The island of Taiwan has cited an optic in malicious activity in the lead up to its 13th January election. The taiwan's Doomsday scenario includes not just an invasion by the Chinese troops but also a wave of attacks against its cyber infrastructure the complete breakdown in critical infrastructure is what a D-Day would look like.

Taiwan's D-Day plans against Chinese invasion

As many as 19.3 million voters in Taiwan will elect a new president on January 13th. Their vote could act as a major flashpoint in the global tussle for power. But why are these polls in the tiny island so significant for the world?

WION power explainer | Global implications of Taiwan election

On WION'S power poll, over 70% of respondents believe that independence from china will be the primary issue for Taiwanese voters on January 13.

WION power poll | Is independence from china the top voter issue in Taiwan’s election?

Just a couple of days before the people of Taiwan cast their vote, China has strongly opposed any official exchanges between the US and Taiwan. This comes after the Biden administration announced- it will send an unofficial delegation to Taiwan shortly after the election.

China warns against any form of US-Taiwan exchange

China recently said it will "never compromise" on the issue of Taiwan, in its first military talks with the US since 2021.

China military tells US it will 'never compromise' on issue of Taiwan

Taiwan's Defence Ministry issued an alert Tuesday saying China has launched a satellite and urging caution days before the elections. Taiwan holds presidential and parliamentary elections Saturday (Jan. 13) that China has described as a choice between war and peace.

Taiwan Presidential polls 2024: Days before polls, Chinese balloons spotted over island

China has vowed that it will 'never compromise' on Taiwan, just three days ahead of a crucial election on the self-ruled island. The closely watched polls will impact the future of Taiwan's independence, and China is being accused of attempting to influence voters to pick candidates who favour reunification.

Taiwan accuses china of military threats and financial lures ahead of polls

Hou Yu-Ih is the candidate for Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), whose government fled to the island in 1949 after losing the Chinese civil war. The KMT traditionally favours closer ties with china but strongly denies being pro-Beijing.

WION power explainer | Taiwan's main opposition party: The Kuomintang

Taiwan's defence ministry issued an alert Tuesday saying China has launched a satellite and urging caution days before the elections. Taiwan holds presidential and parliamentary elections Saturday (Jan. 13) that China has described as a choice between war and peace.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry issues air raid alert ahead of polls

Taiwan elections: China calls Taiwan polls 'its internal matter' | Chinese balloons over island

Taiwan Polls 2024: Defence Ministry issues alert after Chinese balloons spotted over Island

Taiwan Elections 2024: China balloons fly over Island days before polls

As Taiwan enters election week, Beijing's aggressive actions have multiplied. Fighter jets, reconnaissance drones and naval ships have reportedly been spotted around the island. Since December, more than 20 balloons have crossed the median line separating China from Taiwan.

Taiwan Presidential elections: Taiwan all set to go to polls on January 13 | WION Newspoint

Legislator, mayor, Taiwan's premier, and current vice-president - Lai Ching-Te has held almost every senior political post in the island nation since he stepped into politics three decades ago. All but one - that he now hopes to strike off - the top job of the president. Leading in polls, the DPP candidate appears right on track to round out his career on January 13th.

WION power explainer | Lai Ching-Te: the frontrunner in Taiwan's Jan 13 election

In response to the recent approval of the US State Department's $300 million arms sale to Taiwan, China announced on Sunday that it would impose sanctions on five American military manufacturers.

This is based on a Reuters report.

The move adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relations between the two global powers.

China perceives Taiwan as part of its territory, a stance vehemently rejected by Taiwan's democratically elected government.

The impending sanctions were unveiled just days before Taiwan's crucial presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13, which Beijing has framed as a pivotal choice between war and peace.

According to a foreign ministry spokesperson, these sanctions are a direct response to arms deals that "seriously undermine China's sovereignty and security interests, seriously jeopardise peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait".

The focal point of China's discontent lies in the US State Department's green light for selling equipment designed to bolster Taiwan's tactical information systems.

This move has further strained diplomatic ties, fuelling Beijing's suspicion of foreign interference in what it considers a domestic matter.

The targeted companies facing sanctions include BAE Systems Land and Armaments, Alliant Techsystems Operations, AeroVironment, Viasat, and Data Link Solutions.

China's measures will involve freezing the assets of these companies and prohibiting any individuals or entities within its borders from engaging with them.

<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

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In response to the recent approval of the US State Department's $300 million arms sale to Taiwan, China announced on Sunday that it would impose sanctions on five American military manufacturers.

In response to the recent approval of the US State Department's $300 million arms sale to Taiwan, China announced on Sunday that it would impose sanctions on five American military manufacturers. This is based on a Reuters report. The move adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relations between the two global powers. China perceives Taiwan as part of its territory, a stance vehemently rejected by Taiwan's democratically elected government. The impending sanctions were unveiled just days before Taiwan's crucial presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13, which Beijing has framed as a pivotal choice between war and peace. According to a foreign ministry spokesperson, these sanctions are a direct response to arms deals that "seriously undermine China's sovereignty and security interests, seriously jeopardise peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait". The focal point of China's discontent lies in the US State Department's green light for selling equipment designed to bolster Taiwan's tactical information systems. This move has further strained diplomatic ties, fuelling Beijing's suspicion of foreign interference in what it considers a domestic matter. The targeted companies facing sanctions include BAE Systems Land and Armaments, Alliant Techsystems Operations, AeroVironment, Viasat, and Data Link Solutions. China's measures will involve freezing the assets of these companies and prohibiting any individuals or entities within its borders from engaging with them. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China vs US intensifies: Dragon nation imposes sanctions on US defence giants amid growing Taiwan tensions

In a significant event that unfolded just days before Taiwan's crucial presidential election, a Chinese satellite launch set off Taiwan's emergency phone alert system, raising security concerns across the region.

Chinese state media reported that Beijing had achieved a successful launch of the "Einstein Probe" satellite using the Long March-2C carrier rocket at the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. According to CCTV, the satellite entered its designated orbit, marking the launch as a "complete success."

<h2>Emergency alert in Taiwan</h2>

Simultaneously, phones across Taiwan were activated with an emergency alert message. The alert in Chinese warned the public about the satellite flying over the southern airspace, However, the English version of the message described it as an "air raid alert," cautioning against a "missile flyover Taiwan airspace."

The emergency alert coincided with Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu holding a press conference in Taipei with foreign reporters ahead of the upcoming presidential election.

"When a rocket is openly flying in our sky, some of their tubes or debris will fall in this region," Wu told reporters.

"That's the reason why our national alert centre will issue this kind of alert. It has happened before," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nvidia-set-to-launch-china-focused-ai-chip-in-q2-2024-amid-export-rule-compliance-678210">Also read |&nbsp;Nvidia set to launch China-Focused AI chip in Q2 2024 amid export rule compliance</a>

With the election approaching, security concerns have intensified, and the alert added to the tension. Front-runner Lai Ching-te, Taiwan's current vice president, accused Beijing of employing "all means" to influence the election.

Beijing has consistently demonstrated a military presence around Taiwan, deploying fighter jets, naval vessels, and drones.

Also watch |&nbsp;Taiwan Presidential elections: Taiwan all set to go to polls on January 13

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Recent incidents include balloons flying over the island and the intrusion of 10 Chinese warplanes and four naval vessels. China's military activities around Taiwan have remained a persistent issue, heightening tensions in the region.

According to China's state-run Xinhua news agency, the satellite launched by China will be used&nbsp;for astronomical observations, specifically focusing on "mysterious transient phenomena in the universe comparable to the flickering of fireworks."

(With inputs from agencies)

In a significant event that unfolded just days before Taiwan's crucial presidential election, a Chinese satellite launch set off Taiwan's emergency phone alert system, raising security concerns across the region.

In a significant event that unfolded just days before Taiwan's crucial presidential election, a Chinese satellite launch set off Taiwan's emergency phone alert system, raising security concerns across the region. Chinese state media reported that Beijing had achieved a successful launch of the "Einstein Probe" satellite using the Long March-2C carrier rocket at the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. According to CCTV, the satellite entered its designated orbit, marking the launch as a "complete success." Emergency alert in Taiwan Simultaneously, phones across Taiwan were activated with an emergency alert message. The alert in Chinese warned the public about the satellite flying over the southern airspace, However, the English version of the message described it as an "air raid alert," cautioning against a "missile flyover Taiwan airspace." The emergency alert coincided with Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu holding a press conference in Taipei with foreign reporters ahead of the upcoming presidential election. "When a rocket is openly flying in our sky, some of their tubes or debris will fall in this region," Wu told reporters. "That's the reason why our national alert centre will issue this kind of alert. It has happened before," he added. Also read | Nvidia set to launch China-Focused AI chip in Q2 2024 amid export rule compliance With the election approaching, security concerns have intensified, and the alert added to the tension. Front-runner Lai Ching-te, Taiwan's current vice president, accused Beijing of employing "all means" to influence the election. Beijing has consistently demonstrated a military presence around Taiwan, deploying fighter jets, naval vessels, and drones. Also watch | Taiwan Presidential elections: Taiwan all set to go to polls on January 13 Recent incidents include balloons flying over the island and the intrusion of 10 Chinese warplanes and four naval vessels. China's military activities around Taiwan have remained a persistent issue, heightening tensions in the region. According to China's state-run Xinhua news agency, the satellite launched by China will be used for astronomical observations, specifically focusing on "mysterious transient phenomena in the universe comparable to the flickering of fireworks." (With inputs from agencies)

China’s satellite launch sparks safety alert on Taiwan phones amid election tensions

New satellite images show that China has ramped up its illegal land grab in Bhutan. The images show China is constructing new townships along a river valley in Beyul Khenpajong, a region which has deep cultural significance for the tiny Himalayan country. China's salami-slicing in Bhutan has profound implications for India. Watch this video for more.

Gravitas: China carves into Bhutan’s royal land | Satellite images show new towns, roads

China multiplies show of military force as Taiwan enters election week

Despite a population of just 23.5 million people, Taiwan’s election carries an outsized importance due to its disputed political status. While de facto independent since the 1940s, the island and its outlying territories are still claimed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) – something nearly all Taiwanese reject but fear saying publicly because of the risk of war.

China and Taiwan's complicated history | Why China matters in Taiwan

The Taiwanese defence ministry, on Monday (Jan 8) said it detected three more Chinese balloons flying over the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, one of which crossed the island. Notably, the self-governed island, which is set to hold its key elections later this week, has witnessed a spate of such balloons over the past month or so.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Psychological warfare’</h2>

The balloons on Sunday were seen a day after Taiwan accused China of threatening aviation safety and waging psychological warfare on the island’s people ahead of key Taiwanese elections.

The possibility that China could be using&nbsp;balloons for spying became a global issue last February when the United States shot down what it said was a Chinese surveillance balloon. However, Beijing has since said that the balloon was a civilian craft that accidentally drifted astray.

Taiwan has reported an increased presence of the Chinese military and activity around the island and has been on high alert ahead of this Saturday’s (Jan 13) presidential and parliamentary elections.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-chinese-balloons-flow-across-taiwan-island-days-ahead-of-polls-676060">Three Chinese balloons fly across Taiwan island days ahead of polls</a>

The latest incident was mentioned in the ministry’s daily report on Chinese military activities over the past 24 hours. A report by Reuters citing a map by the ministry&nbsp;said that only one of the three balloons spotted crossed the Taiwan island, right at its southern tip.&nbsp;

The balloons all headed east before vanishing, Taiwan’s defence ministry said.&nbsp;

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim, on Monday said China should stop harassing Taiwan. “We do not welcome the use of intimidation and threats to interfere with the lives of Taiwan’s people at any time.”&nbsp;

She added, “Not only this week, we hope peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait can continue for a long time.”

<h2>China’s ‘grey zone’ tactics</h2>

The Taiwanese officials have accused Beijing of exerting military and economic pressure in an attempt to interfere in the elections. China views the self-ruled island as its own territory, a claim Taiwan’s government has time and time again rejected.&nbsp;

Beijing has long flexed its military prowess against Taiwan by sending fighter jets, reconnaissance drones and naval ships almost daily. However, since December, the island’s defence ministry has been reporting that mysterious balloons have crossed the narrow Taiwan Strait separating the island from China.&nbsp;

Over the past week or so, Taiwan’s defence ministry said some balloons had flown over Taiwan island near major air bases. These incidents prompted the Taiwanese ministry to issue a strongly worded statement&nbsp;on Saturday, condemning China’s actions.&nbsp;

“We also express our condemnation of the Chinese communists’ disregard for aviation safety and its disregard for the safety of passengers on cross-Taiwan Strait and international flights,” said the statement.&nbsp;

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The ministry said that its analysis of these actions was that the balloons were part of China’s “grey zone” tactics against Taiwan “in an attempt to use cognitive warfare to affect the morale of our people.”&nbsp;

In a separate statement on Saturday, Taiwan’s defence ministry said that it detected two more Chinese balloons, one of which briefly flew over the far northern tip of the island.&nbsp;

A Western security source speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters, "China was sending a very simple pre-election message to Taiwan with the balloons. 'We are watching you closely and you can't hide'."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taiwanese defence ministry, on Monday (Jan 8) said it detected three more Chinese balloons flying over the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, one of which crossed the island.

The Taiwanese defence ministry, on Monday (Jan 8) said it detected three more Chinese balloons flying over the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, one of which crossed the island. Notably, the self-governed island, which is set to hold its key elections later this week, has witnessed a spate of such balloons over the past month or so. ‘Psychological warfare’ The balloons on Sunday were seen a day after Taiwan accused China of threatening aviation safety and waging psychological warfare on the island’s people ahead of key Taiwanese elections. The possibility that China could be using balloons for spying became a global issue last February when the United States shot down what it said was a Chinese surveillance balloon. However, Beijing has since said that the balloon was a civilian craft that accidentally drifted astray. Taiwan has reported an increased presence of the Chinese military and activity around the island and has been on high alert ahead of this Saturday’s (Jan 13) presidential and parliamentary elections. ALSO READ | Three Chinese balloons fly across Taiwan island days ahead of polls The latest incident was mentioned in the ministry’s daily report on Chinese military activities over the past 24 hours. A report by Reuters citing a map by the ministry said that only one of the three balloons spotted crossed the Taiwan island, right at its southern tip. The balloons all headed east before vanishing, Taiwan’s defence ministry said. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim, on Monday said China should stop harassing Taiwan. “We do not welcome the use of intimidation and threats to interfere with the lives of Taiwan’s people at any time.” She added, “Not only this week, we hope peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait can continue for a long time.” China’s ‘grey zone’ tactics The Taiwanese officials have accused Beijing of exerting military and economic pressure in an attempt to interfere in the elections. China views the self-ruled island as its own territory, a claim Taiwan’s government has time and time again rejected. Beijing has long flexed its military prowess against Taiwan by sending fighter jets, reconnaissance drones and naval ships almost daily. However, since December, the island’s defence ministry has been reporting that mysterious balloons have crossed the narrow Taiwan Strait separating the island from China. Over the past week or so, Taiwan’s defence ministry said some balloons had flown over Taiwan island near major air bases. These incidents prompted the Taiwanese ministry to issue a strongly worded statement on Saturday, condemning China’s actions. “We also express our condemnation of the Chinese communists’ disregard for aviation safety and its disregard for the safety of passengers on cross-Taiwan Strait and international flights,” said the statement. ALSO READ | Maldives president departs for China amid diplomatic row with India The ministry said that its analysis of these actions was that the balloons were part of China’s “grey zone” tactics against Taiwan “in an attempt to use cognitive warfare to affect the morale of our people.” In a separate statement on Saturday, Taiwan’s defence ministry said that it detected two more Chinese balloons, one of which briefly flew over the far northern tip of the island. A Western security source speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters, "China was sending a very simple pre-election message to Taiwan with the balloons. 'We are watching you closely and you can't hide'." (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan spots more Chinese balloons over strait, accuses Beijing of 'psychological warfare' ahead of elections

China has announced implementing sanctions on five US military manufacturers as a retaliatory measure over US' arms sales to Taiwan, media reports said quoting a foreign ministry spokesperson statement on Sunday (Jan 7).

The spokesperson said that the five companies are BAE Systems Land and Armaments, Alliant Techsystems Operations, AeroVironment, Viasat, and Data Link Solutions.&nbsp;

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, has operated as a separate entity from the mainland since the end of the civil war. Over the years, it has developed its own political and economic systems, evolving into a thriving democracy with a distinct identity.&nbsp;

However, the Chinese government considers Taiwan to be a renegade province and has consistently asserted its claim over the island.&nbsp;

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The Taiwan Relations Act (1979) commits the US to provide Taiwan with the means necessary to defend itself. The US has also consistently expressed support for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues and opposes any unilateral change to the status quo.

In recent years, the China-US rivalry has escalated as Beijing has become increasingly assertive in pursuing its territorial claims. It has employed both diplomatic and military means to isolate Taiwan internationally and discourage foreign governments from engaging with the island.

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The Chinese government has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification, and its military activities, such as air and naval patrols around Taiwan, have raised tensions in the region.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japans-burning-plane-whats-the-real-story-677300">Japan's Burning Plane: What's the real story?</a>

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The United States, on the other hand, has reaffirmed its commitment to the defense of Taiwan and has increased its support for the island, including arms sales and enhanced military cooperation. The US has also sought to strengthen ties with like-minded regional partners to counterbalance China's growing influence.

The Taiwan Strait has become a geopolitical flashpoint, with the potential for miscalculations and unintended consequences. The situation is further complicated by the broader strategic competition between China and the US across various domains, including technology and trade.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

China has announced implementing sanctions on five US military manufacturers as a retaliatory measure over US' arms sales to Taiwan, media reports said quoting a foreign ministry spokesperson statement on Sunday (Jan 7).

China has announced implementing sanctions on five US military manufacturers as a retaliatory measure over US' arms sales to Taiwan, media reports said quoting a foreign ministry spokesperson statement on Sunday (Jan 7). The spokesperson said that the five companies are BAE Systems Land and Armaments, Alliant Techsystems Operations, AeroVironment, Viasat, and Data Link Solutions. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, has operated as a separate entity from the mainland since the end of the civil war. Over the years, it has developed its own political and economic systems, evolving into a thriving democracy with a distinct identity. However, the Chinese government considers Taiwan to be a renegade province and has consistently asserted its claim over the island. Also Read | Merchant vessel approached by six craft near Yemen, says UK The Taiwan Relations Act (1979) commits the US to provide Taiwan with the means necessary to defend itself. The US has also consistently expressed support for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues and opposes any unilateral change to the status quo. In recent years, the China-US rivalry has escalated as Beijing has become increasingly assertive in pursuing its territorial claims. It has employed both diplomatic and military means to isolate Taiwan internationally and discourage foreign governments from engaging with the island. Also Read | Weeks after Paris' bedbug hysteria, stinging caterpillars are now invading French capital The Chinese government has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification, and its military activities, such as air and naval patrols around Taiwan, have raised tensions in the region. Watch | Japan's Burning Plane: What's the real story? × The United States, on the other hand, has reaffirmed its commitment to the defense of Taiwan and has increased its support for the island, including arms sales and enhanced military cooperation. The US has also sought to strengthen ties with like-minded regional partners to counterbalance China's growing influence. The Taiwan Strait has become a geopolitical flashpoint, with the potential for miscalculations and unintended consequences. The situation is further complicated by the broader strategic competition between China and the US across various domains, including technology and trade. (With inputs from agencies)

China imposes sanctions on five US military manufacturers in retaliation over arms sales to Taiwan

Taiwan's defence ministry accused China on Saturday of threatening aviation safety and waging psychological warfare on the island's people with a recent spate of balloons spotted near or over the island, days before key Taiwanese elections.

Taiwan accuses China of psychological warfare

Taiwan's defence ministry revealed that 17 Chinese balloons had crossed Median line. Taiwan, currently on high alert due to both military and political tensions with China, remains vigilant ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for January 13.

Taiwan claims 17 Chinese balloons cross Median line

As Taiwan gears up to choose a new president next week, candidates have now turned to an unexpected stop on their campaign trails. They are targetting the island's widespread religious community that would make up for a significant number of votes on January 13. In new Taipei city, frontrunner Lai Ching-Te placed his offerings at the lixing fude temple.

Taiwan: Candidates visit temples to target religious community ahead of polls

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