The popularity of earthquake warning smartphone apps in Taiwan has surged due to high demand from people seeking extra time to take shelter after a major earthquake and the subsequent 1,300 aftershocks that rattled the island last month. Watch in for more details!

High demand for quake alert apps in earthquake-rattled Taiwan

China on Wednesday launched sea trials for the Fujian, its third and most advanced aircraft carrier. The start of tests by the Chinese navy came nearly two years after the aircraft carrier was first unveiled in June 2022. Watch in for more details!

Taiwan braces for potential Chinese invasion as recent Chinese incursions raise fear

Tensions in the Taiwan Strait remain high. Taiwan recently reported the detection of Chinese military aircraft and vessels operating near the island. What are the claims between China and Taiwan in the South China Sea? Taiwan's foreign minister even claimed that China has built "enormous" military bases on three islands surrounding Taiwan's main holding in the disputed waters. How is Taiwan preparing to defend itself from China's aggression?

China’s continuous incursions into Taiwan air defence zone | WION Wideangle

The US Congress this week passed the long awaited $95 billion legistation providing aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. But, reports are now emerging that 80% of the this aid package will be spent by the United States or by its military. Watch in for more details!

US using aid package to boost its economy? | Understanding arc of US military aid support

Taiwan has reported new Chinese military activity near the island on Saturday (Apr 27) with 12 Chinese aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, just a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken left after his visit to China.

Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy, lacks formal diplomatic ties with the US, it remains America's key international supporter and arms importer.&nbsp;

During his visit to China, US Secretary of State Blinken emphasised the vital need for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. This comes as China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, ramps up military pressure on the island, a claim Taiwan vehemently rejects.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/during-china-visit-antony-blinken-confronts-beijing-over-its-support-for-russian-military-715628">Antony Blinken confronts China over its support for Russian military</a>

Taiwan's defence ministry said that from 9:30 a.m. (0130 GMT) on Saturday it had detected 22 Chinese military aircraft, including Su-30 fighters, of which 12 had crossed the median line to Taiwan's north and centre.

It is worth mentioning that the median line in the Taiwan Strait once acted as an unspoken barrier, respected by both China and Taiwan. However, China's air force now routinely conducts flights across this line, despite denying its legitimacy.

Watch:&nbsp;Chinese vessels detected amid US-Philippines drills

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Taiwan's armed forces are well-equipped and well-trained but dwarfed by those of China's, especially the navy and air force, which respond almost daily to Chinese missions.

China considers Taiwan the most important issue in its relations with the United States, and Beijing has repeatedly demanded Washington end weapons sales to Taiwan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antony-blinken-meets-chinese-counterpart-wang-yi-in-beijing-715071">Blinken says US has seen evidence of China meddling in presidential elections</a>

Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te takes office on May 20 after winning January's election. Beijing considers him a dangerous separatist and has rebuffed his repeated calls for talks.

Lai said on Thursday (Apr 26) that China should have the self-assurance to talk to Taiwan's elected government. Lai further said only Taiwan's people can decide their future.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan has reported new Chinese military activity near the island on Saturday (Apr 27) with 12 Chinese aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, just a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken left after his visit to China.

Taiwan has reported new Chinese military activity near the island on Saturday (Apr 27) with 12 Chinese aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, just a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken left after his visit to China. Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy, lacks formal diplomatic ties with the US, it remains America's key international supporter and arms importer. During his visit to China, US Secretary of State Blinken emphasised the vital need for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. This comes as China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, ramps up military pressure on the island, a claim Taiwan vehemently rejects. Also read: Antony Blinken confronts China over its support for Russian military Taiwan's defence ministry said that from 9:30 a.m. (0130 GMT) on Saturday it had detected 22 Chinese military aircraft, including Su-30 fighters, of which 12 had crossed the median line to Taiwan's north and centre. It is worth mentioning that the median line in the Taiwan Strait once acted as an unspoken barrier, respected by both China and Taiwan. However, China's air force now routinely conducts flights across this line, despite denying its legitimacy. Watch: Chinese vessels detected amid US-Philippines drills × Taiwan's armed forces are well-equipped and well-trained but dwarfed by those of China's, especially the navy and air force, which respond almost daily to Chinese missions. China considers Taiwan the most important issue in its relations with the United States, and Beijing has repeatedly demanded Washington end weapons sales to Taiwan. Also read | Blinken says US has seen evidence of China meddling in presidential elections Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te takes office on May 20 after winning January's election. Beijing considers him a dangerous separatist and has rebuffed his repeated calls for talks. Lai said on Thursday (Apr 26) that China should have the self-assurance to talk to Taiwan's elected government. Lai further said only Taiwan's people can decide their future. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese military activity reported by Taiwan after Blinken's Beijing visit

China displayed its military might in the Taiwan Strait in the days leading up to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China. Earlier this week, China sent warships and fighter jets near Taiwan. Day after that Beijing released rare footage of its JL-2 ballistic missile, essentially showing off its nuclear second-strike capability.

Gravitas: China flexes military power near Taiwan, showcases nuclear missile ahead of Blinken visit

The U.S. and the Philippines launch their biggest military exercises in the South China Sea Why is the #SouthChinaSea on the boil again? #Taiwan continues to detect Chinese military aircraft around the island. What is China's motive? From Japan to Taiwan and India, how are countries countering China's aggressive behaviour? Watch Indo-Pacific: Deep Dive on WION Wideangle

Indo-Pacific tensions: Deep dive

A sweeping foreign aid package easily passed the U.S. Congress late on Tuesday after months of delay, clearing the way for billions of dollars in fresh Ukraine funding amid advances from Russia's invasion force and Kyiv's shortages of military supplies.

US' new Foreign Aid Bill: US Senate passes $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel & Taiwan

US Senate passes $95 bn aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan | Biden signs foreign aid bill into law

China has taken another step to exert its power across the Taiwan State Beijing has opened two new air routes with its flight paths located near Taiwan-controlled Kinmen and Matsu Islands.

China says new air routes near Taiwan are to improve flight operations

China opens air routes close to Taiwanese Islands

- Gaza mass graves: UN calls for probe - Iran, Pak for UNSC action on Israel - Blinken in China, tough talk lined up - Subianto is Indonesia's President-elect - Italy fines Amazon subsidiaries - China slams US aid package for Taiwan

Subianto: Indonesia's President-elect | China slams US aid package for Taiwan

Top American diplomat Anthony Blinken has departed for China for three days the visit comes at a time when Washington-Beijing ties at a critical point over numerous global disputes.

US' Antony Blinken in China: Peace in South China Sea on agenda?

Taiwan's defence ministry detected 21 Chinese military aircraft around the island since 8:15 am (0015 GMT) on Saturday (April 20), a month before Taiwan's May 20 inauguration of incoming president Lai Ching-te.

"Around 17 aircraft (of the 21) crossed the center line and its extension, entered our northern, central, and southwestern (air defence identification zone), and joined PLA vessels for joint combat patrol," the defence ministry said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-opens-new-air-routes-very-close-to-taiwan-controlled-islands-712950" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/china-opens-new-air-routes-very-close-to-taiwan-controlled-islands-712950&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjev9PK_M-FAxXlcGwGHdl9BRYQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2D_lynITxwNUGpAkP-u3po&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-opens-new-air-routes-very-close-to-taiwan-controlled-islands-712950" target="_blank">China opens new air routes 'very close' to&nbsp;Taiwan-controlled islands</a>

"The Taiwan's armed forces are keeping a close watch on the activities with our joint surveillance systems, and have dispatched appropriate assets to respond accordingly," it further said.

The median line bisects the Taiwan Strait, a narrow 180-kilometre (110-mile) waterway separating the island from mainland China.

It is worth mentioning here that, Beijing does not recognise the median line as it claims self ruled Taiwan as part of its territory. China has also never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. 
Under the administration of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, tensions between Beijing and Taipei have ramped up, as she and her government do not acknowledge China's claim.&nbsp;

Taiwan’s Vice President Lai secured victory in January&nbsp;elections, defying China's warnings that he would lead Taiwan to war and decline.

Previously known for his vocal support of Taiwanese independence, Lai has taken a more moderate stance in recent years, though China still considers him a "dangerous separatist."

Earlier on Friday (April 19), China's aviation regulator - the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) - said that it had opened new air routes to the Chinese cities of Xiamen and Fuzhou with flight paths situated very close to the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen and Matsu.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-hits-back-at-chinese-embassys-criticism-of-wion-interview-711166">Taiwan hits back at Chinese embassy’s criticism of WION interview</a>

Taiwan condemned Beijing's announcement by saying the decision to open new air routes that run close to two Taiwanese-controlled islands was a flight safety risk taken without consultation.

"They want us to cave in, make compromises and change our behaviour," a senior official from Taipei told Reuters.

In January, Taiwan expressed anger after China unilaterally changed a flight path called M503 close to the sensitive median line in the Taiwan Strait. The median line has for years served as an unofficial demarcation between Chinese-claimed Taiwan and China and was not crossed by combat aircraft from either side.

However, Beijing has said it does not recognise the line's existence and Chinese warplanes regularly fly over it.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan's defence ministry detected 21 Chinese military aircraft around the island since 8:15 am (0015 GMT) on Saturday (April 20), a month before Taiwan's May 20 inauguration of incoming president Lai Ching-te.

Taiwan's defence ministry detected 21 Chinese military aircraft around the island since 8:15 am (0015 GMT) on Saturday (April 20), a month before Taiwan's May 20 inauguration of incoming president Lai Ching-te. "Around 17 aircraft (of the 21) crossed the center line and its extension, entered our northern, central, and southwestern (air defence identification zone), and joined PLA vessels for joint combat patrol," the defence ministry said in a statement. Also read: China opens new air routes 'very close' to Taiwan-controlled islands "The Taiwan's armed forces are keeping a close watch on the activities with our joint surveillance systems, and have dispatched appropriate assets to respond accordingly," it further said. The median line bisects the Taiwan Strait, a narrow 180-kilometre (110-mile) waterway separating the island from mainland China. It is worth mentioning here that, Beijing does not recognise the median line as it claims self ruled Taiwan as part of its territory. China has also never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Under the administration of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, tensions between Beijing and Taipei have ramped up, as she and her government do not acknowledge China's claim. Taiwan’s Vice President Lai secured victory in January elections, defying China's warnings that he would lead Taiwan to war and decline. Previously known for his vocal support of Taiwanese independence, Lai has taken a more moderate stance in recent years, though China still considers him a "dangerous separatist." Earlier on Friday (April 19), China's aviation regulator - the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) - said that it had opened new air routes to the Chinese cities of Xiamen and Fuzhou with flight paths situated very close to the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen and Matsu. Also read | Taiwan hits back at Chinese embassy’s criticism of WION interview Taiwan condemned Beijing's announcement by saying the decision to open new air routes that run close to two Taiwanese-controlled islands was a flight safety risk taken without consultation. "They want us to cave in, make compromises and change our behaviour," a senior official from Taipei told Reuters. In January, Taiwan expressed anger after China unilaterally changed a flight path called M503 close to the sensitive median line in the Taiwan Strait. The median line has for years served as an unofficial demarcation between Chinese-claimed Taiwan and China and was not crossed by combat aircraft from either side. However, Beijing has said it does not recognise the line's existence and Chinese warplanes regularly fly over it. (With inputs from agencies)

21 Chinese aircraft detected by Taiwan's defence ministry

Taiwan's government has said that it will remove nearly 800 statues of Chiang Kai-Shek, the Chinese&nbsp;military dictator who ruled the island for decades under martial law and supported 'One China Policy', a Chinese strategic euphemism that denies Taiwan its right of sovereign existence.

In 2018, Taipei established a transitional justice committee to probe the rule of the former generalissimo, who was president of the Republic of China (ROC) – in China and then in Taiwan – until his death in 1975. 
 
The transnational justice committee recommended to remove the thousands of statues from public spaces.

Speaking to Taiwan’s legislature on Monday (April 21), cabinet official Shih Pu said that the ministry of interior would remove the 760 still remaining statues.&nbsp;

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>

The response came amid criticism that the government was not moving fast enough to remove the Chinese military dictator's statues.

<h2>Chiang Kai-Shek statues in Taiwan</h2>

Taiwan is filled with statues of Chiang. For several decades now, the self-ruled island nation that China claims as its own is embroiled in debate over what to do with them, particularly the largest inside Taipei’s Chiang Kai-shek memorial hall.&nbsp;

Many of them have been moved to a park in northern Taipei, a spot now famous for the thousands of Chiang likenesses arranged around the grounds.

"The defence ministry has said it needs to take into account the military tradition,” Shih told the legislature.

But Chiang also founded present-day Taiwan's military training academies. So it's a military tradition to honour Chiang.

Also watch |&nbsp;Taiwan's pursuit of democracy is not a crime: Tsai Ing-Wen

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At the end of China's civil war in 1949, Chiang, the KMT (Kuomintang) party and millions of supporters fled to Taiwan in defeat. He established the Republic of China government in exile, and ruled Taiwan's population under a brutal martial law for decades until his death in 1975, when power was transferred to his son. By the end of martial law in 1987 as many as 140,000 people were estimated to have been imprisoned and another 3,000 to 4,000 executed for opposition to the KMT.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan's government has said that it will remove nearly 800 statues of Chiang Kai-Shek, the Chinese military dictator who ruled the island for decades under martial law and supported 'One China Policy', a Chinese strategic euphemism that denies Taiwan its right of sovereign existence.

Taiwan's government has said that it will remove nearly 800 statues of Chiang Kai-Shek, the Chinese military dictator who ruled the island for decades under martial law and supported 'One China Policy', a Chinese strategic euphemism that denies Taiwan its right of sovereign existence. In 2018, Taipei established a transitional justice committee to probe the rule of the former generalissimo, who was president of the Republic of China (ROC) – in China and then in Taiwan – until his death in 1975. The transnational justice committee recommended to remove the thousands of statues from public spaces. Speaking to Taiwan’s legislature on Monday (April 21), cabinet official Shih Pu said that the ministry of interior would remove the 760 still remaining statues. Also read | Explained: How Taiwan is keeping up with democracy amid Xi Jinping's 'reunification' threat The response came amid criticism that the government was not moving fast enough to remove the Chinese military dictator's statues. Chiang Kai-Shek statues in Taiwan Taiwan is filled with statues of Chiang. For several decades now, the self-ruled island nation that China claims as its own is embroiled in debate over what to do with them, particularly the largest inside Taipei’s Chiang Kai-shek memorial hall. Many of them have been moved to a park in northern Taipei, a spot now famous for the thousands of Chiang likenesses arranged around the grounds. "The defence ministry has said it needs to take into account the military tradition,” Shih told the legislature. But Chiang also founded present-day Taiwan's military training academies. So it's a military tradition to honour Chiang. Also watch | Taiwan's pursuit of democracy is not a crime: Tsai Ing-Wen × At the end of China's civil war in 1949, Chiang, the KMT (Kuomintang) party and millions of supporters fled to Taiwan in defeat. He established the Republic of China government in exile, and ruled Taiwan's population under a brutal martial law for decades until his death in 1975, when power was transferred to his son. By the end of martial law in 1987 as many as 140,000 people were estimated to have been imprisoned and another 3,000 to 4,000 executed for opposition to the KMT. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan to remove all statues of Chinese dictator Chiang Kai-Shek who stood for 'One China' policy

More than 80 earthquakes, the strongest of 6.3 magnitude, struck Taiwan's east coast starting Monday (Apr 22) night and into the early hours of Tuesday. Watch to know more.

Taiwan Earthquake: Taiwan rocked by more then 80 earthquakes

Taiwan&nbsp;was hit by a major 6.3 magnitude earthquake in the early hours of Tuesday (Apr 23), according to the island's Central Weather Administration. The island has been rattled by at least 80 earthquakes since Monday evening, with the first strong quake felt in the capital Taipei of magnitude 5.5 at around 5:08 pm (local time) (0908 GMT). It was then followed by a series of aftershocks and quakes, with two intense tremors hitting one after another around 2:30 am (local time) (1830 GMT).&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/240-metre-tv-tower-in-ukraine-snaps-in-two-collapses-after-alleged-russian-missile-strike-video-713994">240-metre TV tower in Ukraine snaps in two, collapses after alleged Russian missile strike. VIDEO</a>&nbsp;

Agencies mentioned that the quake occurred at 2:26 am (local time) (1826 GMT) and originated in eastern Hualien. According to the Hualien&nbsp;Fire Department, teams were dispatched to inspect any disaster from the new quakes. The initial statement by the department stated that no casualties had been reported yet.&nbsp;

The earthquake was the latest in the series of quakes that had been shaking the island since Monday afternoon. Taiwan has been hit by hundreds of aftershocks after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Hualien earlier this month.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-turns-into-cancer-hotspot-as-lebanon-fails-to-wean-from-diesel-generators-713947">Beirut turns into cancer hotspot as Lebanon fails to curb use of diesel generators</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Earthquake in Taiwan</h2>

Earlier this month, a magnitude-7.4 quake hit the nation on April 3. Its epicentre was the Hualien region. It led to landslides that blocked roads around the mountainous region, while buildings in the main Hualien city were badly damaged. At least 17 were killed in that quake, with the latest body found in a quarry on April 13.&nbsp;

The island sees frequent earthquakes as it is located at the junction of two tectonic plates. The April 3 quake was also followed by hundreds of aftershocks.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Taiwan was hit by a major 6.3 magnitude earthquake in the early hours of Tuesday (Apr 23), according to the island's Central Weather Administration. The island has been rattled by at least 80 earthquakes since Monday evening, with the first strong quake felt in the capital Taipei of magnitude 5.

Taiwan was hit by a major 6.3 magnitude earthquake in the early hours of Tuesday (Apr 23), according to the island's Central Weather Administration. The island has been rattled by at least 80 earthquakes since Monday evening, with the first strong quake felt in the capital Taipei of magnitude 5.5 at around 5:08 pm (local time) (0908 GMT). It was then followed by a series of aftershocks and quakes, with two intense tremors hitting one after another around 2:30 am (local time) (1830 GMT). Also read: 240-metre TV tower in Ukraine snaps in two, collapses after alleged Russian missile strike. VIDEO Agencies mentioned that the quake occurred at 2:26 am (local time) (1826 GMT) and originated in eastern Hualien. According to the Hualien Fire Department, teams were dispatched to inspect any disaster from the new quakes. The initial statement by the department stated that no casualties had been reported yet. The earthquake was the latest in the series of quakes that had been shaking the island since Monday afternoon. Taiwan has been hit by hundreds of aftershocks after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Hualien earlier this month. Also read: Beirut turns into cancer hotspot as Lebanon fails to curb use of diesel generators Earthquake in Taiwan Earlier this month, a magnitude-7.4 quake hit the nation on April 3. Its epicentre was the Hualien region. It led to landslides that blocked roads around the mountainous region, while buildings in the main Hualien city were badly damaged. At least 17 were killed in that quake, with the latest body found in a quarry on April 13. The island sees frequent earthquakes as it is located at the junction of two tectonic plates. The April 3 quake was also followed by hundreds of aftershocks. (With inputs from agencies)

More than 80 tremors rattle Taiwan, including a 6.3 magnitude earthquake

Taiwan rocked by more than 80 earthquakes, tremors felt in Tapie

US House on Saturday (Apr 20) voted 311-112 in favour&nbsp;of giving Ukraine $60.8bn military aid package, at a time when Kyiv has been fighting against Russia's invasion over the past two years and is now facing a critical shortage of ammunition to continue its defences. The House also passed a funding of $26.4bn for Israel as the country fights Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;

Moreover, the House of Representatives also passed a bill that would compel TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company ByteDance, or else face a nationwide prohibition in the United States as well as a a bill to aid Taiwan while countering China in the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

US House was set to vote on a $95 billion foreign aid package targeted at supporting Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan but Republicans oppose the bill arguing that the funds instead of foreign aid should be redirected toward addressing immigration challenges at the borders.

Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, defied opposition within his party and has placed his leadership position on the line to push forward this legislation.

The legislation would allocate $60 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel with additional humanitarian aid for conflict zones like Gaza, and $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific region.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-man-who-set-himself-ablaze-near-ny-court-during-trump-trial-dies-713392">Florida man, who set himself ablaze near NY court during Trump trial, dies</a>

There are three separate bills for each of these funds. The funding allocation for the third bill earmarks $3.3 billion for the development of submarine infrastructure and $2 billion for foreign military financing for Taiwan and its allied nations.

A fourth bill contains foreign policy proposals on confiscating Russian assets, sale&nbsp;of Chinese video hosting app TikTok, and imposing sanctions on Iran, China, Russia, and firms that traffic the fentanyl that has been responsible for a concerning rise in overdoses and deaths in recent years in the United States.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-chinese-belarusian-firms-for-aiding-pakistans-missile-project-713359">US imposes sanctions on Chinese, Belarusian firms for aiding Pakistan's missile project</a>

Johnson garnered support but is risking a potential ouster due to Republicans and hard-liner Democrats in the House. The Senate will take up the bill, and send the legislation to President Biden.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/final-jury-seated-for-donald-trumps-hush-money-case-trial-713402">Final Jury seated for Donald Trump's hush money case trial</a>

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Johnson earlier while showing urgency in aiding Ukraine, warned of potential ramifications if Russia were to prevail in the conflict. He stated he "would rather send bullets to Ukraine than American boys"&nbsp;

“My son is going to begin at the Naval Academy this fall,” Mr. Johnson reportedly said at the Capitol earlier adding, “This is a live-fire exercise for me as it is for so many American families. This is not a game. It’s not a joke. We can’t play politics on this. We have to do the right thing, and I’m going to allow an opportunity for every single member of the House to vote their conscience and their will.”

(With inputs from agencies)

US House on Saturday (Apr 20) voted 311-112 in favour of giving Ukraine $60.8bn military aid package, at a time when Kyiv has been fighting against Russia's invasion over the past two years and is now facing a critical shortage of ammunition to continue its defences.

US House on Saturday (Apr 20) voted 311-112 in favour of giving Ukraine $60.8bn military aid package, at a time when Kyiv has been fighting against Russia's invasion over the past two years and is now facing a critical shortage of ammunition to continue its defences. The House also passed a funding of $26.4bn for Israel as the country fights Hamas in Gaza. Moreover, the House of Representatives also passed a bill that would compel TikTok to divest from its Chinese parent company ByteDance, or else face a nationwide prohibition in the United States as well as a a bill to aid Taiwan while countering China in the Indo-Pacific region. US House was set to vote on a $95 billion foreign aid package targeted at supporting Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan but Republicans oppose the bill arguing that the funds instead of foreign aid should be redirected toward addressing immigration challenges at the borders. Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, defied opposition within his party and has placed his leadership position on the line to push forward this legislation. The legislation would allocate $60 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel with additional humanitarian aid for conflict zones like Gaza, and $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific region. Also Read | Florida man, who set himself ablaze near NY court during Trump trial, dies There are three separate bills for each of these funds. The funding allocation for the third bill earmarks $3.3 billion for the development of submarine infrastructure and $2 billion for foreign military financing for Taiwan and its allied nations. A fourth bill contains foreign policy proposals on confiscating Russian assets, sale of Chinese video hosting app TikTok, and imposing sanctions on Iran, China, Russia, and firms that traffic the fentanyl that has been responsible for a concerning rise in overdoses and deaths in recent years in the United States. Also Read | US imposes sanctions on Chinese, Belarusian firms for aiding Pakistan's missile project Johnson garnered support but is risking a potential ouster due to Republicans and hard-liner Democrats in the House. The Senate will take up the bill, and send the legislation to President Biden. Watch | Final Jury seated for Donald Trump's hush money case trial × Johnson earlier while showing urgency in aiding Ukraine, warned of potential ramifications if Russia were to prevail in the conflict. He stated he "would rather send bullets to Ukraine than American boys" “My son is going to begin at the Naval Academy this fall,” Mr. Johnson reportedly said at the Capitol earlier adding, “This is a live-fire exercise for me as it is for so many American families. This is not a game. It’s not a joke. We can’t play politics on this. We have to do the right thing, and I’m going to allow an opportunity for every single member of the House to vote their conscience and their will.” (With inputs from agencies)

US House votes in favour of $95bn aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

US House passes $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel & Taiwan. All three bills to be combined into single amendment in Senate. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: US House greenlights $26.32 billion Israel aid

Israel-Iran tensions has shifted America's focus away from Ukraine. Will Taiwan be left out to dry too? If China invades Taiwan today, will the U.S. be able to defend the island nation?

Gravitas | China Scrambles Fighter Jets as U.S. Navy Plane Sails Through Taiwan Strait

China's aviation regulator - the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) - said on Friday (Apr 19) that it had opened new air routes to the Chinese cities of Xiamen and Fuzhou with flight paths situated very close to the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen and Matsu.

China's aviation regulator - the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) - said on Friday (Apr 19) that it had opened new air routes to the Chinese cities of Xiamen and Fuzhou with flight paths situated very close to the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen and Matsu. Citing a statement from the CAAC, the news agency Reuters reported that these routes were now operational. The statement added that from May 16, the aviation regulator said that it would "further optimise" airspace around Fuzhou airport, but did not elaborate on how it would do so. Also read | Taiwan hits back at Chinese embassy’s criticism of WION interview The statement further said that the changes to the flight paths would help meet the development needs of flights along the Chinese coast, ensuring flight safety, enhancing the ability to respond to thunderstorms, and improving normal flight operations. Taiwan condemns move Taiwan condemned Beijing's announcement by saying the decision to open new air routes that run close to two Taiwanese-controlled islands was a flight safety risk taken without consultation. "They want us to cave in, make compromises and change our behaviour," a senior official from Taipei told Reuters. Previous opposition by Taiwan In January, Taiwan expressed anger after China unilaterally changed a flight path called M503 close to the sensitive median line in the Taiwan Strait. The median line has for years served as an unofficial demarcation between Chinese-claimed Taiwan and China and was not crossed by combat aircraft from either side. However, Beijing has said it does not recognise the line's existence and Chinese warplanes regularly fly over it. In 2018, Taiwan complained about the M503 route, saying China opened the northbound part of it without first informing Taipei in contravention of a 2015 deal to first discuss such flight paths. Also watch | China's Xi Jinping hosts former Taiwan president Ma Ying-Jeou in Beijing × Meanwhile, China had said in January that it was opening routes from west to east on the two flight paths from Xiamen and Fuzhou, but had not until now announced when they would go into operation. The islands of Kinmen and Matsu both have regular flights to Taiwan, and Chinese aircraft are not permitted by Taiwan to fly in the airspace Taipei controls around these islands. (With inputs from agencies)

China opens new air routes ‘very close’ to Taiwan-controlled islands; Taipei reacts

Following Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu's interview with WION, the Chinese embassy has said that it "strongly deplore and firmly opposed" the interview. The reaction, in the form of a release has been put on Chinese embassy website and a copy of it has been sent to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal asking him to take it "seriously".

Taiwan slams China Embassy's response, says 'it is a free country'

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