Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) has confirmed that a Chinese military aircraft crashed into the South China Sea earlier this month.

NSB Director-General Chen Ming-tong on March 10 confirmed that a People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) plane had crashed into the South China Sea on March 1, according to Taiwan News.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-with-ukraine-under-attack-taiwan-military-gears-up-461763">In pics | With Ukraine under attack, Taiwan military gears up</a>

Earlier there were reports that a Chinese military patrol plane had crashed off the coast of Vietnam. However, China never acknowledged the incident, but as per the Taiwanese media there was a sudden drop off in Y-8 flights through Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), with none reported from March 2 to March 7.

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Taiwan Society for Strategic Studies researcher Chang Ching on March 7 decried media report as "nonsense," asserting that China`s military is more open than in the past and that if a crash had occurred, it would not have covered it up, Taiwan News reported.&nbsp;

Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) has confirmed that a Chinese military aircraft crashed into the South China Sea earlier this month. NSB Director-General Chen Ming-tong on March 10 confirmed that a People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) plane had crashed into the South China Sea on March 1, according to Taiwan News.

Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) has confirmed that a Chinese military aircraft crashed into the South China Sea earlier this month. NSB Director-General Chen Ming-tong on March 10 confirmed that a People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) plane had crashed into the South China Sea on March 1, according to Taiwan News. Also read | In pics | With Ukraine under attack, Taiwan military gears up Earlier there were reports that a Chinese military patrol plane had crashed off the coast of Vietnam. However, China never acknowledged the incident, but as per the Taiwanese media there was a sudden drop off in Y-8 flights through Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), with none reported from March 2 to March 7. Also read | Taiwan Zoo puts two fat pandas on special diet, exercise routine Taiwan Society for Strategic Studies researcher Chang Ching on March 7 decried media report as "nonsense," asserting that China`s military is more open than in the past and that if a crash had occurred, it would not have covered it up, Taiwan News reported.

Taiwan confirms Chinese military plane crashed into South China Sea

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has given new boost to Taiwan's military's level of alertness and military reservists reforms.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Saturday visited army reservists training under a new scheme to bolster war readiness on Saturday, a programme that has gotten added impetus from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, given China's bellicosity against the island.

The war in Ukraine has stirred debate in Chinese-claimed Taiwan about its own readiness and tactics should Beijing ever make good on threats to take the island by force.

Taiwan's government announced late last year a reform of the training of its reserve forces, including doubling down on combat and shooting exercises.

Under the new programme which began this month, reservists get two weeks of training, rather than the previous five to seven days, and spend more time on combat training like firing guns.

Observing the training at the Nanshipu firing range outside the capital Taipei, Tsai, dressed in full military fatigues including body armour, said reservists were specifically getting trained in areas close to their homes.

"The recent situation in Ukraine once again proves that the protection of the country, in addition to international solidarity and assistance, depends on the unity of the whole people," she said, flanked by her top security officials.

Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters there were many lessons they could learn from Ukraine, where he said people were being given guns and sent to fight after only a few days of training.

"For our reservists, if they train for between seven and 14 days a year, that gives us a lot more confidence."

Taiwan has been gradually shifting from a conscript military to a volunteer-dominated professional force.

But Reuters has reported the switch was troublesome and has led to a gutting of the 2.31 million-strong reserve force. Some complained of wasting time on pointless drills and lectures during retraining.

The new system is being trialed in the first three quarters of this year on about 15,000 reservists and will be reviewed in the fourth quarter to see whether it will continue.

Taiwan and Ukraine's armed forces are both undermanned and undergunned compared to their giant neighbours.

Tsai has championed the concept of "asymmetric warfare" to make the military more mobile, harder to attack and better able to survive and strike back in a war, as Beijing steps up what Taipei views as its threats against the island.

Reservists are part of that plan.

The Defence Ministry has been heavily promoting the new scheme on its social media channels, showing pictures of reservists carrying out live-fire drills and being greeted by flag-waving children shouting messages of support.

Freddy Lim, an independent lawmaker who sits on parliament's defence and foreign affairs committee, told Reuters the Russian invasion of Ukraine has made many Taiwanese more determined to defend the island and has boosted public support for reservist training reform and civil defence.

"In the past, before Ukraine, we were called alarmist when we made these efforts. That's not the case anymore," he said.

"Like Ukraine, I believe we have a very strong will to defend our country."

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen visited army reservists training under a new scheme to bolster war readiness on Saturday, a programme that has gotten added impetus from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, given China's bellicosity against the island.

The war in Ukraine has stirred debate in Chinese-claimed Taiwan about its own readiness and tactics should Beijing ever make good on threats to take the island by force.

Taiwan's government announced late last year a reform of the training of its reserve forces, including doubling down on combat and shooting exercises.

Under the new programme which began this month, reservists get two weeks of training, rather than the previous five to seven days, and spend more time on combat training like firing guns.

Observing the training at the Nanshipu firing range outside the capital Taipei, Tsai, dressed in full military fatigues including body armour, said reservists were specifically getting trained in areas close to their homes.

"The recent situation in Ukraine once again proves that the protection of the country, in addition to international solidarity and assistance, depends on the unity of the whole people," she said, flanked by her top security officials.

Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters there were many lessons they could learn from Ukraine, where he said people were being given guns and sent to fight after only a few days of training.

"For our reservists, if they train for between seven and 14 days a year, that gives us a lot more confidence."

Taiwan has been gradually shifting from a conscript military to a volunteer-dominated professional force.

But Reuters has reported the switch was troublesome and has led to a gutting of the 2.31 million-strong reserve force. Some complained of wasting time on pointless drills and lectures during retraining.

The new system is being trialed in the first three quarters of this year on about 15,000 reservists and will be reviewed in the fourth quarter to see whether it will continue.

Taiwan and Ukraine's armed forces are both undermanned and undergunned compared to their giant neighbours.

Tsai has championed the concept of "asymmetric warfare" to make the military more mobile, harder to attack and better able to survive and strike back in a war, as Beijing steps up what Taipei views as its threats against the island.

Reservists are part of that plan.

The Defence Ministry has been heavily promoting the new scheme on its social media channels, showing pictures of reservists carrying out live-fire drills and being greeted by flag-waving children shouting messages of support.

Freddy Lim, an independent lawmaker who sits on parliament's defence and foreign affairs committee, told Reuters the Russian invasion of Ukraine has made many Taiwanese more determined to defend the island and has boosted public support for reservist training reform and civil defence.

"In the past, before Ukraine, we were called alarmist when we made these efforts. That's not the case anymore," he said.

"Like Ukraine, I believe we have a very strong will to defend our country."

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has given new boost to Taiwan's military's level of alertness and military reservists reforms. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Saturday visited army reservists training under a new scheme to bolster war readiness on Saturday, a programme that has gotten added impetus from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, given China's bellicosity against the island.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has given new boost to Taiwan's military's level of alertness and military reservists reforms. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Saturday visited army reservists training under a new scheme to bolster war readiness on Saturday, a programme that has gotten added impetus from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, given China's bellicosity against the island. The war in Ukraine has stirred debate in Chinese-claimed Taiwan about its own readiness and tactics should Beijing ever make good on threats to take the island by force. Taiwan's government announced late last year a reform of the training of its reserve forces, including doubling down on combat and shooting exercises. Under the new programme which began this month, reservists get two weeks of training, rather than the previous five to seven days, and spend more time on combat training like firing guns. Observing the training at the Nanshipu firing range outside the capital Taipei, Tsai, dressed in full military fatigues including body armour, said reservists were specifically getting trained in areas close to their homes. "The recent situation in Ukraine once again proves that the protection of the country, in addition to international solidarity and assistance, depends on the unity of the whole people," she said, flanked by her top security officials. Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters there were many lessons they could learn from Ukraine, where he said people were being given guns and sent to fight after only a few days of training. "For our reservists, if they train for between seven and 14 days a year, that gives us a lot more confidence." Taiwan has been gradually shifting from a conscript military to a volunteer-dominated professional force. But Reuters has reported the switch was troublesome and has led to a gutting of the 2.31 million-strong reserve force. Some complained of wasting time on pointless drills and lectures during retraining. The new system is being trialed in the first three quarters of this year on about 15,000 reservists and will be reviewed in the fourth quarter to see whether it will continue. Taiwan and Ukraine's armed forces are both undermanned and undergunned compared to their giant neighbours. Tsai has championed the concept of "asymmetric warfare" to make the military more mobile, harder to attack and better able to survive and strike back in a war, as Beijing steps up what Taipei views as its threats against the island. Reservists are part of that plan. The Defence Ministry has been heavily promoting the new scheme on its social media channels, showing pictures of reservists carrying out live-fire drills and being greeted by flag-waving children shouting messages of support. Freddy Lim, an independent lawmaker who sits on parliament's defence and foreign affairs committee, told Reuters the Russian invasion of Ukraine has made many Taiwanese more determined to defend the island and has boosted public support for reservist training reform and civil defence. "In the past, before Ukraine, we were called alarmist when we made these efforts. That's not the case anymore," he said. "Like Ukraine, I believe we have a very strong will to defend our country." Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen visited army reservists training under a new scheme to bolster war readiness on Saturday, a programme that has gotten added impetus from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, given China's bellicosity against the island. The war in Ukraine has stirred debate in Chinese-claimed Taiwan about its own readiness and tactics should Beijing ever make good on threats to take the island by force. Taiwan's government announced late last year a reform of the training of its reserve forces, including doubling down on combat and shooting exercises. Under the new programme which began this month, reservists get two weeks of training, rather than the previous five to seven days, and spend more time on combat training like firing guns. Observing the training at the Nanshipu firing range outside the capital Taipei, Tsai, dressed in full military fatigues including body armour, said reservists were specifically getting trained in areas close to their homes. "The recent situation in Ukraine once again proves that the protection of the country, in addition to international solidarity and assistance, depends on the unity of the whole people," she said, flanked by her top security officials. Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters there were many lessons they could learn from Ukraine, where he said people were being given guns and sent to fight after only a few days of training. "For our reservists, if they train for between seven and 14 days a year, that gives us a lot more confidence." Taiwan has been gradually shifting from a conscript military to a volunteer-dominated professional force. But Reuters has reported the switch was troublesome and has led to a gutting of the 2.31 million-strong reserve force. Some complained of wasting time on pointless drills and lectures during retraining. The new system is being trialed in the first three quarters of this year on about 15,000 reservists and will be reviewed in the fourth quarter to see whether it will continue. Taiwan and Ukraine's armed forces are both undermanned and undergunned compared to their giant neighbours. Tsai has championed the concept of "asymmetric warfare" to make the military more mobile, harder to attack and better able to survive and strike back in a war, as Beijing steps up what Taipei views as its threats against the island. Reservists are part of that plan. The Defence Ministry has been heavily promoting the new scheme on its social media channels, showing pictures of reservists carrying out live-fire drills and being greeted by flag-waving children shouting messages of support. Freddy Lim, an independent lawmaker who sits on parliament's defence and foreign affairs committee, told Reuters the Russian invasion of Ukraine has made many Taiwanese more determined to defend the island and has boosted public support for reservist training reform and civil defence. "In the past, before Ukraine, we were called alarmist when we made these efforts. That's not the case anymore," he said. "Like Ukraine, I believe we have a very strong will to defend our country." (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine conflict puts Taiwan on alert

China has reiterated its plans of "reunification" with Taiwan and firmly opposed any separatist activities or foreign interference.

Taiwan and China split during a civil war in 1949, but China claims the island as its own territory.&nbsp;

Speaking at the opening of the annual meeting of China's parliament, Li said Beijing stands by the "one China" principle, which states Taiwan is part of China.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-lessons-from-the-ukraine-crisis-455785/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We will advance the peaceful growth of relations across the Taiwan Strait and the reunification of China," he said. "We firmly oppose any separatist activities seeking 'Taiwan independence' and firmly oppose foreign interference."

"All of us, Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, should come together to advance the great and glorious cause of China's rejuvenation."

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council responded by saying China should focus more on addressing the real concerns of its people and promoting democracy rather than "undermining international rules and order".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-watch-taiwan-is-going-to-be-next-trump-warns-as-russia-ukraine-war-rages-on-458579">Also read |&nbsp;‘Just watch, Taiwan is going to be next’: Trump warns as Russia-Ukraine war rages on</a>

"Taiwanese public opinion firmly opposes the political framework, military intimidation and diplomatic suppression imposed by China," it said. "Democratic Taiwan is a force for regional peace and stability."

Beijing has used diplomatic and military means to isolate and intimidate the self-ruled island, but the US has continued to support Taiwan by selling it advanced weapons and fighter planes.

Tensions have been high since Taiwanese citizens elected Tsai Ing-wen as president in 2016, to which Beijing responded by cutting off previously established communications with the island’s government.

She says there is no need to declare independence, as Taiwan is already a sovereign nation called the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Tsai’s predecessor was friendly to China and had endorsed Beijing’s claim that the two are part of a single Chinese nation.

China's sabre-rattling has increased considerably over the past year, with warplanes breaching Taiwan's air defence zone on a near-daily basis.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

China has reiterated its plans of "reunification" with Taiwan and firmly opposed any separatist activities or foreign interference. Taiwan and China split during a civil war in 1949, but China claims the island as its own territory.

China has reiterated its plans of "reunification" with Taiwan and firmly opposed any separatist activities or foreign interference. Taiwan and China split during a civil war in 1949, but China claims the island as its own territory. Speaking at the opening of the annual meeting of China's parliament, Li said Beijing stands by the "one China" principle, which states Taiwan is part of China. "We will advance the peaceful growth of relations across the Taiwan Strait and the reunification of China," he said. "We firmly oppose any separatist activities seeking 'Taiwan independence' and firmly oppose foreign interference." "All of us, Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, should come together to advance the great and glorious cause of China's rejuvenation." Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council responded by saying China should focus more on addressing the real concerns of its people and promoting democracy rather than "undermining international rules and order". Also read | ‘Just watch, Taiwan is going to be next’: Trump warns as Russia-Ukraine war rages on "Taiwanese public opinion firmly opposes the political framework, military intimidation and diplomatic suppression imposed by China," it said. "Democratic Taiwan is a force for regional peace and stability." Beijing has used diplomatic and military means to isolate and intimidate the self-ruled island, but the US has continued to support Taiwan by selling it advanced weapons and fighter planes. Tensions have been high since Taiwanese citizens elected Tsai Ing-wen as president in 2016, to which Beijing responded by cutting off previously established communications with the island’s government. She says there is no need to declare independence, as Taiwan is already a sovereign nation called the Republic of China (Taiwan). Tsai’s predecessor was friendly to China and had endorsed Beijing’s claim that the two are part of a single Chinese nation. China's sabre-rattling has increased considerably over the past year, with warplanes breaching Taiwan's air defence zone on a near-daily basis. (With inputs from agencies)

China reiterates 'reunification' with Taiwan, firmly opposes foreign interference

Amidst the Russia-Ukraine war, former US president Donald Trump has claimed that Taiwan might be the next potential target, suggesting that the present conflict in Europe might give enough fodder for China to launch an attack.

In an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Trump was quoted as saying, “Taiwan is going to be next. Just watch Taiwan;&nbsp;President Xi is watching with glee.”

He based his assumption on the Biden administration’s response to the Ukraine invasion.

"I do because they're seeing how stupid the United States is run. They're seeing that our leaders are incompetent. And of course, they're (China) going to do it. This is their time," he said, adding, “They (US) did nothing on Ukraine. They do nothing."

"President Xi happens to be a man with a high intelligence level, and he looks at what happened in Afghanistan … He saw the way that we left Afghanistan … left American citizens there – is still trying to get out – he sees that, and this is his opportunity to do what he wants to do," he said.

Trump also took a dig at President Joe Biden's handling of the Ukraine crisis.

“Biden said such weak statements at the beginning that Putin said ‘Oh wow, this is my time to go,’” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-told-russia-to-delay-ukraine-invasion-until-end-of-winter-olympics-report-458556" hreflang="en">China told Russia to delay Ukraine invasion until end of Winter Olympics: Report</a>

Earlier, Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen expressed concerns over the ongoing conflict saying that her island faces threats similar to those confronted by Ukraine during a meeting with a delegation of former US security officials.

"History teaches us that if we turn a blind eye to military aggression, we only worsen the threat to ourselves," Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen told the delegation.

"The Ukrainian people's commitment to protect their freedom and democracy, and their fearless dedication to defending their country have been met with deep empathy from the people of Taiwan, as we too stand on the frontlines of the battle for democracy."

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She warned of Beijing's rising military threat to Taiwan and the region, including "using cognitive warfare tactics and disinformation to divide Taiwanese society".

The delegation, led by ex-chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and retired admiral Michael Mullen, arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday at a time of rising tensions between Washington and Beijing over the self-ruled island as well as the crisis sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amidst the Russia-Ukraine war, former US president Donald Trump has claimed that Taiwan might be the next potential target, suggesting that the present conflict in Europe might give enough fodder for China to launch an attack.

Amidst the Russia-Ukraine war, former US president Donald Trump has claimed that Taiwan might be the next potential target, suggesting that the present conflict in Europe might give enough fodder for China to launch an attack. In an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Trump was quoted as saying, “Taiwan is going to be next. Just watch Taiwan; President Xi is watching with glee.” He based his assumption on the Biden administration’s response to the Ukraine invasion. "I do because they're seeing how stupid the United States is run. They're seeing that our leaders are incompetent. And of course, they're (China) going to do it. This is their time," he said, adding, “They (US) did nothing on Ukraine. They do nothing." "President Xi happens to be a man with a high intelligence level, and he looks at what happened in Afghanistan … He saw the way that we left Afghanistan … left American citizens there – is still trying to get out – he sees that, and this is his opportunity to do what he wants to do," he said. Trump also took a dig at President Joe Biden's handling of the Ukraine crisis. “Biden said such weak statements at the beginning that Putin said ‘Oh wow, this is my time to go,’” he said. Also read | China told Russia to delay Ukraine invasion until end of Winter Olympics: Report Earlier, Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen expressed concerns over the ongoing conflict saying that her island faces threats similar to those confronted by Ukraine during a meeting with a delegation of former US security officials. "History teaches us that if we turn a blind eye to military aggression, we only worsen the threat to ourselves," Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen told the delegation. "The Ukrainian people's commitment to protect their freedom and democracy, and their fearless dedication to defending their country have been met with deep empathy from the people of Taiwan, as we too stand on the frontlines of the battle for democracy." Also read | Florida man caught speeding, blames Putin and threat of nuclear war She warned of Beijing's rising military threat to Taiwan and the region, including "using cognitive warfare tactics and disinformation to divide Taiwanese society". The delegation, led by ex-chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and retired admiral Michael Mullen, arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday at a time of rising tensions between Washington and Beijing over the self-ruled island as well as the crisis sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Just watch, Taiwan is going to be next’: Trump warns as Russia-Ukraine war rages on

Power failures were&nbsp;reported&nbsp;in many&nbsp;parts&nbsp;of&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;on Thursday following what the presidential office said was "an incident" at a power plant.

The&nbsp;blackouts&nbsp;occurred after 9 am (0100 GMT)&nbsp;across&nbsp;the island, from the capital Taipei to central Taichung city and southern Pingtung county, reports said.&nbsp;

The electricity failures came as&nbsp;President Tsai Ing-wen was set to meet the former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-sends-delegation-to-taiwan-amid-invasion-fears-457815">United States sends delegation to Taiwan amid ‘invasion’ fears</a>

They also came a day after a visit by a delegation of former US security officials, a trip denounced by Beijing, which sees&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its territory and denounces any official ties the island has with other countries.&nbsp;

The Presidential Office said an initial probe showed the&nbsp;blackouts&nbsp;were caused by "an incident" at a power plant in southern Kaohsiung city. &nbsp;

While power supply at the president's office was normal, it said a scheduled live stream of Tsai's meeting with Pompeo was cancelled.

"President Tsai has instructed the cabinet and relevant agencies to clarify the cause of the incident... and resume power supplies as soon as possible," the statement read.

State-run Taipower said a malfunction occurred at Kaohsiung's Hsinta power plant, the island's third-largest coal-fired station which supplies around a seventh of&nbsp;Taiwan's power.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-warship-sailing-in-taiwan-strait-provocative-456800">China says US warship sailing in Taiwan Strait 'provocative'</a>

It then caused an ultra-high voltage station in neighbouring Tainan to trip, which led to the blackouts, it said.

The outage hit about 5.5 million homes across&nbsp;Taiwan, the company said, of which 4 million have since had power restored.

Economic minister Wang Mei-hua told reporters the Hsinta plant has been cut off from the power system after the incident, with hydro and other power plants being brought online to supply electricity.&nbsp;

TV footage showed police officers directing cars as traffic lights failed and some shops were forced to stay closed due to the lack of power.

Taiwan&nbsp;High-Speed Rail said an unspecified number of its trains were affected by the power outage.&nbsp;

Taiwan&nbsp;Railways Administration said some of its trains operating in southern Tainan, Pingtung and central Nantou have been delayed or suspended.&nbsp;

The island does occasionally experience large power outages, particularly during warmer seasons when demand spikes.&nbsp;

In 2017,&nbsp;Taiwan's economic minister resigned following an outcry over massive power failures across the island, affecting more than six million households.

Blackouts also hit in May last year as demand spiked during a heatwave.&nbsp;

Power failures were reported in many parts of Taiwan on Thursday following what the presidential office said was "an incident" at a power plant. The blackouts occurred after 9 am (0100 GMT) across the island, from the capital Taipei to central Taichung city and southern Pingtung county, reports said.

Power failures were reported in many parts of Taiwan on Thursday following what the presidential office said was "an incident" at a power plant. The blackouts occurred after 9 am (0100 GMT) across the island, from the capital Taipei to central Taichung city and southern Pingtung county, reports said. The electricity failures came as President Tsai Ing-wen was set to meet the former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo. Also read | United States sends delegation to Taiwan amid ‘invasion’ fears They also came a day after a visit by a delegation of former US security officials, a trip denounced by Beijing, which sees Taiwan as its territory and denounces any official ties the island has with other countries. The Presidential Office said an initial probe showed the blackouts were caused by "an incident" at a power plant in southern Kaohsiung city. While power supply at the president's office was normal, it said a scheduled live stream of Tsai's meeting with Pompeo was cancelled. "President Tsai has instructed the cabinet and relevant agencies to clarify the cause of the incident... and resume power supplies as soon as possible," the statement read. State-run Taipower said a malfunction occurred at Kaohsiung's Hsinta power plant, the island's third-largest coal-fired station which supplies around a seventh of Taiwan's power. Also read | China says US warship sailing in Taiwan Strait 'provocative' It then caused an ultra-high voltage station in neighbouring Tainan to trip, which led to the blackouts, it said. The outage hit about 5.5 million homes across Taiwan, the company said, of which 4 million have since had power restored. Economic minister Wang Mei-hua told reporters the Hsinta plant has been cut off from the power system after the incident, with hydro and other power plants being brought online to supply electricity. TV footage showed police officers directing cars as traffic lights failed and some shops were forced to stay closed due to the lack of power. Taiwan High-Speed Rail said an unspecified number of its trains were affected by the power outage. Taiwan Railways Administration said some of its trains operating in southern Tainan, Pingtung and central Nantou have been delayed or suspended. The island does occasionally experience large power outages, particularly during warmer seasons when demand spikes. In 2017, Taiwan's economic minister resigned following an outcry over massive power failures across the island, affecting more than six million households. Blackouts also hit in May last year as demand spiked during a heatwave.

Mass blackouts reported across parts of Taiwan, 5.5 million homes affected

The United States has a delegation comprising of former top US defense officials to Taiwan amid a looming threat from China.

Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen is leading the five-person delegation that is to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen and other top officials during the two-day visit.

Mullen, a retired Navy admiral who served as the top US military officer under former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, is being accompanied by Meghan O'Sullivan, a former deputy national security adviser under Bush, and Michele Flournoy, a former undersecretary of defense under Obama.

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Two former National Security Council senior directors for Asia, Mike Green and Evan Medeiros, are also on the trip, which is intended to "demonstrate our continued robust support for Taiwan."

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has drawn fresh attention to China’s threat to use force to annex self-governing democratic Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory.

Democratic Taiwan has watched the Ukraine situation closely as it lives under constant threat of a Chinese invasion, with Beijing claiming sovereignty over the island and vowing to seize it one day,&nbsp;by force, if necessary.

Washington diplomatically recognizes Beijing over Taipei but it is also bound by Congress to sell Taiwan weapons to defend itself.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/war-scenario-taiwan-conducts-air-drills-urban-warfare-simulation-amid-china-tensions-442589">Also see |&nbsp;War scenario: Taiwan conducts air drills, urban warfare simulation amid China tensions</a>

Tsai’s office said the delegation had been appointed by US&nbsp;President Joe Biden and the visit would permit “an in-depth exchange of views on Taiwan-US&nbsp;cooperation issues in various fields.”

Taiwan hopes the sides will “continue to deepen the steady development of Taiwan-US&nbsp;relations, continue to jointly maintain regional peace and stability, and continue to jointly contribute to global peace and prosperity,” it said in a statement.

The visit comes at a time when Taiwan has stepped up its alert level, wary of China taking advantage of a distracted West to move against it.

Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang told reporters earlier on Tuesday that the trip showed "the importance both of the Taiwan-US&nbsp;relationship and Taiwan's position" as well as the staunch US&nbsp;support for the island. "It's a very good thing," he added.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin dismissed the US delegation’s visit, saying it was “futile for the US&nbsp;to send anyone to demonstrate its so-called support for Taiwan.”

Wang told a daily briefing that China urges the US to honor past communiques signed with China, “stop all forms of official exchange with Taiwan, and handle Taiwan-related issues with caution so as to avoid further serious damage to the overall situation of China-US relations.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The United States has a delegation comprising of former top US defense officials to Taiwan amid a looming threat from China. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen is leading the five-person delegation that is to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen and other top officials during the two-day visit.

The United States has a delegation comprising of former top US defense officials to Taiwan amid a looming threat from China. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen is leading the five-person delegation that is to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen and other top officials during the two-day visit. Mullen, a retired Navy admiral who served as the top US military officer under former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, is being accompanied by Meghan O'Sullivan, a former deputy national security adviser under Bush, and Michele Flournoy, a former undersecretary of defense under Obama. Two former National Security Council senior directors for Asia, Mike Green and Evan Medeiros, are also on the trip, which is intended to "demonstrate our continued robust support for Taiwan." Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has drawn fresh attention to China’s threat to use force to annex self-governing democratic Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory. Democratic Taiwan has watched the Ukraine situation closely as it lives under constant threat of a Chinese invasion, with Beijing claiming sovereignty over the island and vowing to seize it one day, by force, if necessary. Washington diplomatically recognizes Beijing over Taipei but it is also bound by Congress to sell Taiwan weapons to defend itself. Also see | War scenario: Taiwan conducts air drills, urban warfare simulation amid China tensions Tsai’s office said the delegation had been appointed by US President Joe Biden and the visit would permit “an in-depth exchange of views on Taiwan-US cooperation issues in various fields.” Taiwan hopes the sides will “continue to deepen the steady development of Taiwan-US relations, continue to jointly maintain regional peace and stability, and continue to jointly contribute to global peace and prosperity,” it said in a statement. The visit comes at a time when Taiwan has stepped up its alert level, wary of China taking advantage of a distracted West to move against it. Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang told reporters earlier on Tuesday that the trip showed "the importance both of the Taiwan-US relationship and Taiwan's position" as well as the staunch US support for the island. "It's a very good thing," he added. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin dismissed the US delegation’s visit, saying it was “futile for the US to send anyone to demonstrate its so-called support for Taiwan.” Wang told a daily briefing that China urges the US to honor past communiques signed with China, “stop all forms of official exchange with Taiwan, and handle Taiwan-related issues with caution so as to avoid further serious damage to the overall situation of China-US relations.” (With inputs from agencies)

United States sends delegation to Taiwan amid ‘invasion’ fears

A&nbsp;US&nbsp;warship&nbsp;sailed through the sensitive&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait&nbsp;on Saturday, part of what the&nbsp;US&nbsp;military calls routine activity but which&nbsp;China&nbsp;described as "provocative".

The&nbsp;US&nbsp;Navy's 7th Fleet said the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer&nbsp;USS&nbsp;Ralph Johnson was conducting a "routine" transit through international waters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-taiwan-to-join-democratic-countries-in-sanctions-on-russia-456545">Russia-Ukraine war: Taiwan to join 'democratic countries' in sanctions on Russia</a>

"The ship's transit through the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait&nbsp;demonstrates the United States' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," 7th Fleet spokesperson Nicholas Lingo said in a statement. "The United States military flies, sails, and operates anywhere international law allows."

The Eastern Theatre Command of&nbsp;China's People's Liberation Army monitored the passage, which a spokesperson in a statement called a "provocative act."

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said the ship sailed in a northerly direction through the&nbsp;Strait, that its forces had monitored its passage and observed nothing out of the ordinary.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-chinese-fighter-jets-enter-taiwans-air-defence-zone-456169">Two Chinese fighter jets enter Taiwan’s air defence zone</a>

Taiwan&nbsp;is currently in a heightened state of alert due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, nervous that&nbsp;China&nbsp;may try to take advantage of the situation to make a move on the island though the government has reported no unusual Chinese manoeuvres.

Last year,&nbsp;US&nbsp;naval ships transited the&nbsp;Strait&nbsp;roughly monthly. Saturday's&nbsp;sailing&nbsp;was the first since November.

China&nbsp;claims democratically ruled&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its own territory and has mounted repeated air force missions into&nbsp;Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ) over the past two years, provoking anger in&nbsp;Taipei.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said that on Saturday eight Chinese aircraft, six fighters and two anti-submarine aircraft,&nbsp;flew into its ADIZ, to the northeast of the&nbsp;Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands at the top end of the South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: China's lessons from the Ukraine crisis

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-lessons-from-the-ukraine-crisis-455785/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Beijing calls&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;the most sensitive and important issue in its relations with Washington.

Like most countries, the United States has no formal diplomatic ties with&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;but is its most important international backer and arms supplier.

A US warship sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Saturday, part of what the US military calls routine activity but which China described as "provocative".

A US warship sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Saturday, part of what the US military calls routine activity but which China described as "provocative". The US Navy's 7th Fleet said the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson was conducting a "routine" transit through international waters. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Taiwan to join 'democratic countries' in sanctions on Russia "The ship's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," 7th Fleet spokesperson Nicholas Lingo said in a statement. "The United States military flies, sails, and operates anywhere international law allows." The Eastern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army monitored the passage, which a spokesperson in a statement called a "provocative act." Taiwan's Defence Ministry said the ship sailed in a northerly direction through the Strait, that its forces had monitored its passage and observed nothing out of the ordinary. Also read | Two Chinese fighter jets enter Taiwan’s air defence zone Taiwan is currently in a heightened state of alert due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, nervous that China may try to take advantage of the situation to make a move on the island though the government has reported no unusual Chinese manoeuvres. Last year, US naval ships transited the Strait roughly monthly. Saturday's sailing was the first since November. China claims democratically ruled Taiwan as its own territory and has mounted repeated air force missions into Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ) over the past two years, provoking anger in Taipei. Taiwan's Defence Ministry said that on Saturday eight Chinese aircraft, six fighters and two anti-submarine aircraft, flew into its ADIZ, to the northeast of the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands at the top end of the South China Sea. Watch | Gravitas: China's lessons from the Ukraine crisis Beijing calls Taiwan the most sensitive and important issue in its relations with Washington. Like most countries, the United States has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but is its most important international backer and arms supplier.

China says US warship sailing in Taiwan Strait 'provocative'

On Wednesday (February 23), two Chinese military jets flew into Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ), marking the 12th intrusion this month.

According to the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense, two People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Shenyang J-16 fighter jets flew into the southwest corner of Taiwan's ADIZ (MND).

Taiwan responded by sending planes, issuing radio warnings, and deploying air defence missile systems to keep an eye on PLAAF planes. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-gets-an-earful-from-india-as-beijing-attempts-to-provoke-new-delhi-442716">Also read | China gets an earful from India as Beijing attempts to provoke New Delhi</a>

An ADIZ is a zone that extends beyond a country's airspace where approaching aircraft are asked to identify themselves by air traffic controllers.

So far this month, China has dispatched a total of 40 military aircraft into Taiwan's identification zone, including 22 fighter jets, 17 spotter planes, and one helicopter.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-international-groupings-and-initiatives-to-address-chinas-challenge-in-indo-pacific-4425">International groupings and initiatives to address China's challenge in Indo-Pacific</a>

Over the previous two years, Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has complained of regular such operations by the Chinese air force, despite the fact that the planes never approach Taiwan.

Taiwanese fighter jets were dispatched to warn Chinese planes, and air defence missiles were deployed to "watch the actions," according to the ministry, which used conventional language to describe Taiwan's response.

Taiwan has been following the Ukraine situation with bated breath, fearful that China could seize the opportunity to invade the island.

Despite the fact that no extraordinary moves by the Chinese military have been detected by Taipei, the administration has raised its alert level.

China has never renounced the use of force to annex Taiwan, and it often opposes US weaponry sales and other displays of support.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

On Wednesday (February 23), two Chinese military jets flew into Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ), marking the 12th intrusion this month. According to the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense, two People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Shenyang J-16 fighter jets flew into the southwest corner of Taiwan's ADIZ (MND).

On Wednesday (February 23), two Chinese military jets flew into Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ), marking the 12th intrusion this month. According to the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense, two People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Shenyang J-16 fighter jets flew into the southwest corner of Taiwan's ADIZ (MND). Taiwan responded by sending planes, issuing radio warnings, and deploying air defence missile systems to keep an eye on PLAAF planes. Also read | China gets an earful from India as Beijing attempts to provoke New Delhi An ADIZ is a zone that extends beyond a country's airspace where approaching aircraft are asked to identify themselves by air traffic controllers. So far this month, China has dispatched a total of 40 military aircraft into Taiwan's identification zone, including 22 fighter jets, 17 spotter planes, and one helicopter. Also Read | International groupings and initiatives to address China's challenge in Indo-Pacific Over the previous two years, Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has complained of regular such operations by the Chinese air force, despite the fact that the planes never approach Taiwan. Taiwanese fighter jets were dispatched to warn Chinese planes, and air defence missiles were deployed to "watch the actions," according to the ministry, which used conventional language to describe Taiwan's response. Taiwan has been following the Ukraine situation with bated breath, fearful that China could seize the opportunity to invade the island. Despite the fact that no extraordinary moves by the Chinese military have been detected by Taipei, the administration has raised its alert level. China has never renounced the use of force to annex Taiwan, and it often opposes US weaponry sales and other displays of support. (With inputs from agencies)

Two Chinese fighter jets enter Taiwan’s air defence zone

Taiwan military has been ordered by President Tsai Ing-wen to stay ready in case of disruption by ‘outside force’ amid the Ukraine crisis.

Taiwan is nervous that Beijing may take advantage of a distracted West to ramp up pressure on the island.

The government, always on alert to what they view as Chinese provocations, last month set up a Ukraine working group under the National Security Council.&nbsp;

“We should continue to strengthen the combat readiness of our forces in the Taiwan Strait to ensure our safety,” Tsai said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-threat-to-taiwan-if-west-does-not-support-ukraine-454634">Also read |&nbsp;Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine</a>

Self-ruled democratic Taiwan has watched the Ukraine situation closely, as China claims sovereignty over the island and has vowed to seize it one day,&nbsp;by force if necessary.

Beijing has ramped up military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016, as she rejects the stance that the island is Chinese territory.

She described Taiwan and Ukraine as "fundamentally different in terms of geostrategy, geographical environment, and the importance of international supply chains," referring to the island's status as a major plank in the global economy, especially semiconductors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sanctions-us-companies-for-supplying-arms-to-taiwan-455023">Also read |&nbsp;China sanctions US companies for supplying arms to Taiwan</a>

Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu warned in two foreign media interviews this month that they were watching very closely to see whether China would take advantage of the Ukraine crisis to attack.

"China may think about using military action against Taiwan at any moment, and we need to be prepared for that," he told Britain's ITV News.

Speaking in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying dismissed any link between the issues of Ukraine and Taiwan.

"Taiwan is not Ukraine," she said. "Taiwan has always been an inalienable part of China. This is an indisputable legal and historical fact."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday that if Western nations failed to fulfil their promises to support Ukraine's independence, it would have damaging consequences worldwide, including for Taiwan.

Taiwan, which rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, has lived under the threat of Chinese invasion since the defeated Republic of China government fled to the island in 1949 after losing a civil war to the Communists.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan military has been ordered by President Tsai Ing-wen to stay ready in case of disruption by ‘outside force’ amid the Ukraine crisis. Taiwan is nervous that Beijing may take advantage of a distracted West to ramp up pressure on the island.

Taiwan military has been ordered by President Tsai Ing-wen to stay ready in case of disruption by ‘outside force’ amid the Ukraine crisis. Taiwan is nervous that Beijing may take advantage of a distracted West to ramp up pressure on the island. The government, always on alert to what they view as Chinese provocations, last month set up a Ukraine working group under the National Security Council. “We should continue to strengthen the combat readiness of our forces in the Taiwan Strait to ensure our safety,” Tsai said. Also read | Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine Self-ruled democratic Taiwan has watched the Ukraine situation closely, as China claims sovereignty over the island and has vowed to seize it one day, by force if necessary. Beijing has ramped up military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016, as she rejects the stance that the island is Chinese territory. She described Taiwan and Ukraine as "fundamentally different in terms of geostrategy, geographical environment, and the importance of international supply chains," referring to the island's status as a major plank in the global economy, especially semiconductors. Also read | China sanctions US companies for supplying arms to Taiwan Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu warned in two foreign media interviews this month that they were watching very closely to see whether China would take advantage of the Ukraine crisis to attack. "China may think about using military action against Taiwan at any moment, and we need to be prepared for that," he told Britain's ITV News. Speaking in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying dismissed any link between the issues of Ukraine and Taiwan. "Taiwan is not Ukraine," she said. "Taiwan has always been an inalienable part of China. This is an indisputable legal and historical fact." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday that if Western nations failed to fulfil their promises to support Ukraine's independence, it would have damaging consequences worldwide, including for Taiwan. Taiwan, which rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, has lived under the threat of Chinese invasion since the defeated Republic of China government fled to the island in 1949 after losing a civil war to the Communists. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis: Taiwan military ordered to be combat-ready from outside disruptions

Developments in Ukraine has made Taiwan located halfway across the world nervous that China might take advantage of a distracted West and increase pressure on the island. Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen has ordered the island's armed and security forces to step up their surveillance and remain alert for any Chinese military activity in the region.

Taiwan cautious of Chinese aggression amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine tensions

Amid the ongoing Ukraine crisis, Taiwan is cautious of Chinese aggression and has ordered its Army to be combat-ready. Taiwan is keeping an eye on the Ukraine crisis.

Amid the ongoing Ukraine crisis, Taiwan remains wary of the Chinese attack

A family-owned semiconductor company in Lithuania sold nothing to China, so it did not worry much last year when Beijing, furious at the Baltic nation for cozying up to Taiwan, began blocking imports of milk products, peat and anything else it could find with a “Made in Lithuania” label.

Closing the door on Lithuanian exports, however, was just the start.

Today, said Kristijonas Vizbaras, a founder of the successful chipmaker Brolis Group, anything with a “Lithuanian smell,” no matter how faint — say, a German car with a small Lithuanian-made component — risks getting blocked by China.

“Unfortunately, Lithuania has become a toxic label,” he said, lamenting that China’s economic power has given it irresistible leverage over global supply chains — and as a result, the ability to strike wherever these chains intersect with his tiny Baltic country or any other nation that causes offense to Beijing.

Mindful that foreign customers for laser sensor chips produced by Brolis Group want to avoid ending up on China’s blacklist, the company recently scrapped plans to build a $50 million factory at home and wants to set it up in Belgium instead.

The lopsided fight between Lithuania, with a population of under 3 million, and China started last summer over a representative office that Taiwan, a thriving democracy that Beijing claims as Chinese territory, was opening in Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital.

That feud has now expanded. The German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce warned Lithuania in December that its members working in high-tech sectors had been hit by the “Chinese-Lithuanian trade blockage in an existential way.”

Beijing has taken aim at foreign economies before. In 2010, it halted salmon imports from Norway after the Oslo-based Nobel Peace Prize committee honored a Chinese dissident writer. And in 2020, it blocked agricultural products from Australia after it called for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus, which was first detected in China.

But the ferocity and scope of China’s drive to punish Lithuania is a new level of vindictiveness.

The European Union in January filed a complaint against China with the World Trade Organization, calling its actions against Lithuania “illegal and discriminatory,” but has otherwise largely left one of its smallest and weakest members to fend for itself. While publicly pledging solidarity with Lithuania, Josep Borrell, the bloc’s foreign policy chief, has privately urged it to appease Beijing by having the office represent “Taipei” instead of Taiwan.

China has sent a blunt message not only to Lithuania but to the entire European bloc, at a time when recent elections tossed out reliably China-friendly governments and brought to power more China skeptics, like the German Greens, who now control the Foreign Ministry in Berlin, and the Czech Pirate Party, now in charge of foreign policy in Prague.

Adding to China’s alarm is a recent decision by Slovenia to let Taiwan open a representative office. China responded by saying it was “deeply shocked” and warned Slovenia that it was taking a “dangerous” road. Slovenia’s Foreign Ministry quickly clarified that the office would use the name “Taipei,” not “Taiwan.”

“To use a Chinese phrase, they are killing the chicken to scare the monkey, particularly the big German monkey,” said Theresa Fallon, director of the Center for Russia Europe Asia Studies in Brussels. “Many European leaders look at Lithuania and say, ‘My God, we are not going to do anything to upset China.’”

Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s foreign minister and the driving force behind its closer ties with Taiwan, traveled to France in January for a meeting of EU foreign ministers, but secured little support beyond vague promises of solidarity. There was no discernible movement on long-stalled European proposals for a so-called anti-coercion instrument against foreign bullying.

Making a concerted response is difficult because while China regularly berates and belittles Lithuania through Communist Party-controlled media outlets — The Global Times, a belligerent party mouthpiece, mocked the country as “just a mouse, or even a flea, under the feet of a fighting elephant” — it has not formally declared any sanctions or other punitive measures against the Baltic country or its economic partners.

“Global Times is their main tool of communication with us,” said Jovita Neliupsiene, Lithuania’s deputy economy minister. Lithuania’s trade with China, she added, vanished almost overnight, but “nothing has been declared.”

It came as no real surprise when China demonstrated its anger over the Taiwan office, and an earlier Lithuanian decision to spurn a Chinese-led diplomatic forum, by halting imports from Lithuania, which amounted to just 1% of the Baltic country’s total exports.

Unexpected, however, was that China would also halt its own exports to Lithuania, depriving manufacturers of the components and materials they need.

“Rationally, it is very unusual that a country bans its own exports,” Neliupsiene said.

Sigitas Besagirskas, head of the Vilnius Industry and Business Association and owner of a small glider manufacturer, gets most of his materials from Germany but also needs a few small but vital Chinese parts. When his Chinese supplier refused to sell to him, he said, he turned to a company in Estonia to order the parts. But the supplier quickly figured out that the end buyer was in Lithuania and stopped sales.

“Anybody connected to Lithuania can’t export to or import from China,” Besagirskas said.

The constant blows from China have led even Lithuania’s president, Gitanas Nauseda, to question his country’s policy toward Taiwan. The president said in a radio interview in January that it was a “mistake” to let the office use the Taiwan name.

Many ordinary Lithuanians, while intensely proud of their country’s central role in the collapse of the Soviet Union, think it foolish to take on China, another big communist power. An opinion poll commissioned by the Foreign Ministry found that only 13% of those surveyed supported the government’s Taiwan policy.

Besagirskas derided the outreach to Taiwan as well intentioned but doomed. “Of course, we would all like China to be different. It is totally undemocratic. But we are a small country, and changing China is mission impossible for us.”

A poll done by his business association found that nearly three-quarters of all member companies were suffering from China’s undeclared economic blockade.

“They are trying to cut Lithuania from the economic map of the world,” said Laurynas Kasciunas, chair of Parliament’s national security and defense committee.

Even Chinese goods that Lithuanian companies have already paid for and whose shipping had been arranged are now stuck at Chinese ports, caught up in red tape, sudden spot inspections and other obstacles.

“It is all very sophisticated and targeted very precisely,” said Vidmantas Janulevicius, president of the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists, who has had dozens of containers of materials for his solar panel making company blocked for months in Chinese ports.

The Federation of German Industries complained in a statement late last year: “China’s recent measures against Lithuania are having the effect of a trade boycott with repercussions throughout the EU.&nbsp;Imports from China that are needed in German production facilities in Lithuania and exports from Germany to China that contain Lithuanian components are also affected.”

The European Union, however, is deeply divided between countries like Hungary, which routinely blocks statements against Beijing, and those that favor a tougher line. France has pledged to get legislation for the “anti-coercion instrument” moving, but few expect it to become a reality anytime soon.

The United States has also pledged to stand with Lithuania against Beijing but offered little in the way of concrete support.

The only place offering anything solid so far is Taiwan, which in January announced that it was setting up a $200 million fund to invest in Lithuania and other needy countries in the region and a separate $1 billion program to finance joint projects, including in high-end semiconductors. Taiwan has also started importing large quantities of Lithuanian goods, mostly food products and rum.

Eric Huang, head of Taiwan’s newly opened office in Vilnius, located on the top floor of a high-rise office tower, said his government wants to help blunt the pain of China’s strikes against Lithuania.

“Democratic countries should work together, otherwise we will set a precedent,” he said. “If China is not happy today with a certain country over a certain issue, it will be the same story all over again on a different issue tomorrow.”

A family-owned semiconductor company in Lithuania sold nothing to China, so it did not worry much last year when Beijing, furious at the Baltic nation for cozying up to Taiwan, began blocking imports of milk products, peat and anything else it could find with a “Made in Lithuania” label.

A family-owned semiconductor company in Lithuania sold nothing to China, so it did not worry much last year when Beijing, furious at the Baltic nation for cozying up to Taiwan, began blocking imports of milk products, peat and anything else it could find with a “Made in Lithuania” label. Closing the door on Lithuanian exports, however, was just the start. Today, said Kristijonas Vizbaras, a founder of the successful chipmaker Brolis Group, anything with a “Lithuanian smell,” no matter how faint — say, a German car with a small Lithuanian-made component — risks getting blocked by China. “Unfortunately, Lithuania has become a toxic label,” he said, lamenting that China’s economic power has given it irresistible leverage over global supply chains — and as a result, the ability to strike wherever these chains intersect with his tiny Baltic country or any other nation that causes offense to Beijing. Mindful that foreign customers for laser sensor chips produced by Brolis Group want to avoid ending up on China’s blacklist, the company recently scrapped plans to build a $50 million factory at home and wants to set it up in Belgium instead. The lopsided fight between Lithuania, with a population of under 3 million, and China started last summer over a representative office that Taiwan, a thriving democracy that Beijing claims as Chinese territory, was opening in Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital. That feud has now expanded. The German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce warned Lithuania in December that its members working in high-tech sectors had been hit by the “Chinese-Lithuanian trade blockage in an existential way.” Beijing has taken aim at foreign economies before. In 2010, it halted salmon imports from Norway after the Oslo-based Nobel Peace Prize committee honored a Chinese dissident writer. And in 2020, it blocked agricultural products from Australia after it called for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus, which was first detected in China. But the ferocity and scope of China’s drive to punish Lithuania is a new level of vindictiveness. The European Union in January filed a complaint against China with the World Trade Organization, calling its actions against Lithuania “illegal and discriminatory,” but has otherwise largely left one of its smallest and weakest members to fend for itself. While publicly pledging solidarity with Lithuania, Josep Borrell, the bloc’s foreign policy chief, has privately urged it to appease Beijing by having the office represent “Taipei” instead of Taiwan. China has sent a blunt message not only to Lithuania but to the entire European bloc, at a time when recent elections tossed out reliably China-friendly governments and brought to power more China skeptics, like the German Greens, who now control the Foreign Ministry in Berlin, and the Czech Pirate Party, now in charge of foreign policy in Prague. Adding to China’s alarm is a recent decision by Slovenia to let Taiwan open a representative office. China responded by saying it was “deeply shocked” and warned Slovenia that it was taking a “dangerous” road. Slovenia’s Foreign Ministry quickly clarified that the office would use the name “Taipei,” not “Taiwan.” “To use a Chinese phrase, they are killing the chicken to scare the monkey, particularly the big German monkey,” said Theresa Fallon, director of the Center for Russia Europe Asia Studies in Brussels. “Many European leaders look at Lithuania and say, ‘My God, we are not going to do anything to upset China.’” Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s foreign minister and the driving force behind its closer ties with Taiwan, traveled to France in January for a meeting of EU foreign ministers, but secured little support beyond vague promises of solidarity. There was no discernible movement on long-stalled European proposals for a so-called anti-coercion instrument against foreign bullying. Making a concerted response is difficult because while China regularly berates and belittles Lithuania through Communist Party-controlled media outlets — The Global Times, a belligerent party mouthpiece, mocked the country as “just a mouse, or even a flea, under the feet of a fighting elephant” — it has not formally declared any sanctions or other punitive measures against the Baltic country or its economic partners. “Global Times is their main tool of communication with us,” said Jovita Neliupsiene, Lithuania’s deputy economy minister. Lithuania’s trade with China, she added, vanished almost overnight, but “nothing has been declared.” It came as no real surprise when China demonstrated its anger over the Taiwan office, and an earlier Lithuanian decision to spurn a Chinese-led diplomatic forum, by halting imports from Lithuania, which amounted to just 1% of the Baltic country’s total exports. Unexpected, however, was that China would also halt its own exports to Lithuania, depriving manufacturers of the components and materials they need. “Rationally, it is very unusual that a country bans its own exports,” Neliupsiene said. Sigitas Besagirskas, head of the Vilnius Industry and Business Association and owner of a small glider manufacturer, gets most of his materials from Germany but also needs a few small but vital Chinese parts. When his Chinese supplier refused to sell to him, he said, he turned to a company in Estonia to order the parts. But the supplier quickly figured out that the end buyer was in Lithuania and stopped sales. “Anybody connected to Lithuania can’t export to or import from China,” Besagirskas said. The constant blows from China have led even Lithuania’s president, Gitanas Nauseda, to question his country’s policy toward Taiwan. The president said in a radio interview in January that it was a “mistake” to let the office use the Taiwan name. Many ordinary Lithuanians, while intensely proud of their country’s central role in the collapse of the Soviet Union, think it foolish to take on China, another big communist power. An opinion poll commissioned by the Foreign Ministry found that only 13% of those surveyed supported the government’s Taiwan policy. Besagirskas derided the outreach to Taiwan as well intentioned but doomed. “Of course, we would all like China to be different. It is totally undemocratic. But we are a small country, and changing China is mission impossible for us.” A poll done by his business association found that nearly three-quarters of all member companies were suffering from China’s undeclared economic blockade. “They are trying to cut Lithuania from the economic map of the world,” said Laurynas Kasciunas, chair of Parliament’s national security and defense committee. Even Chinese goods that Lithuanian companies have already paid for and whose shipping had been arranged are now stuck at Chinese ports, caught up in red tape, sudden spot inspections and other obstacles. “It is all very sophisticated and targeted very precisely,” said Vidmantas Janulevicius, president of the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists, who has had dozens of containers of materials for his solar panel making company blocked for months in Chinese ports. The Federation of German Industries complained in a statement late last year: “China’s recent measures against Lithuania are having the effect of a trade boycott with repercussions throughout the EU. Imports from China that are needed in German production facilities in Lithuania and exports from Germany to China that contain Lithuanian components are also affected.” The European Union, however, is deeply divided between countries like Hungary, which routinely blocks statements against Beijing, and those that favor a tougher line. France has pledged to get legislation for the “anti-coercion instrument” moving, but few expect it to become a reality anytime soon. The United States has also pledged to stand with Lithuania against Beijing but offered little in the way of concrete support. The only place offering anything solid so far is Taiwan, which in January announced that it was setting up a $200 million fund to invest in Lithuania and other needy countries in the region and a separate $1 billion program to finance joint projects, including in high-end semiconductors. Taiwan has also started importing large quantities of Lithuanian goods, mostly food products and rum. Eric Huang, head of Taiwan’s newly opened office in Vilnius, located on the top floor of a high-rise office tower, said his government wants to help blunt the pain of China’s strikes against Lithuania. “Democratic countries should work together, otherwise we will set a precedent,” he said. “If China is not happy today with a certain country over a certain issue, it will be the same story all over again on a different issue tomorrow.”

In an uneven fight with China, a tiny country’s brand becomes toxic

China has sanctioned US companies Lockheed Martin Corp and Raytheon Technologies Corp for supplying arms to Taiwan.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a regular news briefing, ''The sanctions are countermeasures against the two companies over a $100-million arms on February 7 sale that undermined China's security interests, seriously undermined China-US relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-threat-to-taiwan-if-west-does-not-support-ukraine-454634">Also read |&nbsp;Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine</a>

China and Taiwan have been at odds for decades as Beijing regards the island as its territory, vowing to seize it one day by force if necessary.

"In accordance with the relevant stipulations in China's anti-foreign sanctions law, the Chinese government has decided to take countermeasures on the infringing acts of Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin," Wang said.

"Both are military enterprises that have long participated in US arm sales to China's Taiwan region."

The relationship between China and the United States was always going to be a challenge, and after half a century of ups and downs, is more fraught than ever.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australian-pm-demands-answers-from-china-after-chinese-vessel-aimed-laser-at-australian-warplane-454790/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Cold War is long over, but on both sides there are fears a new one could be beginning.&nbsp;

China’s wealth has enabled a major expansion of its military, which the US and its allies see as a threat.&nbsp;

The Communist Party says it seeks only to defend its territory. That includes, however, trying to control islands also claimed by Japan in the East China Sea and by Southeast Asian nations in the South China Sea, home to crucial shipping lanes and natural resources.

The military has sent a growing number of warplanes on training missions toward Taiwan, a source of friction with the United States.&nbsp;

China claims the self-governing island off its east coast as its territory. The US supplies Taiwan with military equipment and warns China against any attempt to take it by force.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

China has sanctioned US companies Lockheed Martin Corp and Raytheon Technologies Corp for supplying arms to Taiwan. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a regular news briefing, ''The sanctions are countermeasures against the two companies over a $100-million arms on February 7 sale that undermined China's security interests, seriously undermined China-US relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

China has sanctioned US companies Lockheed Martin Corp and Raytheon Technologies Corp for supplying arms to Taiwan. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a regular news briefing, ''The sanctions are countermeasures against the two companies over a $100-million arms on February 7 sale that undermined China's security interests, seriously undermined China-US relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait." Also read | Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine China and Taiwan have been at odds for decades as Beijing regards the island as its territory, vowing to seize it one day by force if necessary. "In accordance with the relevant stipulations in China's anti-foreign sanctions law, the Chinese government has decided to take countermeasures on the infringing acts of Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin," Wang said. "Both are military enterprises that have long participated in US arm sales to China's Taiwan region." The relationship between China and the United States was always going to be a challenge, and after half a century of ups and downs, is more fraught than ever. The Cold War is long over, but on both sides there are fears a new one could be beginning. China’s wealth has enabled a major expansion of its military, which the US and its allies see as a threat. The Communist Party says it seeks only to defend its territory. That includes, however, trying to control islands also claimed by Japan in the East China Sea and by Southeast Asian nations in the South China Sea, home to crucial shipping lanes and natural resources. The military has sent a growing number of warplanes on training missions toward Taiwan, a source of friction with the United States. China claims the self-governing island off its east coast as its territory. The US supplies Taiwan with military equipment and warns China against any attempt to take it by force. (With inputs from agencies)

China sanctions US companies for supplying arms to Taiwan

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who riled China while in office with his criticism of it and attacks on its ruling Communist Party, will visit Taiwan next week and meet President Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwan government said on Monday.&nbsp;

Pompeo&nbsp;served under then-President Donald Trump from 2018 until the end of the administration in January last year.

Taiwan's foreign ministry said&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;and his wife would&nbsp;visit&nbsp;the Chinese-claimed island from March 3-5, and also meet Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and give a speech at a think-tank.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-takes-on-biden-in-his-cpac-speech-366815">Mike Pompeo takes on Biden in his CPAC speech</a>

"Former Secretary of State&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;is a long-term and staunch friend of&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and made outstanding contributions to promoting&nbsp;Taiwan-U.S. relations during his time in&nbsp;office," the ministry said in a statement.

His&nbsp;visit&nbsp;shows the bipartisan "rock solid" U.S. support for&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and the close&nbsp;Taiwan-U.S. friendship, it added.

The Trump administration gave strong backing to&nbsp;Taiwan, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, including high profile arms sales and&nbsp;visits of top U.S. officials to Taipei.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-threat-to-taiwan-if-west-does-not-support-ukraine-454634">Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine</a>

Pompeo&nbsp;particularly angered Beijing with his attacks on the Communist Party.

China&nbsp;has stepped up its military and diplomatic pressure against&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;over the past two years seeking to force the island to accept its sovereignty.

Taiwan's government says it wants peace but will defend itself if attacked, and that only the island's people have the right to decide their future.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who riled China while in office with his criticism of it and attacks on its ruling Communist Party, will visit Taiwan next week and meet President Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwan government said on Monday.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who riled China while in office with his criticism of it and attacks on its ruling Communist Party, will visit Taiwan next week and meet President Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwan government said on Monday. Pompeo served under then-President Donald Trump from 2018 until the end of the administration in January last year. Taiwan's foreign ministry said Pompeo and his wife would visit the Chinese-claimed island from March 3-5, and also meet Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and give a speech at a think-tank. Also read | Mike Pompeo takes on Biden in his CPAC speech "Former Secretary of State Pompeo is a long-term and staunch friend of Taiwan and made outstanding contributions to promoting Taiwan-U.S. relations during his time in office," the ministry said in a statement. His visit shows the bipartisan "rock solid" U.S. support for Taiwan and the close Taiwan-U.S. friendship, it added. The Trump administration gave strong backing to Taiwan, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, including high profile arms sales and visits of top U.S. officials to Taipei. Also read | Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine Pompeo particularly angered Beijing with his attacks on the Communist Party. China has stepped up its military and diplomatic pressure against Taiwan over the past two years seeking to force the island to accept its sovereignty. Taiwan's government says it wants peace but will defend itself if attacked, and that only the island's people have the right to decide their future.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to visit Taiwan next week

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that he sees a to Taiwan if the West does not support Ukraine.

He has demanded Western unity over Russia's threats to Ukraine, warning any invasion would send a "shock" around the world including in Asia.

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"We do not fully know what President Putin intends, but the omens are grim," Johnson told a security conference in Munich.

"If Ukraine is endangered, the shock will echo around the world. And those echoes will be heard in east Asia, will be heard in Taiwan," he added.&nbsp;

"People would draw the conclusion that aggression pays, and that might is right."

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-next-wonder-weapon-kedr-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-454013">Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile</a>

Taiwan and China split during a civil war in 1949, but China claims the island as its own territory. Beijing has used diplomatic and military means to isolate and intimidate the self-ruled island, but the US has continued to support Taiwan by selling it advanced weapons and fighter planes.

With an estimated 150,000 Russian troops posted around Ukraine’s borders, US and European officials warn that the long-simmering separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine could provide the spark for a broader attack.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-invading-ukraine-will-invite-bolstered-nato-on-europes-eastern-flank-harris-454615" hreflang="en">Kamala Harris warns Russia of huge financial costs if it invades Ukraine</a>

Separatists in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions that form Ukraine’s industrial heartland known as the Donbas said they are evacuating civilians to Russia. The announcement appeared to be part of Moscow’s efforts to counter Western warnings of a Russian invasion and to paint Ukraine as the aggressor instead.

Russian success in such an invasion would send the message to every other power that "aggression pays and that might is right", he said, urging Europe to commit to "strategic endurance" in its energy policy, diplomacy and military budgets.

But should an invasion happen, Britain stands ready with the United States and European Union to impose a punishing package of sanctions, Johnson said.

"We will sanction Russian individuals and companies of strategic importance to the Russian state, and we will make it impossible for them to raise finance on the London capital markets," he said.

Johnson said Western nations had repeatedly told Ukraine that they would support its independence.

"How hollow, how meaningless, how insulting those words would seem, if at the very moment when their sovereignty and independence is imperilled, we simply look away," he said. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that he sees a to Taiwan if the West does not support Ukraine. He has demanded Western unity over Russia's threats to Ukraine, warning any invasion would send a "shock" around the world including in Asia.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that he sees a to Taiwan if the West does not support Ukraine. He has demanded Western unity over Russia's threats to Ukraine, warning any invasion would send a "shock" around the world including in Asia. "We do not fully know what President Putin intends, but the omens are grim," Johnson told a security conference in Munich. "If Ukraine is endangered, the shock will echo around the world. And those echoes will be heard in east Asia, will be heard in Taiwan," he added. "People would draw the conclusion that aggression pays, and that might is right." Also see | Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile Taiwan and China split during a civil war in 1949, but China claims the island as its own territory. Beijing has used diplomatic and military means to isolate and intimidate the self-ruled island, but the US has continued to support Taiwan by selling it advanced weapons and fighter planes. With an estimated 150,000 Russian troops posted around Ukraine’s borders, US and European officials warn that the long-simmering separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine could provide the spark for a broader attack. Also read | Kamala Harris warns Russia of huge financial costs if it invades Ukraine Separatists in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions that form Ukraine’s industrial heartland known as the Donbas said they are evacuating civilians to Russia. The announcement appeared to be part of Moscow’s efforts to counter Western warnings of a Russian invasion and to paint Ukraine as the aggressor instead. Russian success in such an invasion would send the message to every other power that "aggression pays and that might is right", he said, urging Europe to commit to "strategic endurance" in its energy policy, diplomacy and military budgets. But should an invasion happen, Britain stands ready with the United States and European Union to impose a punishing package of sanctions, Johnson said. "We will sanction Russian individuals and companies of strategic importance to the Russian state, and we will make it impossible for them to raise finance on the London capital markets," he said. Johnson said Western nations had repeatedly told Ukraine that they would support its independence. "How hollow, how meaningless, how insulting those words would seem, if at the very moment when their sovereignty and independence is imperilled, we simply look away," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine

Politics entered the Olympics on Thursday when an&nbsp;official&nbsp;for the Beijing Games spoke about Taiwan and Xinjiang, declaring there was only "one China", the&nbsp;first&nbsp;such&nbsp;statements by the host since the competition started.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) spokesman Mark Adams was asked a question at the daily press conference about Taiwan's presence at the closing ceremony on Sunday. Following his comments, Beijing Games spokesperson Yan Jiarong said: "There is only one China".

Her&nbsp;statement&nbsp;reiterates China's stance towards democratically governed Taiwan, which it claims as its own "sacred" territory.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-eases-virus-border-rules-for-workers-students-454049">COVID-19: Japan eases virus border rules for workers and students but tourists will still be barred</a>

Later, Yan again insisted on making a&nbsp;statement&nbsp;about Xinjiang when a reporter directed a question to the IOC about material from China's Xinjiang region being used in clothing.

"The so-called forced labour in Xinjiang is lies made up by deliberate groups," Yan said.

Human rights groups have accused some textile companies who source materials from Xinjiang of ignoring abuses of the Uyghur population in the region.

China denies all accusations of abuse and has repeatedly denied claims that it runs a network of forced labour camps in Xinjiang.

Amid a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics by the United States, Britain and other Western nations over China's human rights records, the IOC has tried to keep politics out of the Beijing Games.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-contrast-to-covids-59-million-deaths-this-malady-kills-more-than-9-million-people-every-year-453616">In contrast to Covid's 5.9 million deaths, this malady kills more than 9 million people every year</a>

Athletes have been told to stick to the IOC's Rule 50, which bans political&nbsp;statements on the medals podium and in competitions.

The rule, slightly revised ahead of last year's Tokyo Games to allow for some protests on the field of play if&nbsp;first&nbsp;cleared with the IOC, was thrust into the spotlight in the run-up to the Olympics.

"We are always against the idea of politicising the Games. The IOC has 206 members, including the Peoples' Republic of China and the National Olympic Committee of&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;Taipei," Yan said.

Taiwan competes in most sporting events, including the Olympics, as "Chinese&nbsp;Taipei" at the insistence of Beijing, which sees Taiwan as part of "one China".

Taiwan took part in the Games' opening ceremony after the team said it had received "several notices" by the IOC to attend both the opening and closing ceremonies.

Last month, it had initially said it could not attend due to delayed flights and COVID-19 rules.

Politics entered the Olympics on Thursday when an official for the Beijing Games spoke about Taiwan and Xinjiang, declaring there was only "one China", the first such statements by the host since the competition started.

Politics entered the Olympics on Thursday when an official for the Beijing Games spoke about Taiwan and Xinjiang, declaring there was only "one China", the first such statements by the host since the competition started. International Olympic Committee (IOC) spokesman Mark Adams was asked a question at the daily press conference about Taiwan's presence at the closing ceremony on Sunday. Following his comments, Beijing Games spokesperson Yan Jiarong said: "There is only one China". Her statement reiterates China's stance towards democratically governed Taiwan, which it claims as its own "sacred" territory. ALSO READ | COVID-19: Japan eases virus border rules for workers and students but tourists will still be barred Later, Yan again insisted on making a statement about Xinjiang when a reporter directed a question to the IOC about material from China's Xinjiang region being used in clothing. "The so-called forced labour in Xinjiang is lies made up by deliberate groups," Yan said. Human rights groups have accused some textile companies who source materials from Xinjiang of ignoring abuses of the Uyghur population in the region. China denies all accusations of abuse and has repeatedly denied claims that it runs a network of forced labour camps in Xinjiang. Amid a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics by the United States, Britain and other Western nations over China's human rights records, the IOC has tried to keep politics out of the Beijing Games. ALSO READ | In contrast to Covid's 5.9 million deaths, this malady kills more than 9 million people every year Athletes have been told to stick to the IOC's Rule 50, which bans political statements on the medals podium and in competitions. The rule, slightly revised ahead of last year's Tokyo Games to allow for some protests on the field of play if first cleared with the IOC, was thrust into the spotlight in the run-up to the Olympics. "We are always against the idea of politicising the Games. The IOC has 206 members, including the Peoples' Republic of China and the National Olympic Committee of Chinese Taipei," Yan said. Taiwan competes in most sporting events, including the Olympics, as "Chinese Taipei" at the insistence of Beijing, which sees Taiwan as part of "one China". Taiwan took part in the Games' opening ceremony after the team said it had received "several notices" by the IOC to attend both the opening and closing ceremonies. Last month, it had initially said it could not attend due to delayed flights and COVID-19 rules.

Winter Olympics 2022: Chinese official makes first statement on Taiwan and Xinjiang at Games

The United States has vowed to step up its efforts in the Indo-Pacific region as a push back against China.

The top diplomats of the United States, Australia, Japan and India opened talks in Melbourne Friday on deepening their Quad alliance, hoping to blunt China's expanding power across the Asia-Pacific region.

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A new Biden administration strategy for the Indo-Pacific emphasizes not going it alone in dealing with China’s growing influence and ambitions, underscoring the administration’s efforts to strengthen security cooperation and other ties with allies and partners in the region.

"The PRC is combining its economic, diplomatic, military, and technological might as it pursues a sphere of influence in the Indo-Pacific and seeks to become the world's most influential power," it said referring to the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/quad-supported-indian-covid-vaccines-to-roll-out-in-first-half-of-2022-452472" hreflang="en">Quad-supported Indian Covid vaccines to roll out in first half of 2022</a>

China’s “coercion and aggression spans the globe, but it is most acute in the Indo-Pacific,” the administration declares in the document. It cited economic campaigns pressuring Australia, conflict along China’s Line of Control with India, pressure on Taiwan and “bullying of neighbors in the East and South China Seas.”

"Our collective efforts over the next decade will determine whether the PRC succeeds in transforming the rules and norms that have benefited the Indo-Pacific and the world."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that even though Russia's threat to Ukraine occupies Washington right now, the longer-term issue is China's rising power.

"To my mind, there's little doubt that China's ambition over time is to be the leading military, economic, diplomatic and political power not just in the region but in the world," he told The Australian newspaper.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In 2022, <a href="https://twitter.com/StateIVLP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StateIVLP</a> will conduct new exchange projects that will strengthen our security partnerships in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndoPacific?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndoPacific</a>. Emerging foreign leaders from Australia, India, and Japan will experience the U.S. firsthand and build lasting relationships with American counterparts. <a href="https://t.co/6bGbP1KX7W">pic.twitter.com/6bGbP1KX7W</a>
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1492292366270545925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In a 12-page strategy overview, the Biden administration says its plan includes continued support for the self-defense of Taiwan, which China claims as its territory; deeper military integration with countries in the region to deter China, as with last year’s nuclear-powered submarine agreement with Australia; and expanding efforts against cyber attacks and threats from emerging technology.

In its document, the United States vowed to modernise alliances, strengthen emerging partnerships, and invest in regional organisations. It particularly stressed the importance of "a strong India" as a partner in a positive regional vision.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A review of our bilateral cooperation with <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecBlinken</a>. The readout on progress in different domains was positive. Our strategic partnership has deepened so visibly. <a href="https://t.co/LuBkYKa01l">pic.twitter.com/LuBkYKa01l</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1492063421709586433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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It said the United States would pursue a "free and open Indo-Pacific ... through a latticework of strong and mutually reinforcing coalitions."

Under an action plan for the next 12-24 months, the document said Washington would "meaningfully expand" its diplomatic presence in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands and prioritize key negotiations with Pacific island states that cover access for the US military and which have appeared to stall in the past year.

"We will refocus security assistance on the Indo-Pacific, including to build maritime capacity and maritime-domain awareness," it said.

The US has sought to broaden the Quad from a maritime security partnership to other areas, like fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

Launched in 2007, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, has given a framework to what began as joint US-India-Japan naval exercises in the Indian Ocean, dubbed the Malabar Exercises.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has vowed to step up its efforts in the Indo-Pacific region as a push back against China. The top diplomats of the United States, Australia, Japan and India opened talks in Melbourne Friday on deepening their Quad alliance, hoping to blunt China's expanding power across the Asia-Pacific region.

The United States has vowed to step up its efforts in the Indo-Pacific region as a push back against China. The top diplomats of the United States, Australia, Japan and India opened talks in Melbourne Friday on deepening their Quad alliance, hoping to blunt China's expanding power across the Asia-Pacific region. A new Biden administration strategy for the Indo-Pacific emphasizes not going it alone in dealing with China’s growing influence and ambitions, underscoring the administration’s efforts to strengthen security cooperation and other ties with allies and partners in the region. "The PRC is combining its economic, diplomatic, military, and technological might as it pursues a sphere of influence in the Indo-Pacific and seeks to become the world's most influential power," it said referring to the People's Republic of China (PRC). Also read | Quad-supported Indian Covid vaccines to roll out in first half of 2022 China’s “coercion and aggression spans the globe, but it is most acute in the Indo-Pacific,” the administration declares in the document. It cited economic campaigns pressuring Australia, conflict along China’s Line of Control with India, pressure on Taiwan and “bullying of neighbors in the East and South China Seas.” "Our collective efforts over the next decade will determine whether the PRC succeeds in transforming the rules and norms that have benefited the Indo-Pacific and the world." US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that even though Russia's threat to Ukraine occupies Washington right now, the longer-term issue is China's rising power. "To my mind, there's little doubt that China's ambition over time is to be the leading military, economic, diplomatic and political power not just in the region but in the world," he told The Australian newspaper. In 2022, @StateIVLP will conduct new exchange projects that will strengthen our security partnerships in the #IndoPacific. Emerging foreign leaders from Australia, India, and Japan will experience the U.S. firsthand and build lasting relationships with American counterparts. pic.twitter.com/6bGbP1KX7W — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 12, 2022 × In a 12-page strategy overview, the Biden administration says its plan includes continued support for the self-defense of Taiwan, which China claims as its territory; deeper military integration with countries in the region to deter China, as with last year’s nuclear-powered submarine agreement with Australia; and expanding efforts against cyber attacks and threats from emerging technology. In its document, the United States vowed to modernise alliances, strengthen emerging partnerships, and invest in regional organisations. It particularly stressed the importance of "a strong India" as a partner in a positive regional vision. A review of our bilateral cooperation with @SecBlinken. The readout on progress in different domains was positive. Our strategic partnership has deepened so visibly. pic.twitter.com/LuBkYKa01l — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 11, 2022 × It said the United States would pursue a "free and open Indo-Pacific ... through a latticework of strong and mutually reinforcing coalitions." Under an action plan for the next 12-24 months, the document said Washington would "meaningfully expand" its diplomatic presence in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands and prioritize key negotiations with Pacific island states that cover access for the US military and which have appeared to stall in the past year. "We will refocus security assistance on the Indo-Pacific, including to build maritime capacity and maritime-domain awareness," it said. The US has sought to broaden the Quad from a maritime security partnership to other areas, like fighting the coronavirus pandemic. Launched in 2007, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, has given a framework to what began as joint US-India-Japan naval exercises in the Indian Ocean, dubbed the Malabar Exercises. (With inputs from agencies)

Eyeing China, United States pledges to step up effort in Indo-Pacific region

China does not recognize Taiwan's sovereignty so naturally when Washington or London shows support for Taipei, it angers Beijing. Members of the British parliament are set to visit Taiwan next week, the trip is a long due opportunity for the UK to display solidarity with the region.

UK Parliament delegation to visit Taiwan

China suspended imports of&nbsp;beef, dairy and beer from Lithuania this week, Lithuania's veterinary control agency said on Thursday, amid a growing trade dispute over the Baltic nation's relations with Taiwan.

China's General Administration of Customs had informed the country it was halting the exports due to "lack of documentation", the agency said in a statement.

It added that "this is first such notification we ever received, because the importing countries usually start by asking for any missing information".

The Chinese agency said earlier on Thursday it had stopped imports of Lithuanian&nbsp;beef&nbsp;but gave no specific reason.

Relations frayed after Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy in its capital Vilnius last year, angering Beijing which regards the democratically-ruled island as its own territory.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on Wednesday during a visit to Australia that nations seeking to use trade as a retaliatory measure must be reminded that "like-minded countries have tools and regulations that help withstand the coercion".

Britain said on Monday it will join the United States and Australia in backing an EU trade case against China at the World Trade Organization over Beijing's alleged trade curbs on Lithuania.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-looks-to-send-lithuania-to-garbage-bin-of-history-find-out-why-439603">Also read |&nbsp;China looks to send Lithuania to 'garbage bin of history'. Find out why?</a>

The European Commission says overall exports from Lithuania, an EU member, to China fell 91% in December compared to the same month in 2020.

The Lithuanian agency said the country hasn't exported food products, including&nbsp;beef, to China since early December 2021. It did not immediately give further details.

"As far as I know, the Chinese move does not create practical problems, because we do not export these products to China now. The exporters have moved on to other markets", Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte told reporters on Thursday.

"If the problem is procedural and bureaucratic, as China says, then it will get solved very easily", she added.

CORRECT 'MISTAKES'

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian declined to elaborate on the&nbsp;beef&nbsp;suspension, but said Lithuania should correct its "mistakes".

"What Lithuania should do is face up to facts, redress its own mistakes, and come back to the right track of adhering to the one China principle, instead of confusing right with wrong," Zhao said, referring to China's policy demanding countries recognise its claim to Taiwan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-chinese-agency-says-it-can-intervene-in-abortions-among-unmarried-women-452278">Also read |&nbsp;Now, Chinese agency says it can intervene in abortions among unmarried women</a>

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou condemned the latest Chinese move, calling it "unilateral" and "bullying" and the latest example of Beijing trying to change Lithuania's foreign policy.

China is the world's top importer of&nbsp;beef&nbsp;but shipments from Lithuania are minimal. It imported just 775 tonnes of&nbsp;beef&nbsp;from Lithuania in 2021, out of a total 2.36 million tonnes of&nbsp;beef&nbsp;imports that year, according to Chinese customs data.

Taiwan has stepped up its food imports from Lithuania to help ease the impact of Chinese curbs, most recently rum.

China suspended imports of beef, dairy and beer from Lithuania this week, Lithuania's veterinary control agency said on Thursday, amid a growing trade dispute over the Baltic nation's relations with Taiwan.

China suspended imports of beef, dairy and beer from Lithuania this week, Lithuania's veterinary control agency said on Thursday, amid a growing trade dispute over the Baltic nation's relations with Taiwan. China's General Administration of Customs had informed the country it was halting the exports due to "lack of documentation", the agency said in a statement. It added that "this is first such notification we ever received, because the importing countries usually start by asking for any missing information". The Chinese agency said earlier on Thursday it had stopped imports of Lithuanian beef but gave no specific reason. Relations frayed after Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy in its capital Vilnius last year, angering Beijing which regards the democratically-ruled island as its own territory. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on Wednesday during a visit to Australia that nations seeking to use trade as a retaliatory measure must be reminded that "like-minded countries have tools and regulations that help withstand the coercion". Britain said on Monday it will join the United States and Australia in backing an EU trade case against China at the World Trade Organization over Beijing's alleged trade curbs on Lithuania. Also read | China looks to send Lithuania to 'garbage bin of history'. Find out why? The European Commission says overall exports from Lithuania, an EU member, to China fell 91% in December compared to the same month in 2020. The Lithuanian agency said the country hasn't exported food products, including beef, to China since early December 2021. It did not immediately give further details. "As far as I know, the Chinese move does not create practical problems, because we do not export these products to China now. The exporters have moved on to other markets", Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte told reporters on Thursday. "If the problem is procedural and bureaucratic, as China says, then it will get solved very easily", she added. CORRECT 'MISTAKES' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian declined to elaborate on the beef suspension, but said Lithuania should correct its "mistakes". "What Lithuania should do is face up to facts, redress its own mistakes, and come back to the right track of adhering to the one China principle, instead of confusing right with wrong," Zhao said, referring to China's policy demanding countries recognise its claim to Taiwan. Also read | Now, Chinese agency says it can intervene in abortions among unmarried women Taiwan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou condemned the latest Chinese move, calling it "unilateral" and "bullying" and the latest example of Beijing trying to change Lithuania's foreign policy. China is the world's top importer of beef but shipments from Lithuania are minimal. It imported just 775 tonnes of beef from Lithuania in 2021, out of a total 2.36 million tonnes of beef imports that year, according to Chinese customs data. Taiwan has stepped up its food imports from Lithuania to help ease the impact of Chinese curbs, most recently rum.

China suspends Lithuanian beef, dairy, beer imports amid Taiwan row

To boost Taiwan’s defences against an increasingly aggressive China, the Biden administration has approved a $100 million support contract with the government of the island. It includes the sale of equipment and services. &nbsp;

On Monday, the State Department announced the engineering and maintenance agreement. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As per the agreement, the US will help Taiwan in maintaining its existing air-defence missiles and advanced US-made Patriot missiles, which the country is acquiring. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-find-compromises-no-nord-stream-2-if-russia-invades-ukraine-says-biden-451357" hreflang="en">'Find compromises': No Nord Stream 2 if Russia invades Ukraine, says Biden</a>

On Twitter, Taiwan's defence ministry also conveyed its thanks to the US for the approval to the agreement. &nbsp;&nbsp;

US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in a statement, said that it had delivered the required certification notifying Congress following State Department’s approval for the sale, which was urged by Taiwan's de facto embassy in Washington. &nbsp;

In a statement, the DSCA said that upgrades to the Patriot Air Defense System would "help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, economic and progress in the region." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/before-crucial-trip-to-russia-french-president-emmanuel-macron-talks-to-us-president-joe-biden-451105" hreflang="en">Before crucial trip to Russia, Macron talks to Biden</a>

"This proposed sale serves US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability," the agency added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The main contractors in the deal would be Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin, it said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

To boost Taiwan’s defences against an increasingly aggressive China, the Biden administration has approved a $100 million support contract with the government of the island.

To boost Taiwan’s defences against an increasingly aggressive China, the Biden administration has approved a $100 million support contract with the government of the island. It includes the sale of equipment and services. On Monday, the State Department announced the engineering and maintenance agreement. As per the agreement, the US will help Taiwan in maintaining its existing air-defence missiles and advanced US-made Patriot missiles, which the country is acquiring. Also Read: 'Find compromises': No Nord Stream 2 if Russia invades Ukraine, says Biden On Twitter, Taiwan's defence ministry also conveyed its thanks to the US for the approval to the agreement. US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in a statement, said that it had delivered the required certification notifying Congress following State Department’s approval for the sale, which was urged by Taiwan's de facto embassy in Washington. In a statement, the DSCA said that upgrades to the Patriot Air Defense System would "help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, economic and progress in the region." Also Read: Before crucial trip to Russia, Macron talks to Biden "This proposed sale serves US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability," the agency added. The main contractors in the deal would be Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin, it said. (With inputs from agencies)

To boost defences against aggressive China, US approves $100 million support deal with Taiwan

In a boost to Taiwan's missile defense systems, the United States has approved a 100 million dollar defense support contract. The approval comes amid heightened tensions with China, it will sustain maintain and improve the self-ruled island's patriot missile defense system.

United States approves $100 million deal for Taiwan's missile upgrade

China and Taiwan are closely watching the stand-off in Ukraine. Will Beijing follow Russia's lead and invade Taiwan? Will America come to Taiwan's defence? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Parallels between Ukraine and Taiwan

To achieve the goal of a circular economy, Taiwan's Fubon Financial Holding Co. and Miniwiz are transforming recycled face masks into phone chargers.

The coronavirus pandemic is adding a new unwelcome element to pollution in the form of facemasks that are being feverishly snapped&nbsp;up by people.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwanese-company-finds-innovative-way-to-deal-with-medical-waste-449941/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"During the pandemic, the most throwaway products are single-use masks," explained co-founder and CEO of Miniwiz Arthur Huang.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coca-cola-and-pepsico-ranked-as-worlds-leading-plastic-polluters-449536">Also read |&nbsp;Coca-Cola and PepsiCo ranked as world's leading plastic polluters</a>

''So we came up with the idea of something that people actually need to use recently, especially during the pandemic.''

Recycling spots were set up at Fubon's office buildings to collect unwanted face masks. For this purpose, Miniwiz's innovative technology was used.

Fubon Financial Holding Chairman Daniel Tsai said they converted them into colorful phone chargers as an anniversary gift for employees.

Highlighting the significance of sustainability, Tsai said he hopes the exercise will benefit the environment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/discarded-syringes-used-ppe-test-kits-who-says-covid-waste-posing-threat-to-environment-humans-449590" hreflang="en">Discarded syringes, used PPE, test kits: WHO says Covid waste posing threat to environment, humans</a>

“Every three minutes we can make a charger out of face masks that can reduce waste,” said Huang.&nbsp;

“Transforming local waste into a valuable product is the ultimate goal.”

It comes after a report by the World Health Organization warned that discarded syringes, used test kits and old vaccine bottles from the COVID-19 pandemic have piled up to create tens of thousands of tonnes of medical waste, threatening human health and the environment.

"We found that COVID-19 has increased healthcare waste loads in facilities to up to 10 times," Maggie Montgomery, a WHO technical officer, told Geneva-based journalists.

It called for reform and investment including through the reduction in the use of packaging that has caused a rush for plastic and the use of protective gear made from reusable and recyclable materials.

(With inputs from agencies)

To achieve the goal of a circular economy, Taiwan's Fubon Financial Holding Co. and Miniwiz are transforming recycled face masks into phone chargers. The coronavirus pandemic is adding a new unwelcome element to pollution in the form of facemasks that are being feverishly snapped up by people.

To achieve the goal of a circular economy, Taiwan's Fubon Financial Holding Co. and Miniwiz are transforming recycled face masks into phone chargers. The coronavirus pandemic is adding a new unwelcome element to pollution in the form of facemasks that are being feverishly snapped up by people. "During the pandemic, the most throwaway products are single-use masks," explained co-founder and CEO of Miniwiz Arthur Huang. Also read | Coca-Cola and PepsiCo ranked as world's leading plastic polluters ''So we came up with the idea of something that people actually need to use recently, especially during the pandemic.'' Recycling spots were set up at Fubon's office buildings to collect unwanted face masks. For this purpose, Miniwiz's innovative technology was used. Fubon Financial Holding Chairman Daniel Tsai said they converted them into colorful phone chargers as an anniversary gift for employees. Highlighting the significance of sustainability, Tsai said he hopes the exercise will benefit the environment. Also read | Discarded syringes, used PPE, test kits: WHO says Covid waste posing threat to environment, humans “Every three minutes we can make a charger out of face masks that can reduce waste,” said Huang. “Transforming local waste into a valuable product is the ultimate goal.” It comes after a report by the World Health Organization warned that discarded syringes, used test kits and old vaccine bottles from the COVID-19 pandemic have piled up to create tens of thousands of tonnes of medical waste, threatening human health and the environment. "We found that COVID-19 has increased healthcare waste loads in facilities to up to 10 times," Maggie Montgomery, a WHO technical officer, told Geneva-based journalists. It called for reform and investment including through the reduction in the use of packaging that has caused a rush for plastic and the use of protective gear made from reusable and recyclable materials. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: This company is transforming recycled face masks into phone chargers

Taiwan announced Tuesday a reversal to its weekend decision to forgo the opening and closing of the Beijing Winter Olympics, saying the committee governing the Games was "requiring" attendance at the ceremonies.&nbsp;

The about-turn comes as relations between Beijing and Taipei are at their lowest in decades, with China ramping up military and economic pressure against the self-ruled democratic island.&nbsp;

Days earlier, Taiwan's Sports Administration had said it would not be sending its delegation to either of the ceremonies, citing concerns around "pandemic prevention and flight schedules".&nbsp;

By Tuesday, the island's&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;committee -- which answers to Taiwan's sports governing body -- said there was a change of plans due to the Games' international governing body "requiring" attendance.&nbsp;

"(We've) received multiple notices by the IOC (International&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;Committee) recently requiring all delegations joining the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics to cooperate and attend the opening and closing ceremonies," it said.&nbsp;

"Based on the&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;spirit of solidarity as well as long-term good interactions and mutual understanding between the two sides, the Chinese Taipei&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;Committee... has decided to adjust plans to send representatives" to both ceremonies.&nbsp;

The local committee's use of the name "Chinese Taipei" is based on a 1981 compromise made with the IOC to allow Taiwan to compete on the international stage without presenting itself as a sovereign nation.

Authoritarian China regards democratic Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if needed.

Record numbers of Chinese jets have entered the island's air defence zone in the past four months.

Taiwan has seen a surge in these kinds of threats since the 2016 election of President Tsai Ing-wen, when China cut off official communication with her government because she regards Taiwan as an already sovereign nation.

The last time Beijing hosted an Olympics in 2008, relations with Taiwan were much warmer and a group of 80 competitors visited the Summer Games.

This year, only four athletes will be competing in the Winter Games.

Unlike several Western nations, Taipei has not joined a US-led diplomatic boycott of the Games over Beijing's human rights record.

But no government representative will be at the ceremonies due to "precedent", Taiwan's Sports Administration said Tuesday in a statement

The authority said it "respects" the decision made by its Olympics committee to attend the ceremonies.&nbsp;

It also urged the IOC "to prevent the interference of any political factors to suppress and belittle (Taiwan's) status".&nbsp;

Taiwan announced Tuesday a reversal to its weekend decision to forgo the opening and closing of the Beijing Winter Olympics, saying the committee governing the Games was "requiring" attendance at the ceremonies.

Taiwan announced Tuesday a reversal to its weekend decision to forgo the opening and closing of the Beijing Winter Olympics, saying the committee governing the Games was "requiring" attendance at the ceremonies. The about-turn comes as relations between Beijing and Taipei are at their lowest in decades, with China ramping up military and economic pressure against the self-ruled democratic island. Days earlier, Taiwan's Sports Administration had said it would not be sending its delegation to either of the ceremonies, citing concerns around "pandemic prevention and flight schedules". By Tuesday, the island's Olympic committee -- which answers to Taiwan's sports governing body -- said there was a change of plans due to the Games' international governing body "requiring" attendance. "(We've) received multiple notices by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) recently requiring all delegations joining the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics to cooperate and attend the opening and closing ceremonies," it said. "Based on the Olympic spirit of solidarity as well as long-term good interactions and mutual understanding between the two sides, the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee... has decided to adjust plans to send representatives" to both ceremonies. The local committee's use of the name "Chinese Taipei" is based on a 1981 compromise made with the IOC to allow Taiwan to compete on the international stage without presenting itself as a sovereign nation. Authoritarian China regards democratic Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if needed. Record numbers of Chinese jets have entered the island's air defence zone in the past four months. Taiwan has seen a surge in these kinds of threats since the 2016 election of President Tsai Ing-wen, when China cut off official communication with her government because she regards Taiwan as an already sovereign nation. The last time Beijing hosted an Olympics in 2008, relations with Taiwan were much warmer and a group of 80 competitors visited the Summer Games. This year, only four athletes will be competing in the Winter Games. Unlike several Western nations, Taipei has not joined a US-led diplomatic boycott of the Games over Beijing's human rights record. But no government representative will be at the ceremonies due to "precedent", Taiwan's Sports Administration said Tuesday in a statement The authority said it "respects" the decision made by its Olympics committee to attend the ceremonies. It also urged the IOC "to prevent the interference of any political factors to suppress and belittle (Taiwan's) status".

Taiwan delegation to attend Beijing Olympics ceremonies as 'required'

Taiwan's winter Olympics contingent will not be attending either the opening or the closing ceremony of the Olympics being held in Beijing next month.

Amid tensions, Taiwan to skip Beijing winter Olympics opening & closing ceremonies

German car-makers are pressing Lithuania to seek a compromise with China. Reports say Lithuania could ask Taiwan to rename their office in Vilnius to placate Beijing. Why are Europe's big powers abandoning spirited Lithuania? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: German businesses press Lithuania to seek compromise with China

Taiwan joined China in the quarter-finals of the Women`s Asian Cup on Wednesday with a 5-0 win over debutants Iran in Navi Mumbai taking the three-time champions into the last eight.

Lai Li-chin scored a hat-trick while Chen Yen-ping and Wang Hsiang-huei were also on target for Kazuo Echigo`s side as they picked up their first win of this year`s competition in Group A.

Taiwan were playing their second game in the tournament after Sunday`s meeting with India was cancelled due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Indian squad that resulted in the hosts being forced to withdraw from the competition.

Lai opened the scoring after four minutes when she slotted her low shot past Zohreh Koudaei and she doubled her side`s advantage 27 minutes later with a miss-hit cross that went in off the inside of the post.

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Chen put the Taiwanese three goals ahead when she struck from close range following a parry by Koudaei that saw the ball drop at her feet five minutes before the interval.

Lai completed her hat-trick from the penalty spot 20 minutes into the second half and Wang slotted in 12 minutes from time to complete a comfortable win, securing second place in Group A in the process.

The Chinese, who had originally been scheduled to face India on Wednesday, had already booked their place in the quarter-finals as Group A winners following wins over the Taiwanese and Iranians in their opening two matches.

Taiwan joined China in the quarter-finals of the Women`s Asian Cup on Wednesday with a 5-0 win over debutants Iran in Navi Mumbai taking the three-time champions into the last eight.

Taiwan joined China in the quarter-finals of the Women`s Asian Cup on Wednesday with a 5-0 win over debutants Iran in Navi Mumbai taking the three-time champions into the last eight. Lai Li-chin scored a hat-trick while Chen Yen-ping and Wang Hsiang-huei were also on target for Kazuo Echigo`s side as they picked up their first win of this year`s competition in Group A. Taiwan were playing their second game in the tournament after Sunday`s meeting with India was cancelled due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Indian squad that resulted in the hosts being forced to withdraw from the competition. Lai opened the scoring after four minutes when she slotted her low shot past Zohreh Koudaei and she doubled her side`s advantage 27 minutes later with a miss-hit cross that went in off the inside of the post. Read Also | French striker Anthony Martial moved to Sevilla FC because he felt wanted Chen put the Taiwanese three goals ahead when she struck from close range following a parry by Koudaei that saw the ball drop at her feet five minutes before the interval. Lai completed her hat-trick from the penalty spot 20 minutes into the second half and Wang slotted in 12 minutes from time to complete a comfortable win, securing second place in Group A in the process. The Chinese, who had originally been scheduled to face India on Wednesday, had already booked their place in the quarter-finals as Group A winners following wins over the Taiwanese and Iranians in their opening two matches.

Women's Asian Cup: Taiwan ease past Iran to advance to quarter-finals

Activists, lawmakers and civil society members in Taiwan were seen protesting and chanting slogans outside the Parliament building, calling for the government to boycott the Beijing Olympics 2022.

Taiwanese activists, lawmakers protest outside Parliament against Beijing Olympics 2022

China is escalating the battle for Taiwan. This weekend, 39 Chinese Jets buzzed Taiwan's Air Defence Zone - while PLA's warships are challenging the US & Japan. What is China's strategy to "invade" Taiwan? Palki Sharma tells you

Gravitas: What is China's strategy to "invade" Taiwan?

China reportedly sent as many as about 39 war planes into Taiwan's air defense zone. The island nation's government has said that this is in fact the second largest incursion on record.

China sends 39 jets, launches second largest incursion into Taiwan

Taiwan has offered to open its national archives and database to 'rediscover' the legacy of illustrious Indian freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose. Taiwan, which was under Japanese occupation in 1940s, was the last country that he was seen alive in. While consensus is that he died in a crash in Taiwan in 1945, controversy refuses to die.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We have national archives and several databases. We can help Indian friends rediscover that will give more information about Netaji and also his legacy, which has huge influence over Taiwan in 1930s, 1940s," Mumin Chen, deputy representative, Taipei Economic and Cultural Center or Taiwan Embassy in Delhi said at a virtual event organised by FICCI.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to various accounts, after the plane crash in August 1945 he was taken to Army Hospital Nanmon Branch in Taipei where he died. The hospital is the present-day Taipei City Hospital Heping Fuyou Branch.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/has-third-wave-of-coronavirus-peaked-in-india-find-several-answers-446836" hreflang="en">Has third wave of coronavirus peaked in India? Find several answers</a>

Taiwanese deputy envoy explained, "Lot of young historians are conducting researches with South East Asia, even with India. A lot of historical documents and evidence on Netaji, and Indian Independence movement are in Taiwan. Right now, very few Indian scholars know about it."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

He elaborated, "Taiwan and India should re-examine and re-discover the common history of Indo-Pacific" since we have "historical connections".&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

So far, large part of the information about Netaji after the crash has been based on Japanese accounts. Government of Japan has declassified two files relating to Netaji and his ashes are purported to be kept at Renkō-ji temple in Tokyo. Taiwan’s unique history makes it a special place to find research resources about Netaji.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pointing out that “with India and Netaji, we have historical connections" that Taiwanese did not know, the diplomat in Delhi, said, "In 1940s, Chiang Kai-shek wrote about Netaji in his dairy. He felt sympathy...decision to cooperate with Japanese fight for independence, is understandable."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/proud-of-his-monumental-contribution-india-pays-tributes-on-netaji-subhas-chandra-bose-birth-anniversary-446833" hreflang="en">'Proud of his monumental contribution': India pays tributes on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose birth anniversary</a>

Chiang Kai-shek fled to Taiwan from China in 1949 and then ruled the island with iron fist till his death in 1975. He was known for the strong resistance he gave to Japanese forces during World War II. Subhas Chandra Bose had sought Japanese help to overthrow British rule in India and had raised Indian National Army with Tokyo's help. Chen said, "Taiwan before 1945 was a Japanese colony, that is why Netaji stepped on Taiwan in 1943, and then in 1945, he came to Taiwan for second time."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The development comes as Indian PM Narendra Modi will unveil hologram statue of Netaji at India Gate on Sunday on the occasion of his birthday anniversary. A statue of the freedom fighter will be installed at the same location in future. This year marks the 125th birth anniversary of the stalwart. Indian Govt has announced January 23 will be celebrated as "Parakram Diwas".&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

This is the first time such offer has come from Taiwan. So far, there hasn't been any India-Taiwan connections in the research about Netaji's legacy in the country where he was last seen publically, and believed to have died in a crash, a claim which remains contested by his supporters.

Taiwan has offered to open its national archives and database to 'rediscover' the legacy of illustrious Indian freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose. Taiwan, which was under Japanese occupation in 1940s, was the last country that he was seen alive in.

Taiwan has offered to open its national archives and database to 'rediscover' the legacy of illustrious Indian freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose. Taiwan, which was under Japanese occupation in 1940s, was the last country that he was seen alive in. While consensus is that he died in a crash in Taiwan in 1945, controversy refuses to die. "We have national archives and several databases. We can help Indian friends rediscover that will give more information about Netaji and also his legacy, which has huge influence over Taiwan in 1930s, 1940s," Mumin Chen, deputy representative, Taipei Economic and Cultural Center or Taiwan Embassy in Delhi said at a virtual event organised by FICCI. According to various accounts, after the plane crash in August 1945 he was taken to Army Hospital Nanmon Branch in Taipei where he died. The hospital is the present-day Taipei City Hospital Heping Fuyou Branch. Also Read: Has third wave of coronavirus peaked in India? Find several answers Taiwanese deputy envoy explained, "Lot of young historians are conducting researches with South East Asia, even with India. A lot of historical documents and evidence on Netaji, and Indian Independence movement are in Taiwan. Right now, very few Indian scholars know about it." He elaborated, "Taiwan and India should re-examine and re-discover the common history of Indo-Pacific" since we have "historical connections". So far, large part of the information about Netaji after the crash has been based on Japanese accounts. Government of Japan has declassified two files relating to Netaji and his ashes are purported to be kept at Renkō-ji temple in Tokyo. Taiwan’s unique history makes it a special place to find research resources about Netaji. Pointing out that “with India and Netaji, we have historical connections" that Taiwanese did not know, the diplomat in Delhi, said, "In 1940s, Chiang Kai-shek wrote about Netaji in his dairy. He felt sympathy...decision to cooperate with Japanese fight for independence, is understandable." Also Read | 'Proud of his monumental contribution': India pays tributes on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose birth anniversary Chiang Kai-shek fled to Taiwan from China in 1949 and then ruled the island with iron fist till his death in 1975. He was known for the strong resistance he gave to Japanese forces during World War II. Subhas Chandra Bose had sought Japanese help to overthrow British rule in India and had raised Indian National Army with Tokyo's help. Chen said, "Taiwan before 1945 was a Japanese colony, that is why Netaji stepped on Taiwan in 1943, and then in 1945, he came to Taiwan for second time." The development comes as Indian PM Narendra Modi will unveil hologram statue of Netaji at India Gate on Sunday on the occasion of his birthday anniversary. A statue of the freedom fighter will be installed at the same location in future. This year marks the 125th birth anniversary of the stalwart. Indian Govt has announced January 23 will be celebrated as "Parakram Diwas". This is the first time such offer has come from Taiwan. So far, there hasn't been any India-Taiwan connections in the research about Netaji's legacy in the country where he was last seen publically, and believed to have died in a crash, a claim which remains contested by his supporters.

Taiwan, where Netaji went missing, offers to open its national archives to 'rediscover legacy'

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