Taiwan Earthquake: A powerful earthquake of 7.2 magnitude earthquake jolted the Islands capital of Tapei. The earthquake has prompted tsunami warnings in the self-ruled island parts of Southern Japan and Philippines. The strongest tremor to hit Taiwan in at least 25 years caused massive landslides in the eastern mountainous county of Hualien. Watch in for more details!

Taiwan Earthquake: At least seven killed, over 700 injured in Taiwan post quake

Massive earthquake struck the coast of eastern Taiwan during the early hours of 3 April 2024. Emergency helpline no. has been setup by Indian Taipei Association for assistance for guidance or clarification to all Indian nationals living in Taiwan.

Taiwan Earthquake: India shares helpline numbers for Indians in Taiwan, issues advisory for citizens

<p>A powerful earthquake of 7.5 magnitude hit Taiwan around 9:00 am Japanese local time (0000 GMT) on Wednesday (April 3) which led to tsunami warnings for southern Japanese islands, said Japan Meteorological Agency. Seven people were&nbsp;killed and more than 700 others were reported injured in the massive earthquake.</p>

<p>According to the agency, tsunami waves as high as three metres (10 feet) were expected in remote Japanese islands close to Taiwan, which includes Miyakojima Island. However, tsunami warnings have now been lifted.</p>

<p>The earthquake reportedly knocked out power in different parts of the city. The footage of some collapsed buildings near the quake's epicentre was telecast&nbsp;on Taiwan television stations.&nbsp;As per media reports, some people are also trapped in the debris. The quake was felt as far as Shanghai.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-say-tectonic-plate-tearing-apart-under-pacific-ocean-from-japan-to-new-zealand-688973">Scientists say tectonic plate tearing apart under Pacific Ocean from Japan to New Zealand</a></p>

<p>The earthquake's epicentre was near the coast of the eastern county of Hualien, in waters off Taiwan Island's eastern coastline, said the Taiwan Central Weather Administration.</p>

<h2><strong>Japan issues evacuation advisory</strong></h2>

<p>An evacuation advisory was issued by the Japanese authorities for the coastal areas of the southern prefecture of Okinawa, in the wake of the tsunami alert.</p>

<p>Japan’s national broadcaster&nbsp;broadcasted&nbsp;warnings like&nbsp;“Tsunami is coming. Please evacuate immediately,” said an anchor on NHK. “Do not stop. Do not go back," they said.</p>

<p>“Evacuate!” read a banner on the broadcast channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another warning was issued by the Philippines Seismology Agency for residents in coastal areas of different provinces, appealing to them to evacuate to higher ground.</p>

<p>The earthquake tremors were also felt in Fuzhou, Xiamen, Quanzhou and Ningde in China's Fujian province, as per the Chinese state media.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;2,000 earthquakes near Canada coast making the ocean come apart</strong></p>

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<p>No reports of damage were received by the Taipei city government and the MRT of the city was up and running soon after the quake. However, visuals shared on social media platforms showed shaking bridges and collapsed buildings.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Now we're starting to see some real damage from the Taiwan earthquake<br />
<br />
Pray for Taiwan 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/6EXy0yanra">pic.twitter.com/6EXy0yanra</a></p>
— Brian BJ (@iamBrianBJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamBrianBJ/status/1775323818904416566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKIN: A Multistory Building on the Corner of Congquing and Zhongshan Road has Partially Collapsed in Hualien as 7.5 Magnitude Earthquake hit Taiwan.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taiwan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taiwan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Earthquake</a> <a href="https://t.co/ePZ2XhgcFC">pic.twitter.com/ePZ2XhgcFC</a></p>
— Wali Khan (@WaliKhan_TK) <a href="https://twitter.com/WaliKhan_TK/status/1775325700783853870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨BREAKING: 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a><br />
The shaking was so bad that people commuting to work stopped.<a href="https://t.co/jNgUZm9pMl">pic.twitter.com/jNgUZm9pMl</a></p>
— AJ Huber (@Huberton) <a href="https://twitter.com/Huberton/status/1775325620395819288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Southern Taiwan Science Park, where the plant of semiconductor giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co is located, said that the companies have been operating without impact.</p>

<p>According to Taiwan’s official central news agency, this was the biggest earthquake to hit the island since 1999 when around 2,400 people were killed in a quake of 7.6 magnitude.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A powerful earthquake of 7.5 magnitude hit Taiwan around 9:00 am Japanese local time (0000 GMT) on Wednesday (April 3) which led to tsunami warnings for southern Japanese islands, said Japan Meteorological Agency.

A powerful earthquake of 7.5 magnitude hit Taiwan around 9:00 am Japanese local time (0000 GMT) on Wednesday (April 3) which led to tsunami warnings for southern Japanese islands, said Japan Meteorological Agency. Seven people were killed and more than 700 others were reported injured in the massive earthquake. According to the agency, tsunami waves as high as three metres (10 feet) were expected in remote Japanese islands close to Taiwan, which includes Miyakojima Island. However, tsunami warnings have now been lifted. The earthquake reportedly knocked out power in different parts of the city. The footage of some collapsed buildings near the quake's epicentre was telecast on Taiwan television stations. As per media reports, some people are also trapped in the debris. The quake was felt as far as Shanghai. Also Read: Scientists say tectonic plate tearing apart under Pacific Ocean from Japan to New Zealand The earthquake's epicentre was near the coast of the eastern county of Hualien, in waters off Taiwan Island's eastern coastline, said the Taiwan Central Weather Administration. Japan issues evacuation advisory An evacuation advisory was issued by the Japanese authorities for the coastal areas of the southern prefecture of Okinawa, in the wake of the tsunami alert. Japan’s national broadcaster broadcasted warnings like “Tsunami is coming. Please evacuate immediately,” said an anchor on NHK. “Do not stop. Do not go back," they said. “Evacuate!” read a banner on the broadcast channel. Another warning was issued by the Philippines Seismology Agency for residents in coastal areas of different provinces, appealing to them to evacuate to higher ground. The earthquake tremors were also felt in Fuzhou, Xiamen, Quanzhou and Ningde in China's Fujian province, as per the Chinese state media. Watch: 2,000 earthquakes near Canada coast making the ocean come apart No reports of damage were received by the Taipei city government and the MRT of the city was up and running soon after the quake. However, visuals shared on social media platforms showed shaking bridges and collapsed buildings. Now we're starting to see some real damage from the Taiwan earthquake Pray for Taiwan 🙏 pic.twitter.com/6EXy0yanra — Brian BJ (@iamBrianBJ) April 3, 2024 × BREAKIN: A Multistory Building on the Corner of Congquing and Zhongshan Road has Partially Collapsed in Hualien as 7.5 Magnitude Earthquake hit Taiwan.#Taiwan #Earthquake pic.twitter.com/ePZ2XhgcFC — Wali Khan (@WaliKhan_TK) April 3, 2024 × 🚨BREAKING: 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan #earthquake The shaking was so bad that people commuting to work stopped.pic.twitter.com/jNgUZm9pMl — AJ Huber (@Huberton) April 3, 2024 × Southern Taiwan Science Park, where the plant of semiconductor giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co is located, said that the companies have been operating without impact. According to Taiwan’s official central news agency, this was the biggest earthquake to hit the island since 1999 when around 2,400 people were killed in a quake of 7.6 magnitude. (With inputs from agencies)

Earthquake in Taiwan: Powerful quake of 7.5 magnitude rocks Taiwan, seven killed

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 hit Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, on Wednesday (April 3) morning, the Taiwan central weather administration said. Watch this video to view all eyewitness footages.

Taiwan earthquake: Videos show intensity of 7.2 magnitude quake that rocked Taiwan

The government disclosed guidelines for the construction of underground shelters on outlying islands in Okinawa Prefecture in case of a military crisis involving Taiwan.

Japan's shelters near Taiwan, govt to pay for designing & construction

Japan to build shelters on Isles near Taiwan to protect citizens for two weeks

Japan to build shelters on isles near Taiwan

<p>India has the potential to act as a global leader of non-belligerent states in deterring Chinese aggression against Taiwan, an influential think tank has said.</p>

<p>The research paper <a href="https://www.aspi.org.au/report/deterring-attack-taiwan-policy-options-india-and-other-non-belligerent-states">published</a> by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute [ASPI] noted that India's policy settings are "flexible, not fixed" and that across the global south, including in Southeast Asia, New Delhi is seen as an "authentically independent actor, not an ally parroting American talking points".&nbsp;</p>

<p>China recently adopted a tougher language against Taiwan, the self-ruled island nation that it considers as its own. While releasing its budget figures on March 5&nbsp;in the country's rubber-stamp parliament, the National People's Congress, Beijing replaced the mention of Taiwan's "peaceful reunification" into the mainland with a "reunification" that will "be firm".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China drops 'peaceful reunification' reference to Taiwan</strong></p>

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<p>The ASPI paper warns that Chinese control of Taiwan would be "a troubling revision to the region's status quo — especially for regional states, including India".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"China would probably be more emboldened to press other territorial claims, including those that to date have been deprioritised — such as in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh," the paper notes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China has also routinely asserted its claim on the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, an affirmation consistently denounced by New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Unless China becomes convinced that militarily advancing its territorial claims is unacceptable, we should expect it to act aggressively on India’s borders," Arzan Tarapore, author of the ASPI research paper, and PhD Research Scholar at the Center for International Security and Cooperation at the Stanford University told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If Beijing is allowed to get away with aggression against Taiwan, I cannot imagine that it will stop there," Tarapore added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India's disregard for Beijing's 'One China' strategic catchphrase</strong></h2>

<p>New Delhi maintains that its official recognition of the government in Beijing does not require continued explanation. After a short duration of using the phrase 'One China',&nbsp;New Delhi discontinued its use in 2009.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 'One China' principle has been deployed by Beijing to assert globally that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, a claim Taipei has denounced.</p>

<p>"India has artfully signaled that it is invested in the status quo and stability in cross-strait relations: it disregards China's usual demands to parrot the 'One China' shibboleth," the research paper noted.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/padma-awards-2024-india-confers-its-third-highest-civilian-honour-to-taiwanese-tycoon-young-liu-683858">Padma Awards 2024: India confers its third highest civilian honour on Taiwanese tycoon Young Liu</a></strong></p>

<p>The paper concludes that once a crisis or conflict begins, the policy space shrinks drastically. However, several peacetime policy options from India could dissuade China from attacking Taiwan in the first place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The diplomatic option for India is to make sure that Taiwan specifically, or Chinese aggressiveness more generally, is on the agenda in India’s diplomatic activity bilaterally and multilaterally with countries across the world, certainly in Asia, but also in more distant regions, like Europe and Africa," Tarapore told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Beijing should be clear that the world has a common position on the inadmissibility of the use of force against Taiwan. India has exceptional influence in shaping that global opinion, and it should use that influence, out of self-interest if it seeks to be the <em>Vishwaguru</em>."</p>


India has the potential to act as a global leader of non-belligerent states in deterring Chinese aggression against Taiwan, an influential think tank has said. The research paper published by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute [ASPI] noted that India's policy settings are "flexible, not fixed" and that across the global south, including in Southeast Asia, New Delhi is seen as an "authentically independent actor, not an ally parroting American talking points".

India has the potential to act as a global leader of non-belligerent states in deterring Chinese aggression against Taiwan, an influential think tank has said. The research paper published by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute [ASPI] noted that India's policy settings are "flexible, not fixed" and that across the global south, including in Southeast Asia, New Delhi is seen as an "authentically independent actor, not an ally parroting American talking points". China recently adopted a tougher language against Taiwan, the self-ruled island nation that it considers as its own. While releasing its budget figures on March 5 in the country's rubber-stamp parliament, the National People's Congress, Beijing replaced the mention of Taiwan's "peaceful reunification" into the mainland with a "reunification" that will "be firm". Also watch | China drops 'peaceful reunification' reference to Taiwan × The ASPI paper warns that Chinese control of Taiwan would be "a troubling revision to the region's status quo — especially for regional states, including India". "China would probably be more emboldened to press other territorial claims, including those that to date have been deprioritised — such as in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh," the paper notes. China has also routinely asserted its claim on the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, an affirmation consistently denounced by New Delhi. "Unless China becomes convinced that militarily advancing its territorial claims is unacceptable, we should expect it to act aggressively on India’s borders," Arzan Tarapore, author of the ASPI research paper, and PhD Research Scholar at the Center for International Security and Cooperation at the Stanford University told WION. "If Beijing is allowed to get away with aggression against Taiwan, I cannot imagine that it will stop there," Tarapore added. India's disregard for Beijing's 'One China' strategic catchphrase New Delhi maintains that its official recognition of the government in Beijing does not require continued explanation. After a short duration of using the phrase 'One China', New Delhi discontinued its use in 2009. The 'One China' principle has been deployed by Beijing to assert globally that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, a claim Taipei has denounced. "India has artfully signaled that it is invested in the status quo and stability in cross-strait relations: it disregards China's usual demands to parrot the 'One China' shibboleth," the research paper noted. Also read | Padma Awards 2024: India confers its third highest civilian honour on Taiwanese tycoon Young Liu The paper concludes that once a crisis or conflict begins, the policy space shrinks drastically. However, several peacetime policy options from India could dissuade China from attacking Taiwan in the first place. "The diplomatic option for India is to make sure that Taiwan specifically, or Chinese aggressiveness more generally, is on the agenda in India’s diplomatic activity bilaterally and multilaterally with countries across the world, certainly in Asia, but also in more distant regions, like Europe and Africa," Tarapore told WION. "Beijing should be clear that the world has a common position on the inadmissibility of the use of force against Taiwan. India has exceptional influence in shaping that global opinion, and it should use that influence, out of self-interest if it seeks to be the Vishwaguru."

'Vishwaguru' India can be a global leader in deterring China from attacking Taiwan

China has one of the largest and most diverse missile arsenal in the world and that arsenal is growing. Watch in for more details!

Beijing's missile force and burgeoning arms race in Asia

<p>Taiwan on Tuesday (March 26) conducted air defence tests amid continued cross-strait "intrusions" by the Chinese forces. Taipei showed its&nbsp;military readiness with surface-to-air missiles and joint exercises with&nbsp;its air, land, and naval forces.</p>

<p>The Taiwan Air Force Command confirmed an early morning training exercise lasting from 5 am to 7 am local time. It used anti-aircraft artillery systems and US-made Patriot missiles.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China adopts tougher language against Taiwan | Is China going to attack Taiwan?</strong></p>

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<p>The objective was to validate the command and control of joint air defence operations among the military branches,&nbsp;Taiwan’s Air Force said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Facing frequent Chinese incursions into its sea and airspace, the latest exercise shows Taiwan's consistent&nbsp;commitment to ensure that it counters potential threats. The tests also involved domestically produced Sky Bow and Patriot missiles, meaning that Taipei's focus is to&nbsp;enhance its ability to repel a potential Chinese invasion with its homegrown capabilities.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Beijing continues to assert its territorial claims over the self-governing island and its outlying territories inhabited by 23 million people.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the cause of concern for Taiwan?</strong></h2>

<p>Beijing's presence near Taiwan over what Taipei&nbsp;terms a "grey zone" while avoiding direct conflict, has been a cause of concern.</p>

<p>Taiwan firmly rejects China’s territorial assertions and calls for the right of its people to determine their future.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the immediate context?</strong></h2>

<p>The tests coincide with Taiwan's upcoming extensive military drills scheduled for April 2 to 20, along with live-fire exercises around offshore islets, including Kinmen, a point of recent tensions due to its proximity to internationally-recognised Chinese territory.</p>

<p>On Tuesday (March 26), Taiwan's defence ministry reported 13 Chinese aircraft and seven navy vessels around the island within a 24-hour period. This came just a week during which Taiwan identified 36 Chinese military aircraft encircling the island in a single day, marking the highest count recorded this year.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Taiwan on Tuesday (March 26) conducted air defence tests amid continued cross-strait "intrusions" by the Chinese forces. Taipei showed its military readiness with surface-to-air missiles and joint exercises with its air, land, and naval forces.

Taiwan on Tuesday (March 26) conducted air defence tests amid continued cross-strait "intrusions" by the Chinese forces. Taipei showed its military readiness with surface-to-air missiles and joint exercises with its air, land, and naval forces. The Taiwan Air Force Command confirmed an early morning training exercise lasting from 5 am to 7 am local time. It used anti-aircraft artillery systems and US-made Patriot missiles. Also watch | China adopts tougher language against Taiwan | Is China going to attack Taiwan? × The objective was to validate the command and control of joint air defence operations among the military branches, Taiwan’s Air Force said in a statement. What does it mean? Facing frequent Chinese incursions into its sea and airspace, the latest exercise shows Taiwan's consistent commitment to ensure that it counters potential threats. The tests also involved domestically produced Sky Bow and Patriot missiles, meaning that Taipei's focus is to enhance its ability to repel a potential Chinese invasion with its homegrown capabilities. Meanwhile, Beijing continues to assert its territorial claims over the self-governing island and its outlying territories inhabited by 23 million people. What is the cause of concern for Taiwan? Beijing's presence near Taiwan over what Taipei terms a "grey zone" while avoiding direct conflict, has been a cause of concern. Taiwan firmly rejects China’s territorial assertions and calls for the right of its people to determine their future. What is the immediate context? The tests coincide with Taiwan's upcoming extensive military drills scheduled for April 2 to 20, along with live-fire exercises around offshore islets, including Kinmen, a point of recent tensions due to its proximity to internationally-recognised Chinese territory. On Tuesday (March 26), Taiwan's defence ministry reported 13 Chinese aircraft and seven navy vessels around the island within a 24-hour period. This came just a week during which Taiwan identified 36 Chinese military aircraft encircling the island in a single day, marking the highest count recorded this year. (with inputs from agencies)

Taiwan tests its air defence amid repeated cross-strait violations by China

<p>Taiwan’s defence ministry&nbsp;on Thursday (Mar 21) said that 32 Chinese military aircraft were detected around the island in the past 24 hours which is the second-highest number this year. The island’s top security official told President Tsai Ing-wen he does not currently recommend her to visit the South China Sea amid possible risk to her flight from “relevant countries".</p>

<h2><strong>32 Chinese warplanes, five ships around Taiwan</strong></h2>

<p>The ministry detected around five naval ships operating around Taiwan up until 6:00 am (local time)&nbsp;on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Out of the 32 Chinese aircraft, 20 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the island’s southwestern, southeastern, and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), said the defence ministry in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taiwan’s defence ministry “monitored the situation and employed CAP (Combat air patrol) aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities,” it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-calls-on-china-to-be-rational-after-deadly-boat-incident-triggering-panic-on-tourist-vessel-691901">Taiwan calls on China to 'be rational' as Chinese Coast Guard boards tourist vessel</a></strong></p>

<p>In other 24-hour periods in late January and early February Taiwan had detected 33 Chinese warplanes, the highest number this year, so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The deployment of Chinese warplanes and naval ships came around the time Taiwan was conducting its presidential election which incumbent Vice President Lai Ching-te won.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The self-governed island has previously accused China of threatening aviation safety and waging <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-spots-more-chinese-balloons-over-strait-accuses-beijing-of-psychological-warfare-ahead-of-elections-677750">psychological warfare</a> on its people.</p>

<h2><strong>Taiwan president's visit to South China Sea</strong></h2>

<p>Taiwan National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen said on Thursday he does not recommend President Tsai to visit the South China Sea given Beijing’s military presence there.</p>

<p>China, Taiwan, and the Philippines are among those who have claimed parts of the South China Sea. However, the self-governed island only controls one main islet called Itu Aba, which Taiwan refers to as Taiping Island.</p>

<p>The Taiwanese president has faced calls from both her ruling party and the main opposition to visit the Itu Aba before she steps down in May to assert Taiwan’s sovereignty.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-states-the-obvious-arunachal-pradesh-is-indian-territory-702530">US states the obvious: 'Arunachal Pradesh is Indian territory'</a></strong></p>

<p>However, Taiwan’s top security official said that the South China Sea has been highly militarised and the government should also consider how the move would be viewed by the international community.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Many countries’ aircraft and ships are interfered with by relevant countries when passing through,” he said at the parliament, adding that it is important to assess if the president’s aircraft would be safe during the 1,600-kilometre flight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the beginning of this year, Beijing and Manila have had several clashes in the South China Sea. Earlier this month, the Philippines slammed China for its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/manila-slams-beijing-for-dangerous-manoeuvres-in-south-china-sea-which-left-4-crew-members-injured-696842">“dangerous manoeuvres”</a> in the disputed region which left at least four Filipino crew members injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked by lawmakers if China has ever interfered with the Taiwanese coast guard or military aircraft around Itu Aba, Tsai – who shares a common family name with the president – confirmed that it has happened.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The activities by Chinese “ships and aircraft in the South China Sea are very frequent,” he said, without elaborating.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Taiwan’s defence ministry on Thursday (Mar 21) said that 32 Chinese military aircraft were detected around the island in the past 24 hours which is the second-highest number this year.

Taiwan’s defence ministry on Thursday (Mar 21) said that 32 Chinese military aircraft were detected around the island in the past 24 hours which is the second-highest number this year. The island’s top security official told President Tsai Ing-wen he does not currently recommend her to visit the South China Sea amid possible risk to her flight from “relevant countries". 32 Chinese warplanes, five ships around Taiwan The ministry detected around five naval ships operating around Taiwan up until 6:00 am (local time) on Thursday. Out of the 32 Chinese aircraft, 20 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the island’s southwestern, southeastern, and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), said the defence ministry in a statement. Taiwan’s defence ministry “monitored the situation and employed CAP (Combat air patrol) aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities,” it added. Also Read | Taiwan calls on China to 'be rational' as Chinese Coast Guard boards tourist vessel In other 24-hour periods in late January and early February Taiwan had detected 33 Chinese warplanes, the highest number this year, so far. The deployment of Chinese warplanes and naval ships came around the time Taiwan was conducting its presidential election which incumbent Vice President Lai Ching-te won. The self-governed island has previously accused China of threatening aviation safety and waging psychological warfare on its people. Taiwan president's visit to South China Sea Taiwan National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen said on Thursday he does not recommend President Tsai to visit the South China Sea given Beijing’s military presence there. China, Taiwan, and the Philippines are among those who have claimed parts of the South China Sea. However, the self-governed island only controls one main islet called Itu Aba, which Taiwan refers to as Taiping Island. The Taiwanese president has faced calls from both her ruling party and the main opposition to visit the Itu Aba before she steps down in May to assert Taiwan’s sovereignty. Also Read | US states the obvious: 'Arunachal Pradesh is Indian territory' However, Taiwan’s top security official said that the South China Sea has been highly militarised and the government should also consider how the move would be viewed by the international community. “Many countries’ aircraft and ships are interfered with by relevant countries when passing through,” he said at the parliament, adding that it is important to assess if the president’s aircraft would be safe during the 1,600-kilometre flight. Since the beginning of this year, Beijing and Manila have had several clashes in the South China Sea. Earlier this month, the Philippines slammed China for its “dangerous manoeuvres” in the disputed region which left at least four Filipino crew members injured. When asked by lawmakers if China has ever interfered with the Taiwanese coast guard or military aircraft around Itu Aba, Tsai – who shares a common family name with the president – confirmed that it has happened. The activities by Chinese “ships and aircraft in the South China Sea are very frequent,” he said, without elaborating. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan detects 32 Chinese warplanes around island in 24 hours, second-highest this year

Tensions between China and Taiwan continue to rise as Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu has said China has built an enormous military base on three of its Islands surrounding Taiwan in the South China Sea. But at the same time, Taipei is not looking to further escalate tensions in the Strategic waterways.

Beijing's aggressive expansion in the South China Sea

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Taiwan's foreign minister said on Wednesday (March 20) that China has built "enormous" military bases on three islands surrounding Taiwan's main holding in the South China Sea, but that Taipei is not looking to further escalate tensions in the strategic waterway. Watch in for more details!

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"China has already created very enormous South China Sea military bases on the three islands surrounding Taiping - Subi Reef, Fiery Cross Reef and Mischief Reef - and these are all quite close to our Taiping," Wu said.

Taiwan warns of ‘enormous’ Chinese military build-up in South China Sea

Taiwan's foreign minister said on Wednesday (March 20) that China has built "enormous" military bases on three islands surrounding Taiwan's main holding in the South China Sea, but that Taipei is not looking to further escalate tensions in the strategic waterway.

China has military base near Taiping: Taiwan's Foreign Minister | China-Taiwan tensions

China-Taiwan tensions continue to mount China isn't hiding its intentions it claims to self-rule Taiwan as its territory. This time the Chinese Premier has even adopted a harder stance against Taiwan. Our next report gets you the complete story.

China's strong push for Taiwan reunification, PLA spokesperson makes strong remarks

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<p>China will increase its defence spending by 7.2 per cent in 2024 as Beijing adopts a tougher language against Taiwan.</p>

<p>According to official reports, this year's military budget has increased almost twice under Xi Jinping's more than a decade in office. The increase matches last year's rate and exceeds the government's growth forecast.</p>

<p>As China released the budget figures, it has also hardened its stance against Taiwan, reported Reuters. Moreover, the government work delivered by Premier Li Qiang at the opening of the National People's Congress (NPC) on Tuesday did not mention the "peaceful reunification".</p>

<p>In recent years, tensions have risen steadily over Taiwan and elsewhere across East Asia as regional military developments rise in the democratically ruled island that China claims as its own.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="www.wionews.com/business-economy/tesla-shares-plunge-over-7-per-cent-as-china-sales-decline-sparks-concerns-696719">Tesla shares plunge over 7 per cent as China sales decline: Report</a></p>

<p>Li Mingjiang, a defence scholar at the Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore, said that Taiwan is a prominent concern for Beijing's defence spending despite a suffering Chinese economy. "China is showing that in the coming decade it wants to grow its military to the point where it is prepared to win a war if it has no choice but to fight one," Li said.</p>

<p>Xi Jinping became the president and commander-in-chief of China in 2013. Since then, China's defence budget has risen to 1.67 trillion yuan ($230.60 billion) in 2024 from 720 billion yuan in 2013.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his time in office, the increase in military spending has consistently surpassed the annual domestic economic growth target. According to the government work report, the growth target is about five per cent in 2024, the same as last year's goal.</p>

<p>According to the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), China has raised its defence spending for the 30th year straight. In a research published in February 2024, the IISS said that new military equipment purchases might be the most prominent portion of the military budget.</p>

<p>However, despite the defence budget outpacing the GDP growth, the defence spending has stayed at about 1.3 per cent of the overall GDP in the last decade, said James Char, a security scholar at the RSIS. "Of course, the country's longer-term economic fortunes will determine whether this can be sustained going forward," he added.</p>

<p>China has restated the call for "reunification" with Taiwan in the government work report. It dropped the descriptor "peaceful," used in previous reports, highlighting that it wants to "be firm" in doing so.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


China will increase its defence spending by 7.2 per cent in 2024 as Beijing adopts a tougher language against Taiwan. According to official reports, this year's military budget has increased almost twice under Xi Jinping's more than a decade in office.

China will increase its defence spending by 7.2 per cent in 2024 as Beijing adopts a tougher language against Taiwan. According to official reports, this year's military budget has increased almost twice under Xi Jinping's more than a decade in office. The increase matches last year's rate and exceeds the government's growth forecast. As China released the budget figures, it has also hardened its stance against Taiwan, reported Reuters. Moreover, the government work delivered by Premier Li Qiang at the opening of the National People's Congress (NPC) on Tuesday did not mention the "peaceful reunification". In recent years, tensions have risen steadily over Taiwan and elsewhere across East Asia as regional military developments rise in the democratically ruled island that China claims as its own. ALSO READ | Tesla shares plunge over 7 per cent as China sales decline: Report Li Mingjiang, a defence scholar at the Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore, said that Taiwan is a prominent concern for Beijing's defence spending despite a suffering Chinese economy. "China is showing that in the coming decade it wants to grow its military to the point where it is prepared to win a war if it has no choice but to fight one," Li said. Xi Jinping became the president and commander-in-chief of China in 2013. Since then, China's defence budget has risen to 1.67 trillion yuan ($230.60 billion) in 2024 from 720 billion yuan in 2013. During his time in office, the increase in military spending has consistently surpassed the annual domestic economic growth target. According to the government work report, the growth target is about five per cent in 2024, the same as last year's goal. According to the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), China has raised its defence spending for the 30th year straight. In a research published in February 2024, the IISS said that new military equipment purchases might be the most prominent portion of the military budget. However, despite the defence budget outpacing the GDP growth, the defence spending has stayed at about 1.3 per cent of the overall GDP in the last decade, said James Char, a security scholar at the RSIS. "Of course, the country's longer-term economic fortunes will determine whether this can be sustained going forward," he added. China has restated the call for "reunification" with Taiwan in the government work report. It dropped the descriptor "peaceful," used in previous reports, highlighting that it wants to "be firm" in doing so. (With inputs from agencies)

China to raise defence spending as Beijing adopts tougher language against Taiwan on reunification

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China drops 'peaceful reunification' reference to Taiwan

The Taiwanese action movie - 'The Pig, The Snake & The Pigeon' - has topped China's box office. The action-thriller open ahead of 'Madame Web' and re-released 'Dune' at mainland China's box office.

'The Pig, The Snake & The Pigeon' at number one on China's box office

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<p><strong>India-Taiwan ties</strong>: Taiwan's Ministry of Labour issued an apology after controversial remarks surfaced over the recruitment of Indian workers based on "skin colour", dietary habits, and religion.</p>

<p>On February 29, Taiwan's Minister of Labour, Hsu Ming-chun, while discussing the newly signed labour mobility agreement with India, said that workers from India's northeastern states were considered suitable for the initial phase of the execution of the mobility agreement due to perceived similarities in skin colour, dietary preferences, and religion.</p>

<p>Although the interview was published on March 1, the controversial comments gained attention on social media over the weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Responding to the public backlash, Taiwan's foreign ministry issued an official statement on March 4 and apologised for the comments made by the self-ruled island nation's labour minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Recently in discussions with relevant sectors in Taiwan's society, certain government agencies have made remarks that were not entirely appropriate," the ministry said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The government expresses sincere apologies over this situation. It will earnestly review its actions and made needed improvements going forward."</p>

<p>There was no official reaction from India's Ministry of External Affairs over the controversy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This row follows the signing of a labour mobility agreement between Taiwan and India, designed to address Taiwan's severe human power shortage by importing Indian workers.</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>India and Taiwan recently signed a migration and mobility pact to strengthen ties between the two sides.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The landmark agreement is aimed at fostering greater people-to-people engagement and facilitating smoother migration between the two nations.</p>

<p>The semiconductor industry has emerged as a pivotal area of cooperation, with the establishment of a chip manufacturing plant in western India's Gujarat state emerging as a high point of the ties between the two sides.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While India officially adheres to the One China policy, it has not reiterated the same in recent years amid deteriorating ties with China. The troops of the two sides have been engaged in a standoff in the Himalayas since April 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India-Taiwan ties: Taiwan's Ministry of Labour issued an apology after controversial remarks surfaced over the recruitment of Indian workers based on "skin colour", dietary habits, and religion.

India-Taiwan ties: Taiwan's Ministry of Labour issued an apology after controversial remarks surfaced over the recruitment of Indian workers based on "skin colour", dietary habits, and religion. On February 29, Taiwan's Minister of Labour, Hsu Ming-chun, while discussing the newly signed labour mobility agreement with India, said that workers from India's northeastern states were considered suitable for the initial phase of the execution of the mobility agreement due to perceived similarities in skin colour, dietary preferences, and religion. Although the interview was published on March 1, the controversial comments gained attention on social media over the weekend. Responding to the public backlash, Taiwan's foreign ministry issued an official statement on March 4 and apologised for the comments made by the self-ruled island nation's labour minister. "Recently in discussions with relevant sectors in Taiwan's society, certain government agencies have made remarks that were not entirely appropriate," the ministry said. "The government expresses sincere apologies over this situation. It will earnestly review its actions and made needed improvements going forward." There was no official reaction from India's Ministry of External Affairs over the controversy. This row follows the signing of a labour mobility agreement between Taiwan and India, designed to address Taiwan's severe human power shortage by importing Indian workers. Also read | Explained: How Taiwan is keeping up with democracy amid Xi Jinping's 'reunification' threat India and Taiwan recently signed a migration and mobility pact to strengthen ties between the two sides. The landmark agreement is aimed at fostering greater people-to-people engagement and facilitating smoother migration between the two nations. The semiconductor industry has emerged as a pivotal area of cooperation, with the establishment of a chip manufacturing plant in western India's Gujarat state emerging as a high point of the ties between the two sides. While India officially adheres to the One China policy, it has not reiterated the same in recent years amid deteriorating ties with China. The troops of the two sides have been engaged in a standoff in the Himalayas since April 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan issues 'sincere apology' over minister's racist comments against Indian migrant workers

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