The Joe Biden administration 'censored' Taiwan at the Summit For Democracies. A Taiwanese minister's video was 'cut off' for showing a map with China and Taiwan in different shades. Palki Sharma has a report

Gravitas: US censors Taiwan at Summit for Democracies

People of Taiwan will have to decide for themselves through a referendum if they want to save their fragile Red Algal Coral Reef or let government construct an LNG terminal.

Taiwan to hold a referendum to decide whether to save Coral Reef or construct an LNG terminal

Taiwan’s minister Audrey Tang’s video feed was cut short during ‘Summit for Democracy’ which was recently held by the US. Her address was halted after a map in her slide presentation showed Taiwan in a different colour to China.<o:p></o:p>

Local reports have claimed that internal sources have revealed that the video feed, which was showing Tang, was cut short and it was replaced only with her audio. The feed was cut at the request of White House officials.<o:p></o:p>

It is reported that the White House officials feared that this map can disrupt Washington’s stand on "one-China" policy. Washington has not taken a position on the debate of whether or not Taiwan is a part of China.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-global-summit-how-taiwan-developed-digital-public-infrastructure-372913">WION Global Summit: How Taiwan developed digital public infrastructure</a></o:p>

As Tang’s video showed China and Taiwan in different colours, the team was told to quickly remove the map. However, in the confusion of the moment, the whole video feed of the Taiwanese minister disappeared, and only her voice could be heard.<o:p></o:p>

"We valued Minister Tang's participation, which showcased Taiwan's world-class expertise on issues of transparent governance, human rights, and countering disinformation," a spokesperson said.<o:p></o:p>

The map showed by Tang was a colour coded representation from a South African NGO CIVICUS, which was ranking the world by openness on civil rights. The map had different colours for status of 'openness' of countries on civil rights — such as "closed," "repressed," "obstructed", "narrowed" or "open".

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sore-over-summit-for-democracy-2021-china-labels-us-democracy-as-weapon-of-mass-destruction-435985">Sore over 'Summit for Democracy 2021', China labels US democracy as 'weapon of mass destruction'</a></o:p>

On this map, Taiwan was marked with green, signifying that the region is 'open' to civil rights. However, Laos, Vietnam and North Korea, along with China, were marked with red, which meant their status was 'closed'.<o:p></o:p>

To be on the safer side of this argument, White House officials also issued a disclaimer later on the screen that read, "Any opinions expressed by individuals on this panel are those of the individual, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States government."<o:p></o:p>

It is also being reported that when the US government contacted Taiwanese officials about this map 'confusion', the Taiwan government protested Tang's video being cut. <o:p></o:p>

Western publications have also claimed that the White House National Security Council (NSC)&nbsp;was angry that the slide in question had not appeared during the 'dry run' version before the summit. This has also raised questions of if this was an intentional move by Taiwan or Tang.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Tang has found it best to stay away from this controversy. When asked if she believed that her video had been cut due to the slide, she told Reuters, "No, I do not believe that this has anything to do with the CIVICUS map in my slides, or U.S. allies in Asia for that matter."<o:p></o:p>

Taiwan’s minister Audrey Tang’s video feed was cut short during ‘Summit for Democracy’ which was recently held by the US. Her address was halted after a map in her slide presentation showed Taiwan in a different colour to China.

Taiwan’s minister Audrey Tang’s video feed was cut short during ‘Summit for Democracy’ which was recently held by the US. Her address was halted after a map in her slide presentation showed Taiwan in a different colour to China. Local reports have claimed that internal sources have revealed that the video feed, which was showing Tang, was cut short and it was replaced only with her audio. The feed was cut at the request of White House officials. It is reported that the White House officials feared that this map can disrupt Washington’s stand on "one-China" policy. Washington has not taken a position on the debate of whether or not Taiwan is a part of China. Also read | WION Global Summit: How Taiwan developed digital public infrastructure As Tang’s video showed China and Taiwan in different colours, the team was told to quickly remove the map. However, in the confusion of the moment, the whole video feed of the Taiwanese minister disappeared, and only her voice could be heard. "We valued Minister Tang's participation, which showcased Taiwan's world-class expertise on issues of transparent governance, human rights, and countering disinformation," a spokesperson said. The map showed by Tang was a colour coded representation from a South African NGO CIVICUS, which was ranking the world by openness on civil rights. The map had different colours for status of 'openness' of countries on civil rights — such as "closed," "repressed," "obstructed", "narrowed" or "open". Also read | Sore over 'Summit for Democracy 2021', China labels US democracy as 'weapon of mass destruction' On this map, Taiwan was marked with green, signifying that the region is 'open' to civil rights. However, Laos, Vietnam and North Korea, along with China, were marked with red, which meant their status was 'closed'. To be on the safer side of this argument, White House officials also issued a disclaimer later on the screen that read, "Any opinions expressed by individuals on this panel are those of the individual, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States government." It is also being reported that when the US government contacted Taiwanese officials about this map 'confusion', the Taiwan government protested Tang's video being cut. Western publications have also claimed that the White House National Security Council (NSC) was angry that the slide in question had not appeared during the 'dry run' version before the summit. This has also raised questions of if this was an intentional move by Taiwan or Tang. Meanwhile, Tang has found it best to stay away from this controversy. When asked if she believed that her video had been cut due to the slide, she told Reuters, "No, I do not believe that this has anything to do with the CIVICUS map in my slides, or U.S. allies in Asia for that matter."

US abruptly cuts Taiwanese minister's video at 'Summit for Democracy 2021'

On December 18, the people of Taiwan will decide whether or not to approve the building of a liquid natural gas (LNG) terminal right on the reef, the area which is home to one of the world's largest shallow corals.

Liquid Natural Gas terminal threatens to wipe off corals in Taiwan

Nicaragua severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan on Thursday and renewed ties with China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory.

Nicaragua's foreign ministry declared in a statement that "the government of the Republic of Nicaragua today terminates diplomatic relations with Taiwan and ceases to have any communication or official interaction."

"The People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government that represents all of China," the ministry stated, adding that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-meltdown-over-wions-taiwan-report-432836">Also read | China's meltdown over WION's Taiwan report</a>

In a statement, Taiwan's foreign ministry said it "deeply regrets" Nicaragua's decision to "unilaterally" sever ties.

"To safeguard national sovereignty and dignity, Taiwan has decided to terminate diplomatic relations with Nicaragua with immediate effect, end all bilateral cooperation projects and aid programs, and recall staff of its Embassy and Technical Mission in Nicaragua," the Taiwanese ministry said in the statement.

On Friday, government officials from Nicaragua and China will meet in the Chinese city of Tianjin. 
 
Watch | Nicaragua breaks diplomatic ties with Taiwan to align with Beijing's interests

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nicaragua-breaks-diplomatic-ties-with-taiwan-to-align-with-beijings-interests-435707/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Zhang Jun, China's ambassador to the United Nations, praised Nicaragua, adding that Beijing applauded the decision.

"The One-China principle is a widely established international consensus that is unchallengeable," Zhang stated.

China has intensified its efforts to woo Taiwan's remaining allies, particularly in Central America and the Caribbean, with El Salvador and the Dominican Republic switching sides in 2018, and Panama the year before. 
 
Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Paraguay, and Belize are just a few of the countries in this region who recognise Taiwan.

Taiwan now has only 14 formal diplomatic allies after Nicaragua's decision.

Taiwan is recognised by the following countries:

<ol>
	<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; Guatemala</li>
	<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; Honduras</li>
	<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; Haiti</li>
	<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; Paraguay</li>
	<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; Eswatini</li>
	<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; Tuvalu</li>
	<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; Nauru</li>
	<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines</li>
	<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; Saint Kitts and Nevis</li>
	<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; Saint Lucia</li>
	<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; Belize</li>
	<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; Marshall Islands</li>
	<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; Palau</li>
	<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; Vatican City/Holy See (U.N. observer state, not official member)</li>
</ol>

Watch | Gravitas: Japan's former PM warns China over Taiwan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-japans-former-pm-warns-china-over-taiwan-433352/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Nicaragua severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan on Thursday and renewed ties with China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory. Nicaragua's foreign ministry declared in a statement that "the government of the Republic of Nicaragua today terminates diplomatic relations with Taiwan and ceases to have any communication or official interaction.

Nicaragua severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan on Thursday and renewed ties with China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory. Nicaragua's foreign ministry declared in a statement that "the government of the Republic of Nicaragua today terminates diplomatic relations with Taiwan and ceases to have any communication or official interaction." "The People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government that represents all of China," the ministry stated, adding that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. Also read | China's meltdown over WION's Taiwan report In a statement, Taiwan's foreign ministry said it "deeply regrets" Nicaragua's decision to "unilaterally" sever ties. "To safeguard national sovereignty and dignity, Taiwan has decided to terminate diplomatic relations with Nicaragua with immediate effect, end all bilateral cooperation projects and aid programs, and recall staff of its Embassy and Technical Mission in Nicaragua," the Taiwanese ministry said in the statement. On Friday, government officials from Nicaragua and China will meet in the Chinese city of Tianjin. Watch | Nicaragua breaks diplomatic ties with Taiwan to align with Beijing's interests Zhang Jun, China's ambassador to the United Nations, praised Nicaragua, adding that Beijing applauded the decision. "The One-China principle is a widely established international consensus that is unchallengeable," Zhang stated. China has intensified its efforts to woo Taiwan's remaining allies, particularly in Central America and the Caribbean, with El Salvador and the Dominican Republic switching sides in 2018, and Panama the year before. Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Paraguay, and Belize are just a few of the countries in this region who recognise Taiwan. Taiwan now has only 14 formal diplomatic allies after Nicaragua's decision. Taiwan is recognised by the following countries: Guatemala Honduras Haiti Paraguay Eswatini Tuvalu Nauru Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Belize Marshall Islands Palau Vatican City/Holy See (U.N. observer state, not official member) Watch | Gravitas: Japan's former PM warns China over Taiwan (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan loses another ally to China as Nicaragua recognises Chinese sovereignty

Nicaragua has become the latest country to cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of China. Taiwan said it was "deeply saddened", adding that Nicaragua had "disregarded many years of friendship".

Nicaragua breaks diplomatic ties with Taiwan to align with Beijing's interests

Nicaragua broke its longstanding diplomatic ties with Taiwan, switching allegiance to Beijing in a recognition of the Chinese Communist party's "one China policy".

Nicaragua cuts diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of Beijing

The last few nations that recognise Taiwan's sovereignty

In a possible new Covid outbreak in Taiwan, a mouse bite is at the centre of a probe as a worker at a high-security laboratory, who was bitten twice, has become coronavirus positive. &nbsp; &nbsp;

It is the island’s first local confirmed case in over a month. The worker, who is a woman in her 20s, tested positive for Covid this week. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-against-vaccine-hoarding-as-world-is-in-a-perilous-situation-435675" hreflang="en">WHO warns against vaccine hoarding as world is in a 'perilous situation'</a>

At a briefing on Thursday evening, Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said, the woman seems to have come in contact with the virus while working at Taiwan’s top research institute Academia Sinica in mid-November. &nbsp;

The woman had not travelled abroad recently. She had also received two doses of Moderna vaccine. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Friday, in another briefing, Chen said that the woman had been bitten by a laboratory mouse infected with Covid on two separate occasions. &nbsp;

The minister also said that further investigation was needed to determine whether the bites had resulted in the transmission of the virus. The authorities believe she has been infected with the Delta variant. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-loses-another-ally-to-china-nicaragua-recognises-chinese-sovereignty-435709" hreflang="en">Taiwan loses another ally to China, Nicaragua recognises Chinese sovereignty</a>

The authorities in health department have also identified 94 people, who came in contact with the worker after she was infected. They have been placed in quarantine. &nbsp;

Around 80 have already tested negative. It may not trigger a new outbreak as most people have tested negative, Chen said on Friday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a possible new Covid outbreak in Taiwan, a mouse bite is at the centre of a probe as a worker at a high-security laboratory, who was bitten twice, has become coronavirus positive.

In a possible new Covid outbreak in Taiwan, a mouse bite is at the centre of a probe as a worker at a high-security laboratory, who was bitten twice, has become coronavirus positive. It is the island’s first local confirmed case in over a month. The worker, who is a woman in her 20s, tested positive for Covid this week. Also Read: WHO warns against vaccine hoarding as world is in a 'perilous situation' At a briefing on Thursday evening, Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said, the woman seems to have come in contact with the virus while working at Taiwan’s top research institute Academia Sinica in mid-November. The woman had not travelled abroad recently. She had also received two doses of Moderna vaccine. On Friday, in another briefing, Chen said that the woman had been bitten by a laboratory mouse infected with Covid on two separate occasions. The minister also said that further investigation was needed to determine whether the bites had resulted in the transmission of the virus. The authorities believe she has been infected with the Delta variant. Also Read: Taiwan loses another ally to China, Nicaragua recognises Chinese sovereignty The authorities in health department have also identified 94 people, who came in contact with the worker after she was infected. They have been placed in quarantine. Around 80 have already tested negative. It may not trigger a new outbreak as most people have tested negative, Chen said on Friday. (With inputs from agencies)

Alert in Taiwan after lab worker bitten twice by mouse with Covid becomes coronavirus positive

Amid heightened tensions between the US and China over Taiwan issue, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday said that the actions of Chinese military, such as flights near Taiwan, look like "rehearsals". &nbsp;

The defense secretary, however, did not look to indicate that he expected the Asian giant to actually carry out these operations. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-bidens-democracy-summit-china-publishes-its-own-democratic-model-434132" hreflang="en">Ahead of Biden's democracy summit, China publishes its own 'democratic model'</a>

At a conference in California, Austin said, "I don't want to speculate, but certainly ... it looks a lot like rehearsals." &nbsp;

By definition, military training flights seem to be rehearsals for future operations. &nbsp;

Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had warned China against its increasing incursions in Taiwan saying that it should be prepared of 'terrible consequences' if it precipitates a crisis in Taipei. &nbsp;

According to him, the United States is ''resolutely committed'' to protect Taiwan, and if China decides to invade Taiwan ''that would be a potentially disastrous decision.'' &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-to-vote-on-bill-banning-imports-of-products-from-chinas-xinjiang-433718" hreflang="en">US House to vote on bill banning imports of products from China's Xinjiang</a>

“I hope that China’s leaders think very carefully about this and about not precipitating a crisis that would have I think terrible consequences for lots of people and one that’s in no one’s interest, starting with China," he added. &nbsp;

China and the United States are tussling over President Joe Biden’s upcoming democracy summit, in which Taiwan is invited. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Amid heightened tensions between the US and China over Taiwan issue, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday said that the actions of Chinese military, such as flights near Taiwan, look like "rehearsals".

Amid heightened tensions between the US and China over Taiwan issue, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday said that the actions of Chinese military, such as flights near Taiwan, look like "rehearsals". The defense secretary, however, did not look to indicate that he expected the Asian giant to actually carry out these operations. Also Read: Ahead of Biden's democracy summit, China publishes its own 'democratic model' At a conference in California, Austin said, "I don't want to speculate, but certainly ... it looks a lot like rehearsals." By definition, military training flights seem to be rehearsals for future operations. Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had warned China against its increasing incursions in Taiwan saying that it should be prepared of 'terrible consequences' if it precipitates a crisis in Taipei. According to him, the United States is ''resolutely committed'' to protect Taiwan, and if China decides to invade Taiwan ''that would be a potentially disastrous decision.'' Also Read: US House to vote on bill banning imports of products from China's Xinjiang “I hope that China’s leaders think very carefully about this and about not precipitating a crisis that would have I think terrible consequences for lots of people and one that’s in no one’s interest, starting with China," he added. China and the United States are tussling over President Joe Biden’s upcoming democracy summit, in which Taiwan is invited. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan airspace incursions by Chinese military look like 'rehearsals', says US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin

Top military officials of China and the United States are preparing for a meeting to discuss the rising tensions over Taiwan and an arms race over the most lethal hypersonic weapons.

Top military officials of China and US to discuss Taiwan

Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe warned Xi Jinping against invading Taiwan, saying it would be economic suicide. What explains Japan's growing ties with Taiwan? Will it be enough to deter China's ambitions? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Japan's former PM warns China over Taiwan

China is on a mission to subdue Taiwan, it has previously used its military might, flying Chinese warcraft inside Taiwan's defence airspace and now a new report has revealed that Beijing is using diplomatic pressure on foreign govt to deport Taiwan nationals to China.

Report: China extradited over 600 Taiwanese worldwide

Former Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that "a Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency, and therefore an emergency for the Japan-US alliance". Responding to it, China has now summoned the Japanese ambassador over Abe's comments.

China miffed over Shinzo Abe's comments on Taiwan, summons Japanese envoy

Beijing has pressured foreign governments to deport hundreds of Taiwan nationals to China, a new report found, in what human rights activists describe as a "hunt for Taiwanese".

More than 600 Taiwanese were extradited from various countries to China between 2016 and 2019 in an effort to "undermine Taiwanese sovereignty", rights group Safeguard Defenders said in a report Tuesday.

China claims self-ruled democratic Taiwan as its territory, to be retaken one day by force if necessary, and has stepped up efforts in recent years to diplomatically isolate it.

China and Taiwan agreed in 2009 that police from both sides would return overseas suspects to their respective territories.&nbsp;

But Beijing began to increasingly ignore this agreement after the election of Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016, according to the NGO's report.

As Tsai has tried to assert the island's distinct identity, China has more aggressively professed its claim over Taiwan.

Safeguard Defenders said Beijing had pressured governments -- including the Philippines and Cambodia -- to extradite hundreds of Taiwanese mostly accused of telecoms fraud to China, despite efforts by the Taiwan government and the UN Human Rights Council to prevent the forced transfers.

Those extradited to China faced "arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearances, and forced televised confessions", Safeguard Defenders said.

Spain accounted for the greatest number of known forced transfer cases -- more than 200 -- despite being bound by the European Convention on Human Rights, according to the report.

A Spanish court ruled in 2017 that a group of 121 Chinese and Taiwanese fraud suspects could be extradited to China, pointing to Beijing's widely followed "One-China policy" -- in which Taiwan is diplomatically considered a part of China.

The Spanish government has shown a "clear disregard" for its human rights commitments and a "lack of understanding of the severity of human rights abuses in China", Safeguard Defenders said.

In a contrasting European ruling, last year the Czech Supreme Court rejected China's extradition request for eight Taiwan nationals, citing the risk of torture and Beijing's poor rights record.&nbsp;

In response to the report, Taiwan's government said Wednesday that China "does not have jurisdiction" over Taiwanese citizens implicated in criminal cases abroad, who it said should be returned to Taiwan to face trial.

The Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan's top China policy-making body, said Beijing aims to "show its sovereignty over Taiwan" by pushing for the deportations.

"We again urge the Chinese side that crime-fighting should not involve politics and we hope law enforcement units on both sides can continue to cooperate on existing basis to effectively fight crimes and protest public welfare," it said in a statement.

Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Wednesday dismissed the report as "pure nonsense."

Madrid-based Safeguard Defenders is an organisation that monitors and supports human rights activists in Asia.&nbsp; 
Co-founder Peter Dahlin was deported from China in 2016 after being detained for 23 days and forced to make a televised confession.

Beijing has pressured foreign governments to deport hundreds of Taiwan nationals to China, a new report found, in what human rights activists describe as a "hunt for Taiwanese".

Beijing has pressured foreign governments to deport hundreds of Taiwan nationals to China, a new report found, in what human rights activists describe as a "hunt for Taiwanese". More than 600 Taiwanese were extradited from various countries to China between 2016 and 2019 in an effort to "undermine Taiwanese sovereignty", rights group Safeguard Defenders said in a report Tuesday. China claims self-ruled democratic Taiwan as its territory, to be retaken one day by force if necessary, and has stepped up efforts in recent years to diplomatically isolate it. China and Taiwan agreed in 2009 that police from both sides would return overseas suspects to their respective territories. But Beijing began to increasingly ignore this agreement after the election of Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016, according to the NGO's report. As Tsai has tried to assert the island's distinct identity, China has more aggressively professed its claim over Taiwan. Safeguard Defenders said Beijing had pressured governments -- including the Philippines and Cambodia -- to extradite hundreds of Taiwanese mostly accused of telecoms fraud to China, despite efforts by the Taiwan government and the UN Human Rights Council to prevent the forced transfers. Those extradited to China faced "arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearances, and forced televised confessions", Safeguard Defenders said. Spain accounted for the greatest number of known forced transfer cases -- more than 200 -- despite being bound by the European Convention on Human Rights, according to the report. A Spanish court ruled in 2017 that a group of 121 Chinese and Taiwanese fraud suspects could be extradited to China, pointing to Beijing's widely followed "One-China policy" -- in which Taiwan is diplomatically considered a part of China. The Spanish government has shown a "clear disregard" for its human rights commitments and a "lack of understanding of the severity of human rights abuses in China", Safeguard Defenders said. In a contrasting European ruling, last year the Czech Supreme Court rejected China's extradition request for eight Taiwan nationals, citing the risk of torture and Beijing's poor rights record. In response to the report, Taiwan's government said Wednesday that China "does not have jurisdiction" over Taiwanese citizens implicated in criminal cases abroad, who it said should be returned to Taiwan to face trial. The Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan's top China policy-making body, said Beijing aims to "show its sovereignty over Taiwan" by pushing for the deportations. "We again urge the Chinese side that crime-fighting should not involve politics and we hope law enforcement units on both sides can continue to cooperate on existing basis to effectively fight crimes and protest public welfare," it said in a statement. Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Wednesday dismissed the report as "pure nonsense." Madrid-based Safeguard Defenders is an organisation that monitors and supports human rights activists in Asia. Co-founder Peter Dahlin was deported from China in 2016 after being detained for 23 days and forced to make a televised confession.

China 'hunting' Taiwanese abroad through deportation: rights group

Former Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that "a Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency, and therefore an emergency for the Japan-US alliance".

Former Japan PM Shinzo Abe tells China, ‘Taiwan emergency is Japanese emergency'

A renewed spike in Chinese airforce activities fuel Taiwan's fears of invasion by China but Taiwan says it is capable of responding as the country is also constructing an underwater fleet, 7 allies and Taipei in weapon building.

Taiwan gears up to stave off China's invasion

Chinese embassy officials in India unleashed a rant on social media after WION's special show on Taiwan. Palki Sharma traces China's obsession with WION and their efforts to silence our reportage.

Gravitas: Chinese embassy in meltdown over WION report

Report: Taiwan's economy will grow at its fastest pace in more than a decade in 2021. The story of Taiwan is one of resilience. Watch how it is emerging as a force for good in our special broadcast.

Taiwan: A force for good and the spirit of resilience

In 2019, the Solomon Islands broke ties with Taiwan. Allegedly, China bribed politicians for the switch. Now angry citizens in the country are going after Chinese establishments. Palki Sharma tells you how China's moves in Solomon Islands led to riots.

Gravitas: Chinese bribes triggered a riot in this country

As US moves forward with its pro-Taiwan policies, Beijing decides to tie up with Iran to resist any interference in its internal affairs.

China mulls teaming up with Iran amid US' pro-Taiwan policies

In 2019, the Solomon Islands switched diplomatic allegiances from Taiwan to China. Two years later, angry citizens have stormed the country's parliament and set buildings on fire. Palki Sharma tells you how the Taiwan decision led to riots in the Solomon Islands

Gravitas: The China-Taiwan issue led to riots in this Island nation

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that the country will deploy the military&nbsp;to aid the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare&nbsp;had requested&nbsp;assistance from Australia after&nbsp;protesters in the Pacific Island nation defied a curfew to protest for a second consecutive day.

Australia&nbsp;will send 23 police officers immediately to assist with riot control, Morrison said, with a further 50 personnel to enforce security at critical infrastructure.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-burn-down-parliament-building-police-station-in-solomon-islands-431715" hreflang="en">Protesters burn down parliament building, police station in Solomon Islands</a>

Morrison said another 43 military troops will be sent to aid&nbsp;Australian police officers.

"Our purpose here is to provide stability and security to enable the normal constitutional processes, within the Solomon Islands, to be able to deal with the various issues that have arisen," Morrison told reporters in Canberra.

"It is not the&nbsp;Australian government's intention in any way to intervene in the internal affairs of the Solomon Islands, that is for them to resolve."

The deployment of&nbsp;Australian personnel comes amid reports and images shared on social media showing crowds of protesters and burning buildings in the Chinatown district of Honiara.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-meets-solomons-envoy-to-shore-up-ties-over-china-248580">Taiwan leader meets Solomons envoy to shore up ties over China</a>

Many protesters travelled from the most populous province Malaita to the capital because of concern about being overlooked by the national government, according to media reports.

The province opposed a 2019 decision to end diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establish formal links with China, resulting in an independence referendum last year which the national government has dismissed as illegitimate.

The Solomons, the scene of some of the fiercest fighting in the Second World War, experienced major rioting in 2006 following disputed elections, with many Chinese-owned businesses in Honiara burnt and looted.

Sogavare on Wednesday declared a 36-hour lockdown in Honiara after the latest unrest, calling it "another sad and unfortunate event aimed at bringing a democratically elected government down".

The lockdown, which would run until 7 a.m. on Friday, would "allow our law enforcement agencies to fully investigate the perpetrators of today's events and to prevent further lawless destruction," Sogavare said.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) urged people attending schools and businesses around Honiara to stay home to avoid being affected by unrest.

"We want to make sure that our streets, schools and businesses will reopen soon after the lockdown," said RSIPF deputy commissioner Juanita Matanga in a statement.

"I am asking for your cooperation until the situation turns normal."

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that the country will deploy the military to aid the Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had requested assistance from Australia after protesters in the Pacific Island nation defied a curfew to protest for a second consecutive day.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that the country will deploy the military to aid the Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had requested assistance from Australia after protesters in the Pacific Island nation defied a curfew to protest for a second consecutive day. Australia will send 23 police officers immediately to assist with riot control, Morrison said, with a further 50 personnel to enforce security at critical infrastructure. Also read | Protesters burn down parliament building, police station in Solomon Islands Morrison said another 43 military troops will be sent to aid Australian police officers. "Our purpose here is to provide stability and security to enable the normal constitutional processes, within the Solomon Islands, to be able to deal with the various issues that have arisen," Morrison told reporters in Canberra. "It is not the Australian government's intention in any way to intervene in the internal affairs of the Solomon Islands, that is for them to resolve." The deployment of Australian personnel comes amid reports and images shared on social media showing crowds of protesters and burning buildings in the Chinatown district of Honiara. Also read | Taiwan leader meets Solomons envoy to shore up ties over China Many protesters travelled from the most populous province Malaita to the capital because of concern about being overlooked by the national government, according to media reports. The province opposed a 2019 decision to end diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establish formal links with China, resulting in an independence referendum last year which the national government has dismissed as illegitimate. The Solomons, the scene of some of the fiercest fighting in the Second World War, experienced major rioting in 2006 following disputed elections, with many Chinese-owned businesses in Honiara burnt and looted. Sogavare on Wednesday declared a 36-hour lockdown in Honiara after the latest unrest, calling it "another sad and unfortunate event aimed at bringing a democratically elected government down". The lockdown, which would run until 7 a.m. on Friday, would "allow our law enforcement agencies to fully investigate the perpetrators of today's events and to prevent further lawless destruction," Sogavare said. The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) urged people attending schools and businesses around Honiara to stay home to avoid being affected by unrest. "We want to make sure that our streets, schools and businesses will reopen soon after the lockdown," said RSIPF deputy commissioner Juanita Matanga in a statement. "I am asking for your cooperation until the situation turns normal."

After spread of protest in Solomon Islands, Australia to deploy military

Taiwan is looking at cooperating with three Eastern European countries on semiconductors, a minister said on Thursday, a move likely to find favour in Brussels which has been courting Taiwanese semiconductor firms to manufacture in the bloc.

Tech powerhouse Taiwan, home to companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC), has become front and centre of efforts to resolve a shortage of chips that has shut some auto production lines around the world and whose impact is now being felt in consumer electronics too.

While TSMC is building a $12 billion chip fabrication plant in the US&nbsp;state of Arizona, it has given no suggestion of interest in a similar facility in Europe, despite EU efforts&nbsp;to spur such investment.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lithuania-urges-europe-to-increase-indo-pacific-ties-in-face-of-chinese-coercion-431908">Lithuania urges Europe to increase Indo-Pacific ties in face of Chinese 'coercion'</a>

Kung Ming-hsin, who heads Taiwan's National Development Council, told reporters following his visit to Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Lithuania last month that all three countries had mentioned they wanted to work on chips with the island.

Taiwan will set up working groups with the three countries to work out how to cooperate on chips, while Taiwan will also give scholarships for technical training, he added.

"The whole semiconductor supply chain is enormous. Many countries can play different roles," Kung said.

Taiwan has been keen to express its gratitude to the three countries for their donations of COVID-19 vaccines, and also, for Lithuania and the Czech Republic's support as Taiwan faced growing political pressure from China.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-petroleum-dealers-launch-nationwide-strike-against-lower-profit-margins-431887">Pakistan petroleum dealers launch nationwide strike against lower profit margins</a>

Neither the EU nor its member states have formal diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed and democratically-ruled Taiwan, but Taipei has sought to bolster its relations with the bloc by stressing their shared values of freedom and democracy.

The European Commission has proposed legislation to boost chip production, and has angled for Taiwan's involvement.

Kung said it would be hard for Europe to do that on its own.

"So they hope to cooperate with Taiwan," he added.

Taiwan is looking at cooperating with three Eastern European countries on semiconductors, a minister said on Thursday, a move likely to find favour in Brussels which has been courting Taiwanese semiconductor firms to manufacture in the bloc.

Taiwan is looking at cooperating with three Eastern European countries on semiconductors, a minister said on Thursday, a move likely to find favour in Brussels which has been courting Taiwanese semiconductor firms to manufacture in the bloc. Tech powerhouse Taiwan, home to companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC), has become front and centre of efforts to resolve a shortage of chips that has shut some auto production lines around the world and whose impact is now being felt in consumer electronics too. While TSMC is building a $12 billion chip fabrication plant in the US state of Arizona, it has given no suggestion of interest in a similar facility in Europe, despite EU efforts to spur such investment. ALSO READ | Lithuania urges Europe to increase Indo-Pacific ties in face of Chinese 'coercion' Kung Ming-hsin, who heads Taiwan's National Development Council, told reporters following his visit to Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Lithuania last month that all three countries had mentioned they wanted to work on chips with the island. Taiwan will set up working groups with the three countries to work out how to cooperate on chips, while Taiwan will also give scholarships for technical training, he added. "The whole semiconductor supply chain is enormous. Many countries can play different roles," Kung said. Taiwan has been keen to express its gratitude to the three countries for their donations of COVID-19 vaccines, and also, for Lithuania and the Czech Republic's support as Taiwan faced growing political pressure from China. ALSO READ | Pakistan petroleum dealers launch nationwide strike against lower profit margins Neither the EU nor its member states have formal diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed and democratically-ruled Taiwan, but Taipei has sought to bolster its relations with the bloc by stressing their shared values of freedom and democracy. The European Commission has proposed legislation to boost chip production, and has angled for Taiwan's involvement. Kung said it would be hard for Europe to do that on its own. "So they hope to cooperate with Taiwan," he added.

Taiwan looking at chip cooperation with Eastern European nations

Over the last couple of months, the United States has appeared as one of the biggest supporters of Taiwan across the world. In October the US Secretary of State pushed for Taiwan's entry into the UN.

United States backs Taiwan's presence at the UN

Curfew has been imposed in Solomon Islands capital Honiara after protesters allegedly burned down a building in the parliament precinct, a police station and a store, amid reports of looting.

The burnt building was reportedly owned by a Chinese national.

The agitators were demanding the prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, to step down over failure to deliver promised infrastructure among other complaints, according to local media reports.

According to reports, the protesters belonged to Malaita province, the most populous province in the pacific island country,&nbsp;whose provincial government has had tense relations with the central government for years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-meets-solomons-envoy-to-shore-up-ties-over-china-248580">Taiwan leader meets Solomons envoy to shore up ties over China</a>

The tensions are also being attributed to Sogavare’s decision in 2019 to cut&nbsp;ties with Taiwan and establish a diplomatic relationship with China—a move that angered Malaita premier Daniel Suidani.

Police on Wednesday fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of protesters when they marched towards the parliament, a police spokesman said.

“A crowd formed in front of the parliament, I don’t know the exact numbers but it was a huge crowd,” the unnamed policeman told the AFP news agency.

“They intended to make the prime minister resign – that’s the public speculation – but we’re still investigating the motives. The important thing is police now have control of the situation and no one is out on the streets.”

He said police were unaware of any injuries.

Many communities in Malaita had forged deep ties with Taipei and the island’s local government has repeatedly complained about&nbsp;embracing China.

(With inputs from agencies)

Curfew has been imposed in Solomon Islands capital Honiara after protesters allegedly burned down a building in the parliament precinct, a police station and a store, amid reports of looting.

Curfew has been imposed in Solomon Islands capital Honiara after protesters allegedly burned down a building in the parliament precinct, a police station and a store, amid reports of looting. The burnt building was reportedly owned by a Chinese national. The agitators were demanding the prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, to step down over failure to deliver promised infrastructure among other complaints, according to local media reports. According to reports, the protesters belonged to Malaita province, the most populous province in the pacific island country, whose provincial government has had tense relations with the central government for years. Also read | Taiwan leader meets Solomons envoy to shore up ties over China The tensions are also being attributed to Sogavare’s decision in 2019 to cut ties with Taiwan and establish a diplomatic relationship with China—a move that angered Malaita premier Daniel Suidani. Police on Wednesday fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of protesters when they marched towards the parliament, a police spokesman said. “A crowd formed in front of the parliament, I don’t know the exact numbers but it was a huge crowd,” the unnamed policeman told the AFP news agency. “They intended to make the prime minister resign – that’s the public speculation – but we’re still investigating the motives. The important thing is police now have control of the situation and no one is out on the streets.” He said police were unaware of any injuries. Many communities in Malaita had forged deep ties with Taipei and the island’s local government has repeatedly complained about embracing China. (With inputs from agencies)

Protesters burn down parliament building, police station in Solomon Islands

China has asked the United States to stop '' platform or shelter for Taiwan independence forces.''

Firmly opposing the invite by the US to Taiwan for the "Summit for Democracy," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said the country should "abide by the one-China principle."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/joe-biden-invites-taiwan-to-democracy-summit-china-russia-not-invited-431580/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tensions between Taiwan and China have reached a new low as several Chinese jets repeatedly entered Taipei's air defence zone last month.

China claims democratically ruled Taiwan as its own territory and views the island as a renegade province.

Over 100 countries have been invited to the virtual summit that will be held on December 9 and 10.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/battlezone-taiwans-kinmen-island-stands-on-frontline-with-china-424147">In pics:&nbsp;Battlezone: Taiwan's Kinmen island stands on frontline with China</a>

It aims to help stop democratic backsliding and the erosion of rights and freedoms worldwide.

The invitation is a major coup for Taipei at a time when China is ramping up its campaign to keep&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;locked out of international bodies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/harpoons-and-slam-er-missiles-why-china-fears-the-types-of-weapons-sold-by-us-to-taiwan-338286">Also Read:&nbsp;Harpoons and SLAM-ER missiles: Why China fears the types of weapons sold by US to Taiwan</a>

Taiwan's foreign ministry acknowledged the US invite while adding that it affirms "the promotion of values of democracy and human rights over the years".&nbsp;

The global conference is a campaign pledge by US President Joe Biden, who has placed the struggle between democracies and "autocratic governments" at the heart of his foreign policy.

(With inputs from agencies)

China has asked the United States to stop '' platform or shelter for Taiwan independence forces.'' Firmly opposing the invite by the US to Taiwan for the "Summit for Democracy," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said the country should "abide by the one-China principle.

China has asked the United States to stop '' platform or shelter for Taiwan independence forces.'' Firmly opposing the invite by the US to Taiwan for the "Summit for Democracy," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said the country should "abide by the one-China principle." Tensions between Taiwan and China have reached a new low as several Chinese jets repeatedly entered Taipei's air defence zone last month. China claims democratically ruled Taiwan as its own territory and views the island as a renegade province. Over 100 countries have been invited to the virtual summit that will be held on December 9 and 10. In pics: Battlezone: Taiwan's Kinmen island stands on frontline with China It aims to help stop democratic backsliding and the erosion of rights and freedoms worldwide. The invitation is a major coup for Taipei at a time when China is ramping up its campaign to keep Taiwan locked out of international bodies. Also Read: Harpoons and SLAM-ER missiles: Why China fears the types of weapons sold by US to Taiwan Taiwan's foreign ministry acknowledged the US invite while adding that it affirms "the promotion of values of democracy and human rights over the years". The global conference is a campaign pledge by US President Joe Biden, who has placed the struggle between democracies and "autocratic governments" at the heart of his foreign policy. (With inputs from agencies)

China asks US to stop providing platform to Taiwan's independence forces

In a move that will most likely anger China, US President Joe Biden has invited Taiwan to a summit for democracy next month. According to the US state department, the summit is expected to focus on three principle themes- defending against authoritarianism, fighting corruption, and respect for human rights.

Joe Biden invites Taiwan to democracy summit, China & Russia not invited

China has issued stern warning to Taiwanese firms against supporting the island's independence, hours after Taiwanese conglomerate was fined by mainland regulators as tensions flare between Taipei and Beijing.

China: Supporters of Taiwan independence threatens peace

Amid the worsening diplomatic ties of a Taiwan de facto embassy row, Lithuania has expressed its regret over China's decision to downgrade ties.

Taiwan de facto embassy: China accuses Lithuania of undermining its sovereignty

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