China that severed in 2016.</p>

<h2><strong>What makes Taiwan's President Lai unique?</strong></h2>

<p>Unlike most of Taipei City's political elite, Lai rose from a humble background.</p>

<p>Born in 1959, Lai was raised by his mother alongside five other siblings in a rural hamlet in New Taipei City, after his coal miner father died when he was a toddler.</p>

<p>He graduated in public health from the Harvard University after which he worked in a hospital in southern Taiwan before turning to politics in 1996 during the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis.</p>

<p>"My defining moment came as China's military adventurism... threatened our shores with live fire exercises and missiles," he wrote in an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal last year.</p>

<p><strong>Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xis-china-sends-45-aircraft-around-taiwan-ahead-of-new-presidents-inauguration-721504">Xi's China sends 45 aircraft around Taiwan ahead of new president's inauguration</a></strong></p>

<p>"I decided I had a duty to participate in Taiwan's democracy and help protect this fledgling experiment from those who wished it harm."</p>

<p>He served as a lawmaker, a mayor of the southern city of Tainan and a premier before he was tapped to be vice president to Tsai.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Lai Ching-te inaugurated as Taiwan's new president</strong></p>

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<p>Lai and Tsai belong to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has championed Taiwan's sovereignty.</p>

<p>Lai has stuck to Tsai's stance that Taiwan is "already independent", and does not need to formally declare itself separate from China.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te assumed the self-ruled island's highest office on Monday (May 20) after rising from a humble coal-mining town. President Lai now faces the challenge of combating falling birth rates in the island alongside widening rift with Xi Jinping's China.

Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te assumed the self-ruled island's highest office on Monday (May 20) after rising from a humble coal-mining town. President Lai now faces the challenge of combating falling birth rates in the island alongside widening rift with Xi Jinping's China. The 64-year-old Harvard graduate swept to the presidency in January's elections after promising that he will defend Taiwan's democracy while resisting Beijing's claims on the island. Also read | Explained: How Taiwan is keeping up with democracy amid Xi Jinping's 'reunification' threat In his inaugural speech, Lai called on Taiwanese to "come together to safeguard our nation" against China's threats to bring the island under its control. "We must demonstrate our resolution to defend our nation," he said, warning Taiwan "must not harbour any delusions" about Beijing's goal. Why China deems President Lai a 'severe danger'? As the voting day of January 13, 2024 closed in, Beijing described the then presidential frontrunner Lai Ching-te a "severe danger" and claimed he would threaten peace by following the "evil path" of independence. Lai, who had once called himself a "pragmatic worker for Taiwan's independence", took a softer line on the issue on the campaign trail. But he has vowed to continue his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen's policies of building up Taiwan's military capabilities as a deterrence against a potential invasion from China. Also read | Taiwan's extended conscription and 'loss of face' for Xi Jinping Lai, however, has also made repeated overtures to resuming dialogue with China that severed in 2016. What makes Taiwan's President Lai unique? Unlike most of Taipei City's political elite, Lai rose from a humble background. Born in 1959, Lai was raised by his mother alongside five other siblings in a rural hamlet in New Taipei City, after his coal miner father died when he was a toddler. He graduated in public health from the Harvard University after which he worked in a hospital in southern Taiwan before turning to politics in 1996 during the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis. "My defining moment came as China's military adventurism... threatened our shores with live fire exercises and missiles," he wrote in an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal last year. Also read | Xi's China sends 45 aircraft around Taiwan ahead of new president's inauguration "I decided I had a duty to participate in Taiwan's democracy and help protect this fledgling experiment from those who wished it harm." He served as a lawmaker, a mayor of the southern city of Tainan and a premier before he was tapped to be vice president to Tsai. Also watch | Lai Ching-te inaugurated as Taiwan's new president × Lai and Tsai belong to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has championed Taiwan's sovereignty. Lai has stuck to Tsai's stance that Taiwan is "already independent", and does not need to formally declare itself separate from China. (With inputs from agencies)

Meet Taiwan’s new president Lai Ching-te, a ‘severe danger’ for China

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

Taiwan's new president Lai Ching-te: China warns-Lai will bring 'war and decline' to Taiwan

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

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

A scuffle broke out in Taiwan's Parliament today while it was over chamber reforms. The chaos is representative of what is awaiting the next president of Taiwan.

Taiwan: Ahead of debate, lawmakers heckle and shove each other over Chamber reforms

<p>Lawmakers in the Taiwanese parliament were seen shoving, tackling, and hitting each other on Friday (May 17) amid a bitter dispute about reforms to the chamber. Amid the chaotic scenes that unfolded, one lawmaker, in a bid to stop the passage of a bill took an entirely different approach as he snatched it and ran away.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Watch: Major brawl breaks out in Taiwanese parliament</strong></h2>

<p>Days before the recently elected Taiwanese President-elect Lai Ching-te from the ruling party Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which advocates Taiwan’s distinct identity and rejects China's territorial claims, is set to take office, a major brawl broke out in the parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even before the lawmakers were to vote on a controversial reform bill, some started screaming and shoving each other outside the chamber.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the chaotic scenes unfolded, Taiwanese lawmakers surged around the speaker’s seat while others were seen leaping over tables and pulling colleagues to the floor. Several lawmakers had to reportedly be hospitalised after the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users.&nbsp;Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video.</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BRAWL-AMENT! Taiwan's parliament descends into chaos as lawmakers throw punches. At least one has been hospitalized.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taiw%C3%A1n?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taiwán</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/parliament?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#parliament</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/politics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#politics</a> <a href="https://t.co/4CPPh8GQQO">pic.twitter.com/4CPPh8GQQO</a></p>
— Truthreality (@RealityCheck191) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealityCheck191/status/1791750771522089183?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Legislators fight in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taiwan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taiwan</a>'s parliament (Legislative Yuan)<br />
<br />
A member of Taiwan's parliament stole a bill to prevent it from being passed.<br />
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At least one deputy had to be taken to hospital with a head injury following the debate.<br />
<br />
The reason why the legislators are fighting is… <a href="https://t.co/wVL18qtzkC">pic.twitter.com/wVL18qtzkC</a></p>
— Indo-Pacific News - Geo-Politics &amp; Defense (@IndoPac_Info) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndoPac_Info/status/1791742372281454867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the middle of the chaos, one lawmaker tried to remove the bill itself from the chamber in order to stop its passage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A video which has since gone viral on social media shows a Taiwanese lawmaker snatching the bill and dodging multiple people, before successfully exiting the parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The MP, according to Taiwanese media reports, was later identified as DPP lawmaker Kuo Kuo-wen.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A member of Taiwan's parliament stole a bill and ran off with it to prevent it from being passed <a href="https://t.co/M2DtDtSP4t">pic.twitter.com/M2DtDtSP4t</a></p>
— Source for Viral Vids (@source4viral) <a href="https://twitter.com/source4viral/status/1791754161492545677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Lawmakers from all three parties were involved in the altercations and traded accusations about who was to blame.</p>

<h2><strong>What caused this violence and chaos?</strong></h2>

<p>While Lai won the election in January and will be inaugurated on Monday (May 20), his party, DPP lost its majority in parliament. Currently, the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), has more seats than the DPP but not enough to have a majority on its own.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Therefore, the KMT has been working with the smaller Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) to promote their mutual ideas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scuffle-breaks-out-inside-taiwans-parliament-722710">Scuffle breaks out inside Taiwan's parliament</a></strong></p>

<p>The source of contention is a bill which would grant the parliament greater scrutiny powers over the government, including a controversial proposal to criminalise officials who are deemed to make false statements in the chamber, according to Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The DPP has accused the two parties of improperly trying to force through the proposals without the customary consultation process in what the ruling party has called “an unconstitutional abuse of power”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Why are we opposed? We want to be able to have discussions, not for there to be only one voice in the country,” DPP lawmaker Wang Mei-hui told Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Protests outside the parliament</strong></h2>

<p>A report by Focus Taiwan reported that some 100 people gathered outside the parliament amid the brawl that broke out inside the chamber.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a clip posted on X, demonstrators can be heard chanting “Team Taiwan!” in protest of the bill which would also reportedly give the China-friendly camp – KMT and TPP – more power.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">NOW: Hundreds of protestors outside Taiwan’s parliament shouting “Team Taiwan!” in protest against a planned bill that would give the more China-friendly camp (KMT, TPP), which has a parliamentary majority, more power.<br />
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Three days before DPP president-elect Lai’s inauguration. <a href="https://t.co/PKOUECPv2d">pic.twitter.com/PKOUECPv2d</a></p>
— Cornelius Dieckmann (@CoDieckmann) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoDieckmann/status/1791501266079908009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Lawmakers in the Taiwanese parliament were seen shoving, tackling, and hitting each other on Friday (May 17) amid a bitter dispute about reforms to the chamber. Amid the chaotic scenes that unfolded, one lawmaker, in a bid to stop the passage of a bill took an entirely different approach as he snatched it and ran away.

Lawmakers in the Taiwanese parliament were seen shoving, tackling, and hitting each other on Friday (May 17) amid a bitter dispute about reforms to the chamber. Amid the chaotic scenes that unfolded, one lawmaker, in a bid to stop the passage of a bill took an entirely different approach as he snatched it and ran away. Watch: Major brawl breaks out in Taiwanese parliament Days before the recently elected Taiwanese President-elect Lai Ching-te from the ruling party Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which advocates Taiwan’s distinct identity and rejects China's territorial claims, is set to take office, a major brawl broke out in the parliament. Even before the lawmakers were to vote on a controversial reform bill, some started screaming and shoving each other outside the chamber. As the chaotic scenes unfolded, Taiwanese lawmakers surged around the speaker’s seat while others were seen leaping over tables and pulling colleagues to the floor. Several lawmakers had to reportedly be hospitalised after the incident. Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video. BRAWL-AMENT! Taiwan's parliament descends into chaos as lawmakers throw punches. At least one has been hospitalized.#Taiwán #parliament #politics pic.twitter.com/4CPPh8GQQO — Truthreality (@RealityCheck191) May 18, 2024 × Legislators fight in #Taiwan's parliament (Legislative Yuan) A member of Taiwan's parliament stole a bill to prevent it from being passed. At least one deputy had to be taken to hospital with a head injury following the debate. The reason why the legislators are fighting is… pic.twitter.com/wVL18qtzkC — Indo-Pacific News - Geo-Politics & Defense (@IndoPac_Info) May 18, 2024 × In the middle of the chaos, one lawmaker tried to remove the bill itself from the chamber in order to stop its passage. A video which has since gone viral on social media shows a Taiwanese lawmaker snatching the bill and dodging multiple people, before successfully exiting the parliament. The MP, according to Taiwanese media reports, was later identified as DPP lawmaker Kuo Kuo-wen. A member of Taiwan's parliament stole a bill and ran off with it to prevent it from being passed pic.twitter.com/M2DtDtSP4t — Source for Viral Vids (@source4viral) May 18, 2024 × Lawmakers from all three parties were involved in the altercations and traded accusations about who was to blame. What caused this violence and chaos? While Lai won the election in January and will be inaugurated on Monday (May 20), his party, DPP lost its majority in parliament. Currently, the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), has more seats than the DPP but not enough to have a majority on its own. Therefore, the KMT has been working with the smaller Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) to promote their mutual ideas. Also Watch | Scuffle breaks out inside Taiwan's parliament The source of contention is a bill which would grant the parliament greater scrutiny powers over the government, including a controversial proposal to criminalise officials who are deemed to make false statements in the chamber, according to Reuters. The DPP has accused the two parties of improperly trying to force through the proposals without the customary consultation process in what the ruling party has called “an unconstitutional abuse of power”. “Why are we opposed? We want to be able to have discussions, not for there to be only one voice in the country,” DPP lawmaker Wang Mei-hui told Reuters. Protests outside the parliament A report by Focus Taiwan reported that some 100 people gathered outside the parliament amid the brawl that broke out inside the chamber. In a clip posted on X, demonstrators can be heard chanting “Team Taiwan!” in protest of the bill which would also reportedly give the China-friendly camp – KMT and TPP – more power. NOW: Hundreds of protestors outside Taiwan’s parliament shouting “Team Taiwan!” in protest against a planned bill that would give the more China-friendly camp (KMT, TPP), which has a parliamentary majority, more power. Three days before DPP president-elect Lai’s inauguration. pic.twitter.com/PKOUECPv2d — Cornelius Dieckmann (@CoDieckmann) May 17, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Amid clashes in parliament, Taiwanese lawmaker snatches bill, runs away to stop its passage

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Taiwan lawmakers exchange blows - 3 killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon - European body adopts first AI treaty - US: Deadly storm slams Houston

Taiwan lawmakers exchange blows | 3 killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon

Scuffle breaks out inside Taiwan's parliament

US and Taiwan in recent years have been expanding their military cooperation. This comes amid incursions by Chinese forces into Taiwan's air defence identification zone and drills conducted near the island nation. Reports have now emerged that both countries undertook military exercises last month in the Pacific. These unofficial drills were dubbed as unplanned sea encounters so that both sides could claim the exercise to be a result of a coincidental encounter.

US & Taiwan conducted drills in China's backyard: Reports

<p>Less than a week before Taiwan&nbsp;inaugurates its new president, 45 Chinese aircraft were detected around the self-ruled island in yet another violation of&nbsp;Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) by Chinese leader Xi Jinping's forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-taiwan-elections-2024-beyond-xi-jinpings-unification-threat-679049">Explained: How Taiwan is keeping up with democracy amid Xi Jinping's 'reunification' threat</a></strong></p>

<p>"26 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait," Taiwan's defence ministry said in a statement, referring to a line bisecting the 180-kilometre (110-mile) waterway that separates Taiwan from China.</p>

<p>The Taiwanese&nbsp;ministry added that it had "monitored the situation and responded accordingly".&nbsp;</p>

<p>China claims democratically-ruled Taiwan as its own and has never renounced the use of force to occupy the island nation that very few countries in the world have accepted as a sovereign nation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>China's latest threat to&nbsp;Taiwan: What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday (May 14) evening, 23 Chinese aircraft — including fighter jets and drones — were detected around Taiwan during a two-hour period, Taiwan's defence ministry said.</p>

<p>Beijing maintains a near-daily presence of warplanes, drones and naval assets around Taiwan as part of its strategy to up military pressure on Taipei.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The largest ever seen around Taiwan was last September when Beijing sent in 103 warplanes and aircraft. Of these, 40 aircraft reportedly crossed the median line.</p>

<p>Experts have flagged these as "grey zone tactics". That is, they are not outright acts of war but they serve to exhaust&nbsp;Taipei's military.</p>

<h2><strong>Chinese deployment of maritime assets around Taiwan</strong></h2>

<p>Apart from show of force with warplanes, Beijing has also deployed coast guard ships and other official fishery vessels around Taiwan's outlying island of Kinmen since February.<img alt="Kinmen as seen in a Google Earth Map | Not to Scale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1b7de8a-f164-4cbd-9eeb-2240e0d4e8a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Taiwan_2.png" /></p>

<p><em>Kinmen as seen in a Google Earth Map | Not to Scale</em></p>

<p>On Tuesday (May 13), five Chinese coast guard ships sailed through Kinmen's "restricted waters" for three hours before leaving, Taiwan's coast guard said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Taiwanese coast guard said that Chinese sailings&nbsp;"seriously affect navigation safety and undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Report: US &amp; Taiwan conducted drills in China's backyard</strong></p>

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<p>"We urge the Chinese side to exercise self-restraint and immediately cease this irrational behaviour," it said.</p>

<p>Lai, like outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen, rejects Beijing's claim over Taiwan.</p>


Less than a week before Taiwan inaugurates its new president, 45 Chinese aircraft were detected around the self-ruled island in yet another violation of Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) by Chinese leader Xi Jinping's forces.

Less than a week before Taiwan inaugurates its new president, 45 Chinese aircraft were detected around the self-ruled island in yet another violation of Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) by Chinese leader Xi Jinping's forces. Also read | Explained: How Taiwan is keeping up with democracy amid Xi Jinping's 'reunification' threat "26 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait," Taiwan's defence ministry said in a statement, referring to a line bisecting the 180-kilometre (110-mile) waterway that separates Taiwan from China. The Taiwanese ministry added that it had "monitored the situation and responded accordingly". China claims democratically-ruled Taiwan as its own and has never renounced the use of force to occupy the island nation that very few countries in the world have accepted as a sovereign nation. China's latest threat to Taiwan: What happened? On Tuesday (May 14) evening, 23 Chinese aircraft — including fighter jets and drones — were detected around Taiwan during a two-hour period, Taiwan's defence ministry said. Beijing maintains a near-daily presence of warplanes, drones and naval assets around Taiwan as part of its strategy to up military pressure on Taipei. The largest ever seen around Taiwan was last September when Beijing sent in 103 warplanes and aircraft. Of these, 40 aircraft reportedly crossed the median line. Experts have flagged these as "grey zone tactics". That is, they are not outright acts of war but they serve to exhaust Taipei's military. Chinese deployment of maritime assets around Taiwan Apart from show of force with warplanes, Beijing has also deployed coast guard ships and other official fishery vessels around Taiwan's outlying island of Kinmen since February. Kinmen as seen in a Google Earth Map | Not to Scale On Tuesday (May 13), five Chinese coast guard ships sailed through Kinmen's "restricted waters" for three hours before leaving, Taiwan's coast guard said. The Taiwanese coast guard said that Chinese sailings "seriously affect navigation safety and undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait". Also watch | Report: US & Taiwan conducted drills in China's backyard × "We urge the Chinese side to exercise self-restraint and immediately cease this irrational behaviour," it said. Lai, like outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen, rejects Beijing's claim over Taiwan.

Xi's China sends 45 aircraft around Taiwan ahead of new president's inauguration

US and Philippine armed forces fired missiles and artillery to thwart a simulated invasion in the Philippines' northern waters facing Taiwan on the 6th of May. Couple of days later, a decommissioned China-made Philippine ship was sunk by the allied forces during the South China sea war games.

US & Philippine forces thwart simulated invasion

Tensions have escalated in the contested waters of the South China Sea between Beijing and Manila yet again. Watch in for more details!

South China Sea dispute: Manila pledges to block China's reclamation at the Sabina Shoal

Report: US & Taiwan conducted drills in China's backyard

South China Sea dispute: China denies Philippine report of 'artificial island' in disputed atoll

South China Sea dispute: China's ambitious claims stir regional tensions

United States and Taiwan reportedly undertook a military exercise last month in the Pacific. Reports have revealed that the unofficial drills were dubbed as unplanned sea encounters so that both sides can claim the exercise to be a result of a coincidental encounter.

<p>Taipei's coast guard said Thursday (May 9) that a fleet of seven Chinese ships and five coast guard vessels were detected around Taiwan's outlying island of Kinmen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Around 15:00 (0700 GMT), a fleet of seven ships ... belonging to China's maritime and fishery departments entered our restricted waters," it said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taipei's coast guard added that another four Chinese coast guard ships did the same and that a fifth "sailed outside our waters".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flight-attendants-busted-for-funneling-8mn-drug-money-through-jfk-airport-using-security-clearance-719688">Flight attendants busted for funneling $8mn drug money through JFK airport using security clearance</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>China criticises US</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the Chinese military slammed an American destroyer's passage through the Taiwan Strait less than two weeks before the island's new president takes office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Navy Senior Capt. Li Xi, who is also the spokesperson for China's Eastern Theatre Command, accused the United States of having "publicly hyped" the passage of the USS Halsey on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-considers-restrictions-on-chinas-access-to-advanced-ai-software-including-models-behind-chatgpt-719605">US considers restrictions on China's access to advanced AI software, including models behind ChatGPT</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Li said in a statement that the command, which oversees operations around the strait, "organised naval and air forces to monitor" the ship's transit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the US Navy's 7th Fleet, the Halsey "conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit on May 8 through waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law".&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, the fleet said that the guided missile destroyer transited through a corridor in the strait that is "beyond the territorial sea" of any coastal state.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Taipei's coast guard said Thursday (May 9) that a fleet of seven Chinese ships and five coast guard vessels were detected around Taiwan's outlying island of Kinmen.

Taipei's coast guard said Thursday (May 9) that a fleet of seven Chinese ships and five coast guard vessels were detected around Taiwan's outlying island of Kinmen. "Around 15:00 (0700 GMT), a fleet of seven ships ... belonging to China's maritime and fishery departments entered our restricted waters," it said. Taipei's coast guard added that another four Chinese coast guard ships did the same and that a fifth "sailed outside our waters". Also read: Flight attendants busted for funneling $8mn drug money through JFK airport using security clearance China criticises US Meanwhile, the Chinese military slammed an American destroyer's passage through the Taiwan Strait less than two weeks before the island's new president takes office. Navy Senior Capt. Li Xi, who is also the spokesperson for China's Eastern Theatre Command, accused the United States of having "publicly hyped" the passage of the USS Halsey on Wednesday. Also read: US considers restrictions on China's access to advanced AI software, including models behind ChatGPT Li said in a statement that the command, which oversees operations around the strait, "organised naval and air forces to monitor" the ship's transit. According to the US Navy's 7th Fleet, the Halsey "conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit on May 8 through waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law". In a statement, the fleet said that the guided missile destroyer transited through a corridor in the strait that is "beyond the territorial sea" of any coastal state. (With inputs from agencies)

Taipei coast guard says 12 Chinese ships detected around outlying Taiwan island

<p>During a congressional hearing on Thursday, US&nbsp;intelligence officials cautioned that China and Russia are stepping up their military cooperation, particularly on Taiwan.</p>

<p>"Bottom line is that basically, if we were to have a conflict with one, the chances are we would have a second front," Lt Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, said.</p>

<p>Since the two nations declared a "no limits" alliance just before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, relations between Moscow and Beijing have reached unprecedented heights. China has benefited from cheaper natural gas and oil from Russia, and increased bilateral commerce has helped support Russia's economy, which is subject to severe sanctions.</p>

<h2><strong>China's stance on Russia-Ukraine conflict?</strong></h2>

<p>China claims to remain impartial toward the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, but it filters social media posts that criticise Moscow's war, which Beijing has neither denounced nor classified as an invasion.</p>

<p>"We see China and Russia, for the first time, exercising together in relation to Taiwan and recognizing that this is a place where China definitely wants Russia to be working with them, and we see no reason why they wouldn't," Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said on Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuideh9WpNBTnM51" /><a href="http://wionews.com/world/west-is-waging-hybrid-war-moscow-reacts-to-camerons-statement-on-uk-arms-for-ukraine-717941" target="_blank">West is waging hybrid war...: Russia reacts to Cameron's statement on UK arms for Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>When asked if the Department of Defense was factoring in the increased cooperation between Beijing and Moscow when making plans, Kruse responded, &nbsp;"From the Department of Defense perspective, that would certainly be the case, and it just has to be taken into account whether or not we actually believe there would be two full-up fronts. That is analysis and assessments that will mature over time."</p>

<h2><strong>China's claim on Taiwan</strong></h2>

<p>Although the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing has never held power in Taiwan, China nonetheless claims democratic Taiwan as its territory and promises to integrate it into China one day, even if it means using force.</p>

<p>Since 2022, China and Russia have carried out five military exercises, the most recent of which took place in the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan last year.</p>

<p>According to Ukraine, Chinese companies are the source of drones and the majority of drone-related components used by invading Russian forces, but China denies the accusations. Washington has sanctioned many Chinese companies accused of engaging in similar actions.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


During a congressional hearing on Thursday, US intelligence officials cautioned that China and Russia are stepping up their military cooperation, particularly on Taiwan.

During a congressional hearing on Thursday, US intelligence officials cautioned that China and Russia are stepping up their military cooperation, particularly on Taiwan. "Bottom line is that basically, if we were to have a conflict with one, the chances are we would have a second front," Lt Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, said. Since the two nations declared a "no limits" alliance just before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, relations between Moscow and Beijing have reached unprecedented heights. China has benefited from cheaper natural gas and oil from Russia, and increased bilateral commerce has helped support Russia's economy, which is subject to severe sanctions. China's stance on Russia-Ukraine conflict? China claims to remain impartial toward the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, but it filters social media posts that criticise Moscow's war, which Beijing has neither denounced nor classified as an invasion. "We see China and Russia, for the first time, exercising together in relation to Taiwan and recognizing that this is a place where China definitely wants Russia to be working with them, and we see no reason why they wouldn't," Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said on Thursday. Also read: West is waging hybrid war...: Russia reacts to Cameron's statement on UK arms for Ukraine When asked if the Department of Defense was factoring in the increased cooperation between Beijing and Moscow when making plans, Kruse responded, "From the Department of Defense perspective, that would certainly be the case, and it just has to be taken into account whether or not we actually believe there would be two full-up fronts. That is analysis and assessments that will mature over time." China's claim on Taiwan Although the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing has never held power in Taiwan, China nonetheless claims democratic Taiwan as its territory and promises to integrate it into China one day, even if it means using force. Since 2022, China and Russia have carried out five military exercises, the most recent of which took place in the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan last year. According to Ukraine, Chinese companies are the source of drones and the majority of drone-related components used by invading Russian forces, but China denies the accusations. Washington has sanctioned many Chinese companies accused of engaging in similar actions. (With inputs from agencies)

US intelligence warns Taiwan of growing China-Russia military cooperation

<p>Taiwan's defence ministry said on Friday it had detected a renewed incursion by Chinese military aircraft across the sensitive Taiwan Strait, as China reported its navy had carried out combat drills with landing craft.</p>

<p>Over the past four years, China's military has significantly ramped up its activities around democratically-governed Taiwan. Beijing views the island as its own territory, a position the government in Taipei strongly rejects.</p>

<p>The defence ministry, in its daily morning update on Chinese activities in the previous 24 hours, said 14 Chinese military aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line, getting as close as 41 nautical miles (76 km) to the northern Taiwanese port city of Keelung, home to a major navy base.</p>

<p>The median line previously served as an unofficial border between the two sides, but Chinese military aircraft now regularly cross it. China says it does not recognise the line's existence.</p>

<p>Taiwan said on Thursday that China had carried out a "joint combat readiness patrol" near the island for the second time in a week.</p>

<p>China's defence ministry did not answer calls seeking comment on Friday, the country being in the middle of its Labour Day holiday.</p>

<p>On Thursday, the Eastern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army, which is responsible for the area around Taiwan, showed pictures on its WeChat social media account of ships carrying out what it called live combat landing drills.</p>

<p>It did not say when or where exactly the exercises took place, but showed images of ship-mounted guns opening fire and operating in formation.</p>

<p>"The vanguard of the landing team are always ready to fight," it said in text to accompany the pictures.</p>

<p>The island's top security official said on Wednesday that Taiwan is on alert for China to carry out military exercises following the inauguration of President-elect Lai Ching-te later this month.</p>

<p>Taiwan National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen said China had begun using unusual new tactics, including staging night time combat patrols and using landing ships and minesweepers in those patrols.</p>

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<p>China's coast guard this week has also been carrying out more patrols around the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands which sit next to the Chinese coast. The patrols began in February following a dispute about the death of two Chinese nationals who tried fleeing Taiwan's coast guard upon entering prohibited waters.</p>

<p>Chinese state media said Friday's "normal law enforcement inspection" by its coast guard near Kinmen was to help protect fishermen. Taiwan has decried the patrols as an intimidation tactic.</p>

<p>Lai, who is inaugurated on May 20 after winning election in January, is strongly disliked by China which believes him to be a dangerous separatist. China's government has rejected his repeated offers of talks, including one made last week.</p>

<p>Lai, like current President Tsai Ing-wen, rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims; both say only the island's people can decide their future.<br />
Lai has been Taiwan's vice president for the past four years.</p>


Taiwan's defence ministry said on Friday it had detected a renewed incursion by Chinese military aircraft across the sensitive Taiwan Strait, as China reported its navy had carried out combat drills with landing craft.

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Friday it had detected a renewed incursion by Chinese military aircraft across the sensitive Taiwan Strait, as China reported its navy had carried out combat drills with landing craft. Over the past four years, China's military has significantly ramped up its activities around democratically-governed Taiwan. Beijing views the island as its own territory, a position the government in Taipei strongly rejects. The defence ministry, in its daily morning update on Chinese activities in the previous 24 hours, said 14 Chinese military aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line, getting as close as 41 nautical miles (76 km) to the northern Taiwanese port city of Keelung, home to a major navy base. The median line previously served as an unofficial border between the two sides, but Chinese military aircraft now regularly cross it. China says it does not recognise the line's existence. Taiwan said on Thursday that China had carried out a "joint combat readiness patrol" near the island for the second time in a week. China's defence ministry did not answer calls seeking comment on Friday, the country being in the middle of its Labour Day holiday. On Thursday, the Eastern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army, which is responsible for the area around Taiwan, showed pictures on its WeChat social media account of ships carrying out what it called live combat landing drills. It did not say when or where exactly the exercises took place, but showed images of ship-mounted guns opening fire and operating in formation. "The vanguard of the landing team are always ready to fight," it said in text to accompany the pictures. The island's top security official said on Wednesday that Taiwan is on alert for China to carry out military exercises following the inauguration of President-elect Lai Ching-te later this month. Taiwan National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen said China had begun using unusual new tactics, including staging night time combat patrols and using landing ships and minesweepers in those patrols. Also read: 'Vishwaguru' India can be a global leader in deterring China from attacking Taiwan China's coast guard this week has also been carrying out more patrols around the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands which sit next to the Chinese coast. The patrols began in February following a dispute about the death of two Chinese nationals who tried fleeing Taiwan's coast guard upon entering prohibited waters. Chinese state media said Friday's "normal law enforcement inspection" by its coast guard near Kinmen was to help protect fishermen. Taiwan has decried the patrols as an intimidation tactic. Lai, who is inaugurated on May 20 after winning election in January, is strongly disliked by China which believes him to be a dangerous separatist. China's government has rejected his repeated offers of talks, including one made last week. Lai, like current President Tsai Ing-wen, rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims; both say only the island's people can decide their future. Lai has been Taiwan's vice president for the past four years.

Chinese planes cross median line, carry out landing drills: Taiwan

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Taiwan: Students develop app for Quake alerts

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