Protests erupt in Taiwan against the Chinese officials visit to the island as the Chinese delegation. Independence group started slogan airing outside of the airport.

Protests in Taiwan against Chinese officials visit, delegation to attend lantern festival

A top Pentagon official has arrived in Taiwan, reports suggested on Friday (February 17). The visit by Michael Chase, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Chase, assumes significance when Beijing's ties with Washington have shown no signs of improvement. The balloon row is the latest to sour the relations of the two countries.&nbsp;

In a report by news agency Reuters, a Pentagon spokesperson refused to comment on the visit but referred to the threat faced by Taiwan because of China. "We don't have a comment on specific operations.. but I would highlight that our support for, and defence relationship with, Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the People's Republic of China," the report quoted the spokesperson as saying.&nbsp;

Last year, the visit to Taiwan by Nancy Pelosi - the then House Speaker - had prompted an angry response from Beijing. Quoting Taiwan’s Defence Minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, the British news platform the Guardian reported he did not confirm the visit. “If any team that is friendly to us want to visit, they will let us know. Suggestions that are beneficial to Taiwan’s defence operations are very good, and they are all good opportunities," he said.&nbsp;

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The visit also comes at a time when a group of Chinese officials are in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei. Their arrival was reportedly followed by protests from pro-Independence activists.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sanctions-imposed-by-china-on-lockheed-martin-and-raytheon-over-taiwan-arms-sales-562840">Sanctions imposed by China on Lockheed Martin and Raytheon over Taiwan arms sales</a>

Earlier this week, the Taiwanese government allowed the trip of six Chinese officials, lead by Liu Xiaodong, deputy head of the Shanghai office of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, to attend the Lantern Festival in Taipei, at the invitation of the city government.&nbsp;

(With agency inputs)&nbsp;

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A top Pentagon official has arrived in Taiwan, reports suggested on Friday (February 17). The visit by Michael Chase, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Chase, assumes significance when Beijing's ties with Washington have shown no signs of improvement.

A top Pentagon official has arrived in Taiwan, reports suggested on Friday (February 17). The visit by Michael Chase, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Chase, assumes significance when Beijing's ties with Washington have shown no signs of improvement. The balloon row is the latest to sour the relations of the two countries. In a report by news agency Reuters, a Pentagon spokesperson refused to comment on the visit but referred to the threat faced by Taiwan because of China. "We don't have a comment on specific operations.. but I would highlight that our support for, and defence relationship with, Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the People's Republic of China," the report quoted the spokesperson as saying. Last year, the visit to Taiwan by Nancy Pelosi - the then House Speaker - had prompted an angry response from Beijing. Quoting Taiwan’s Defence Minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, the British news platform the Guardian reported he did not confirm the visit. “If any team that is friendly to us want to visit, they will let us know. Suggestions that are beneficial to Taiwan’s defence operations are very good, and they are all good opportunities," he said. × The visit also comes at a time when a group of Chinese officials are in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei. Their arrival was reportedly followed by protests from pro-Independence activists. Also read: Sanctions imposed by China on Lockheed Martin and Raytheon over Taiwan arms sales Earlier this week, the Taiwanese government allowed the trip of six Chinese officials, lead by Liu Xiaodong, deputy head of the Shanghai office of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, to attend the Lantern Festival in Taipei, at the invitation of the city government. (With agency inputs) 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.

Top Pentagon official in Taiwan amid stir against visit by Chinese group: Reports

The Chinese balloon saga is too reluctant to die down any time soon. Taiwanese military on Thursday stated that found the debris of a possible crashed weather balloon which is most likely to be Chinese.&nbsp;In its statement, the Taiwanese army said that its forces on Dongyin island observed an unknown object falling from the sky and then found the remains of a balloon on a shooting range, reported Reuters news agency.&nbsp;

Dongyin island is a part of the Taiwan-controlled Matsu archipelago off the coast of China's Fuzhou.&nbsp;

Also Read | Munich Security Conference to kick off tomorrow: what issues will take centre stage?

"The preliminary investigation determined that the remains were of a meteorological detecting instrument, which have been collected by the relevant departments for further evaluation," the statement from Taiwan's army read.&nbsp;

Giving out a brief description of the balloon, the army said that it was an about 1-metre diameter sphere and had an instrument box marked with simplified Chinese characters.&nbsp;The characters, the army said, are used in China and not Taiwan. It read, "Taiyuan Radio No. 1 Factory Co., Ltd.", "GTS13 digital atmospheric sounding instrument" and "meteorological instrument."&nbsp;

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Many Chinese military aircraft, in the last many years, have entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ), as per Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense.&nbsp;A few days ago, as per a report, a Taiwanese official revealed that several Chinese surveillance balloons were allegedly spotted over Taiwan in the last few years.&nbsp;

However, on Tuesday, Taiwan's defence ministry said that all the balloons were weather balloons. Tensions have only escalated between China and Taiwan in the recent past. Both nations are caught in a debate on the status of the island.&nbsp;

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While Taiwan calsd itself a sovereign country, China continues to boast about its One-China policy, with Taipei as its inalienable part.&nbsp;Earlier, there were also reports that Chinese drones flew over Taiwan. Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taepei last year had outraged China which retaliated by carrying out extensive military drills around Taiwan.&nbsp;

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The Chinese balloon saga is too reluctant to die down any time soon. Taiwanese military on Thursday stated that found the debris of a possible crashed weather balloon which is most likely to be Chinese.

The Chinese balloon saga is too reluctant to die down any time soon. Taiwanese military on Thursday stated that found the debris of a possible crashed weather balloon which is most likely to be Chinese. In its statement, the Taiwanese army said that its forces on Dongyin island observed an unknown object falling from the sky and then found the remains of a balloon on a shooting range, reported Reuters news agency. Dongyin island is a part of the Taiwan-controlled Matsu archipelago off the coast of China's Fuzhou. Also Read | Munich Security Conference to kick off tomorrow: what issues will take centre stage? "The preliminary investigation determined that the remains were of a meteorological detecting instrument, which have been collected by the relevant departments for further evaluation," the statement from Taiwan's army read. Giving out a brief description of the balloon, the army said that it was an about 1-metre diameter sphere and had an instrument box marked with simplified Chinese characters. The characters, the army said, are used in China and not Taiwan. It read, "Taiyuan Radio No. 1 Factory Co., Ltd.", "GTS13 digital atmospheric sounding instrument" and "meteorological instrument." Also Read | War a military failure for Russia, Ukraine's tank count rising: Think tank Many Chinese military aircraft, in the last many years, have entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ), as per Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense. A few days ago, as per a report, a Taiwanese official revealed that several Chinese surveillance balloons were allegedly spotted over Taiwan in the last few years. However, on Tuesday, Taiwan's defence ministry said that all the balloons were weather balloons. Tensions have only escalated between China and Taiwan in the recent past. Both nations are caught in a debate on the status of the island. Watch | Tesla to share charging network, 3,500 chargers for non-Tesla customers While Taiwan calsd itself a sovereign country, China continues to boast about its One-China policy, with Taipei as its inalienable part. Earlier, there were also reports that Chinese drones flew over Taiwan. Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taepei last year had outraged China which retaliated by carrying out extensive military drills around Taiwan. 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 Army finds remnants of suspected Chinese balloon on remote Dongyin island

United States says its country was not the only target of China's spy balloon, the balloon travelled to five other countries as well. Washington shares intel with 40 other allies. Japan and Taiwan scrounge through past aerial footage to decode China's 'global surveillance mission'.

US: Aftermath of China's spy balloon

The vice chairman of Taiwan's Opposition Nationalist Party is on a visit to China, there are a host of meetings scheduled with officials and the business community. The meeting comes at a time when China is renewing its attack on Taiwan.

Taiwan's Opposition leaders reach Beijing, say 'ruling party is pushing Taiwan to dangerous stage'

Sources familiar with Taiwan's national security affairs said that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been behind a scheme of using an "internet water army" to attack President Tsai Ing-wen's and former Premier Su Tseng-chang's Facebook accounts.

Taiwan: China using internet water army

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is set to meet his counterpart in Beijing next month. The two superpowers have unraveled over the past few years, the two officials are expected to discuss Taiwan, semiconductor chips and trade relations between US and China.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to visit China, aims to steady US-China relationship

Since the recognition of the One-China policy by Czech in 1979, Taiwan and the European nation have maintained unofficial diplomatic ties. Now, in a diplomatic coup show of defiance to China, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen held a high-level interaction with president-elect Petr Pavel of the Czech Republic on Monday.

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This comes amid the fuming tensions between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China over the sovereignty of the island nation. The talks between the two leaders went on for about 15 minutes and both sides emphasised shared values of freedom, human rights and democracy.&nbsp;

It is pertinent to note that the high-level engagement of Taiwan with any other nations is always received with immense aggression by the Chinese authorities. However, this latest talk between Taiwan and Czech seemed to be held without any trace of hesitation that could have shadowed the talks in fear of Chinese retaliation.&nbsp;

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Pavel told Tsai that he&nbsp;is looking forward to meeting the Taiwanese president in near future.&nbsp;Earlier, then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan pulled the trigger with China which chided Washington of breaching the One-China policy. Taiwan continues to claim that it is a sovereign country however this is always denied by China.&nbsp;

Not only Pelosi's visit, but even then president Donald Trump's talks with Tsai also provoked China.&nbsp;Tsai expressed hope to Pavel for close cooperation between the countries. "Bilateral interaction between Taiwan and the Czech Republic is close and good," Tsai's office said quoting the president.&nbsp;

Petr Pavel is a former army general and high NATO official. He won the Czech presidential election on Saturday. Following his conversation with Tsai, he tweeted that the two countries "share the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights".

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The dynamics are shifting in the Czech Republic as Pavel, who is set to take office in early March, will replace President Milos Zeman, a pro-Beijing leader.

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Since the recognition of the One-China policy by Czech in 1979, Taiwan and the European nation have maintained unofficial diplomatic ties. Now, in a diplomatic coup show of defiance to China, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen held a high-level interaction with president-elect Petr Pavel of the Czech Republic on Monday.

Since the recognition of the One-China policy by Czech in 1979, Taiwan and the European nation have maintained unofficial diplomatic ties. Now, in a diplomatic coup show of defiance to China, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen held a high-level interaction with president-elect Petr Pavel of the Czech Republic on Monday. Also Read | Thousands of offshore firms owning UK property yet to declare real owners: Report This comes amid the fuming tensions between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China over the sovereignty of the island nation. The talks between the two leaders went on for about 15 minutes and both sides emphasised shared values of freedom, human rights and democracy. It is pertinent to note that the high-level engagement of Taiwan with any other nations is always received with immense aggression by the Chinese authorities. However, this latest talk between Taiwan and Czech seemed to be held without any trace of hesitation that could have shadowed the talks in fear of Chinese retaliation. Also Read | Barclays, UBS under radar for alleged ties with Russian oligarch’s offshore trusts Pavel told Tsai that he is looking forward to meeting the Taiwanese president in near future. Earlier, then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan pulled the trigger with China which chided Washington of breaching the One-China policy. Taiwan continues to claim that it is a sovereign country however this is always denied by China. Not only Pelosi's visit, but even then president Donald Trump's talks with Tsai also provoked China. Tsai expressed hope to Pavel for close cooperation between the countries. "Bilateral interaction between Taiwan and the Czech Republic is close and good," Tsai's office said quoting the president. Petr Pavel is a former army general and high NATO official. He won the Czech presidential election on Saturday. Following his conversation with Tsai, he tweeted that the two countries "share the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights". WATCH | Zelensky calls for Russia to be banned from Paris Olympics The dynamics are shifting in the Czech Republic as Pavel, who is set to take office in early March, will replace President Milos Zeman, a pro-Beijing leader. 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.

In a show of defiance to China, Taiwan president speaks with Czech president-elect

A four-star US General has warned of a possible conflict with China most likely over Taiwan as early as 2025. He urged his commanders to push their units to achieve maximum operational battle readiness this year and internal memorandum over the issue emerged in social media and was later confirmed genuine by the Pentagon.

US to fight China in 2025? US General warns of possible conflict

A four-star United States Air Force general Mike Minihan,&nbsp;in an internal memo to the officers he commands, said , on Friday (January 27)&nbsp;that Washington might possibly go to war with China in the next two years, most likely over Taiwan and asked them to be prepared. The document in question first emerged on social media and was later confirmed by the Pentagon as “factual”. In the memorandum, the head of the Air Mobility Command, Minihan said, “I hope I am wrong. My gut tells me we will fight in 2025.”&nbsp;

He also spoke about the main goal should be to “deter and if required, defeat China”. The reasoning behind this speculation, as Miniham said in the document, is that since both Taiwan and US have their presidential election in 2024, the latter will be “distracted” which would give Chinese President Xi Jinping an opportunity to move on Taiwan.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-if-china-invades-taiwan-in-2026-the-5-things-war-game-simulations-by-us-think-tank-revealed-550978">EXPLAINED: What if China invades Taiwan in 2026? The 5 things war game simulations by US think tank revealed</a>

The US Air Force general also spoke about how the Chinese president has secured his third term and set his “war council” in October 2022. He added, “Xi’s team, reason, and opportunity are all aligned for 2025”. The US Air Mobility Command has some 50,000 service members and nearly 500 planes which are responsible for transport and refuelling, as per NBC.

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In the memorandum, while asking his officers to prepare, Miniham also called for the Mobile Command personnel with weapons qualifications to “fire a clip” at the target and “aim for the head”. The document which was first seen on social media was later confirmed as genuine by the Pentagon after a spokesperson responded to an AFP query and said, “Yes, it's factual that he sent that out.”&nbsp;

This comes as several senior US officials in recent months have said that China has seemingly sped up its timeframe to seize control of Taiwan, the democratically ruled island of 24 million people that Beijing has long claimed as a part of its sovereign territory.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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A four-star United States Air Force general Mike Minihan, in an internal memo to the officers he commands, said , on Friday (January 27) that Washington might possibly go to war with China in the next two years, most likely over Taiwan and asked them to be prepared.

A four-star United States Air Force general Mike Minihan, in an internal memo to the officers he commands, said , on Friday (January 27) that Washington might possibly go to war with China in the next two years, most likely over Taiwan and asked them to be prepared. The document in question first emerged on social media and was later confirmed by the Pentagon as “factual”. In the memorandum, the head of the Air Mobility Command, Minihan said, “I hope I am wrong. My gut tells me we will fight in 2025.” He also spoke about the main goal should be to “deter and if required, defeat China”. The reasoning behind this speculation, as Miniham said in the document, is that since both Taiwan and US have their presidential election in 2024, the latter will be “distracted” which would give Chinese President Xi Jinping an opportunity to move on Taiwan. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED: What if China invades Taiwan in 2026? The 5 things war game simulations by US think tank revealed The US Air Force general also spoke about how the Chinese president has secured his third term and set his “war council” in October 2022. He added, “Xi’s team, reason, and opportunity are all aligned for 2025”. The US Air Mobility Command has some 50,000 service members and nearly 500 planes which are responsible for transport and refuelling, as per NBC. ALSO WATCH | WION Fineprint: Pelosi's Taiwan visit will inflame US-China crisis? In the memorandum, while asking his officers to prepare, Miniham also called for the Mobile Command personnel with weapons qualifications to “fire a clip” at the target and “aim for the head”. The document which was first seen on social media was later confirmed as genuine by the Pentagon after a spokesperson responded to an AFP query and said, “Yes, it's factual that he sent that out.” This comes as several senior US officials in recent months have said that China has seemingly sped up its timeframe to seize control of Taiwan, the democratically ruled island of 24 million people that Beijing has long claimed as a part of its sovereign territory. (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.

US Air Force general warns of high probability of war with China as early as 2025

U.S. General Minihan warns of a possible conflict with China over Taiwan

US General Michigan calls for battle readiness amid warning of possible conflict

Drones could play a significant role in the event of a full-scale invasion of Taiwan, a Chinese military magazine has reported.

The article further illustrates that drones can “assassinate enemy leaders” and can be utilised to minimise conflict, adding that their targets can be Taiwan’s mobile missile launchers and heavy weaponry.

The report, which gives a glimpse of how a Chinese military’s attack on Taiwan might unfold, was published in Ordnance Industry Science Technology, reports South China Morning Post.

According to the article, once launching “the final unification war”, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) would first like to “suppress the island of Taiwan in all directions – land, sea, air, space, electricity and the internet”.

During an all-out attack, drones will play a key role in order to achieve a decisive outcome, the article highlighted, noting their advantages over manned aircraft and other weapons systems.

“Manned combat aircraft can only stay in the air for a short time, usually three to four hours, which is completely different from the 30 to 40 hours of large and medium-sized drones,” it said.

It said that drones have the upper hand while attacking smaller vessels.

&nbsp;“Long-endurance strike and reconnaissance drones like the GJ-2/11 and BZK-005C, TB-001 could carry out real-time surveillance and cooperate with attack helicopters to mount strikes against Taiwan’s smaller vessels.”

It also said PLA could deploy WZ-7 high-altitude long-endurance reconnaissance drones and extend a blockade of Taiwan to the second island chain.

The strategic group of islands in the middle of the western Pacific Ocean includes Guam, where a US military base is located, some 2,700km (1,600 miles) from Taiwan.

Tensions have been rising in Taiwan Strait ever since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi&nbsp;visited the self-ruled island in August last year, triggering strong reactions from China. The PLA, in response, launched live-fire drills around Taiwan.

PLA has been upping its arsenal with the introduction of combat drones. According to media reports, China has TB-001 long-endurance strike and reconnaissance drone, the BZK-005 and BZK-007 long-range reconnaissance drones, the KVD-001 tactical reconnaissance and damage assessment drone, and the WZ-7 reconnaissance drone.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Drones could play a significant role in the event of a full-scale invasion of Taiwan, a Chinese military magazine has reported. The article further illustrates that drones can “assassinate enemy leaders” and can be utilised to minimise conflict, adding that their targets can be Taiwan’s mobile missile launchers and heavy weaponry.

Drones could play a significant role in the event of a full-scale invasion of Taiwan, a Chinese military magazine has reported. The article further illustrates that drones can “assassinate enemy leaders” and can be utilised to minimise conflict, adding that their targets can be Taiwan’s mobile missile launchers and heavy weaponry. The report, which gives a glimpse of how a Chinese military’s attack on Taiwan might unfold, was published in Ordnance Industry Science Technology, reports South China Morning Post. According to the article, once launching “the final unification war”, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) would first like to “suppress the island of Taiwan in all directions – land, sea, air, space, electricity and the internet”. During an all-out attack, drones will play a key role in order to achieve a decisive outcome, the article highlighted, noting their advantages over manned aircraft and other weapons systems. “Manned combat aircraft can only stay in the air for a short time, usually three to four hours, which is completely different from the 30 to 40 hours of large and medium-sized drones,” it said. It said that drones have the upper hand while attacking smaller vessels. “Long-endurance strike and reconnaissance drones like the GJ-2/11 and BZK-005C, TB-001 could carry out real-time surveillance and cooperate with attack helicopters to mount strikes against Taiwan’s smaller vessels.” It also said PLA could deploy WZ-7 high-altitude long-endurance reconnaissance drones and extend a blockade of Taiwan to the second island chain. The strategic group of islands in the middle of the western Pacific Ocean includes Guam, where a US military base is located, some 2,700km (1,600 miles) from Taiwan. Tensions have been rising in Taiwan Strait ever since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the self-ruled island in August last year, triggering strong reactions from China. The PLA, in response, launched live-fire drills around Taiwan. PLA has been upping its arsenal with the introduction of combat drones. According to media reports, China has TB-001 long-endurance strike and reconnaissance drone, the BZK-005 and BZK-007 long-range reconnaissance drones, the KVD-001 tactical reconnaissance and damage assessment drone, and the WZ-7 reconnaissance drone. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Chinese military magazine gives glimpse of Beijing’s full-scale plan for Taiwan invasion

Taiwan's hospitality sector is all set to take a step further into sustainability and climate protection as it aims to ban all plastic disposables provided as part of hotel bookings.

Guests to carry their own toiletries as Taiwan's hospitality sector is all set to ban disposables

Many countries are initiating plans to reduce their carbon footprint and turn towards green efforts by reducing the use of plastic. Taiwan is also vying to move in a similar direction with a ban on disposable toiletries in hotel rooms.

Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration (EPA), in a draft bill, said that hotels would no longer be allowed to provide toiletries in containers of up to 180ml or less. If any guest would want to get the toiletries, they will have to ask for the same from the hotel separately.&nbsp;

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The draft bill will be implemented on 1 July.

Among items to be restricted following the ban are&nbsp;lotions, gels and other liquid products; personal hygiene products including combs, toothbrushes, razors and shower caps; and disposable slippers.&nbsp;

All hospitality businesses will have to adhere to the rules.&nbsp;

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Noting that Taiwan’s travel industry generates about 8,000 tonnes of plastic waste every year, EPA said, “We hope people can cultivate the habit of bringing their own toiletries with them when they travel, and reuse containers whenever possible."&nbsp;

Taiwan vowed to reduce plastic usage during the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi in February and March last year. Wang Yueh-bin, executive director of the EPA Recycling Fund Management Board, said that if any business does not comply with the regulations they would be fined which can range from NT$1,200 (S$50) to NT$6,000.&nbsp;

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“After not providing plastic bottles of water, we went from having to buy 330,000 bottles of water a year to only buying 10,000 bottles a year,” reported Straits Times quoting a hotel group spokesman. “That’s a reduction of 320,000 plastic bottles for just one hotel."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Many countries are initiating plans to reduce their carbon footprint and turn towards green efforts by reducing the use of plastic. Taiwan is also vying to move in a similar direction with a ban on disposable toiletries in hotel rooms.

Many countries are initiating plans to reduce their carbon footprint and turn towards green efforts by reducing the use of plastic. Taiwan is also vying to move in a similar direction with a ban on disposable toiletries in hotel rooms. Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration (EPA), in a draft bill, said that hotels would no longer be allowed to provide toiletries in containers of up to 180ml or less. If any guest would want to get the toiletries, they will have to ask for the same from the hotel separately. ALSO READ | US military captures IS members in Syrian helicopter raid The draft bill will be implemented on 1 July. Among items to be restricted following the ban are lotions, gels and other liquid products; personal hygiene products including combs, toothbrushes, razors and shower caps; and disposable slippers. All hospitality businesses will have to adhere to the rules. ALSO READ | US: Investigators find six more classified documents at President Biden’s home in Delaware Noting that Taiwan’s travel industry generates about 8,000 tonnes of plastic waste every year, EPA said, “We hope people can cultivate the habit of bringing their own toiletries with them when they travel, and reuse containers whenever possible." Taiwan vowed to reduce plastic usage during the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi in February and March last year. Wang Yueh-bin, executive director of the EPA Recycling Fund Management Board, said that if any business does not comply with the regulations they would be fined which can range from NT$1,200 (S$50) to NT$6,000. WATCH | European Central Bank set to raise interest rates by 50 basis points in both February and March “After not providing plastic bottles of water, we went from having to buy 330,000 bottles of water a year to only buying 10,000 bottles a year,” reported Straits Times quoting a hotel group spokesman. “That’s a reduction of 320,000 plastic bottles for just one hotel." (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 to ban disposable amenities in hotel rooms

Taiwanese Premier Su Tseng-chang along with his cabinet, submitted their resignation letters to President Tsai Ing-wen causing a stir and speculation about who will replace him. The government reshuffle was widely expected and the Premier asked the President to appoint a new cabinet.

Taiwanese Premier resigns; resignations ahead of expected govt reshuffle

William Lai, the vice president of Taiwan, was elected as the new chairman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Sunday (January 15).&nbsp;

The election was held over a month after President Tsai Ing-wen stepped down as DPP chairperson. She quit after the party’s defeats in the local elections.&nbsp;

Lai ran unopposed and the win has set the stage for him to run for the presidential elections early next year. He had pledged to unite the party and to "polish its image as an honest, diligent and grassroots party".&nbsp;

Sidney Lin, the interim secretary-general of DPP, told a news conference last night that Lai was elected with 99.65 per cent of the votes.&nbsp;

As quoted by local media outlets, Lin mentioned that Lai won 41,840 votes and the turnout rate was 17.59 per cent. Lin also said that the turnout was slightly higher than the 16.9 per cent in the previous chairperson election in 2019.&nbsp;

After the election, Lai said in a statement that he would "go all-in to undertake the mission" given to him and further added that his objective is to win back the trust of the people and unite the party.&nbsp;

He will formally assume the role on Wednesday. Lai is a former premier and mayor of the southern city of Tainan. He has been Tsai's vice president since 2020 following the DPP's landslide election win.&nbsp;

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William Lai, the vice president of Taiwan, was elected as the new chairman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Sunday (January 15). The election was held over a month after President Tsai Ing-wen stepped down as DPP chairperson.

William Lai, the vice president of Taiwan, was elected as the new chairman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Sunday (January 15). The election was held over a month after President Tsai Ing-wen stepped down as DPP chairperson. She quit after the party’s defeats in the local elections. Lai ran unopposed and the win has set the stage for him to run for the presidential elections early next year. He had pledged to unite the party and to "polish its image as an honest, diligent and grassroots party". Sidney Lin, the interim secretary-general of DPP, told a news conference last night that Lai was elected with 99.65 per cent of the votes. As quoted by local media outlets, Lin mentioned that Lai won 41,840 votes and the turnout rate was 17.59 per cent. Lin also said that the turnout was slightly higher than the 16.9 per cent in the previous chairperson election in 2019. After the election, Lai said in a statement that he would "go all-in to undertake the mission" given to him and further added that his objective is to win back the trust of the people and unite the party. He will formally assume the role on Wednesday. Lai is a former premier and mayor of the southern city of Tainan. He has been Tsai's vice president since 2020 following the DPP's landslide election win. 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 Vice President William Lai elected as chairman of ruling party

This week in World at War with Mohammed Saleh: - Is Russia's artillery fire down by 75 percent? - Bolsonaro's supporters storm the Brazilian parliament - Tigrayan rebels surrender their arms in Ethiopia. Mohammed Saleh gets you an indepth report of the World's biggest warzones of the week in World At War.

World at War | Why the United States will fight China to defend Taiwan?

Taiwan's Armed Forces conducted anti-aircraft landing drill on Wednesday to showcase its defence capabilities ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays.

Gravitas Global Headlines: Taiwan conducts anti-landing drills

Taiwan’s armed forces conducted anti-aircraft landing drills on Wednesday (January 11) to showcase its defence capabilities ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays.

Watch: Taiwan conducts anti-aircraft landing drills to showcase military readiness

China will not be able to win a war against Taiwan, or so claims an American think tank that has conducted 24 war game simulations of a possible conflict. Priyanka Sharma brings you the details.

Gravitas: What happens when China invades Taiwan? Here are the results of war game simulations

Taiwan's air force demonstrated on Wednesday (January 11) their military preparedness to safeguard the island's airspace in a showcase drill held annually ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday.

Watch: Taiwan's Air Force showcases military preparedness before the Lunar New Year

Taiwan has long been a point of contestation between US and China. Although US asserts that it adheres to the One-China policy, it has often hinted it will protect Taiwan if China invades the island nation. The potential impact of the Chinese action has now been highlighted by war game simulations carried out by a US think tank, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Here is a complete list of the revelations which were made in the report.

<h2>1. Chinese, US and Taiwanese military would cripple&nbsp;</h2>

If indeed China invades Taiwan in 2026, it would cripple the US, Chinese and Taiwanese militaries. Since the former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the self-acclaimed island, China has positioned itself to flaunt its military might. With the tensions gripping the South China sea, the Chinese invasion cannot be overruled. A report titled “The First Battle of the Next War” said, “The United States and Japan lose dozens of ships, hundreds of aircraft, and thousands of service members. Such losses would damage the US global position for many years." At the same time, there will be losses on the Chinese side. About 3,200 US troops would be killed in three weeks of battle while China would suffer about 10,000 troops killed and lose 155 combat aircraft and 138 major ships, as per the report.&nbsp;

<h2>2. Will the invasion succeed?&nbsp;</h2>

The US think tank, CSIS, ran this war game simulation a total of 24 times. This simulation answers the question of whether the invasion would succeed or not. According to the report, the Chinese invasion of Taiwan would fail to succeed, however, the report did not fall short to suggest that the war would have massive impact on all ends.&nbsp;

<h2>3. Taiwan economy would be in shambles, without electricity &amp; basic needs&nbsp;</h2>

One of the points that the report made is that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would result in a devastating economy for the island nation. Taiwan would be in shambles and would be left in the lurch without electricity and basic services. According to the report, the island's army would sustain around 3,500 losses, and its navy's 26 destroyers and frigates would be sunk.

<h2>4 Think tank does not imply Taiwan invasion is inevitable</h2>

Though the latest war game simulations suggested that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would fail while leaving economies in ruins, the think tank, however, said that this does not imply that Taiwan's invasion is "inevitable or even probable."

<h2>5. Taiwan must be fully armed before the war begins, unlike Ukraine war</h2>

According to the CSIS report, there were four constants which emerged during the war game simulations. The US would need long-range anti-ship missiles to hit the People Liberation Army (PLA) Navy from a distance and "en masse," Taiwan's ground forces must be able to contain Chinese, the US must be able to use its bases in Japan for combat operations, Taiwan must be fully armed before the war begins, and the US must enter any conflict with its own forces without delay.

“Once the war begins, it’s impossible to get any troops or supplies onto Taiwan, so it’s a very different situation from Ukraine where the United States and its allies have been able to send supplies continuously to Ukraine,” said Mark Cancian, the senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Taiwan has long been a point of contestation between US and China. Although US asserts that it adheres to the One-China policy, it has often hinted it will protect Taiwan if China invades the island nation.

Taiwan has long been a point of contestation between US and China. Although US asserts that it adheres to the One-China policy, it has often hinted it will protect Taiwan if China invades the island nation. The potential impact of the Chinese action has now been highlighted by war game simulations carried out by a US think tank, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Here is a complete list of the revelations which were made in the report. 1. Chinese, US and Taiwanese military would cripple If indeed China invades Taiwan in 2026, it would cripple the US, Chinese and Taiwanese militaries. Since the former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the self-acclaimed island, China has positioned itself to flaunt its military might. With the tensions gripping the South China sea, the Chinese invasion cannot be overruled. A report titled “The First Battle of the Next War” said, “The United States and Japan lose dozens of ships, hundreds of aircraft, and thousands of service members. Such losses would damage the US global position for many years." At the same time, there will be losses on the Chinese side. About 3,200 US troops would be killed in three weeks of battle while China would suffer about 10,000 troops killed and lose 155 combat aircraft and 138 major ships, as per the report. 2. Will the invasion succeed? The US think tank, CSIS, ran this war game simulation a total of 24 times. This simulation answers the question of whether the invasion would succeed or not. According to the report, the Chinese invasion of Taiwan would fail to succeed, however, the report did not fall short to suggest that the war would have massive impact on all ends. 3. Taiwan economy would be in shambles, without electricity & basic needs One of the points that the report made is that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would result in a devastating economy for the island nation. Taiwan would be in shambles and would be left in the lurch without electricity and basic services. According to the report, the island's army would sustain around 3,500 losses, and its navy's 26 destroyers and frigates would be sunk. 4 Think tank does not imply Taiwan invasion is inevitable Though the latest war game simulations suggested that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would fail while leaving economies in ruins, the think tank, however, said that this does not imply that Taiwan's invasion is "inevitable or even probable." 5. Taiwan must be fully armed before the war begins, unlike Ukraine war According to the CSIS report, there were four constants which emerged during the war game simulations. The US would need long-range anti-ship missiles to hit the People Liberation Army (PLA) Navy from a distance and "en masse," Taiwan's ground forces must be able to contain Chinese, the US must be able to use its bases in Japan for combat operations, Taiwan must be fully armed before the war begins, and the US must enter any conflict with its own forces without delay. “Once the war begins, it’s impossible to get any troops or supplies onto Taiwan, so it’s a very different situation from Ukraine where the United States and its allies have been able to send supplies continuously to Ukraine,” said Mark Cancian, the senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

EXPLAINED: What if China invades Taiwan in 2026? The 5 things war game simulations by US think tank revealed

Taiwan condemned China on Monday for holding its second military combat drills around the island in less than a month, with the defence ministry saying it had detected 57 Chinese aircraft.

China carries out combat drills around Taiwan Strait again

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