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<p>Boosting ties between the two nations and simultaneously antagonising China, Taiwan and the United States signed the first deal under a new trade talks framework on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a brief statement released by Taiwan's Office of Trade Negotiations, it was stated that the first agreement under the framework was in Washington. US Trade Representative's office confirmed Deputy United States Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi attended the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pact is expected to strengthen the economic bond between the US and Taiwan with the island nation receiving more US exports. It will also allow Taipei to resist economic coercion from China.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>21st century trade initiative</strong></h2>

<p>The trade talks, named&nbsp;US-Taiwan initiative on "21st Century Trade" were initiated in August last year. The talks began after Washington kept Taipei out of its larger pan-Asian trade initiative — the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, the two sides reached an agreement on the first part of the trade initiative — covering customs and border procedures, regulatory practices, and small business.</p>

<p>Taiwan hailed the agreement as "historically significant", adding that it aimed to finalise negotiations on all remaining issues by the end of the year. More complicated trade areas such as agriculture, digital trade, labour and environmental standards, state-owned enterprises, and non-market policies and practices continue to be discussed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-and-its-challenges-with-china-will-us-support-taiwan-like-ukraine-593382"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Taiwan and its challenges with China, will US support Taiwan like Ukraine?</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>China remains antagonised</strong></h2>

<p>Beijing has been seething ever since the talks between Washington and Taipei began over the trade deal. Chinese mouthpiece 'Global Times'&nbsp;in an op-ed said the trade talks were a product of political collusion, aimed at targeting "mainland China".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The meetings on the 'US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade'&nbsp;are the product of their political collusion targeting the Chinese mainland, and any possible agreement of an 'official nature'&nbsp;will be strongly counteracted by the mainland," read the op-ed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-tells-united-states-to-not-cross-the-red-line-on-taiwan-question-569441"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;China tells United States to not cross the 'red line' on Taiwan question</strong></a></p>

<p>"Against the backdrop of the US playing the 'Taiwan card'&nbsp;to contain China and the DPP's 'dependence on the US for secession,'&nbsp;any economic agreement signed by the US and DPP authorities of an 'official nature'&nbsp;will be strongly counteracted by the Chinese mainland," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The signing of the first deal comes a couple of days after Beijing declined Washington's invite to hold talks between the defence chiefs. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin termed the cancellation of the meeting between him and his Chinese counterpart as "unfortunate".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Boosting ties between the two nations and simultaneously antagonising China, Taiwan and the United States signed the first deal under a new trade talks framework on Thursday.

Boosting ties between the two nations and simultaneously antagonising China, Taiwan and the United States signed the first deal under a new trade talks framework on Thursday. In a brief statement released by Taiwan's Office of Trade Negotiations, it was stated that the first agreement under the framework was in Washington. US Trade Representative's office confirmed Deputy United States Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi attended the event. The pact is expected to strengthen the economic bond between the US and Taiwan with the island nation receiving more US exports. It will also allow Taipei to resist economic coercion from China. 21st century trade initiative The trade talks, named US-Taiwan initiative on "21st Century Trade" were initiated in August last year. The talks began after Washington kept Taipei out of its larger pan-Asian trade initiative — the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. Last month, the two sides reached an agreement on the first part of the trade initiative — covering customs and border procedures, regulatory practices, and small business. Taiwan hailed the agreement as "historically significant", adding that it aimed to finalise negotiations on all remaining issues by the end of the year. More complicated trade areas such as agriculture, digital trade, labour and environmental standards, state-owned enterprises, and non-market policies and practices continue to be discussed. WATCH | Taiwan and its challenges with China, will US support Taiwan like Ukraine? × China remains antagonised Beijing has been seething ever since the talks between Washington and Taipei began over the trade deal. Chinese mouthpiece 'Global Times' in an op-ed said the trade talks were a product of political collusion, aimed at targeting "mainland China". "The meetings on the 'US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade' are the product of their political collusion targeting the Chinese mainland, and any possible agreement of an 'official nature' will be strongly counteracted by the mainland," read the op-ed. ALSO READ | China tells United States to not cross the 'red line' on Taiwan question "Against the backdrop of the US playing the 'Taiwan card' to contain China and the DPP's 'dependence on the US for secession,' any economic agreement signed by the US and DPP authorities of an 'official nature' will be strongly counteracted by the Chinese mainland," it added. The signing of the first deal comes a couple of days after Beijing declined Washington's invite to hold talks between the defence chiefs. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin termed the cancellation of the meeting between him and his Chinese counterpart as "unfortunate". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Much to China's chagrin, Taiwan and US sign first deal under new trade framework

Feeling adventurous? This restaurant offers a 14-legged, deep-sea dwelling creature on its menu

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<p>Taiwan has been excluded from the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual assembly - the World Health Assembly (WHA) - following opposition from China, despite Taipei asserting that support was growing for its participation. The WHA in Geneva decided not to extend Taiwan an invitation to the summit that started on Sunday (May 21) and will go on till May 30. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Monday, China, as well as Pakistan, urged members to reject Taiwan's inclusion while eSwatini and the Marshall Islands spoke in favour.</p>

<h2><strong>China welcomes WHO's decision</strong></h2>

<p>The Chinese government welcomed the WHO's decision to exclude Taiwan from its annual assembly. In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "This fully shows that the one-China principle is the aspiration of the people and the trend of the times in the international community and cannot be challenged in any way."</p>

<p>The ministry added that before the opening of the conference, nearly 100 countries expressed their adherence to the one-China principle and their opposition to Taiwan's participation in the assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"China also urges certain countries not to pretend to be confused, stop politicising the health issue, stop interfering in China's internal affairs under the pretext of the Taiwan issue, and stop the erroneous practice of using 'Taiwan to control China'," the ministry added.</p>

<h2><strong>Exclusion poses significant threat to global health: Taiwan's health minister</strong></h2>

<p>Taiwan's Health Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan slammed&nbsp;the WHO's decision by saying that his country's exclusion from the UN health agency's annual assembly posed a significant threat to global health.</p>

<p>"Excluding Taiwan from WHO not only jeopardises the right to health of the 23.5 million people of Taiwan, it also seriously undermines WHO's efforts to achieve health for all," Jui-yuan said on Sunday at an event hosted by the Geneva Press Club, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jui-yuan warned that leaving the self-ruled island out in the cold hampered the swift and efficient sharing of information that would be needed to prevent or more efficiently respond to the next pandemic threat.</p>

<p>"I am afraid that Taiwan will become the gap of the next pandemic," the health minister added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US mission in Geneva too criticised the WHO's decision by saying Taiwan's exclusion "undermines inclusive global public health cooperation led by WHO."</p>

<p>Taiwan was expelled from the WHO in 1972, a year after it lost the "China" seat at the UN to the People's Republic of China. But Taiwan was allowed to attend the agency's top annual meetings between 2009 and 2016 as an observer when relations with China were warmer.</p>

<p>However, it has been blocked from attending the annual assembly in recent years by China and the Chinese government staunchly opposed efforts to include Taiwan as a WHA observer.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Taiwan has been excluded from the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual assembly - the World Health Assembly (WHA) - following opposition from China, despite Taipei asserting that support was growing for its participation.

Taiwan has been excluded from the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual assembly - the World Health Assembly (WHA) - following opposition from China, despite Taipei asserting that support was growing for its participation. The WHA in Geneva decided not to extend Taiwan an invitation to the summit that started on Sunday (May 21) and will go on till May 30. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Monday, China, as well as Pakistan, urged members to reject Taiwan's inclusion while eSwatini and the Marshall Islands spoke in favour. China welcomes WHO's decision The Chinese government welcomed the WHO's decision to exclude Taiwan from its annual assembly. In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "This fully shows that the one-China principle is the aspiration of the people and the trend of the times in the international community and cannot be challenged in any way." The ministry added that before the opening of the conference, nearly 100 countries expressed their adherence to the one-China principle and their opposition to Taiwan's participation in the assembly. "China also urges certain countries not to pretend to be confused, stop politicising the health issue, stop interfering in China's internal affairs under the pretext of the Taiwan issue, and stop the erroneous practice of using 'Taiwan to control China'," the ministry added. Exclusion poses significant threat to global health: Taiwan's health minister Taiwan's Health Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan slammed the WHO's decision by saying that his country's exclusion from the UN health agency's annual assembly posed a significant threat to global health. "Excluding Taiwan from WHO not only jeopardises the right to health of the 23.5 million people of Taiwan, it also seriously undermines WHO's efforts to achieve health for all," Jui-yuan said on Sunday at an event hosted by the Geneva Press Club, news agency AFP reported. Jui-yuan warned that leaving the self-ruled island out in the cold hampered the swift and efficient sharing of information that would be needed to prevent or more efficiently respond to the next pandemic threat. "I am afraid that Taiwan will become the gap of the next pandemic," the health minister added. The US mission in Geneva too criticised the WHO's decision by saying Taiwan's exclusion "undermines inclusive global public health cooperation led by WHO." Taiwan was expelled from the WHO in 1972, a year after it lost the "China" seat at the UN to the People's Republic of China. But Taiwan was allowed to attend the agency's top annual meetings between 2009 and 2016 as an observer when relations with China were warmer. However, it has been blocked from attending the annual assembly in recent years by China and the Chinese government staunchly opposed efforts to include Taiwan as a WHA observer. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taiwan excluded from WHO annual assembly after China's opposition; Taipei reacts

<p>Former British prime minister Liz Truss, on Wednesday (May 17), in a speech called for tougher action against China and in a personal plea to her successor Rishi Sunak asked that Beijing be branded as a “threat” to the United Kingdom’s security. This comes amid her five-day trip to Taiwan which the Chinese embassy in London has called a “dangerous political stunt”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Truss, who is also Britain’s shortest-serving PM, arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday and is also the first former British leader to visit Taiwan since Margaret Thatcher in 1996. Upon her arrival in Taiwan, the former UK PM was greeted by Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to media reports, Truss is also due to meet President Tsai Ing-wen, however, officials are yet to confirm if the meeting will take place. The press conference on Wednesday also follows a closed-door speech at Taipei’s Grand Hyatt Hotel hosted by the Prospect Foundation, a government-funded think tank that focuses on cross-strait relations.</p>

<p><strong>Truss’ visit to Taiwan</strong></p>

<p>Truss addressed the press in Taipei City on Wednesday and challenged the incumbent PM to follow through his rhetoric when he called China “the biggest-long term threat to Britain,” during the Conservative party leadership contest. In the speech, Sunak also vowed to close nearly 30 Confucius Institutes in the UK, which promote Chinese culture on campus in higher education and some British schools.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the institutes teaching Chinese language and culture recently came under fire amid allegations that these centres are being used by Beijing’s government to spread propaganda, interfere with free speech on campuses, and even spy on students, reported BBC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a press conference in Taipei, the former UK PM also asked democratic countries to take a stand against China and make it clear to Beijing that it would face sanctions and other repercussions if it attacked Taiwan. It is “absolutely clear” that Chinese President Xi Jinping has the ambition of taking over Taiwan, said Truss.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added, “We don’t know exactly when that could take place, we also don’t know how, and it’s my view that the preference of President Xi and the Chinese Communist Party would be to do it in a way that doesn’t involve using force, but I certainly think they would be prepared to use force if necessary,” as quoted by Al Jazeera.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per media reports, she also drew comparisons between escalating tensions in China and Taiwan and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>China’s reaction to the visit</strong></p>

<p>A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in London, on Wednesday, said that Truss’s visit to Taiwan was a “dangerous political show which will do nothing but harm to the UK”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement added, “We urge the relevant British politician to correct her wrongdoing, stop making political shows with the Taiwan question and stop conniving at and supporting ‘Taiwan independence’ secessionist forces.”</p>

<p>Notably, the former UK PM is the most senior British lawmaker to visit the country since Thatcher in the 1990s. The embassy also suggested that the visit could have repercussions for the government of the incumbent PM Sunak.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Former British prime minister Liz Truss, on Wednesday (May 17), in a speech called for tougher action against China and in a personal plea to her successor Rishi Sunak asked that Beijing be branded as a “threat” to the United Kingdom’s security.

Former British prime minister Liz Truss, on Wednesday (May 17), in a speech called for tougher action against China and in a personal plea to her successor Rishi Sunak asked that Beijing be branded as a “threat” to the United Kingdom’s security. This comes amid her five-day trip to Taiwan which the Chinese embassy in London has called a “dangerous political stunt”. Notably, Truss, who is also Britain’s shortest-serving PM, arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday and is also the first former British leader to visit Taiwan since Margaret Thatcher in 1996. Upon her arrival in Taiwan, the former UK PM was greeted by Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu. According to media reports, Truss is also due to meet President Tsai Ing-wen, however, officials are yet to confirm if the meeting will take place. The press conference on Wednesday also follows a closed-door speech at Taipei’s Grand Hyatt Hotel hosted by the Prospect Foundation, a government-funded think tank that focuses on cross-strait relations. Truss’ visit to Taiwan Truss addressed the press in Taipei City on Wednesday and challenged the incumbent PM to follow through his rhetoric when he called China “the biggest-long term threat to Britain,” during the Conservative party leadership contest. In the speech, Sunak also vowed to close nearly 30 Confucius Institutes in the UK, which promote Chinese culture on campus in higher education and some British schools. However, the institutes teaching Chinese language and culture recently came under fire amid allegations that these centres are being used by Beijing’s government to spread propaganda, interfere with free speech on campuses, and even spy on students, reported BBC. During a press conference in Taipei, the former UK PM also asked democratic countries to take a stand against China and make it clear to Beijing that it would face sanctions and other repercussions if it attacked Taiwan. It is “absolutely clear” that Chinese President Xi Jinping has the ambition of taking over Taiwan, said Truss. She added, “We don’t know exactly when that could take place, we also don’t know how, and it’s my view that the preference of President Xi and the Chinese Communist Party would be to do it in a way that doesn’t involve using force, but I certainly think they would be prepared to use force if necessary,” as quoted by Al Jazeera. As per media reports, she also drew comparisons between escalating tensions in China and Taiwan and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. China’s reaction to the visit A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in London, on Wednesday, said that Truss’s visit to Taiwan was a “dangerous political show which will do nothing but harm to the UK”. The statement added, “We urge the relevant British politician to correct her wrongdoing, stop making political shows with the Taiwan question and stop conniving at and supporting ‘Taiwan independence’ secessionist forces.” Notably, the former UK PM is the most senior British lawmaker to visit the country since Thatcher in the 1990s. The embassy also suggested that the visit could have repercussions for the government of the incumbent PM Sunak. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Former UK PM Liz Truss calls for tough stance against China amid visit to Taiwan

Taiwan sits in the so-called first Island gym it includes a list of US friendly territories that are crucial to its foreign policy but but it also sits roughly 100 miles from the coast of China a country that has time and again threatened the island with its words and its military China sees Taiwan as its own and hence does not respect its Sovereign right or its airspace but there is a lesson it can learn from a country not far away U.S defense secretary Lloyd Austin says Ukraine is proof that a smaller military can successfully defend against a larger one point in case here being Taiwan and China now experts say this is a sign that the kind of international backing Ukraine has enjoyed could be extended to Taiwan.

Taiwan and its challenges with China, will US support Taiwan like Ukraine?

During a visit to Taiwan, former Prime Minister Liz Truss made a personal plea to Rishi Sunak to label China as a 'threat' to UK security. The former Prime Minister challenged Sunak to keep his promises to rein in China made last summer.

Former UK PM Liz Truss warns against appeasing China, urges PM Sunak to label China as 'threat'

<p>Over the last year and a half, China has upped the ante on Taiwan, especially after former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island nation. Now, Chinese propagandists masquerading as marketing professionals are&nbsp;attempting to brainwash Taiwanese nationals to achieve&nbsp;total unification.</p>

<p>Recently, a&nbsp;Taiwanese woman named Yang Hsin-tzu was targetted incessantly by the Chinese IT cell after she&nbsp;purchased a book titled 'If China Attacks'&nbsp; which essentially is anti-CPC (Communist Party of China) in its leanings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yang bought the book from&nbsp;Eslite Bookstore in February but received a mysterious call last Saturday (May 13) which piqued her interest. Yang, who is a deputy executive secretary for a non-profit, "Here I Stand Project" took to Facebook to chronicle her experience.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yang&nbsp;said she missed two "strange" calls with the country code +28. However, when the phone rang the third time, she picked up the call and heard a soft female voice on the receiver's end.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The voice was female, and from the beginning, she spoke in a very diffident tone,” Yang wrote, adding that the woman claimed to a representative of&nbsp;Eslite Bookstore who was conducting a survey following&nbsp;Yang’s purchase of the book.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When she quizzed the caller on what the survey was regarding, the Chinese propagandist said, “The book you bought contains very sensitive content...This book’s content is inappropriate, so I wish to hear your opinion.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-territorial-ambitions-claims-over-taiwan-571910"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;China's territorial ambitions, claims over Taiwan</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Having talked for a few minutes on the phone, Yang realised that the accent of the caller was faux-Taiwanese, meaning she was not a Taiwanese native.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“At that moment, I was both nervous and excited, not wanting to miss the chance to face-off directly with Chinese communists," added Yang who told the caller to revert once she has picked up the book.</p>

<p>This time Yang prepared to record the call but instead of the woman, she got a man on the follow-up call. The said man claimed to be from&nbsp;&nbsp;Eslite Bookstore’s marketing department.</p>

<p>Unlike the woman caller, the man had no pretence and right off the bat, started kicking Taiwan and schooling Yang that even though she was not born in China, she was a native.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“China has strong military prowess, there is no way Taiwan will come out victorious," said the caller, who repeatedly claimed that the US won't help Taiwan and that&nbsp;Kuomintang (KMT) is better.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>He also declared, “the unification of Taiwan is inevitable, voting for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) will result in unification by force, and voting for the KMT will result in peaceful unification and one country, two systems!”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-condemns-meeting-between-us-house-speaker-and-taiwan-president-vows-resolute-response-579595"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;China condemns meeting between US House speaker and Taiwan president, vows 'resolute' response</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>China's&nbsp;psychological warfare</strong></h2>

<p>It is common knowledge that scammers from China have been targeting online shoppers in Taiwan. Their main aim is to not engage in financial fraud but to conduct psychological warfare and sow seeds of confusion about the Taiwanese Army and government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This time, they weren’t trying to scam me for my money, they were trying to conduct cognitive warfare with me, trying to find out Taiwan’s public opinion and Taiwanese’s thoughts about the book," added Yang.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Taiwan's Administration for Digital Industries has summoned&nbsp;Eslite Bookstore representatives to explain the loopholes in their cyber security system which allowed non-state actors to get hold of customer data.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China drumming up the intensity of scam calls comes in the backdrop of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen recently visiting the US and meeting the top leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Over the last year and a half, China has upped the ante on Taiwan, especially after former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island nation. Now, Chinese propagandists masquerading as marketing professionals are attempting to brainwash Taiwanese nationals to achieve total unification.

Over the last year and a half, China has upped the ante on Taiwan, especially after former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island nation. Now, Chinese propagandists masquerading as marketing professionals are attempting to brainwash Taiwanese nationals to achieve total unification. Recently, a Taiwanese woman named Yang Hsin-tzu was targetted incessantly by the Chinese IT cell after she purchased a book titled 'If China Attacks' which essentially is anti-CPC (Communist Party of China) in its leanings. Yang bought the book from Eslite Bookstore in February but received a mysterious call last Saturday (May 13) which piqued her interest. Yang, who is a deputy executive secretary for a non-profit, "Here I Stand Project" took to Facebook to chronicle her experience. Yang said she missed two "strange" calls with the country code +28. However, when the phone rang the third time, she picked up the call and heard a soft female voice on the receiver's end. “The voice was female, and from the beginning, she spoke in a very diffident tone,” Yang wrote, adding that the woman claimed to a representative of Eslite Bookstore who was conducting a survey following Yang’s purchase of the book. When she quizzed the caller on what the survey was regarding, the Chinese propagandist said, “The book you bought contains very sensitive content...This book’s content is inappropriate, so I wish to hear your opinion.” WATCH | China's territorial ambitions, claims over Taiwan × Having talked for a few minutes on the phone, Yang realised that the accent of the caller was faux-Taiwanese, meaning she was not a Taiwanese native. “At that moment, I was both nervous and excited, not wanting to miss the chance to face-off directly with Chinese communists," added Yang who told the caller to revert once she has picked up the book. This time Yang prepared to record the call but instead of the woman, she got a man on the follow-up call. The said man claimed to be from Eslite Bookstore’s marketing department. Unlike the woman caller, the man had no pretence and right off the bat, started kicking Taiwan and schooling Yang that even though she was not born in China, she was a native. “China has strong military prowess, there is no way Taiwan will come out victorious," said the caller, who repeatedly claimed that the US won't help Taiwan and that Kuomintang (KMT) is better. × He also declared, “the unification of Taiwan is inevitable, voting for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) will result in unification by force, and voting for the KMT will result in peaceful unification and one country, two systems!” ALSO READ | China condemns meeting between US House speaker and Taiwan president, vows 'resolute' response China's psychological warfare It is common knowledge that scammers from China have been targeting online shoppers in Taiwan. Their main aim is to not engage in financial fraud but to conduct psychological warfare and sow seeds of confusion about the Taiwanese Army and government. “This time, they weren’t trying to scam me for my money, they were trying to conduct cognitive warfare with me, trying to find out Taiwan’s public opinion and Taiwanese’s thoughts about the book," added Yang. Meanwhile, Taiwan's Administration for Digital Industries has summoned Eslite Bookstore representatives to explain the loopholes in their cyber security system which allowed non-state actors to get hold of customer data. China drumming up the intensity of scam calls comes in the backdrop of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen recently visiting the US and meeting the top leaders. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Chinese propagandists are scam-calling those buying anti-Communist party books

<p>A top Chinese general has urged the adoption of novel capabilities of warfare including artificial intelligence integrated with conventional warfare tactics with an eye on lessons emerging from conflict in Ukraine. General Wang Haijiang, commander of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Western Theatre Command wrote a front-page article in an official newspaper on Monday (May 15). He said "political warfare, financial warfare, technological warfare, cyber warfare, and cognitive warfare" were important factors in emerging warfare tactics.</p>

<p>"At present and in the future, local conflicts and turmoil are frequent, global problems are intensifying, and the world has entered a new period of turmoil and change," Wang wrote in Study Times.</p>

<p>"Various 'black swan' and 'grey rhinoceros' events may occur at any time, especially with the containing, encircling, decoupling, suppressing, and military threats of some Western nations," he continued.</p>

<p><strong>Gravitas: Can China broker peace between Russia &amp; Ukraine?</strong></p>

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<p>China has been increasing its defence spending for eighth year straight in 2023. Slowing economy and Covid have not deterred the country from spending big on defence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scale and sweep of Chinese military preparations are closely watched not just by the West, but also by China's neighbours and democratically governed Taiwan.</p>

<p>China claims Taiwan to be its own territory and has not ruled out use of force to capture the island nation.</p>

<p>Despite the hundreds of billions of dollars poured into defence spending, China's armed forces do not have much recent experience in a hot war, with its last - and brief - military conflict in 1979 with Vietnam.</p>

<p>Wang wrote that ability to win is needed to maintain national security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China has flexed its military muscle over Taiwan in recent months. Chinese drones have been seen encircling the island. Any aggressive action against Taiwan brings China closer to a potential conflict with the United States, the biggest international backer of Taiwan. This has brought the PLA's combat-readiness in a hypothetical war in focus.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientist-working-in-uk-for-last-20-years-joins-chinas-hypersonic-programme-592323">Scientist working in UK for last 20 years joins China’s hypersonic programme</a></strong></p>

<p>Washington has a policy of "strategic ambiguity" over whether it would intervene militarily to defend Taiwan, but is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself.</p>

<p>Wang said that China will seek new military advantages by building up capacity in areas like information networks, artificial intelligence, aviation and space.</p>

<p>In a separate rare critique in January reflecting on lessons learned from the Ukraine war, the PLA Daily noted Russia's military flaws, including the need to improve its "situation awareness" in the battlefield.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A top Chinese general has urged the adoption of novel capabilities of warfare including artificial intelligence integrated with conventional warfare tactics with an eye on lessons emerging from conflict in Ukraine.

A top Chinese general has urged the adoption of novel capabilities of warfare including artificial intelligence integrated with conventional warfare tactics with an eye on lessons emerging from conflict in Ukraine. General Wang Haijiang, commander of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Western Theatre Command wrote a front-page article in an official newspaper on Monday (May 15). He said "political warfare, financial warfare, technological warfare, cyber warfare, and cognitive warfare" were important factors in emerging warfare tactics. "At present and in the future, local conflicts and turmoil are frequent, global problems are intensifying, and the world has entered a new period of turmoil and change," Wang wrote in Study Times. "Various 'black swan' and 'grey rhinoceros' events may occur at any time, especially with the containing, encircling, decoupling, suppressing, and military threats of some Western nations," he continued. Gravitas: Can China broker peace between Russia & Ukraine? × China has been increasing its defence spending for eighth year straight in 2023. Slowing economy and Covid have not deterred the country from spending big on defence. The scale and sweep of Chinese military preparations are closely watched not just by the West, but also by China's neighbours and democratically governed Taiwan. China claims Taiwan to be its own territory and has not ruled out use of force to capture the island nation. Despite the hundreds of billions of dollars poured into defence spending, China's armed forces do not have much recent experience in a hot war, with its last - and brief - military conflict in 1979 with Vietnam. Wang wrote that ability to win is needed to maintain national security. China has flexed its military muscle over Taiwan in recent months. Chinese drones have been seen encircling the island. Any aggressive action against Taiwan brings China closer to a potential conflict with the United States, the biggest international backer of Taiwan. This has brought the PLA's combat-readiness in a hypothetical war in focus. Also Read | Scientist working in UK for last 20 years joins China’s hypersonic programme Washington has a policy of "strategic ambiguity" over whether it would intervene militarily to defend Taiwan, but is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself. Wang said that China will seek new military advantages by building up capacity in areas like information networks, artificial intelligence, aviation and space. In a separate rare critique in January reflecting on lessons learned from the Ukraine war, the PLA Daily noted Russia's military flaws, including the need to improve its "situation awareness" in the battlefield. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Top Chinese general bats for building up hybrid warfare capabilities

First women reservists training held in Taiwan

Taiwan's vibrant culture, rich history, and natural wonders make it a magnet for tourists from across the world, including India. With its world-class facilities and ease of doing business, Taiwan has also emerged as a sought-after business travel destination. All this and more in our special show - Taiwan - The Heart of Asia.

Taiwan - The Heart of Asia

Taiwan is conducting drills to protect itself from probable Chinese attacks. The Mayor of Taipei says they won't back down from a fight. Molly gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Taiwan conducts drills to prepare for Chinese attack

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Wednesday (May 3) that the self-ruled island detected a Chinese reconnaissance drone sent to conduct a so-called 'island encirclement patrol,' reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). This is the second time Taiwan has announced that a Chinese drone encircled the island in the last two weeks. According to a report by SCMP, the Taiwanese Defence Ministry said that the drone was accompanied by a transport aircraft which had an advanced jamming system.

Chinese drone encircles Taiwan again, second time in recent weeks: Report

<p>Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said on Thursday that the delivery of 66 advanced new F-16Vs from the United States has been delayed due to supply chain disruptions and the ministry was working to minimise the damage and "make up for deficiencies".</p>

<p>The United States in 2019 approved an eight billion dollar sale of Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan, a deal that would take the island's F-16 fleet to more than 200 jets, the largest in Asia, to strengthen its defences in the face of a stepped-up threat from China, which claims Taiwan as its own.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-leader-says-ukraine-counter-offensive-has-begun-death-toll-from-kherson-shelling-rises-to-21-588678">Wagner leader says Ukraine counter-offensive has begun; Death toll from Kherson shelling rises to 21</a></p>

<p>Taiwan has been converting 141 F-16A/B jets into the F-16V type and has in addition ordered 66 new F-16Vs, which have new avionics, weapons and radar systems to better face down the Chinese air force, including its J-20 stealth fighter.</p>

<p>The first of the new F-16Vs was meant to be delivered in the fourth quarter of this year but that has been delayed to the third quarter of next year due to pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, the ministry said.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters at parliament, Chiu said Taiwan had asked the United States to "make up the deficiency", including prioritising spare part deliveries for the existing fleet.</p>

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<p>"Multiple channels are being used, and we are minimising the damage from this," he said, adding they still expected to get the full order delivered before 2026.</p>

<p>The ministry is using diplomatic channels, such as via the de facto U.S. embassy in Taipei, to resolve the problem, Chiu said.</p>

<p>Neither the de facto embassy, the American Institute in Taiwan, nor Lockheed Martin immediately responded to a request for comment.</p>

<p>Taiwan has since last year complained of delays to U.S. weapons deliveries, such as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, as manufacturers turn supplies to Ukraine as it battles invading Russian forces, and the issue has concerned U.S. lawmakers.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>Michael McCaul, chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, said during a visit to Taipei last month he was doing everything possible to speed up arms deliveries.</p>

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Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said on Thursday that the delivery of 66 advanced new F-16Vs from the United States has been delayed due to supply chain disruptions and the ministry was working to minimise the damage and "make up for deficiencies".

Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said on Thursday that the delivery of 66 advanced new F-16Vs from the United States has been delayed due to supply chain disruptions and the ministry was working to minimise the damage and "make up for deficiencies". The United States in 2019 approved an eight billion dollar sale of Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan, a deal that would take the island's F-16 fleet to more than 200 jets, the largest in Asia, to strengthen its defences in the face of a stepped-up threat from China, which claims Taiwan as its own. Also Read | Wagner leader says Ukraine counter-offensive has begun; Death toll from Kherson shelling rises to 21 Taiwan has been converting 141 F-16A/B jets into the F-16V type and has in addition ordered 66 new F-16Vs, which have new avionics, weapons and radar systems to better face down the Chinese air force, including its J-20 stealth fighter. The first of the new F-16Vs was meant to be delivered in the fourth quarter of this year but that has been delayed to the third quarter of next year due to pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, the ministry said. Speaking to reporters at parliament, Chiu said Taiwan had asked the United States to "make up the deficiency", including prioritising spare part deliveries for the existing fleet. Also Read | At least 14 killed, 25 injured after road accident in Egypt: Reports "Multiple channels are being used, and we are minimising the damage from this," he said, adding they still expected to get the full order delivered before 2026. The ministry is using diplomatic channels, such as via the de facto U.S. embassy in Taipei, to resolve the problem, Chiu said. Neither the de facto embassy, the American Institute in Taiwan, nor Lockheed Martin immediately responded to a request for comment. Taiwan has since last year complained of delays to U.S. weapons deliveries, such as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, as manufacturers turn supplies to Ukraine as it battles invading Russian forces, and the issue has concerned U.S. lawmakers. Watch | Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION × Michael McCaul, chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, said during a visit to Taipei last month he was doing everything possible to speed up arms deliveries. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taiwan says F-16 deliveries delayed, working to minimise damage

Taiwan's Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said that the delivery of 66 advanced new F-16V jets from the United States has been delayed due to supply chain disruptions and the ministry was working to minimize the damage.

Taiwan awaiting delivery of 66 advanced new F-16V jets to counter China threat

<p>Taiwan's defence ministry said on Wednesday (May 3) that the self-ruled island detected a Chinese reconnaissance drone sent to conduct a so-called 'island encirclement patrol,' reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). This is the second time Taiwan has announced that a Chinese drone encircled the island in the last two weeks. According to a report by SCMP, the Taiwanese Defence Ministry said that the drone was accompanied by a transport aircraft which had an advanced jamming system.</p>

<p>In addition to this, the defence ministry&nbsp;said that it detected 27 aircraft of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) between 6 am on Tuesday and 6 am on Wednesday. Thirteen planes then entered Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).</p>

<p>On April 28, Taiwan said that said 19 Chinese military aircraft entered the island's air defence identification zone in addition to the encirclement by the drone.</p>

<p>China considers Taiwan to be its own territory and has not ruled out the use of force to capture the democratically-ruled island. China has increased military pressure on Taiwan in recent years.</p>

<p>Just last month, China conducted war games around the island. These war games coincided with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's meeting with US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles.</p>

<p>The tension between Taiwan and China has alarmed US, the biggest backer of Taiwan. The US and its allies have been repeatedly expressing concerns about&nbsp;China's moves. They have called for no forced change in the status quo.</p>

<p>Late last month, US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft flew through the Taiwan Strait. In addition to this, a French lawmaker confirmed to Reuters that a warship had recently transited the sensitive waterway.</p>

<p>The US and its allies have sent warships and aircraft through the Taiwan Strait in recent years.</p>

<p>Last year, China claimed that it had sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over Taiwan Strait. It insisted that it was "a false claim" to refer to the strait as international waters.</p>

<p>The United States and Taiwan both say China's position is not correct.</p>

<p>A retired US general on Wednesday urged Taiwan to learn from Russia's war in Ukraine and boost its unmanned drone defences. Retired US Marines Lieutenant General Steven Rudder was part of a delegation of American defence contractors in Taipei on Wednesday to discuss the development of military hardware -- including unmanned aerial systems (UASs) -- with Taiwanese companies. &nbsp;</p>

<p>On the sidelines of the forum, he told reporters, "We've seen smaller UASs take a very prominent role and we've seen ground forces in distributed manners are able to create a factor of defensive firepower within an urban environment in ways that we haven't explored before."&nbsp;</p>

<p>This technology, he said, "allows you to create coverage in areas where you don't have conventional forces".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Taiwan's defence ministry said on Wednesday (May 3) that the self-ruled island detected a Chinese reconnaissance drone sent to conduct a so-called 'island encirclement patrol,' reported South China Morning Post (SCMP).

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Wednesday (May 3) that the self-ruled island detected a Chinese reconnaissance drone sent to conduct a so-called 'island encirclement patrol,' reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). This is the second time Taiwan has announced that a Chinese drone encircled the island in the last two weeks. According to a report by SCMP, the Taiwanese Defence Ministry said that the drone was accompanied by a transport aircraft which had an advanced jamming system. In addition to this, the defence ministry said that it detected 27 aircraft of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) between 6 am on Tuesday and 6 am on Wednesday. Thirteen planes then entered Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). On April 28, Taiwan said that said 19 Chinese military aircraft entered the island's air defence identification zone in addition to the encirclement by the drone. China considers Taiwan to be its own territory and has not ruled out the use of force to capture the democratically-ruled island. China has increased military pressure on Taiwan in recent years. Just last month, China conducted war games around the island. These war games coincided with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's meeting with US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles. The tension between Taiwan and China has alarmed US, the biggest backer of Taiwan. The US and its allies have been repeatedly expressing concerns about China's moves. They have called for no forced change in the status quo. Late last month, US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft flew through the Taiwan Strait. In addition to this, a French lawmaker confirmed to Reuters that a warship had recently transited the sensitive waterway. The US and its allies have sent warships and aircraft through the Taiwan Strait in recent years. Last year, China claimed that it had sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over Taiwan Strait. It insisted that it was "a false claim" to refer to the strait as international waters. The United States and Taiwan both say China's position is not correct. A retired US general on Wednesday urged Taiwan to learn from Russia's war in Ukraine and boost its unmanned drone defences. Retired US Marines Lieutenant General Steven Rudder was part of a delegation of American defence contractors in Taipei on Wednesday to discuss the development of military hardware -- including unmanned aerial systems (UASs) -- with Taiwanese companies.  On the sidelines of the forum, he told reporters, "We've seen smaller UASs take a very prominent role and we've seen ground forces in distributed manners are able to create a factor of defensive firepower within an urban environment in ways that we haven't explored before." This technology, he said, "allows you to create coverage in areas where you don't have conventional forces". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

<p>Santiago Pena of Paraguay's long-ruling Colorado party secured a decisive victory in the nation's presidential vote on Sunday.&nbsp;The 44-year-old garnered 42.93% of the vote, leading his centre-left opponent Efrain Alegre, who received just 27.52% votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alegre was the candidate for the opposition coalition, Pact for a New Paraguay. Colorado party's victory shredded any concerns related to Paraguay's ties with Taiwan as Pena promised to retain the nation's long-standing ties with Taipei.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>On the other side, Alegre had called for switching allegiance to China.</p>

<p>Pena's win will now strengthen the Colorado Party's hold on political power.</p>

<p>"Thank you for this Colorado victory, thank you for this Paraguayan victory," Pena said in a speech.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alegre spoke with the media and acknowledged the election results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-conflict-un-chief-sending-envoy-to-nation-as-fighting-continues-587659">Sudan conflict: UN chief sending envoy to nation as fighting continues</a></p>

<p>Mario Abdo, the current president, as well as the presidents of Brazil and Argentina, congratulated Pena on becoming "president-elect."</p>

<p>Votes were also cast for Congress members. Colorado and right-wing party candidates also fared well in the congressional and governor elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several provinces scored a historically large victory over the opposition.</p>

<p>"We have a lot to do, after the last years of economic stagnation, of fiscal deficit, the task that awaits us is not for a single person or for a party," Pena said in his victory speech.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also urged for "unity and consensus".</p>

<p>Pena's win underscores the dominance of the Colorado Party, which has ruled for last 75 years except for a brief interruption of five years between 2008 and 2013.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Colorado party has a fierce campaign machine, despite rising discontent from some voters over the slowing economy and corruption allegations.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Experts predict AI to be the forefront of 2024 US election campaign</strong></p>

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<p>However, not all voters were satisfied. The populist Paraguayo Cubas secured third place in higher-than-anticipated vote of nearly 23%.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It reflected broader support for anti-establishment candidates across Latin America.</p>

<p>"I'm worried about crime. All the candidates are the same for me," said 34-year-old mother of three, Maria Jose Rodas, as a busload of voters arrived at the inner-city polling station. "Nothing will change."</p>

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Santiago Pena of Paraguay's long-ruling Colorado party secured a decisive victory in the nation's presidential vote on Sunday. The 44-year-old garnered 42.93% of the vote, leading his centre-left opponent Efrain Alegre, who received just 27.

Santiago Pena of Paraguay's long-ruling Colorado party secured a decisive victory in the nation's presidential vote on Sunday. The 44-year-old garnered 42.93% of the vote, leading his centre-left opponent Efrain Alegre, who received just 27.52% votes. Alegre was the candidate for the opposition coalition, Pact for a New Paraguay. Colorado party's victory shredded any concerns related to Paraguay's ties with Taiwan as Pena promised to retain the nation's long-standing ties with Taipei. Also Read | At least 18 dead, dozens injured as tourist bus in Mexico plunges into ravine On the other side, Alegre had called for switching allegiance to China. Pena's win will now strengthen the Colorado Party's hold on political power. "Thank you for this Colorado victory, thank you for this Paraguayan victory," Pena said in a speech. Alegre spoke with the media and acknowledged the election results. Also Read | Sudan conflict: UN chief sending envoy to nation as fighting continues Mario Abdo, the current president, as well as the presidents of Brazil and Argentina, congratulated Pena on becoming "president-elect." Votes were also cast for Congress members. Colorado and right-wing party candidates also fared well in the congressional and governor elections. Several provinces scored a historically large victory over the opposition. "We have a lot to do, after the last years of economic stagnation, of fiscal deficit, the task that awaits us is not for a single person or for a party," Pena said in his victory speech. He also urged for "unity and consensus". Pena's win underscores the dominance of the Colorado Party, which has ruled for last 75 years except for a brief interruption of five years between 2008 and 2013. The Colorado party has a fierce campaign machine, despite rising discontent from some voters over the slowing economy and corruption allegations. Watch | Experts predict AI to be the forefront of 2024 US election campaign × However, not all voters were satisfied. The populist Paraguayo Cubas secured third place in higher-than-anticipated vote of nearly 23%. It reflected broader support for anti-establishment candidates across Latin America. "I'm worried about crime. All the candidates are the same for me," said 34-year-old mother of three, Maria Jose Rodas, as a busload of voters arrived at the inner-city polling station. "Nothing will change." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pro-Taiwan candidate Santiago Pena wins Paraguay's presidential polls

The election may have an impact on Paraguay's relations with Taiwan in the future. Voters are choosing a president they think will address entrenched corruption, rising crime, and economic disparity. In the tightest election in many years, a center-left combination seeks to overthrow the conservative Colorado Party's nearly unbroken seven-decade control.

Paraguay's Taiwan ties at stake in Presidential elections

<p>Taiwan's defence ministry said on Friday (April 28) that a long range Chinese combat drone capable of carrying large weapons payload has circled the island nation. According to local media, this is the first time the defence ministry has reported a Chinese military aircraft making the circle from one end of the median line to the other.</p>

<p>The median line is an unofficial boundary that divides the Taiwan Strait between Taiwan and China. The drone's circling flight path saw it crossing the median line to the island's south before flying around its east coast and returning to China. Taiwanese defence ministry released a map to show these areas.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Taiwan's dwindling allies: Rising pro-China footprint in Latin America</strong></p>

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<p>China considers Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out use of force to capture it.</p>

<p>Taiwan's defence ministry said it detected 38 Chinese aircraft, including a TB-001 drone nicknamed the "twin-tailed scorpion", around the island between 6 am (1000 GMT) Thursday and 6 am Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The defence ministry added that 19 of the aircraft had "crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered Taiwan's southwest, southeast, and northeast (air defence identification zone)", or ADIZ, the highest number of incursions since China ended three days of war games earlier this month.</p>

<p>ADIZ is not the same as Taiwan's territorial airspace. It includes a much larger area that overlaps with part of China's own ADIZ and even some of the mainland.</p>

<p>The TB-001 is one of the largest drones in China's arsenal and boasts a flight range of 6,000 kilometres (3,700 miles).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The drone was previously deployed by China during the military drills which ended on April 10. These drills involved simulating targeted strikes and a blockade intended to be aimed at Taiwan.</p>

<p>The war games were a response to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the United States, where she met Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-to-practice-combating-chinese-blockade-in-war-exercise-586225">Taiwan to practise combating Chinese blockade in war exercise</a></strong></p>

<p>Separately, the Chinese military said it sent fighter jets to track a US reconnaissance plane as it flew through the Taiwan Strait on Friday.</p>

<p>Western militaries, led by the US, regularly conduct "freedom of navigation operations" with warships and aircraft in Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. These operations are aimed at asserting international status of these waterways.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Taiwan's defence ministry said on Friday (April 28) that a long range Chinese combat drone capable of carrying large weapons payload has circled the island nation.

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Friday (April 28) that a long range Chinese combat drone capable of carrying large weapons payload has circled the island nation. According to local media, this is the first time the defence ministry has reported a Chinese military aircraft making the circle from one end of the median line to the other. The median line is an unofficial boundary that divides the Taiwan Strait between Taiwan and China. The drone's circling flight path saw it crossing the median line to the island's south before flying around its east coast and returning to China. Taiwanese defence ministry released a map to show these areas. Watch | Taiwan's dwindling allies: Rising pro-China footprint in Latin America × China considers Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out use of force to capture it. Taiwan's defence ministry said it detected 38 Chinese aircraft, including a TB-001 drone nicknamed the "twin-tailed scorpion", around the island between 6 am (1000 GMT) Thursday and 6 am Friday. The defence ministry added that 19 of the aircraft had "crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered Taiwan's southwest, southeast, and northeast (air defence identification zone)", or ADIZ, the highest number of incursions since China ended three days of war games earlier this month. ADIZ is not the same as Taiwan's territorial airspace. It includes a much larger area that overlaps with part of China's own ADIZ and even some of the mainland. The TB-001 is one of the largest drones in China's arsenal and boasts a flight range of 6,000 kilometres (3,700 miles). The drone was previously deployed by China during the military drills which ended on April 10. These drills involved simulating targeted strikes and a blockade intended to be aimed at Taiwan. The war games were a response to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the United States, where she met Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. Also Read | Taiwan to practise combating Chinese blockade in war exercise Separately, the Chinese military said it sent fighter jets to track a US reconnaissance plane as it flew through the Taiwan Strait on Friday. Western militaries, led by the US, regularly conduct "freedom of navigation operations" with warships and aircraft in Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. These operations are aimed at asserting international status of these waterways. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Chinese combat drone circles Taiwan, crosses median line

Instant noodles in the name of Indomie, makes a comeback after being declared as unfit for consumption. This comes after a week's turmoil between Taiwan and Malaysia for alleged traces of cancer-causing chemicals.

Indonesian regulator's green light to Indomie, safe for consumption | World News | WION

<p>Taiwan's defence ministry said on Wednesday (April 26) that the military of the island nation will practise&nbsp;intercepting warships and combating Chinese blockade during the annual war game simulation in July.</p>

<p>China views Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out use of force to retake it. The democratically ruled island nation just off the Chinese coast lives under a constant threat of attack by Beijing.</p>

<p>Taiwan's defence ministry said that the annual "Han Kuang" (Han Glory) drills will be divided into computer war games in May and partial live-fire exercises in July. The computer war games will tackle "various possible actions of the enemy's invasion of Taiwan," according to the ministry. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our scenarios are based on the enemy's current threats to invade Taiwan and its recent military exercises harassing Taiwan," Major General Lin Wen-huang told reporters when asked whether China's Shandong aircraft carrier would factor into this year's scenarios.</p>

<p>Shandong aircraft carrier was used in Beijing during military exercises carried out this month. The exercises involved targetted strikes and a blockade of Taiwan.</p>

<p>The military exercises in Taiwan would go on for five days. They will help bolster its ability to intercept China's naval and amphibious fleets, according to Major General Lin.</p>

<p>He said that Taiwan's military will also practise "joint anti-blockade on the main external waterways to maintain the safety of marine transportation routes and counter the enemy's blockade"</p>

<p>The ministry said that Taiwan took notes and incorporated lessons from the Russian invasion of Ukraine into last year's Han Kuang drills and it was planning to do so again.</p>

<p>Beijing's sabre-rattling has intensified in recent years.</p>

<p>Its most recent war games were a response to a meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California.</p>

<p>On the last day of the drills, Beijing sent 54 aircraft into the island's southwestern and southeastern air defence identification zone (ADIZ), the highest number recorded in a single day since October 2021.</p>

<p>In August last year, China launched its largest ever military exercises around the island last August, following a visit to Taiwan by McCarthy's predecessor Nancy Pelosi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taiwan and mainland China are separated by the Taiwan Strait, a narrow waterway that Beijing claims as its own.&nbsp;<br />
The presence of Chinese warships and ADIZ incursions by jets has become a routine occurrence in recent years.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Taiwan's defence ministry said on Wednesday (April 26) that the military of the island nation will practise intercepting warships and combating Chinese blockade during the annual war game simulation in July.

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Wednesday (April 26) that the military of the island nation will practise intercepting warships and combating Chinese blockade during the annual war game simulation in July. China views Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out use of force to retake it. The democratically ruled island nation just off the Chinese coast lives under a constant threat of attack by Beijing. Taiwan's defence ministry said that the annual "Han Kuang" (Han Glory) drills will be divided into computer war games in May and partial live-fire exercises in July. The computer war games will tackle "various possible actions of the enemy's invasion of Taiwan," according to the ministry. "Our scenarios are based on the enemy's current threats to invade Taiwan and its recent military exercises harassing Taiwan," Major General Lin Wen-huang told reporters when asked whether China's Shandong aircraft carrier would factor into this year's scenarios. Shandong aircraft carrier was used in Beijing during military exercises carried out this month. The exercises involved targetted strikes and a blockade of Taiwan. The military exercises in Taiwan would go on for five days. They will help bolster its ability to intercept China's naval and amphibious fleets, according to Major General Lin. He said that Taiwan's military will also practise "joint anti-blockade on the main external waterways to maintain the safety of marine transportation routes and counter the enemy's blockade" The ministry said that Taiwan took notes and incorporated lessons from the Russian invasion of Ukraine into last year's Han Kuang drills and it was planning to do so again. Beijing's sabre-rattling has intensified in recent years. Its most recent war games were a response to a meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California. On the last day of the drills, Beijing sent 54 aircraft into the island's southwestern and southeastern air defence identification zone (ADIZ), the highest number recorded in a single day since October 2021. In August last year, China launched its largest ever military exercises around the island last August, following a visit to Taiwan by McCarthy's predecessor Nancy Pelosi. Taiwan and mainland China are separated by the Taiwan Strait, a narrow waterway that Beijing claims as its own. The presence of Chinese warships and ADIZ incursions by jets has become a routine occurrence in recent years. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Taiwan to practise combating Chinese blockade in war exercise

China's Foreign Ministry has lashed out at UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly over his address on China. China also urges UK to be more careful in words and deeds. To know more, watch the video.

China urges UK to abide by One-China policy

<p>China said that a Taiwan-based publisher is being investigated for allegedly "endangering national security" in a move against individuals from Taiwan who are living in the Chinese mainland.</p>

<p>Li Yanhe, who goes by the pen name Fucha, has published books which speak critically about Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The confirmation of Li's detention was made by Beijing days after speculations were made about his whereabouts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The "arbitrary arrests" of Taiwanese residents in China have been criticised by Taiwan as a breach of human rights.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-to-practice-combating-chinese-blockade-in-war-exercise-586225">Taiwan to practise combating Chinese blockade in war exercise</a></p>

<p>The arrest of the publisher was confirmed a day after China stated that it would prosecute a pro-Taiwanese independence party's founder for alleged secession.</p>

<p>The book publisher, Li, was born in China and had shifted to Taiwan in 2009. In Taiwan, he had established Gusa Press through which books, that were critical of the Chinese administration, were published.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Li's friends, the publisher had arrived in China in April to visit his relatives and participate in Qing Ming, which is the annual Chinese tomb-sweeping festival.</p>

<p>A week ago, reports suggesting that Li had gone missing surfaced. Zhu Fenglian, who worked at China's Taiwan Affairs Office, said that they will respect the rights of Li during the investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Multiple activists, scholars and writers had called for his release. On Monday, the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents Club had appealed to China to "respect the freedom of the press that it enshrines in its constitution, and to release all unjustly imprisoned media workers".</p>

<p>The case of Li has been widely compared with the five Hong Kong booksellers' disappearance in 2015 from a shop which is famous for selling works critical of China.</p>

<p>The booksellers eventually were taken into custody by mainland Chinese authorities while an investigation was carried out into their publishing business.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | China's territorial ambitions, claims over Taiwan</strong></p>

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<p>In recent times, the focus of China on Taiwan-linked individuals seems to have increased. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The authorities in China on Tuesday said that Taiwanese National Party founder Yang Chih-yuan has been completely investigated and placed under formal arrest.</p>

<p>Chih-yuan was arrested in Wenzhou, the eastern Chinese city, in August on suspicion of "separatism".</p>

<p>During his detention, the leader was linked to a crackdown carried out by the Chinese authorities on &nbsp;"separatists" amid tensions over the trip of the then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan.</p>

<p>Chinese state media reports had stated that he had been "poisoned by thoughts of Taiwan independence secessionism for a long time" and was "actively scheming" to work towards achieving Taiwan's formal statehood.</p>

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China said that a Taiwan-based publisher is being investigated for allegedly "endangering national security" in a move against individuals from Taiwan who are living in the Chinese mainland.

China said that a Taiwan-based publisher is being investigated for allegedly "endangering national security" in a move against individuals from Taiwan who are living in the Chinese mainland. Li Yanhe, who goes by the pen name Fucha, has published books which speak critically about Beijing. The confirmation of Li's detention was made by Beijing days after speculations were made about his whereabouts. The "arbitrary arrests" of Taiwanese residents in China have been criticised by Taiwan as a breach of human rights. ALSO READ | Taiwan to practise combating Chinese blockade in war exercise The arrest of the publisher was confirmed a day after China stated that it would prosecute a pro-Taiwanese independence party's founder for alleged secession. The book publisher, Li, was born in China and had shifted to Taiwan in 2009. In Taiwan, he had established Gusa Press through which books, that were critical of the Chinese administration, were published. According to Li's friends, the publisher had arrived in China in April to visit his relatives and participate in Qing Ming, which is the annual Chinese tomb-sweeping festival. A week ago, reports suggesting that Li had gone missing surfaced. Zhu Fenglian, who worked at China's Taiwan Affairs Office, said that they will respect the rights of Li during the investigation. Multiple activists, scholars and writers had called for his release. On Monday, the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents Club had appealed to China to "respect the freedom of the press that it enshrines in its constitution, and to release all unjustly imprisoned media workers". The case of Li has been widely compared with the five Hong Kong booksellers' disappearance in 2015 from a shop which is famous for selling works critical of China. The booksellers eventually were taken into custody by mainland Chinese authorities while an investigation was carried out into their publishing business. WATCH | China's territorial ambitions, claims over Taiwan In recent times, the focus of China on Taiwan-linked individuals seems to have increased. The authorities in China on Tuesday said that Taiwanese National Party founder Yang Chih-yuan has been completely investigated and placed under formal arrest. Chih-yuan was arrested in Wenzhou, the eastern Chinese city, in August on suspicion of "separatism". During his detention, the leader was linked to a crackdown carried out by the Chinese authorities on "separatists" amid tensions over the trip of the then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan. Chinese state media reports had stated that he had been "poisoned by thoughts of Taiwan independence secessionism for a long time" and was "actively scheming" to work towards achieving Taiwan's formal statehood. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China arrests Taiwan-based publisher 'Fucha' on security grounds

Diplomats, officials and farmers are closely watching a tight election race that could determine Paraguay's future ties with Taiwan. Paraguay will vote for its next President on April 30th, choosing between a ruling party candidate.

Taiwan's dwindling allies: Rising pro-China footprint in Latin America | World News | WION

Paraguay is hosting elections on April 30, the citizens will choose between the ruling party candidate and the opposition's candidate. Choosing the candidate will affect country's relations with Taiwan. Watch the video to know why.

Rising Pro-China footprint in Latin America

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