Taiwan has accused China of exerting diplomatic pressure on African nations after a planned visit to Eswatini was cancelled. According to Taipei, Beijing’s growing influence is being used to isolate Taiwan on the global stage and limit its international partnerships.

Taiwan Blames Chinese Pressure On African Countries; Cancels Eswatini Visit 

Taiwan said on Tuesday it had cancelled President Lai Ching-Te's trip to Eswatini this week, accusing ​China of pressing three other African countries to revoke permission ‌for his aircraft to overfly their territories.
The small southern African nation of Eswatini is one of only 12 countries to retain formal ties with Chinese-claimed ​Taiwan. Lai was due to leave on Wednesday for the ​40th anniversary of King Mswati III's accession.

Taiwan Blames Chinese Pressures on African Countries

Taiwan Blames Chinese Pressure on African Nations, Taiwan President Cancels Estawini Visit

Taiwan said on Tuesday it had cancelled President Lai Ching-te's trip to Eswatini this week, accusing ​China of pressing three other African countries to revoke permission ‌for his aircraft to overfly their territories.
The small southern African nation of Eswatini is one of only 12 countries to retain formal ties with Chinese-claimed ​Taiwan. Lai was due to leave on Wednesday for the ​40th anniversary of King Mswati III's accession.


Taiwan Accuses China of Interference; President Lai Ching-Te Cancels Trip To Eswatini

Philippine and U.S. forces will carry out maritime strike drills on a remote Philippine ‌island near Taiwan during annual exercises that started on Monday, which Manila's military chief said would test their readiness under "real‑world conditions".

The April 20 to May 8 exercises known as "Balikatan", or "shoulder-to-shoulder", will be the largest yet in terms of participating countries, with Australia ​included again and Canada, France, New Zealand and Japan joining as active participants for the first time, ​highlighting Manila's widening network of security partnerships.

Philippines, US & Allies Begin Joint Military Drills Near Taiwan

Philippine and U.S. forces will carry out maritime strike drills on a remote Philippine ‌island near Taiwan during annual exercises that started on Monday, which Manila's military chief said would test their readiness under "real‑world conditions".
The April 20 to May 8 exercises known as "Balikatan", or "shoulder-to-shoulder", will be the largest yet in terms of participating countries, with Australia ​included again and Canada, France, New Zealand and Japan joining as active participants for the first time, ​highlighting Manila's widening network of security partnerships.

US, Philippines Conduct War Games Amid Taiwan Tensions

Taiwan is planning to bring in Indian workers to address a growing labour shortage, with around 1,000 workers expected in the initial phase. The move is part of a broader India–Taiwan labour agreement signed in 2024, which is now nearing its final implementation stage. However, the plan has sparked debate, with thousands signing petitions opposing the move, reflecting concerns over jobs and local impact.


Taiwan Plans to Bring Indian Workers Amid Labour Shortage Concerns |

Xi Jinping met a senior leader from Kuomintang in Beijing to discuss cross-strait relations and regional stability. The leader of Taiwan's largest opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT) won election as KMT chairwoman in October and has signalled a swing towards even closer ties with Beijing than her predecessor ​Eric Chu, who did not visit China during his term as chairman that began in 2021.


Chinese Presidents Rare Political Meeting With Taiwan's Opposition Leader

Xi & Taiwanese Opposition Leader Shake Hands in Beijing for 'Reconciliation'

Air travel is getting more expensive as China and Taiwan raise airline surcharges in response to rising fuel costs. Carriers say the move is unavoidable as global jet fuel prices climb, pushing operational expenses higher. For passengers, this means pricier tickets and fewer budget options, with airlines warning that fare hikes could continue if the energy crunch deepens.


Taiwan, China Raise Surcharges on Airline Fares 

Taiwan has launched an investigation into several China-linked firms over allegations of illegally recruiting local tech talent. Authorities say the companies may have violated regulations by secretly setting up operations to lure skilled engineers. 


Taiwan Probes 11 Chinese Firms For Illegal Poaching Of Tech Talent 

The leader of Taiwan's largest opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), will visit China in April after being invited ‌by Chinese President Xi Jinping, a trip that will come a month before U.S. President Donald Trump goes to Beijing for his own summit.
Former lawmaker Cheng Li-wun won election as KMT chairwoman in October and has signalled a swing towards even closer ties with Beijing than her predecessor ​Eric Chu, who did not visit China during his term as chairman that began in 2021.

Taiwan's Opposition Leader to Visit China Weeks Before Trump's Trip to Beijing

#Gravitas U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly reviewing a massive arms package for Taiwan valued at roughly 14 billion dollars. If approved, this would become the largest U.S. weapons deal ever for the island nation.  


Trump to Clear Major Missile Package for Taiwan After Xi Meeting?

Japan plans to deploy surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island amid rising regional security concerns. The move aims to bolster Japan’s defense capabilities against potential air threats in the East China Sea, particularly given tensions with neighboring countries over territorial disputes. Authorities say the deployment strengthens early-warning and deterrence measures, enhancing the nation’s overall military preparedness in the region.


Japan To Deploy Surface-To-Air Missiles on Yonaguni Island

Japan has confirmed that it will deploy its Type-03 Chu-SAM medium-range surface-to-air missile system on Yonaguni Island by March 2031, marking the first time Tokyo has attached a concrete deadline to the plan announced in 2022. Yonaguni, Japan’s westernmost inhabited island, lies just 110 kilometres from Taiwan and sits along critical sea and air routes that would be central in any Taiwan Strait contingency. The deployment follows remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in 2025, suggesting Japan could activate its Self-Defence Forces in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan. Beijing has strongly condemned the comments, calling them interference in China’s internal affairs and a violation of the One-China principle. The move reflects Japan’s evolving defence posture, transforming Yonaguni from a remote outpost into a hardened air defence node at the edge of the Taiwan Strait.


Japan to Deploy Chu-Sam Missiles Within Next Five Years

China's Minister for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi warned the United States on Saturday (Feb 14) against plotting on Taiwan, saying that such interference could lead to confrontation between the two countries. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, top diplomat Wang said that in the future, the United States could adopt a China policy that involves "instigating and plotting to split China through Taiwan, crossing China's red line".&nbsp;"This could very likely lead to a confrontation between China and the United States," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-needs-to-take-responsibility-for-its-security-eu-chief-says-bloc-mobilising-800-bn-for-defence-capabilites-1771070840146">Also Read: 'Europe needs to take responsibility for its security': EU chief says bloc mobilising €800 bn for defence capabilities</a>&nbsp;He asserted that while Beijing hopes that Washington would adopt a "positive and pragmatic" approach. However, if this does not happen, China remain "prepared to deal with various risks.&nbsp;Beijing considers self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and labels the island as "core of China's core interest", singanling it as the most sensitive red line in its relations with the United States.&nbsp;In the recent past, China has ramped up its pressure on Taiwan as President Xi Jinping described reunification of the island with the mainland as an "unstoppable" historic mission and a "strategic necessity." In his 2026 New Year's address, Jinping used the phrase "Now or never", signalling urgency. China has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under control.&nbsp;The United States, on the other hand, has been arming Taiwan and remains the biggest source of the island's military equipment supply. In case of conflict with China, Taiwan would be heavily dependent on the United States for support.&nbsp;On the issue of China's relationship with Japan, which came under heavy strain since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office in October, Wang said, "The Japanese people should no longer allow themselves to be manipulated or deceived by those far-right forces, or by those who seek to revive militarism."&nbsp;"All peace-loving countries should send a clear warning to Japan: if it chooses to walk back on this path, it will only be heading toward self-destruction."&nbsp;

In the recent past, China has ramped up its pressure on Taiwan as President Xi Jinping described reunification of the island with the mainland as an "unstoppable" historic mission and a "strategic necessity."

China's Minister for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi warned the United States on Saturday (Feb 14) against plotting on Taiwan, saying that such interference could lead to confrontation between the two countries. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, top diplomat Wang said that in the future, the United States could adopt a China policy that involves "instigating and plotting to split China through Taiwan, crossing China's red line". "This could very likely lead to a confrontation between China and the United States," he said. Also Read: 'Europe needs to take responsibility for its security': EU chief says bloc mobilising €800 bn for defence capabilities He asserted that while Beijing hopes that Washington would adopt a "positive and pragmatic" approach. However, if this does not happen, China remain "prepared to deal with various risks. Beijing considers self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and labels the island as "core of China's core interest", singanling it as the most sensitive red line in its relations with the United States. In the recent past, China has ramped up its pressure on Taiwan as President Xi Jinping described reunification of the island with the mainland as an "unstoppable" historic mission and a "strategic necessity." In his 2026 New Year's address, Jinping used the phrase "Now or never", signalling urgency. China has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under control. The United States, on the other hand, has been arming Taiwan and remains the biggest source of the island's military equipment supply. In case of conflict with China, Taiwan would be heavily dependent on the United States for support. On the issue of China's relationship with Japan, which came under heavy strain since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office in October, Wang said, "The Japanese people should no longer allow themselves to be manipulated or deceived by those far-right forces, or by those who seek to revive militarism." "All peace-loving countries should send a clear warning to Japan: if it chooses to walk back on this path, it will only be heading toward self-destruction."

In the recent past, China has ramped up its pressure on Taiwan as President Xi Jinping described reunification of the island with the mainland as an "unstoppable" historic mission and a "strategic necessity."

China warns US actions on Taiwan could lead to direct confrontation

The United States has finalised a reciprocal trade agreement with Taiwan, confirming a 15 per cent tariff on Taiwanese imports while securing sweeping tariff cuts and fresh purchase commitments from Taipei, according to a document released by the US Trade Representative’s office.

US-Taiwan Trade Pact Locks in 15% Tariff, Secures $85 Billion US Export Boost

Taiwan’s president has firmly stated that the island is “not a bargaining chip” for the United States, emphasizing Taiwan’s sovereignty and strategic importance. At the same time, the president urged lawmakers to quickly approve a proposed $40 billion defence budget aimed at strengthening military readiness and deterrence capabilities. The funding boost is expected to enhance Taiwan’s security amid ongoing regional tensions and geopolitical uncertainty. Analysts say the move signals Taipei’s determination to invest in defence while reinforcing its political stance internationally.

Taiwan Says Island Not a US Bargaining Chip, Urges $40BN Defence Boost

Taiwan has reportedly deployed U.S.-made missile systems just 10 kilometers from China’s coastline, significantly escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait.


US Made Missiles Positioned 10 Kilometers from China's Coast

China is reportedly pressuring the United States to cancel President Trump’s China trip over a planned new arms package for Taiwan, expected to be announced in February. The move comes amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait.


China-Taiwan Tensions: China Pressuring US to Cancel New Arms Package for Taiwan

Taiwan has taken a major step in strengthening its naval capabilities as the indigenously built Hai Kun submarine successfully completed its first submerged test, alongside plans to build a submarine rescue ship and a combat support vessel to modernise its navy.


Taiwan Boosts Naval Power as Hai Kun Submarine Completes First Submerged Test

#Gravitas China's state broadcaster aired previously unseen footage of one of the PLA Navy’s most advanced warships confronting foreign aircraft using electronic warfare near Taiwan.  


Chinese Ships Faceoff With Foreign Fighter Jets Claims

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