TikTok has recently been scrutinised in Taiwan since the government banned its departments from using the Chinese-owned social media platform. Meanwhile, Taiwanese government also&nbsp;opened an investigation into TikTok parent company ByteDance for suspected illegal commercial operations on the island following a media report.&nbsp;

In a statement, Taiwan’s China-policy-making Mainland Affairs Council said that on December 9, they first came across suspicions of ByteDance operating a subsidiary to tout for business on the island, following a report by Taiwan's Liberty Times newspaper.&nbsp;

Responding to the media report, the council’s working group said there indeed was an alleged breach of the law referring to what the media report had called the company’s “illegal commercial operations” which the legal authorities are now investigating.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-mulls-banning-tiktok-alleges-latter-of-eroding-publics-confidence-in-govt-541880">Taiwan mulls banning TikTok, accuses it of eroding public's confidence in government</a>

The newspaper claims that ByteDance has set up a subsidiary look to expand its business on the island which is a breach of Taiwanese law passed three years ago which does not allow Chinese social media platforms to open commercial operations on the island.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-launches-probe-into-tiktok-for-spreading-disinformation-544432/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Furthermore, Taiwan also prohibits a wide range of Beijing's business operations including its social media platforms to its highly sought after chip manufacturing industry. In 2019, the Taiwanese government passed an anti-infiltration law in a bid to combat what they see as China's&nbsp;efforts to influence the island’s politics and democratic processes through funding politicians, media, and so on.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-senators-call-tiktok-a-massive-surveillance-tool-is-tiktok-spying-on-you-for-china-535961">US: Senators call TikTok a 'massive surveillance tool; Is TikTok spying on you for China?</a>

This also comes days after the island also banned Chinese apps including TikTok from government departments. They have also accused Beijing of using such apps “to carry out cognitive operations and infiltration against other countries” while highlighting the risk of the Chinese government collecting users’ personal information.&nbsp;

Additionally, Taiwan has also accused China of using social media to spread disinformation on the island which Beijing claims as its territory. While the short video platform still trails behind Meta’s Facebook and Instagram in terms of usage on the island it is becoming increasingly popular among the Taiwanese youth, said a report by Reuters citing market research companies.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

TikTok has recently been scrutinised in Taiwan since the government banned its departments from using the Chinese-owned social media platform. Meanwhile, Taiwanese government also opened an investigation into TikTok parent company ByteDance for suspected illegal commercial operations on the island following a media report.

TikTok has recently been scrutinised in Taiwan since the government banned its departments from using the Chinese-owned social media platform. Meanwhile, Taiwanese government also opened an investigation into TikTok parent company ByteDance for suspected illegal commercial operations on the island following a media report. In a statement, Taiwan’s China-policy-making Mainland Affairs Council said that on December 9, they first came across suspicions of ByteDance operating a subsidiary to tout for business on the island, following a report by Taiwan's Liberty Times newspaper. Responding to the media report, the council’s working group said there indeed was an alleged breach of the law referring to what the media report had called the company’s “illegal commercial operations” which the legal authorities are now investigating. ALSO READ | Taiwan mulls banning TikTok, accuses it of eroding public's confidence in government The newspaper claims that ByteDance has set up a subsidiary look to expand its business on the island which is a breach of Taiwanese law passed three years ago which does not allow Chinese social media platforms to open commercial operations on the island. × Furthermore, Taiwan also prohibits a wide range of Beijing's business operations including its social media platforms to its highly sought after chip manufacturing industry. In 2019, the Taiwanese government passed an anti-infiltration law in a bid to combat what they see as China's efforts to influence the island’s politics and democratic processes through funding politicians, media, and so on. ALSO WATCH | US: Senators call TikTok a 'massive surveillance tool; Is TikTok spying on you for China? This also comes days after the island also banned Chinese apps including TikTok from government departments. They have also accused Beijing of using such apps “to carry out cognitive operations and infiltration against other countries” while highlighting the risk of the Chinese government collecting users’ personal information. Additionally, Taiwan has also accused China of using social media to spread disinformation on the island which Beijing claims as its territory. While the short video platform still trails behind Meta’s Facebook and Instagram in terms of usage on the island it is becoming increasingly popular among the Taiwanese youth, said a report by Reuters citing market research companies. (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 opens probe into TikTok over suspected ‘illegal commercial operations’

TikTok is not getting away from scrutiny. After officials in the United States mull a possible ban on the Chinese-owned social media app, the Taiwanese government has now launched a probe into the app as well.

Taiwan launches probe into TikTok for spreading disinformation

Taiwan has reported 18 nuclear-capable Chinese bombers entering into its Air Defence Zone according to Taiwan's Defense Ministry. 21 aircrafts entered the Island's Southwest air defence identification zone which included the 18 nuclear-capable H-6 bombers.

Taiwan reports record infiltration by Chinese bomber aircraft

A senior lawmaker from Japan's ruling liberal democratic party has said that his country needs to increase its military spending while it faces a threat from China and North Korea. Kōichi Hagiuda made the comments while in Taiwan where he is attending a forum about Taiwan-Japan relations.

Tensions in the Korean peninsula, Japan aims to increase defence spending

After US, now Japan is increasingly getting closer to Taiwan. A delegate from Japan, made a visit to the self-governing island. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met a senior member of Japan's ruling liberal Democratic party. President has pledged deepen security cooperation with Tokyo to ensure freedom in the Indo-Pacific.

Japan lawmaker visits Taiwan; Tokyo, Taipei reaffirm relations

Taiwan has been thinking about banning TikTok, as the government authorities believe that the social media site is being used by China to wipe out the confidence of the country's citizens in the government.&nbsp;

The Chinese-invested social media platform has been already banned from devices of the public sector by Taiwan over security concerns and the fear of a “cognitive warfare” campaign, the South China Morning Post reported.&nbsp;

However, the authorities have been hesitant to ban TikTok on personal devices and in the private sector, considering the implication it may have on freedom of speech and information.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-may-complaint-with-wto-over-chinese-import-bans-541841">Taiwan may file complaint with WTO against China for import ban on several items</a>

The National Security Bureau of Taiwan alleged that TikTok is being increasingly used by Beijing to influence the public on the island and break their confidence and faith in the government.

In May, Bureau director Chen Ming-tong stated that Taiwanese are being trained and paid by Beijing to influence the young audience present on social media platforms like TikTok, Xiaohongshu (Instagram's Chinese version) and YouTube, as part of China's “cognitive warfare” against Taiwan.

The Investigation Bureau of the Ministry of Justice said that they are investigating the reports which claim that videos alleging corruption within Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's government and ridiculing the defences of the country have been circulated on TikTok.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-launches-raids-after-alleged-vote-buying-with-chinese-funds-537513">Taiwan conducts raids in crackdown on alleged vote-buying with Chinese funds</a>

Taking into account the warnings, the lawmakers were prompted to call for countermeasures to tackle the influence campaigns.

In a legislature meeting, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's legislator Ho Chih-wei said, “The app has been used by China in cognitive warfare to spread disinformation and create social division in Taiwan.”&nbsp;

China, which considers Taiwan its territory, has stated that it will use force to bring the island under its control. Ho stated that the government must devise “plans to regulate” TikTok's use in Taiwan.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Taiwan has been thinking about banning TikTok, as the government authorities believe that the social media site is being used by China to wipe out the confidence of the country's citizens in the government.

Taiwan has been thinking about banning TikTok, as the government authorities believe that the social media site is being used by China to wipe out the confidence of the country's citizens in the government. The Chinese-invested social media platform has been already banned from devices of the public sector by Taiwan over security concerns and the fear of a “cognitive warfare” campaign, the South China Morning Post reported. However, the authorities have been hesitant to ban TikTok on personal devices and in the private sector, considering the implication it may have on freedom of speech and information. ALSO READ| Taiwan may file complaint with WTO against China for import ban on several items The National Security Bureau of Taiwan alleged that TikTok is being increasingly used by Beijing to influence the public on the island and break their confidence and faith in the government. In May, Bureau director Chen Ming-tong stated that Taiwanese are being trained and paid by Beijing to influence the young audience present on social media platforms like TikTok, Xiaohongshu (Instagram's Chinese version) and YouTube, as part of China's “cognitive warfare” against Taiwan. The Investigation Bureau of the Ministry of Justice said that they are investigating the reports which claim that videos alleging corruption within Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's government and ridiculing the defences of the country have been circulated on TikTok. ALSO READ| Taiwan conducts raids in crackdown on alleged vote-buying with Chinese funds Taking into account the warnings, the lawmakers were prompted to call for countermeasures to tackle the influence campaigns. In a legislature meeting, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's legislator Ho Chih-wei said, “The app has been used by China in cognitive warfare to spread disinformation and create social division in Taiwan.” China, which considers Taiwan its territory, has stated that it will use force to bring the island under its control. Ho stated that the government must devise “plans to regulate” TikTok's use in Taiwan. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan mulls banning TikTok, accuses it of eroding public's confidence in government

Taiwan is looking to drag China to the World Trade Organisation after the latter banned imports of Taiwanese food and drink products.&nbsp;On Saturday, Premier Su Tseng-chang accused Beijing of carrying out unfair trade practices as part of its pressure campaign against the island.

For the past two years, Taiwan has been complaining about the Chinese import ban on its products, ranging from agricultural&nbsp;to aquatic goods. The latest ban covers more fishery products, chief among them being squid, as well as some beers and liquors.

China claims that Taiwanese products have been banned due to improper paperwork from the companies.

Taiwan believes that it is part of a pressure campaign, which has been ramped up since the election of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016.

Briefing reporters, Su accused China of using administrative means to “interfere” in normal trade which doesn’t conform to the WTO norms.

He said that the government will do its best to communicate with relevant Chinese departments on the issue, Reuters reported. Taiwan and China are both WTO members.

“If there is any non-compliance with the relevant WTO norms, we will also follow the relevant channels to file a complaint,” he was quoted as saying.

Responding to the issue, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office released a statement late Friday arguing that the problem was an administrative one and that their decision to ban the imports affected those companies which were not properly registered.

It claimed that this was a “normal food safety supervision measure”.

“At the same time, we are telling the relevant departments on the island to immediately stop any political manipulation and not to do anything stupid that harms companies on the island.”

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Taiwan is looking to drag China to the World Trade Organisation after the latter banned imports of Taiwanese food and drink products. On Saturday, Premier Su Tseng-chang accused Beijing of carrying out unfair trade practices as part of its pressure campaign against the island.

Taiwan is looking to drag China to the World Trade Organisation after the latter banned imports of Taiwanese food and drink products. On Saturday, Premier Su Tseng-chang accused Beijing of carrying out unfair trade practices as part of its pressure campaign against the island. For the past two years, Taiwan has been complaining about the Chinese import ban on its products, ranging from agricultural to aquatic goods. The latest ban covers more fishery products, chief among them being squid, as well as some beers and liquors. China claims that Taiwanese products have been banned due to improper paperwork from the companies. Taiwan believes that it is part of a pressure campaign, which has been ramped up since the election of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016. Briefing reporters, Su accused China of using administrative means to “interfere” in normal trade which doesn’t conform to the WTO norms. He said that the government will do its best to communicate with relevant Chinese departments on the issue, Reuters reported. Taiwan and China are both WTO members. “If there is any non-compliance with the relevant WTO norms, we will also follow the relevant channels to file a complaint,” he was quoted as saying. Responding to the issue, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office released a statement late Friday arguing that the problem was an administrative one and that their decision to ban the imports affected those companies which were not properly registered. It claimed that this was a “normal food safety supervision measure”. “At the same time, we are telling the relevant departments on the island to immediately stop any political manipulation and not to do anything stupid that harms companies on the island.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Taiwan may file complaint with WTO against China for import ban on several items

A group of Australian MPs will be leaving on December 4 for a five-day visit to Taiwan. The unofficial bipartisan trip will be the first such visit in more than three years since the Covid pandemic. The details of the visit was confirmed by the spokesperson.

Six Australian lawmakers to visit Taiwan; trip to be first such visit in 3 years since Covid

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday said that he will not be accompanying the group of federal politicians, who will be travelling to Taiwan on a five-day official tour, which is aimed at conveying the wishes of Australia to maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific.

The group, which includes MPs of Australia's opposition Liberal-National coalition and governing Labor Party, will embark on the tour on Sunday. It will be the first such delegation to visit Australia since 2019.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-government-to-move-censure-motion-against-former-pm-over-secret-ministries-538108">Australia government to move censure motion against former PM over secret ministries</a>

On Saturday, PM Albanese called the trip a "backbench" visit to Taiwan, one which is not led by the government. "There remains a bipartisan position when it comes to China and when it comes to support for the status quo on Taiwan," said Albanese, while speaking to reporters in Renmark, South Australia.

The spokesperson of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that politicians, belonging to different parties, visited Taiwan before the pandemic and this delegation "represents a resumption of that activity".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-australian-pm-to-meet-xi-on-tuesday-following-years-of-tension-between-the-two-countries-533942">G20 Summit: Australian PM to meet Xi on Tuesday following years of tension between the two countries</a>

The group is likely to hold meetings with Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and President Tsai Ing-wen. As per reports, the trip is being kept a secret from Chinese diplomats who are lobbying in Canberra for its cancellation.

The delegation's visit to Democratic Taiwan comes at a time when the Labour government of Australia has moved towards repairing its diplomatic relations with China.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday said that he will not be accompanying the group of federal politicians, who will be travelling to Taiwan on a five-day official tour, which is aimed at conveying the wishes of Australia to maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday said that he will not be accompanying the group of federal politicians, who will be travelling to Taiwan on a five-day official tour, which is aimed at conveying the wishes of Australia to maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific. The group, which includes MPs of Australia's opposition Liberal-National coalition and governing Labor Party, will embark on the tour on Sunday. It will be the first such delegation to visit Australia since 2019. ALSO READ | Australia government to move censure motion against former PM over secret ministries On Saturday, PM Albanese called the trip a "backbench" visit to Taiwan, one which is not led by the government. "There remains a bipartisan position when it comes to China and when it comes to support for the status quo on Taiwan," said Albanese, while speaking to reporters in Renmark, South Australia. The spokesperson of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that politicians, belonging to different parties, visited Taiwan before the pandemic and this delegation "represents a resumption of that activity". ALSO READ | G20 Summit: Australian PM to meet Xi on Tuesday following years of tension between the two countries The group is likely to hold meetings with Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and President Tsai Ing-wen. As per reports, the trip is being kept a secret from Chinese diplomats who are lobbying in Canberra for its cancellation. The delegation's visit to Democratic Taiwan comes at a time when the Labour government of Australia has moved towards repairing its diplomatic relations with China. 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.

Australian PM not to accompany politicians on ‘backbench’ visit to Taiwan

A senior British lawmaker said on Friday that her delegation had discussed defence cooperation with Taiwan during a visit this week to the Chinese-claimed island.

UK to help defend Taiwan if China invades?

Taiwan says it has tracked 11 Chinese military aircrafts and four Naval vessels around the island. As per Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense, the incident occurred between 6 am local time on Monday and 6 am local time on Tuesday.

Taiwan uses land-based missiles to monitor PLA aircraft and vessels

China has sent out its message after ruling party's loss, Beijing said that the ruling Democratic Party loss showed that the public is standing for peace and stability in the island. China's Taiwan Affairs Officer stated that they will continue to work work with Taiwan's people to promote peace relations and firmly oppose Taiwan's independence.

WION Fineprint | Taiwan local elections: Tsai Ing-Wen faces local polls drubbing

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen stepped down from the post of ruling party chief on Saturday (November 26) after her party's poor performance in Taiwan's local elections.&nbsp;The president had projected local elections as being about showing defiance to China. The approach failed to resonate with the voters. Latest reports said that main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), bagged 13 of the 21 city mayor and county chief seats up for grabs, including the capital Taipei.

Turnout on Saturday was at record low, just 59% for Taiwan's six most important cities, compared to an overall figure of around 75% in 2020.

The elections for mayors, county chiefs and local councillors are ostensibly about domestic issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and crime, and those elected will not have a direct say on China policy.

President Tsai had sought to project these elections as more than just a local vote. She had said that the world was watching at the elections as an example of how Taiwan defends its democracy.

China claims Taiwan to be its own territory and has not ruled out use of force to retake the self-governing island.

Both the DPP and KMT, which traditionally favours close ties with China though strongly denies being pro-Beijing, had concentrated their campaign efforts in wealthy and populous northern Taiwan, especially Taipei, whose mayor from the small Taiwan People's Party could not run again due to term limits.

"I have let everyone down," the DPP's Taipei mayor candidate Chen Shih-chung told supporters, adding he has offered his "sincere" congratulations to the KMT's Wayne Chiang in a telephone call, and urged people to continue to support Tsai.

"I know this election's results have greatly disappointed everyone, but we can't despair. In the past, the DPP has lost Taipei's elections many times, but we've never been defeated. We must wipe our tears and stand up again."

China carried out war games near Taiwan in August to express anger at a visit to Taipei by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and its military activities have continued, though on a reduced scale.

(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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen stepped down from the post of ruling party chief on Saturday (November 26) after her party's poor performance in Taiwan's local elections.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen stepped down from the post of ruling party chief on Saturday (November 26) after her party's poor performance in Taiwan's local elections. The president had projected local elections as being about showing defiance to China. The approach failed to resonate with the voters. Latest reports said that main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), bagged 13 of the 21 city mayor and county chief seats up for grabs, including the capital Taipei. Turnout on Saturday was at record low, just 59% for Taiwan's six most important cities, compared to an overall figure of around 75% in 2020. The elections for mayors, county chiefs and local councillors are ostensibly about domestic issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and crime, and those elected will not have a direct say on China policy. President Tsai had sought to project these elections as more than just a local vote. She had said that the world was watching at the elections as an example of how Taiwan defends its democracy. China claims Taiwan to be its own territory and has not ruled out use of force to retake the self-governing island. Both the DPP and KMT, which traditionally favours close ties with China though strongly denies being pro-Beijing, had concentrated their campaign efforts in wealthy and populous northern Taiwan, especially Taipei, whose mayor from the small Taiwan People's Party could not run again due to term limits. "I have let everyone down," the DPP's Taipei mayor candidate Chen Shih-chung told supporters, adding he has offered his "sincere" congratulations to the KMT's Wayne Chiang in a telephone call, and urged people to continue to support Tsai. "I know this election's results have greatly disappointed everyone, but we can't despair. In the past, the DPP has lost Taipei's elections many times, but we've never been defeated. We must wipe our tears and stand up again." China carried out war games near Taiwan in August to express anger at a visit to Taipei by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and its military activities have continued, though on a reduced scale. (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 President Tsai Ing-wen quits as ruling party chief after poor performance in local polls

Taiwan local elections: China reacts to ruling party's loss as Tsai quits as DPP Party Chief

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-Wen has now quit as the Democrat Progressive Party's chief after the drubbing that her party got in the local elections.

WION Fineprint | Taiwan: President Tsai Ing-Wen stepped down as head of her ruling party

Millions of Taiwanese are ready to cast their votes as local midterm elections begin on Saturday, with President Tsai Ing-wen framing this as a message to the world about the island's determination to maintain its democracy amid escalating military tensions with China. For the local elections of mayors and chiefs, COVID-19 and crime are two important aspects.

With music blasting and campaign flags flapping, candidates in Taiwan's elections visit their districts to solicit votes.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-launches-raids-after-alleged-vote-buying-with-chinese-funds-537513">Also read |&nbsp;Taiwan conducts raids in crackdown on alleged vote-buying with Chinese funds</a>

Tsai during the election campaign focused on Chinese President Xi Jinping's unprecedented win for the third term in power.

The President said, "Taiwan is facing strong external pressure. The expansion of Chinese authoritarianism is challenging the people of Taiwan every day to adhere to the bottom line of freedom and democracy."

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: China factor in Taiwan 'midterms'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-china-factor-in-taiwan-midterms-537505/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tensions between the countries rose when China carried out military drills in August to express anger and displeasure with US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei. The military drills continued, but on a smaller scale.&nbsp;

However, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), led by Tsai, has been criticised for being unduly confrontational with China. The opposition party KMT has always supported having close connections with China, it vehemently rejects being pro-China.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/symbol-of-reunion-chinas-beloved-gift-to-taiwan-panda-tuan-tuan-dies-535739">Also read |&nbsp;‘Symbol of goodwill’: China’s gift to Taiwan, beloved panda Tuan Tuan dies</a>

KMT's chairman Eric Chu told his supporters, "We advocate being close to the United States, friendly with Japan and having peace with the mainland. Let Taiwan have a prosperous future of peaceful and stable development."

Due to term constraints, Tsai cannot run for president again after her term expires in 2024. Both DPP and KMT are supporting the idea of reducing the voting age from 20 to 18.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Millions of Taiwanese are ready to cast their votes as local midterm elections begin on Saturday, with President Tsai Ing-wen framing this as a message to the world about the island's determination to maintain its democracy amid escalating military tensions with China.

Millions of Taiwanese are ready to cast their votes as local midterm elections begin on Saturday, with President Tsai Ing-wen framing this as a message to the world about the island's determination to maintain its democracy amid escalating military tensions with China. For the local elections of mayors and chiefs, COVID-19 and crime are two important aspects. With music blasting and campaign flags flapping, candidates in Taiwan's elections visit their districts to solicit votes. Also read | Taiwan conducts raids in crackdown on alleged vote-buying with Chinese funds Tsai during the election campaign focused on Chinese President Xi Jinping's unprecedented win for the third term in power. The President said, "Taiwan is facing strong external pressure. The expansion of Chinese authoritarianism is challenging the people of Taiwan every day to adhere to the bottom line of freedom and democracy." Watch | WION Fineprint: China factor in Taiwan 'midterms' Tensions between the countries rose when China carried out military drills in August to express anger and displeasure with US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei. The military drills continued, but on a smaller scale. However, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), led by Tsai, has been criticised for being unduly confrontational with China. The opposition party KMT has always supported having close connections with China, it vehemently rejects being pro-China. Also read | ‘Symbol of goodwill’: China’s gift to Taiwan, beloved panda Tuan Tuan dies KMT's chairman Eric Chu told his supporters, "We advocate being close to the United States, friendly with Japan and having peace with the mainland. Let Taiwan have a prosperous future of peaceful and stable development." Due to term constraints, Tsai cannot run for president again after her term expires in 2024. Both DPP and KMT are supporting the idea of reducing the voting age from 20 to 18. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Amid rising China tensions, Taiwan kicks off local midterm elections

Ahead of Taiwan polls, President Tsai Ingwen has framed these elections as being about sending a message about the island's determination to defend its democracy in the face of rising China's bellicosity.

Taiwan local elections: Kuomintang vs DPP; President Tsai frames election as about 'sending message'

Taiwan local elections: President Tsai Ing-wen campaigns for city mayors

Taiwan has sought to lower the voting and candidacy ages for more than a decade. But now that the amendment has been approved by legislators across party lines, it faces several other hurdles. And the biggest of them is the voter threshold of 9.6 billion required to lower the voting age to 18. Meanwhile, China has slammed the referendum and called it 'separatist'

WION Fineprint: China factor in Taiwan 'midterms'

A panda that China gifted to Taiwan 14 years ago as a symbol of goodwill died on Saturday, after suffering a spate of seizures. Watch the full video to know more

Giant Panda Tuan Tuan, gifted by China to Taiwan, dies

The senior general at the Pentagon said there was a "low probability" of Ukraine forcing Russia militarily to leave&nbsp;the occupied territories, including Crimea, adding that Moscow was still superior to its neighbour in terms of combat power despite suffering few setbacks in the war.

"The probability of a Ukrainian military victory, kicking the Russians out of all of Ukraine to include... Crimea, the probability of that happening anytime soon, is not high militarily," Joint Chiefs Chair General Mark Milley told reporters on Wednesday.

"There may be a political solution where, politically, the Russians withdraw. That's possible," he said, adding that Russia "right now is on its back."

It would be a mistake for China to invade Taiwan 
 
When asked about the possibility of the Chinese invasion of Taiwan, General Mark Milley said, "I think it would be unwise, it would be a political, geopolitical, a strategic mistake, similar to what the strategic mistake that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin has made in Ukraine."&nbsp;

Milley made no mention of an impending attack on the democratically self-governing island.

However, he stated that he thought Taiwan's unification with China was a top priority for&nbsp;President Xi Jinping of China, who had won a historic third term as the nation's paramount leader, was a "rational actor."&nbsp;

The Chinese military would suffer a strategic setback if they launched an attack on Taiwan in the near future, Milley told reporters.&nbsp;

"I think he evaluates things on cost, benefit, and risk, and I think that he would conclude that an attack on Taiwan in the near future would be an excessive amount of risk," he said.&nbsp;

According to Milley, that would halt China's ascent to the position of the world's leading economic and military power.

He said that the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, which was thwarted by unexpectedly resolute Kyiv defences armed with Western weapons, provided instructive lessons.&nbsp;

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/terrorist-elements-shoot-at-protestors-in-iran-five-dead-534865">&nbsp;'Terrorist elements' shoot at protestors in Iran, five dead</a>

"One of the things people are learning is that war on paper is a whole lot different than real war," said Milley.

"When blood is spilled, and people die, and real tanks are being blown up, things are a little bit different. There's a lot of friction and fog and death in combat," he said.&nbsp;

He pointed out that since battling the Vietnamese in 1979, the Chinese military had not engaged in combat.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

The senior general at the Pentagon said there was a "low probability" of Ukraine forcing Russia militarily to leave the occupied territories, including Crimea, adding that Moscow was still superior to its neighbour in terms of combat power despite suffering few setbacks in the war.

The senior general at the Pentagon said there was a "low probability" of Ukraine forcing Russia militarily to leave the occupied territories, including Crimea, adding that Moscow was still superior to its neighbour in terms of combat power despite suffering few setbacks in the war. "The probability of a Ukrainian military victory, kicking the Russians out of all of Ukraine to include... Crimea, the probability of that happening anytime soon, is not high militarily," Joint Chiefs Chair General Mark Milley told reporters on Wednesday. "There may be a political solution where, politically, the Russians withdraw. That's possible," he said, adding that Russia "right now is on its back." It would be a mistake for China to invade Taiwan When asked about the possibility of the Chinese invasion of Taiwan, General Mark Milley said, "I think it would be unwise, it would be a political, geopolitical, a strategic mistake, similar to what the strategic mistake that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin has made in Ukraine." Milley made no mention of an impending attack on the democratically self-governing island. However, he stated that he thought Taiwan's unification with China was a top priority for President Xi Jinping of China, who had won a historic third term as the nation's paramount leader, was a "rational actor." The Chinese military would suffer a strategic setback if they launched an attack on Taiwan in the near future, Milley told reporters. "I think he evaluates things on cost, benefit, and risk, and I think that he would conclude that an attack on Taiwan in the near future would be an excessive amount of risk," he said. According to Milley, that would halt China's ascent to the position of the world's leading economic and military power. He said that the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, which was thwarted by unexpectedly resolute Kyiv defences armed with Western weapons, provided instructive lessons. Also Read: 'Terrorist elements' shoot at protestors in Iran, five dead "One of the things people are learning is that war on paper is a whole lot different than real war," said Milley. "When blood is spilled, and people die, and real tanks are being blown up, things are a little bit different. There's a lot of friction and fog and death in combat," he said. He pointed out that since battling the Vietnamese in 1979, the Chinese military had not engaged in combat. (with inputs from agencies)

Ukraine has 'low probability' of military victory over Russia, says US general

In a ferocious pre-election rebuke to China, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen declared on Saturday that her life's work was to ensure that the island continued to belong to its people and that Taiwan's existence was a provocation to no one.&nbsp;

Taiwan's local elections on November 26 will be held one month&nbsp;after Chinese President Xi Jinping won an unprecedented third term in office. Xi has increased military pressure on the democratically-run island to recognise Beijing's sovereignty.&nbsp;

Tsai told thousands of cheering supporters at a rally in central Taipei that much more was at stake, the first time she has so explicitly attacked China in this campaign, despite the fact that the vote for mayors and councillors is ostensibly about domestic issues.

Tsai asserted that under her leadership, more and more nations see Taiwan's democracy and security as the key to world peace and that she had not "surrendered" to Xi's "one country, two systems" plan for autonomy under Chinese rule.&nbsp;

At a rally for her ruling Democratic Progressive Party, she declared, "I want to tell everyone that the existence of Taiwan and Taiwanese people's insistence on freedom and democracy are not a provocation to anyone."&nbsp;

"As president, my calling is to make every effort to let Taiwan still be the Taiwan of the Taiwanese people."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asean-summit-ukraine-says-russia-playing-hunger-games-us-return-to-normal-diplomacy-more-533498">ASEAN Summit: Ukraine says Russia playing 'hunger games', no sign of negotiation willingness</a>

After US&nbsp;House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei in August, China held war simulations nearby. Since then, it has conducted military exercises in the area, including nearly daily fighter aircraft crossings of the delicate median line in the constrained Taiwan Strait.&nbsp;

According to the White House, US&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi will meet the following week and discuss Taiwan.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

In a ferocious pre-election rebuke to China, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen declared on Saturday that her life's work was to ensure that the island continued to belong to its people and that Taiwan's existence was a provocation to no one.

In a ferocious pre-election rebuke to China, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen declared on Saturday that her life's work was to ensure that the island continued to belong to its people and that Taiwan's existence was a provocation to no one. Taiwan's local elections on November 26 will be held one month after Chinese President Xi Jinping won an unprecedented third term in office. Xi has increased military pressure on the democratically-run island to recognise Beijing's sovereignty. Tsai told thousands of cheering supporters at a rally in central Taipei that much more was at stake, the first time she has so explicitly attacked China in this campaign, despite the fact that the vote for mayors and councillors is ostensibly about domestic issues. Tsai asserted that under her leadership, more and more nations see Taiwan's democracy and security as the key to world peace and that she had not "surrendered" to Xi's "one country, two systems" plan for autonomy under Chinese rule. At a rally for her ruling Democratic Progressive Party, she declared, "I want to tell everyone that the existence of Taiwan and Taiwanese people's insistence on freedom and democracy are not a provocation to anyone." "As president, my calling is to make every effort to let Taiwan still be the Taiwan of the Taiwanese people." Also Read: ASEAN Summit: Ukraine says Russia playing 'hunger games', no sign of negotiation willingness After US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei in August, China held war simulations nearby. Since then, it has conducted military exercises in the area, including nearly daily fighter aircraft crossings of the delicate median line in the constrained Taiwan Strait. According to the White House, US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi will meet the following week and discuss Taiwan. (with inputs from agencies)

‘Taiwan belongs to Taiwanese, our existence not a provocation to any one,’ says President Tsai Ing-wen

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said that she will ensure that the island continues to belong to its people as a pre-election stance against China. She also said that Taiwan's existence was not a provocation to anyone. Taiwan is all set to go to polls on November 26.

Taiwanese President's stance against China, says 'existence not a provocation to anyone'

There are tensions brewing in the Indo-Pacific for four years now. The region has been a hotbed of rapidly changing geopolitics. China's growing prowess in the Indo-Pacific has brought the focus of world powers to the region with all of them rebalancing security and economic cooperation.

WION Fineprint: India, Taiwan strengthen economic cooperation

taiwan

Taiwan, News on Taiwan, stories on Taiwan, articles on Taiwan, Taiwan stories at Wion, Taiwan news, Taiwan latest news