Beijing would find it "deeply destabilising" if the United States were to explicitly state it would come to Taiwan`s defence in the event of a Chinese invasion, the Biden administration`s spy chief said on Thursday.

"From our perspective, if we were to see a US shift from strategic ambiguity, as you`ve identified it, to clarity over a willingness to intervene in a Taiwan contingency, the Chinese would find this deeply destabilizing," Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told the Senate Armed Services Committee, as quoted by The Hill.

"I think it would solidify Chinese perceptions that the US is bent on constraining China`s rise, including through military force, and would probably cause Beijing to aggressively undermine U.S. interests worldwide," she added.

From Taipei`s perspective, Haines said, it`s "possible" a US change from "strategic ambiguity" could lead to more Taiwanese movement toward independence." I would say that already Taiwan is hardening to some extent towards independence as they`re watching, essentially, what happened in Hong Kong, and I think that is an increasing challenge," she added.

The director`s comments at the committee's annual worldwide threats hearing come after the outgoing top U.S. military officer for the region suggested it`s time to rethink U.S. policy toward Taiwan.&nbsp;

The Hill reported that under the decades-old policy, the United States maintains "strategic ambiguity" toward Taiwan where it does not explicitly say it would come to the island`s defence in a conflict with China. The policy is aimed at both avoiding, provoking Beijing and not emboldening Taiwan into formally declaring independence, which could lead to a Chinese invasion.&nbsp;

When Asked about the strategic ambiguity policy at a Senate Armed Services hearing last month, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (Indo-Pacom) chief Adm. Philip Davidson said that while the current policy has "helped keep Taiwan in its current status," he believes "these things should be reconsidered routinely."Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lt. Gen. Scott Berrier, while testifying alongside Haines, said Chinese President Xi Jinping has a goal to "unify Taiwan with China."We don't know that he`s decided on how or when to do that," Berrier added, but noted there has been "an increase in [Chinese military] activity on the sea and the airspace around Taiwan over the last year." This comes as China said its military activities in the Taiwan Strait were targeted at "separatists" in Taiwan and "external forces".

[We] have made full preparation in addressing the separatist activities of Taiwan independence and the interference of external forces," South China Morning Post quoted Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian, as saying. Early this month, in their first in-person meeting at the White House, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden said in their joint statement that they "underscore the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait" and "encourage the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues."

Beijing, on the other hand, reacted sharply to the statement and expressed firm opposition to Washington and Tokyo's demand for a 'stable' Taiwan strait.&nbsp;

China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea and has overlapping territorial claims with Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.&nbsp;

China has been increasing its maritime activities in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea over the past few months, partly in response to Beijing`s concerns over the increasing US military presence in the region because of escalating Sino-US tensions.&nbsp;

Beijing's rising assertiveness against counter claimants in the East and South Sea has resulted in unprecedented agreement across the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan, a democracy of almost 24 million people located off the southeastern coast of mainland China, although the two sides have been governed separately for more than seven decades.&nbsp;

Taipei, on the other hand, has countered the Chinese aggression by increasing strategic ties with democracies including the US, which has been repeatedly opposed by Beijing.&nbsp;

China has threatened that "Taiwan`s independence" means war.

Beijing would find it "deeply destabilising" if the United States were to explicitly state it would come to Taiwan`s defence in the event of a Chinese invasion, the Biden administration`s spy chief said on Thursday.

Beijing would find it "deeply destabilising" if the United States were to explicitly state it would come to Taiwan`s defence in the event of a Chinese invasion, the Biden administration`s spy chief said on Thursday. "From our perspective, if we were to see a US shift from strategic ambiguity, as you`ve identified it, to clarity over a willingness to intervene in a Taiwan contingency, the Chinese would find this deeply destabilizing," Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told the Senate Armed Services Committee, as quoted by The Hill. "I think it would solidify Chinese perceptions that the US is bent on constraining China`s rise, including through military force, and would probably cause Beijing to aggressively undermine U.S. interests worldwide," she added. From Taipei`s perspective, Haines said, it`s "possible" a US change from "strategic ambiguity" could lead to more Taiwanese movement toward independence." I would say that already Taiwan is hardening to some extent towards independence as they`re watching, essentially, what happened in Hong Kong, and I think that is an increasing challenge," she added. The director`s comments at the committee's annual worldwide threats hearing come after the outgoing top U.S. military officer for the region suggested it`s time to rethink U.S. policy toward Taiwan. The Hill reported that under the decades-old policy, the United States maintains "strategic ambiguity" toward Taiwan where it does not explicitly say it would come to the island`s defence in a conflict with China. The policy is aimed at both avoiding, provoking Beijing and not emboldening Taiwan into formally declaring independence, which could lead to a Chinese invasion. When Asked about the strategic ambiguity policy at a Senate Armed Services hearing last month, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (Indo-Pacom) chief Adm. Philip Davidson said that while the current policy has "helped keep Taiwan in its current status," he believes "these things should be reconsidered routinely."Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lt. Gen. Scott Berrier, while testifying alongside Haines, said Chinese President Xi Jinping has a goal to "unify Taiwan with China."We don't know that he`s decided on how or when to do that," Berrier added, but noted there has been "an increase in [Chinese military] activity on the sea and the airspace around Taiwan over the last year." This comes as China said its military activities in the Taiwan Strait were targeted at "separatists" in Taiwan and "external forces". [We] have made full preparation in addressing the separatist activities of Taiwan independence and the interference of external forces," South China Morning Post quoted Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian, as saying. Early this month, in their first in-person meeting at the White House, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden said in their joint statement that they "underscore the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait" and "encourage the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues." Beijing, on the other hand, reacted sharply to the statement and expressed firm opposition to Washington and Tokyo's demand for a 'stable' Taiwan strait. China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea and has overlapping territorial claims with Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan. China has been increasing its maritime activities in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea over the past few months, partly in response to Beijing`s concerns over the increasing US military presence in the region because of escalating Sino-US tensions. Beijing's rising assertiveness against counter claimants in the East and South Sea has resulted in unprecedented agreement across the Indo-Pacific. Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan, a democracy of almost 24 million people located off the southeastern coast of mainland China, although the two sides have been governed separately for more than seven decades. Taipei, on the other hand, has countered the Chinese aggression by increasing strategic ties with democracies including the US, which has been repeatedly opposed by Beijing. China has threatened that "Taiwan`s independence" means war.

China would find change in policy toward Taiwan 'deeply destabilising': US

US is talking with China and its regional adversaries at the same time. US President Joe Biden's special envoy for climate John Kerry is in Shanghai to talk to Chinese officials. Biden's top emissaries are in Taiwan to discuss military situation vis-a-vis China. And tomorrow, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga will be at the White House. On the agenda, once again, is China.

US appears to be doing a balancing act. Will this approach work or is&nbsp;confrontation inevitable?

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Timing of John Kerry's Shanghai visit is crucial. Biden is due to hold a climate summit of 40 countries next week. Kerry's mission is hence very important. The US Wants China to control its emissions, give-up coal-fired power stations and stop financing coal ventures abroad.

It's ironic, because the US and China are the world's worst polluters. A global summit would not be needed if these two nations cut their emissions.

America, quite hypocritically, will pollute and also preach. So Kerry is in China to convince it to cut emissions. It won't be easy and the reasons are as much political as financial.

Financial because switching to green energy will need investments. Political, because why should China listen to America, when America doesn't listen to China on Taiwan?

Moreover, Kerry's visit is coinciding with another American mission. A delegation has touched down in Taipei.

This is Joe Biden's first unofficial delegation to Taiwan. A former lawmaker and two former senior state department officials are part of it.

Over the next three days, they will meet senior Taiwanese officials. Reports say, Taiwan will brief the American side about China's recent provocations. They will also demand more support from Washington.

On Thursday, Biden's emissaries met with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen.

Tsai told the delegation that China's military activities are threatening regional peace and stability.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Biden administration for reiterating on numerous occasions the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan strait. Recently we have seen that China has frequently dispatched military vessels and aircraft to carry out manoeuvres in the sea and airspace surrounding Taiwan. These actions alter the status quo in the indo-pacific and threaten regional peace and stability," said Tsai Ing-wen.

This couldn't go unnoticed in Beijing. Earlier today, the Chinese foreign ministry issued a response.

It told the US to 'Take caution' and adhere to the One China principle.

The same old line. But accompanied by new provocations.

This month, &nbsp;25 Chinese warplanes breached Taiwan's air defence zone. This was the largest incursion in months. And it wasn't the only provocation. The Chinese Navy conducted drills in the Taiwan strait.

The threat is serious. The US Intelligence community has come up with a report. It decodes China's military assertiveness in several regional disputes. The American assessment says there could be two reasons behind China's aggression.

One, Beijing wants to use military actions to demonstrate strength. Two, Beijing wants to compel neighbours to accept its claims over disputed territory.

"China is employing a comprehensive approach to demonstrate its growing strength and compel regional neighbors to acquiesce to beijing's preferences, including its claims over disputed territory and assertions of sovereignty over Taiwan," said Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence.

These aggressive actions against Taiwan are expected to come up on Friday as well.&nbsp;

That's when the third big meeting will take place. Joe Biden will sit down with Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga in Washington. Reports say China is expected to dominate the talks. The US wants Japan to back Taiwan.

Biden wants Suga to issue a joint statement of support to Taiwan.

This is tricky, because Japan has its own territorial dispute with China over Senkaku Islands. And a joint statement on Taiwan will only further aggravate the situation with China.

So three meetings, one agenda. Getting china to come to heel. This could prove to be biden's biggest test so far.

US is talking with China and its regional adversaries at the same time. US President Joe Biden's special envoy for climate John Kerry is in Shanghai to talk to Chinese officials.

US is talking with China and its regional adversaries at the same time. US President Joe Biden's special envoy for climate John Kerry is in Shanghai to talk to Chinese officials. Biden's top emissaries are in Taiwan to discuss military situation vis-a-vis China. And tomorrow, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga will be at the White House. On the agenda, once again, is China. US appears to be doing a balancing act. Will this approach work or is confrontation inevitable? Timing of John Kerry's Shanghai visit is crucial. Biden is due to hold a climate summit of 40 countries next week. Kerry's mission is hence very important. The US Wants China to control its emissions, give-up coal-fired power stations and stop financing coal ventures abroad. It's ironic, because the US and China are the world's worst polluters. A global summit would not be needed if these two nations cut their emissions. America, quite hypocritically, will pollute and also preach. So Kerry is in China to convince it to cut emissions. It won't be easy and the reasons are as much political as financial. Financial because switching to green energy will need investments. Political, because why should China listen to America, when America doesn't listen to China on Taiwan? Moreover, Kerry's visit is coinciding with another American mission. A delegation has touched down in Taipei. This is Joe Biden's first unofficial delegation to Taiwan. A former lawmaker and two former senior state department officials are part of it. Over the next three days, they will meet senior Taiwanese officials. Reports say, Taiwan will brief the American side about China's recent provocations. They will also demand more support from Washington. On Thursday, Biden's emissaries met with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen. Tsai told the delegation that China's military activities are threatening regional peace and stability. "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Biden administration for reiterating on numerous occasions the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan strait. Recently we have seen that China has frequently dispatched military vessels and aircraft to carry out manoeuvres in the sea and airspace surrounding Taiwan. These actions alter the status quo in the indo-pacific and threaten regional peace and stability," said Tsai Ing-wen. This couldn't go unnoticed in Beijing. Earlier today, the Chinese foreign ministry issued a response. It told the US to 'Take caution' and adhere to the One China principle. The same old line. But accompanied by new provocations. This month, 25 Chinese warplanes breached Taiwan's air defence zone. This was the largest incursion in months. And it wasn't the only provocation. The Chinese Navy conducted drills in the Taiwan strait. The threat is serious. The US Intelligence community has come up with a report. It decodes China's military assertiveness in several regional disputes. The American assessment says there could be two reasons behind China's aggression. One, Beijing wants to use military actions to demonstrate strength. Two, Beijing wants to compel neighbours to accept its claims over disputed territory. "China is employing a comprehensive approach to demonstrate its growing strength and compel regional neighbors to acquiesce to beijing's preferences, including its claims over disputed territory and assertions of sovereignty over Taiwan," said Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence. These aggressive actions against Taiwan are expected to come up on Friday as well. That's when the third big meeting will take place. Joe Biden will sit down with Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga in Washington. Reports say China is expected to dominate the talks. The US wants Japan to back Taiwan. Biden wants Suga to issue a joint statement of support to Taiwan. This is tricky, because Japan has its own territorial dispute with China over Senkaku Islands. And a joint statement on Taiwan will only further aggravate the situation with China. So three meetings, one agenda. Getting china to come to heel. This could prove to be biden's biggest test so far.

US tries a balancing act vis-a-vis China

It's a busy week for the Biden Administration. The US President is attempting a balancing act by talking to China and its regional adversaries - Japan and Taiwan at the same time. Will the approach work? WION's Palki Sharma has the answers.

Gravitas: Joe Biden's new rules of engagement for China

Taiwan has built thousands of homes for the poor in Paraguay, upgraded the country’s health care system, awarded hundreds of scholarships and even helped fund the futuristic Congress building in the capital, spending generously over decades to nurture their diplomatic ties.

But the alliance, which makes Paraguay one of only 15 nations to have full diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and the only one in South America, is facing an existential threat as Paraguay’s quest for vaccines becomes increasingly desperate.

With its health care system buckling as COVID-19 cases soar, Paraguayan officials across the political spectrum say the time has come to consider dumping Taiwan, which doesn’t export vaccines, in order to establish diplomatic ties with China, which does.

“This is really a life-and-death situation,” said Pepe Zhang, an associate director at the Atlantic Council who specializes in relations between Latin America and China. “In this very acute phase of the pandemic, less resourceful countries like Paraguay are asking where they’re going to get the vaccine.”

Zhang and a growing number of Paraguayans have come to see China as the most likely path to getting the vaccines they need — at least in the short run.

Western pharmaceutical companies have prioritized shipments to wealthy nations that placed orders early, leaving Latin America to rely predominantly on Chinese vaccines to blunt an epidemic that has left a brutal toll.

That has given Beijing considerable leverage in a region where it has a broad constellation of investments and projects. Suddenly, wresting Paraguay from Taiwan’s orbit — which would advance Beijing’s goal of politically isolating an island it regards as its territory — appears within reach.

Euclides Acevedo, Paraguay’s foreign minister, said recently that Beijing made it clear it was interested in establishing ties with Paraguay. He has dangled that prospect of making the diplomatic switch as he has sought to pressure Taiwan and its ally, the United States, to get vaccines to Paraguay quickly.

“What good is a fraternal embrace that leaves us in a state of respiratory failure?” Acevedo said late last month in an interview on the television network Telefuturo. “I think our strategic allies, including the United States and Taiwan, must respond.”

Beijing’s one-China principle forces countries to choose between having full diplomatic relations with Beijing or Taipei. Three countries in Latin America blindsided and angered the U.S. government in recent years by abruptly severing ties with Taiwan following secret negotiations with Beijing. The switch by those nations — Panama, the Dominican Republic and El Salvador — came with promises of growing trade with Beijing and has made them early recipients of Chinese vaccines.

Acevedo said Paraguay should explore what it would gain by doing the same. “President Xi Jinping has keen interest in partnering with us,” he said. “It’s a political debate that should draw input from all segments of the state and all of society.”

Yet it’s not clear that Paraguay has taken formal steps toward exploring a flip.

Charles Andrew Tang, who heads the China-Paraguay Chamber of Commerce, said he advised officials at the health ministry earlier this year on the paperwork they would need to fill out to request purchasing Chinese vaccines.

Tang, who is seen in Paraguay as a key interlocutor with the Chinese government, said it was conceivable that Chinese vaccine manufacturers would sell vaccines to Paraguay even without formal diplomatic relations.

But he said the onus was on officials in Paraguay to make the first move.

“If the Paraguayan government would like to speak to China, they can speak to China,” he said. “It’s very simple. China is there, not pressuring Paraguay, not threatening Paraguay.”

Officials in Taiwan recently accused China of using “vaccine diplomacy” to pressure Paraguay to sever ties with Taipei. China’s foreign ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said China was doing nothing of the sort, calling its vaccine deals “completely aboveboard” and humanitarian minded.

“The virus can spread across borders, but mankind’s love also transcends borders,” he told reporters.

This week China’s main COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer, Sinovac, made a gesture that is certain to fuel speculation about Beijing’s plans in Paraguay.

The South American soccer federation CONMEBOL, which is based in Paraguay, announced it was receiving a donation of 50,000 doses of CoronaVac, the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Beijing-based Sinovac.

“The leaders of this company have understood the enormous social and cultural value of soccer in South American countries,” the federation’s president, Alejandro Domínguez, said in a statement, calling the donation a “noble gesture.”

Despite all these signals, Taiwan’s position in Paraguay may be safer than it appears, said Lee McClenny, who served as the U.S. ambassador in Paraguay until September. While Cabinet members and business owners have pressured President Mario Abdo Benítez to forge ties with China, the Chinese government didn’t show much interest in getting Paraguay to flip, he said.

“On the ground I didn’t see very effective efforts to make this happen,” McClenny said.

Besides, McClenny added, the Paraguayan president takes a special pride in the relationship with Taiwan, which was brokered in the 1950s by his late father, who served as the personal secretary to Alfredo Stroessner, the dictator who ran the country for 35 years. And Taiwanese aid has made a major impact in the landlocked, impoverished nation.

“It’s effective and benefits people’s lives in real ways,” McClenny said about Taiwan’s assistance.

The Biden administration has signaled its unease about the prospect that Paraguay could cut a deal with China. In a phone call with Abdo Benítez last month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the Paraguay government to continue to “work with democratic and global partners, including Taiwan, to overcome this global pandemic,” according to a summary of the call provided by the State Department.

That message rankles opposition lawmakers, including leftist Sen. Esperanza Martínez, who served as health minister from 2008 to 2012. Martínez has long favored establishing relations with China, arguing that Paraguay stands to benefit in the long run by expanding trade. She said Washington’s exhortation was immoral.

“We’re being loyal to people who impose rules on us while we die,” she said. “Our allies are vaccinating people morning, afternoon and night while they block us from getting vaccines, saying we’ll turn into communists.” 
&nbsp;

Taiwan has built thousands of homes for the poor in Paraguay, upgraded the country’s health care system, awarded hundreds of scholarships and even helped fund the futuristic Congress building in the capital, spending generously over decades to nurture their diplomatic ties.

Taiwan has built thousands of homes for the poor in Paraguay, upgraded the country’s health care system, awarded hundreds of scholarships and even helped fund the futuristic Congress building in the capital, spending generously over decades to nurture their diplomatic ties. But the alliance, which makes Paraguay one of only 15 nations to have full diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and the only one in South America, is facing an existential threat as Paraguay’s quest for vaccines becomes increasingly desperate. With its health care system buckling as COVID-19 cases soar, Paraguayan officials across the political spectrum say the time has come to consider dumping Taiwan, which doesn’t export vaccines, in order to establish diplomatic ties with China, which does. “This is really a life-and-death situation,” said Pepe Zhang, an associate director at the Atlantic Council who specializes in relations between Latin America and China. “In this very acute phase of the pandemic, less resourceful countries like Paraguay are asking where they’re going to get the vaccine.” Zhang and a growing number of Paraguayans have come to see China as the most likely path to getting the vaccines they need — at least in the short run. Western pharmaceutical companies have prioritized shipments to wealthy nations that placed orders early, leaving Latin America to rely predominantly on Chinese vaccines to blunt an epidemic that has left a brutal toll. That has given Beijing considerable leverage in a region where it has a broad constellation of investments and projects. Suddenly, wresting Paraguay from Taiwan’s orbit — which would advance Beijing’s goal of politically isolating an island it regards as its territory — appears within reach. Euclides Acevedo, Paraguay’s foreign minister, said recently that Beijing made it clear it was interested in establishing ties with Paraguay. He has dangled that prospect of making the diplomatic switch as he has sought to pressure Taiwan and its ally, the United States, to get vaccines to Paraguay quickly. “What good is a fraternal embrace that leaves us in a state of respiratory failure?” Acevedo said late last month in an interview on the television network Telefuturo. “I think our strategic allies, including the United States and Taiwan, must respond.” Beijing’s one-China principle forces countries to choose between having full diplomatic relations with Beijing or Taipei. Three countries in Latin America blindsided and angered the U.S. government in recent years by abruptly severing ties with Taiwan following secret negotiations with Beijing. The switch by those nations — Panama, the Dominican Republic and El Salvador — came with promises of growing trade with Beijing and has made them early recipients of Chinese vaccines. Acevedo said Paraguay should explore what it would gain by doing the same. “President Xi Jinping has keen interest in partnering with us,” he said. “It’s a political debate that should draw input from all segments of the state and all of society.” Yet it’s not clear that Paraguay has taken formal steps toward exploring a flip. Charles Andrew Tang, who heads the China-Paraguay Chamber of Commerce, said he advised officials at the health ministry earlier this year on the paperwork they would need to fill out to request purchasing Chinese vaccines. Tang, who is seen in Paraguay as a key interlocutor with the Chinese government, said it was conceivable that Chinese vaccine manufacturers would sell vaccines to Paraguay even without formal diplomatic relations. But he said the onus was on officials in Paraguay to make the first move. “If the Paraguayan government would like to speak to China, they can speak to China,” he said. “It’s very simple. China is there, not pressuring Paraguay, not threatening Paraguay.” Officials in Taiwan recently accused China of using “vaccine diplomacy” to pressure Paraguay to sever ties with Taipei. China’s foreign ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said China was doing nothing of the sort, calling its vaccine deals “completely aboveboard” and humanitarian minded. “The virus can spread across borders, but mankind’s love also transcends borders,” he told reporters. This week China’s main COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer, Sinovac, made a gesture that is certain to fuel speculation about Beijing’s plans in Paraguay. The South American soccer federation CONMEBOL, which is based in Paraguay, announced it was receiving a donation of 50,000 doses of CoronaVac, the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Beijing-based Sinovac. “The leaders of this company have understood the enormous social and cultural value of soccer in South American countries,” the federation’s president, Alejandro Domínguez, said in a statement, calling the donation a “noble gesture.” Despite all these signals, Taiwan’s position in Paraguay may be safer than it appears, said Lee McClenny, who served as the U.S. ambassador in Paraguay until September. While Cabinet members and business owners have pressured President Mario Abdo Benítez to forge ties with China, the Chinese government didn’t show much interest in getting Paraguay to flip, he said. “On the ground I didn’t see very effective efforts to make this happen,” McClenny said. Besides, McClenny added, the Paraguayan president takes a special pride in the relationship with Taiwan, which was brokered in the 1950s by his late father, who served as the personal secretary to Alfredo Stroessner, the dictator who ran the country for 35 years. And Taiwanese aid has made a major impact in the landlocked, impoverished nation. “It’s effective and benefits people’s lives in real ways,” McClenny said about Taiwan’s assistance. The Biden administration has signaled its unease about the prospect that Paraguay could cut a deal with China. In a phone call with Abdo Benítez last month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the Paraguay government to continue to “work with democratic and global partners, including Taiwan, to overcome this global pandemic,” according to a summary of the call provided by the State Department. That message rankles opposition lawmakers, including leftist Sen. Esperanza Martínez, who served as health minister from 2008 to 2012. Martínez has long favored establishing relations with China, arguing that Paraguay stands to benefit in the long run by expanding trade. She said Washington’s exhortation was immoral. “We’re being loyal to people who impose rules on us while we die,” she said. “Our allies are vaccinating people morning, afternoon and night while they block us from getting vaccines, saying we’ll turn into communists.”

Paraguay's Covid crisis gives China diplomatic opening

We have heard stories of couples marrying, divorcing and reuniting.

But, in a peculiar incident, a man in Taiwan has married the same spouse four times and divorced three times.

All this has also happened in 37 days, according to local media reports.

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And the reason behind this bizarre act is also something never heard of.&nbsp;

A bank clerk registered for a marriage on April 6 for which he took eight days leave from April 7 to 16, according to a Facebook post shared by a lawyer Lin.&nbsp;

The post further said that immediately the man divorced his wife and registered for a new marriage to the same woman on April 17.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/host-surprises-virtual-guests-attending-marriage-by-home-delivering-wedding-feast-349771">Host surprises virtual guests attending marriage by home-delivering wedding feast</a>

After taking another eight days of marriage leave, the clerk again divorced on April 28 and married yet again on April 29.&nbsp;

It followed the third divorce on May 11 and a fourth marriage to the same woman on May 12.&nbsp;

The bank suspected abuse of marriage leaves and only paid for leaves for the clerk's first marriage.&nbsp;

A complaint was filed by the man at the Taipei City Labor Bureau, which fined the bank NT$20,000 (over USD 700) for not paying for the leaves of all four marriages.&nbsp;

The bank then filed an appeal to the verdict saying that leave was not in compliance with the Labor Standard Act.&nbsp;

The Commissioner of the Labor Standards Section of the Labor Bureau Huang Jingang though agreed that the man's practice was unreasonable, but said there is no such provision in the Labor Standard Act that a person cannot marry the same person to get leaves.&nbsp;

We have heard stories of couples marrying, divorcing and reuniting. But, in a peculiar incident, a man in Taiwan has married the same spouse four times and divorced three times.

We have heard stories of couples marrying, divorcing and reuniting. But, in a peculiar incident, a man in Taiwan has married the same spouse four times and divorced three times. All this has also happened in 37 days, according to local media reports. Also read | Marriage stability highest among Indian Americans in US, new report reveals And the reason behind this bizarre act is also something never heard of. A bank clerk registered for a marriage on April 6 for which he took eight days leave from April 7 to 16, according to a Facebook post shared by a lawyer Lin. The post further said that immediately the man divorced his wife and registered for a new marriage to the same woman on April 17. Also read | Host surprises virtual guests attending marriage by home-delivering wedding feast After taking another eight days of marriage leave, the clerk again divorced on April 28 and married yet again on April 29. It followed the third divorce on May 11 and a fourth marriage to the same woman on May 12. The bank suspected abuse of marriage leaves and only paid for leaves for the clerk's first marriage. A complaint was filed by the man at the Taipei City Labor Bureau, which fined the bank NT$20,000 (over USD 700) for not paying for the leaves of all four marriages. The bank then filed an appeal to the verdict saying that leave was not in compliance with the Labor Standard Act. The Commissioner of the Labor Standards Section of the Labor Bureau Huang Jingang though agreed that the man's practice was unreasonable, but said there is no such provision in the Labor Standard Act that a person cannot marry the same person to get leaves.

Taiwan man marries four times, divorces three times to get extra paid leaves

Taiwan's government on Thursday said it had accepted the resignation of its transport minister following a train crash earlier this month that killed 49 people, the island's deadliest in decades.

The April 02 crash was caused by a railway maintenance truck that slid down an embankment and onto the track moments before a high-speed train passed by.

The accident, which left more than 200 injured, plunged Taiwan into mourning.

Transport minister Lin Chia-lung offered his resignation the day after the crash but the government did not accept it, saying he was needed to concentrate on the rescue effort and subsequent investigation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-minister-accepts-responsibility-for-train-crash-as-questions-mount-375303">Taiwan minister accepts responsibility for train crash as questions mount</a>

However, that changed on Thursday with Premier Su Tseng-chang agreeing to let Lin step down.

"The premier approved his resignation yesterday which will take effect on April 20," cabinet spokesman Lo Ping-cheng told reporters.

A memorial service for those killed in the crash was held in Taipei on Thursday and Lin was among officials in attendance.

Authorities gave different death tolls in the days after the crash — partly because so many body parts had to be identified — but earlier this week they settled on 49 and said all victims had now been accounted for.

One French national and two Americans were among those killed.

The driver of the maintenance truck has been held in custody.

Prosecutors are working to determine whether the driver failed to secure the parking brake or if the truck suffered a mechanical failure.

Taiwan's government on Thursday said it had accepted the resignation of its transport minister following a train crash earlier this month that killed 49 people, the island's deadliest in decades.

Taiwan's government on Thursday said it had accepted the resignation of its transport minister following a train crash earlier this month that killed 49 people, the island's deadliest in decades. The April 02 crash was caused by a railway maintenance truck that slid down an embankment and onto the track moments before a high-speed train passed by. The accident, which left more than 200 injured, plunged Taiwan into mourning. Transport minister Lin Chia-lung offered his resignation the day after the crash but the government did not accept it, saying he was needed to concentrate on the rescue effort and subsequent investigation. Also read | Taiwan minister accepts responsibility for train crash as questions mount However, that changed on Thursday with Premier Su Tseng-chang agreeing to let Lin step down. "The premier approved his resignation yesterday which will take effect on April 20," cabinet spokesman Lo Ping-cheng told reporters. A memorial service for those killed in the crash was held in Taipei on Thursday and Lin was among officials in attendance. Authorities gave different death tolls in the days after the crash — partly because so many body parts had to be identified — but earlier this week they settled on 49 and said all victims had now been accounted for. One French national and two Americans were among those killed. The driver of the maintenance truck has been held in custody. Prosecutors are working to determine whether the driver failed to secure the parking brake or if the truck suffered a mechanical failure.

Taiwan transport minister resigns over train crash

China described its military exercises near Taiwan as "combat drills" on Wednesday, hours before the arrival of senior former US&nbsp;officials in Taipei on a trip to signal President Joe Biden`s commitment to Taiwan and its democracy. 
 
Taiwan has complained over the proximity of repeated Chinese military activity, including fighter jets and bombers entering its air defence zone and a Chinese aircraft carrier exercising off the island, claimed by Beijing. 
 
Twenty-five Chinese air force aircraft including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers entered Taiwan`s air defence identification zone (ADIZ) on Monday, the largest reported incursion by Taipei to date. 
 
China`s Taiwan Affairs Office said Taiwan`s government and separatists were colluding with "external forces", seeking provocation and to damage peace and stability. 
 
"The People`s Liberation Army`s organising of actual combat exercises in the Taiwan Strait is a necessary action to address the current security situation in the Taiwan Strait and to safeguard national sovereignty," spokesman Ma Xiaoguang said. 
 
"It is a solemn response to external forces` interference and provocations by Taiwan independence" forces, he added. 
 
"The PLA`s military exercises and training operations are sending a signal that our determination to curb Taiwan independence and Taiwan-US&nbsp;collusion is not just talk." 
 
The United States, which like most countries only officially recognises China`s government and not Taiwan`s though is Taipei`s strongest international backer, has watched tensions mount with growing alarm. 
 
Former U.S. Senator Chris Dodd and former Deputy Secretaries of State Richard Armitage and James Steinberg arrive in Taiwan later on Wednesday, in what a White House official called a "personal signal" of the president`s commitment to Taiwan and its democracy. 
 
They are due to meet Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday, on a trip that is further straining Sino-US&nbsp;relations. 
 
Presidential office spokesman Xavier Chang said the trip "again shows the Taiwan-US&nbsp;relationship is rock solid, and is a full expression of cross-party support for Taiwan in the United States". 
 
Tsai has repeatedly said Taiwan is an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name. 
 
Ma said a meeting with the president "will only exacerbate the tense situation in the Taiwan Strait". 
 
"We resolutely oppose the US` exaggeration of the so-called `Chinese military threat` argument, and resolutely oppose the US&nbsp;playing the `Taiwan card` and continuing to send wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces," he added. 
 
"Taiwan independence is a dead end and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party are trying to "use arms to seek independence", Ma said. 
 
"That is to drink poison in the hopes of slaking one`s thirst, and will only push Taiwan towards disaster."

China described its military exercises near Taiwan as "combat drills" on Wednesday, hours before the arrival of senior former US officials in Taipei on a trip to signal President Joe Biden`s commitment to Taiwan and its democracy.

China described its military exercises near Taiwan as "combat drills" on Wednesday, hours before the arrival of senior former US officials in Taipei on a trip to signal President Joe Biden`s commitment to Taiwan and its democracy. Taiwan has complained over the proximity of repeated Chinese military activity, including fighter jets and bombers entering its air defence zone and a Chinese aircraft carrier exercising off the island, claimed by Beijing. Twenty-five Chinese air force aircraft including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers entered Taiwan`s air defence identification zone (ADIZ) on Monday, the largest reported incursion by Taipei to date. China`s Taiwan Affairs Office said Taiwan`s government and separatists were colluding with "external forces", seeking provocation and to damage peace and stability. "The People`s Liberation Army`s organising of actual combat exercises in the Taiwan Strait is a necessary action to address the current security situation in the Taiwan Strait and to safeguard national sovereignty," spokesman Ma Xiaoguang said. "It is a solemn response to external forces` interference and provocations by Taiwan independence" forces, he added. "The PLA`s military exercises and training operations are sending a signal that our determination to curb Taiwan independence and Taiwan-US collusion is not just talk." The United States, which like most countries only officially recognises China`s government and not Taiwan`s though is Taipei`s strongest international backer, has watched tensions mount with growing alarm. Former U.S. Senator Chris Dodd and former Deputy Secretaries of State Richard Armitage and James Steinberg arrive in Taiwan later on Wednesday, in what a White House official called a "personal signal" of the president`s commitment to Taiwan and its democracy. They are due to meet Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday, on a trip that is further straining Sino-US relations. Presidential office spokesman Xavier Chang said the trip "again shows the Taiwan-US relationship is rock solid, and is a full expression of cross-party support for Taiwan in the United States". Tsai has repeatedly said Taiwan is an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name. Ma said a meeting with the president "will only exacerbate the tense situation in the Taiwan Strait". "We resolutely oppose the US` exaggeration of the so-called `Chinese military threat` argument, and resolutely oppose the US playing the `Taiwan card` and continuing to send wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces," he added. "Taiwan independence is a dead end and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party are trying to "use arms to seek independence", Ma said. "That is to drink poison in the hopes of slaking one`s thirst, and will only push Taiwan towards disaster."

As Biden's emissaries go to Taiwan, China terms exercises 'combat drills'

China has accused the United States of damaging the peace and stability of Taiwan. Beijing said that it also opposes any official US-Taiwan talks as several former American officials arrived in Taipei to signal President Joe Biden's commitment towards Taiwan.

China opposes any contact between US and Taiwan

The Chinese government has warned the United States to refrain from playing with fire, immediately stop official contact with Taiwan in any form.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that the so-called guidelines for US government interaction with Taiwan counterparts blatantly encourages US government engagement with Taiwan, which severely violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués and runs counter to the serious political commitment the US has made to China on the Taiwan question.

"The Taiwan question concerns China’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and core interests. There is zero room for compromise and not an inch to give. We urge the U.S. side to grasp the situation, earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, refrain from playing with fire, immediately stop official contact with Taiwan in any form, prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues, and avoid sending any wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" forces, lest it should shake the foundation of China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," he added. 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-south-china-sea-china-and-us-send-warships-into-disputed-waters-375776/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The U.S. State Department’s Friday decision to deepen relations with self-ruled Taiwan came amid stepped-up Chinese military activity around the island, including almost daily air force incursions into Taiwan’s air defence zone.

Taiwan is China’s most sensitive territorial and diplomatic issue and a regular source of Sino-U.S. friction. China has never renounced the use of force to bring the democratically ruled island under its control.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced days before the end of former President Donald Trump’s presidency in January that he was lifting restrictions on contacts between U.S. officials and their Taiwanese counterparts.

While Washington officially recognises Beijing rather than

Taipei, like most countries, the United States is Taiwan’s most important international supporter and arms seller.

The United States is required by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself.

China believes the United States is colluding with Taiwan to challenge Beijing and giving support to those who want the island to declare formal independence.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen says the island is an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name, and that she will defend its freedom and security.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Chinese government has warned the United States to refrain from playing with fire, immediately stop official contact with Taiwan in any form. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that the so-called guidelines for US government interaction with Taiwan counterparts blatantly encourages US government engagement with Taiwan, which severely violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués and runs counter to the serious political commitment the US has made to China on the Taiwan question.

The Chinese government has warned the United States to refrain from playing with fire, immediately stop official contact with Taiwan in any form. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that the so-called guidelines for US government interaction with Taiwan counterparts blatantly encourages US government engagement with Taiwan, which severely violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués and runs counter to the serious political commitment the US has made to China on the Taiwan question. "The Taiwan question concerns China’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and core interests. There is zero room for compromise and not an inch to give. We urge the U.S. side to grasp the situation, earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, refrain from playing with fire, immediately stop official contact with Taiwan in any form, prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues, and avoid sending any wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" forces, lest it should shake the foundation of China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," he added. The U.S. State Department’s Friday decision to deepen relations with self-ruled Taiwan came amid stepped-up Chinese military activity around the island, including almost daily air force incursions into Taiwan’s air defence zone. Taiwan is China’s most sensitive territorial and diplomatic issue and a regular source of Sino-U.S. friction. China has never renounced the use of force to bring the democratically ruled island under its control. Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced days before the end of former President Donald Trump’s presidency in January that he was lifting restrictions on contacts between U.S. officials and their Taiwanese counterparts. While Washington officially recognises Beijing rather than Taipei, like most countries, the United States is Taiwan’s most important international supporter and arms seller. The United States is required by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself. China believes the United States is colluding with Taiwan to challenge Beijing and giving support to those who want the island to declare formal independence. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen says the island is an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name, and that she will defend its freedom and security. (With inputs from agencies)

Stop any form of US-Taiwan official contacts: China warns America

Issuing a stern warning to China US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that the United States is concerned about China’s aggressive actions against Taiwan and warned it would be a “serious mistake” for anyone to try to change the status quo in the Western Pacific by force.

Blinken warns China against aggression near Taiwan

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday warned China that attempts to change status quo around Taiwan would be a "serious mistake". He described Chinese behavior as "increasingly aggressive"

"What we've seen, and what is of real concern to us, is increasingly aggressive actions by the government in Beijing directed at Taiwan, raising tensions in the (Taiwan) Straits," Blinken told NBC's "Meet the Press."

Blinken added that the US had a long-standing commitment to Taiwan "to make sure that Taiwan has the ability to defend itself, and to make sure that we're sustaining peace and security in the Western Pacific."

Blinken would not be drawn on whether Washington would respond militarily to any Chinese action involving Taiwan.

But he added: "All I can tell you is it would be a serious mistake for anyone to try to change the existing status quo by force."

US has been concerned for some time over build-up of Chinese forces in the region

Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, is considered by Beijing a territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.

(With AFP inputs)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday warned China that attempts to change status quo around Taiwan would be a "serious mistake". He described Chinese behavior as "increasingly aggressive" "What we've seen, and what is of real concern to us, is increasingly aggressive actions by the government in Beijing directed at Taiwan, raising tensions in the (Taiwan) Straits," Blinken told NBC's "Meet the Press.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday warned China that attempts to change status quo around Taiwan would be a "serious mistake". He described Chinese behavior as "increasingly aggressive" "What we've seen, and what is of real concern to us, is increasingly aggressive actions by the government in Beijing directed at Taiwan, raising tensions in the (Taiwan) Straits," Blinken told NBC's "Meet the Press." Blinken added that the US had a long-standing commitment to Taiwan "to make sure that Taiwan has the ability to defend itself, and to make sure that we're sustaining peace and security in the Western Pacific." Blinken would not be drawn on whether Washington would respond militarily to any Chinese action involving Taiwan. But he added: "All I can tell you is it would be a serious mistake for anyone to try to change the existing status quo by force." US has been concerned for some time over build-up of Chinese forces in the region Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, is considered by Beijing a territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary. (With AFP inputs)

Blinken warns China over Taiwan

The US State Department on Friday issued new guidelines that will enable US officials to meet more freely with officials from Taiwan.

US State Department issues fresh guidelines on Taiwan

The US State Department on Friday issued new guidelines that will enable US officials to meet more freely with officials from Taiwan, a move that deepens relations with Taipei amid stepped-up Chinese military activity around the island.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"These new guidelines&nbsp;liberalise&nbsp;guidance on contacts with Taiwan, consistent with our unofficial relations," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The aim, he said, was "to encourage US government engagement with Taiwan that reflects our deepening unofficial relationship."&nbsp;

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced days before the end of former President Donald Trump's presidency in January that he was lifting restrictions on contacts between US officials and their Taiwanese counterparts.&nbsp;

Price said the new guidelines had followed a congressionally mandated review and would "provide clarity throughout the Executive Branch on effective implementation of our&nbsp;'one China'&nbsp;policy" - a reference to the long-standing US policy under which Washington officially&nbsp;recognises&nbsp;Beijing rather than Taipei.&nbsp;

Another State Department spokesman said the new guidelines meant, for example, that working-level meetings with Taiwanese officials were now encouraged in federal buildings and could also take place at Taiwan's representative office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Those meetings were prohibited under previous guidance," he said.&nbsp;

A report on the Financial Times website shortly before the release of Price's statement&nbsp;said&nbsp;US officials would also be able to attend events at Twin Oaks, an estate in Washington that served as the residence of Taiwan's ambassador until the United States switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979.&nbsp;

However, it quoted a US official as saying there would still be some “guard rails,” such as not allowing officials to attend functions at Twin Oaks on major Taiwanese holidays that might complicate the US "One-China" policy.&nbsp;

Taiwan's representative office in Washington welcomed a move "substantively reflecting deepening ties between Taiwan and the United States."&nbsp;

It noted that it came at a time of increasing cooperation in areas such as global health, economics and regional security and enjoyed bipartisan support in the United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The State Department announcement comes at a time of raised tensions over Taiwan, which China claims as its own. Taiwan has complained over the last few months of repeated missions by China`s air force near the island.&nbsp;

The White House on Friday said it was keeping a close watch on increased Chinese military activities in the Taiwan Strait, and called Beijing's recent actions potentially destabilizing.&nbsp;

Beijing on Thursday blamed the United States for tensions after a US warship sailed close to Taiwan.&nbsp;

Taiwan is China's most sensitive territorial issue and a major bone of contention with Washington, which is required by US law to provide the island with the means to defend itself.&nbsp;

China believes the United States is colluding with Taiwan to challenge Beijing and giving support to those who want the island to declare formal independence.

The US State Department on Friday issued new guidelines that will enable US officials to meet more freely with officials from Taiwan, a move that deepens relations with Taipei amid stepped-up Chinese military activity around the island.

The US State Department on Friday issued new guidelines that will enable US officials to meet more freely with officials from Taiwan, a move that deepens relations with Taipei amid stepped-up Chinese military activity around the island. "These new guidelines liberalise guidance on contacts with Taiwan, consistent with our unofficial relations," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. The aim, he said, was "to encourage US government engagement with Taiwan that reflects our deepening unofficial relationship." Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced days before the end of former President Donald Trump's presidency in January that he was lifting restrictions on contacts between US officials and their Taiwanese counterparts. Price said the new guidelines had followed a congressionally mandated review and would "provide clarity throughout the Executive Branch on effective implementation of our 'one China' policy" - a reference to the long-standing US policy under which Washington officially recognises Beijing rather than Taipei. Another State Department spokesman said the new guidelines meant, for example, that working-level meetings with Taiwanese officials were now encouraged in federal buildings and could also take place at Taiwan's representative office. "Those meetings were prohibited under previous guidance," he said. A report on the Financial Times website shortly before the release of Price's statement said US officials would also be able to attend events at Twin Oaks, an estate in Washington that served as the residence of Taiwan's ambassador until the United States switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979. However, it quoted a US official as saying there would still be some “guard rails,” such as not allowing officials to attend functions at Twin Oaks on major Taiwanese holidays that might complicate the US "One-China" policy. Taiwan's representative office in Washington welcomed a move "substantively reflecting deepening ties between Taiwan and the United States." It noted that it came at a time of increasing cooperation in areas such as global health, economics and regional security and enjoyed bipartisan support in the United States. The State Department announcement comes at a time of raised tensions over Taiwan, which China claims as its own. Taiwan has complained over the last few months of repeated missions by China`s air force near the island. The White House on Friday said it was keeping a close watch on increased Chinese military activities in the Taiwan Strait, and called Beijing's recent actions potentially destabilizing. Beijing on Thursday blamed the United States for tensions after a US warship sailed close to Taiwan. Taiwan is China's most sensitive territorial issue and a major bone of contention with Washington, which is required by US law to provide the island with the means to defend itself. China believes the United States is colluding with Taiwan to challenge Beijing and giving support to those who want the island to declare formal independence.

US issues guidelines to deepen relations with Taiwan 

Taiwan has praised India for helping Paraguay to get COVID-19 vaccines despite Chinese pressure. Last month India had gifted 100,000 doses of its indigenous vaccine to Paraguay.

Taiwan praises India for helping Paraguay amid Chinese pressure

He leads one of the world's smallest nations, but Surangel Whipps says Palau will not be bullied by anyone into deciding its future — least of all by China.

Whipps, 52, became Palau's president last year after defeating an opponent who favoured closer ties with Beijing.

The Pacific nation of around 21,000 people is one of just 15 countries that still&nbsp;recognise Taiwan over China,&nbsp;something Whipps is adamant will not change under his watch despite Beijing's pressure campaign.

"If we were the last man standing we should be because Taiwan has been with us from the beginning," he told AFP via video call this week after returning from a trip to Taipei, where the two allies set up a coronavirus travel bubble for tourists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Authoritarian China claims democratic, self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if needed.&nbsp;

Beijing has whittled down Taiwan's remaining diplomatic allies using a mixture of carrots and sticks.&nbsp;

In 2019, it had two successes in the Pacific, persuading the Solomons and Kiribati to switch sides.

Only Palau, the Marshall Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu remain.&nbsp;

Whipps has emerged as the most vocally China-sceptical leader in the Pacific, something he says is forged from both Beijing's more aggressive stance under President Xi Jinping, and his own interactions with Chinese officials.&nbsp;

"I've had meetings with them and the first thing they said to me before, on a phone call, was 'What you're doing is illegal, recognising Taiwan is illegal. You need to stop it'," he recalled.&nbsp;

"You know, that's the tone they use," he added. "We shouldn't be told we can't be friends with so and so."

Whipps said he would often receive calls on his mobile from Chinese officials in the run-up to last year's elections.

"It would ring for like 16 times," he said. "After the elections, I have not taken their calls."

China tourist ban

Beijing has largely opted for the diplomatic stick when it comes to Palau recently.

Located around 900 kilometres (600 miles) east of the Philippines, Palau saw explosive growth in the number of Chinese tourists in the early half of the last decade.

But in 2017, China suddenly banned package tours, a common move to apply economic stress.

That decision, Whipps believes, backfired because it heightened Palauan awareness of Chinese pressure.

"That's just an example of how it's kind of bait," he said, summarising the Chinese position as: "You do this for me, then we expect this and this."

That scepticism is music to Washington's ears as it tries to shore up alliances in the Pacific to counter Beijing's growing regional clout.

Palau was one of a group of Pacific islands administered by the United States in the aftermath of World War Two.

It became independent in 1994 but maintains close links with Washington.

Like other nearby Pacific nations, it has a 50-year defence agreement with the United States known as the Compact of Free Association (COFA).

US bases

US forces are under Japanese pressure to draw down their massive bases in Okinawa and are looking to diversify across the Pacific.

Last year, then-defence secretary Mark Esper became the first Pentagon chief to visit Palau.&nbsp;

Whipps says he is keen to see more US military bases, something he hopes will make his nation less reliant on tourism.&nbsp;

"I think there's an opportunity for everybody to gain from this," he said.&nbsp;

A key battlefield during World War Two, Palau forms part of the "second island chain" that US military strategists see as key obstacles to China dominating the Pacific.

"The Japanese back then saw the strategic importance, and I think&nbsp;it&nbsp;still remains today," Whipps said.&nbsp;

While Whipps has spent most of his life in Palau, he was born in Baltimore, studied in the United States and speaks with an American-tinged accent.&nbsp;

He renounced US citizenship to become a Palau senator.&nbsp;

But he remains fervently pro-US, adding Palau — which has recorded zero coronavirus cases — was on track to have all adults inoculated by May thanks to vaccines supplied by Washington under COFA.

He also described Taiwan, which began diplomatic relations with Palau in 1999, as more than just an ally.&nbsp;

The island's indigenous population are Austronesians and it was their forefathers who spread out across the Pacific tens of thousands of years ago.

"There's a shared culture and history," Whipps said.

Beijing's push to keep Taiwan isolated, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, has only heightened international sympathy for Taipei, he argued.&nbsp;

"Taiwan is a free country," Whipps said. "They're a democracy and that should be respected."

"As diplomatic allies, you can't just throw that out the door."

He leads one of the world's smallest nations, but Surangel Whipps says Palau will not be bullied by anyone into deciding its future — least of all by China. Whipps, 52, became Palau's president last year after defeating an opponent who favoured closer ties with Beijing.

He leads one of the world's smallest nations, but Surangel Whipps says Palau will not be bullied by anyone into deciding its future — least of all by China. Whipps, 52, became Palau's president last year after defeating an opponent who favoured closer ties with Beijing. The Pacific nation of around 21,000 people is one of just 15 countries that still recognise Taiwan over China, something Whipps is adamant will not change under his watch despite Beijing's pressure campaign. "If we were the last man standing we should be because Taiwan has been with us from the beginning," he told AFP via video call this week after returning from a trip to Taipei, where the two allies set up a coronavirus travel bubble for tourists. Authoritarian China claims democratic, self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if needed. Beijing has whittled down Taiwan's remaining diplomatic allies using a mixture of carrots and sticks. In 2019, it had two successes in the Pacific, persuading the Solomons and Kiribati to switch sides. Only Palau, the Marshall Islands, Nauru and Tuvalu remain. Whipps has emerged as the most vocally China-sceptical leader in the Pacific, something he says is forged from both Beijing's more aggressive stance under President Xi Jinping, and his own interactions with Chinese officials. "I've had meetings with them and the first thing they said to me before, on a phone call, was 'What you're doing is illegal, recognising Taiwan is illegal. You need to stop it'," he recalled. "You know, that's the tone they use," he added. "We shouldn't be told we can't be friends with so and so." Whipps said he would often receive calls on his mobile from Chinese officials in the run-up to last year's elections. "It would ring for like 16 times," he said. "After the elections, I have not taken their calls." China tourist ban Beijing has largely opted for the diplomatic stick when it comes to Palau recently. Located around 900 kilometres (600 miles) east of the Philippines, Palau saw explosive growth in the number of Chinese tourists in the early half of the last decade. But in 2017, China suddenly banned package tours, a common move to apply economic stress. That decision, Whipps believes, backfired because it heightened Palauan awareness of Chinese pressure. "That's just an example of how it's kind of bait," he said, summarising the Chinese position as: "You do this for me, then we expect this and this." That scepticism is music to Washington's ears as it tries to shore up alliances in the Pacific to counter Beijing's growing regional clout. Palau was one of a group of Pacific islands administered by the United States in the aftermath of World War Two. It became independent in 1994 but maintains close links with Washington. Like other nearby Pacific nations, it has a 50-year defence agreement with the United States known as the Compact of Free Association (COFA). US bases US forces are under Japanese pressure to draw down their massive bases in Okinawa and are looking to diversify across the Pacific. Last year, then-defence secretary Mark Esper became the first Pentagon chief to visit Palau. Whipps says he is keen to see more US military bases, something he hopes will make his nation less reliant on tourism. "I think there's an opportunity for everybody to gain from this," he said. A key battlefield during World War Two, Palau forms part of the "second island chain" that US military strategists see as key obstacles to China dominating the Pacific. "The Japanese back then saw the strategic importance, and I think it still remains today," Whipps said. While Whipps has spent most of his life in Palau, he was born in Baltimore, studied in the United States and speaks with an American-tinged accent. He renounced US citizenship to become a Palau senator. But he remains fervently pro-US, adding Palau — which has recorded zero coronavirus cases — was on track to have all adults inoculated by May thanks to vaccines supplied by Washington under COFA. He also described Taiwan, which began diplomatic relations with Palau in 1999, as more than just an ally. The island's indigenous population are Austronesians and it was their forefathers who spread out across the Pacific tens of thousands of years ago. "There's a shared culture and history," Whipps said. Beijing's push to keep Taiwan isolated, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, has only heightened international sympathy for Taipei, he argued. "Taiwan is a free country," Whipps said. "They're a democracy and that should be respected." "As diplomatic allies, you can't just throw that out the door."

'It's the tone': Palau president explains his mistrust of China

Taiwan’s foreign minister on Wednesday said that the country will fight to the end if China attacks.&nbsp;Joseph Wu, the country’s Foreign Minister also said that the United States had warned of danger from China amid increased presence in the region.

In the recent weeks, China has increased military pressure on Taiwan by conducting aircraft carrier drills near the island. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has historically not shied from advocating taking it by force.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/top-us-commander-fears-chinese-invasion-in-taiwan-in-next-6-years-369339/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“I would like to also stress again, that the defence of Taiwan is our own responsibility. If we are not willing to defend ourselves, we do not have the right to ask other countries to sacrifice for Taiwan. And therefore, we take our own defence in a very serious manner”, Wu said during a press conference.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/aircraft-carrier-group-exercising-near-taiwan-drills-will-become-regular-china-375583" hreflang="en">Aircraft carrier group exercising near Taiwan, drills will become regular: China</a>

Taiwan, on the other hand has complained of increased&nbsp;military activity by Beijing in the recent months.&nbsp; Currently, Chinese Air Force is making daily entries into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone.

Wu reiterated Taiwan’s pledge to improve military capabilities and to increasing defence spending. “Our defence ministry is very determined in defending ourselves. We are willing to defend ourselves and (it) is without any question. And we will fight the war if we need to fight a war. And if we need to defend ourselves to the very last day, we will defend ourselves to the very last day”, he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/taiwan-reports-new-incursion-by-chinas-air-force-into-defence-zone-375512" hreflang="en">Taiwan reports new incursion by China’s Air Force into defence zone</a>

On Monday, China said that an aircraft carrier group was undertaking exercises near Taiwan.

The United States has remained Taiwan’s most important international supporter, and also supplies arms to the country. Reuters reported that the US is pushing Taiwan to modernise its military to make it a “porcupine” of sorts, shielding it from any potential attacks from China.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Taiwan’s foreign minister on Wednesday said that the country will fight to the end if China attacks. Joseph Wu, the country’s Foreign Minister also said that the United States had warned of danger from China amid increased presence in the region.

Taiwan’s foreign minister on Wednesday said that the country will fight to the end if China attacks. Joseph Wu, the country’s Foreign Minister also said that the United States had warned of danger from China amid increased presence in the region. In the recent weeks, China has increased military pressure on Taiwan by conducting aircraft carrier drills near the island. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has historically not shied from advocating taking it by force. “I would like to also stress again, that the defence of Taiwan is our own responsibility. If we are not willing to defend ourselves, we do not have the right to ask other countries to sacrifice for Taiwan. And therefore, we take our own defence in a very serious manner”, Wu said during a press conference. Also read: Aircraft carrier group exercising near Taiwan, drills will become regular: China Taiwan, on the other hand has complained of increased military activity by Beijing in the recent months. Currently, Chinese Air Force is making daily entries into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone. Wu reiterated Taiwan’s pledge to improve military capabilities and to increasing defence spending. “Our defence ministry is very determined in defending ourselves. We are willing to defend ourselves and (it) is without any question. And we will fight the war if we need to fight a war. And if we need to defend ourselves to the very last day, we will defend ourselves to the very last day”, he added. Also read: Taiwan reports new incursion by China’s Air Force into defence zone On Monday, China said that an aircraft carrier group was undertaking exercises near Taiwan. The United States has remained Taiwan’s most important international supporter, and also supplies arms to the country. Reuters reported that the US is pushing Taiwan to modernise its military to make it a “porcupine” of sorts, shielding it from any potential attacks from China. (With inputs from Reuters)

Will fight China to the 'very last day' in event of an attack: Taiwan

Taiwan government reported several aircraft breached the country’s air defence identification zone on April 5, one of which flew through the strategic Bashi Channel, south of the country.&nbsp;

Taiwan has complained of an increase in Chinese military activity near it in recent months, as China steps up efforts to assert its sovereignty over the democratically run island. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-reports-new-incursion-by-chinas-air-force-into-defence-zone-375512">Also read: Taiwan reports new incursion by China’s Air Force into defence zone</a> 
 
A Chinese carrier group is exercising near Taiwan and such drills will become regular, China's navy said late on Monday in a further escalation of tensions near the island that Beijing claims as its sovereign territory.

China's navy said the carrier group, lead by the Liaoning, the country's first aircraft carrier put into active service, was carrying out "routine" drills in the waters near Taiwan. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-vessels-in-south-china-sea-could-ignite-unwanted-hostilities-philippines-375511">Also read — Chinese vessels in South China Sea could ignite 'unwanted hostilities': Philippines</a> 
 
The aim is to "enhance its capability to safeguard national sovereignty, safety and development interests", it said.

"Similar exercises will be conducted regularly in the future," the navy added, without elaborating.

China's statement follows Taiwan's defence ministry reported a new incursion by China's air force into the island's air defence identification zone on Monday.

Taiwan's defence ministry said it had a "full grasp" of the situation in the air and at sea surrounding Taiwan and that it was "appropriately handling" the matter.

Japan's defence ministry said on Sunday that the Liaoning, accompanied by five escort ships, had transited the Miyako Strait on their way to the Pacific.

China's widely-read Global Times, published by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily, noted the Nanchang, the first of a powerful new fleet of Type 055 destroyers that entered service last year, was part of the carrier group.

"The combination of aircraft carriers and Type 055 large destroyers will become a standard configuration of Chinese aircraft carrier task groups in the future," it added.

The Liaoning and its sister ship the Shandong have carried out drills or sailed near Taiwan before.

In December 2019, shortly before presidential and parliamentary elections in Taiwan, the Shandong sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait, a move condemned by Taiwan as attempted intimidation.

Taiwan is China's most sensitive territorial issue and a potential military flashpoint. China has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen is overseeing a revamp of the island's military, rolling out new equipment such as "carrier killer" stealth corvettes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan government reported several aircraft breached the country’s air defence identification zone on April 5, one of which flew through the strategic Bashi Channel, south of the country.

Taiwan government reported several aircraft breached the country’s air defence identification zone on April 5, one of which flew through the strategic Bashi Channel, south of the country. Taiwan has complained of an increase in Chinese military activity near it in recent months, as China steps up efforts to assert its sovereignty over the democratically run island. Also read: Taiwan reports new incursion by China’s Air Force into defence zone A Chinese carrier group is exercising near Taiwan and such drills will become regular, China's navy said late on Monday in a further escalation of tensions near the island that Beijing claims as its sovereign territory. China's navy said the carrier group, lead by the Liaoning, the country's first aircraft carrier put into active service, was carrying out "routine" drills in the waters near Taiwan. Also read — Chinese vessels in South China Sea could ignite 'unwanted hostilities': Philippines The aim is to "enhance its capability to safeguard national sovereignty, safety and development interests", it said. "Similar exercises will be conducted regularly in the future," the navy added, without elaborating. China's statement follows Taiwan's defence ministry reported a new incursion by China's air force into the island's air defence identification zone on Monday. Taiwan's defence ministry said it had a "full grasp" of the situation in the air and at sea surrounding Taiwan and that it was "appropriately handling" the matter. Japan's defence ministry said on Sunday that the Liaoning, accompanied by five escort ships, had transited the Miyako Strait on their way to the Pacific. China's widely-read Global Times, published by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily, noted the Nanchang, the first of a powerful new fleet of Type 055 destroyers that entered service last year, was part of the carrier group. "The combination of aircraft carriers and Type 055 large destroyers will become a standard configuration of Chinese aircraft carrier task groups in the future," it added. The Liaoning and its sister ship the Shandong have carried out drills or sailed near Taiwan before. In December 2019, shortly before presidential and parliamentary elections in Taiwan, the Shandong sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait, a move condemned by Taiwan as attempted intimidation. Taiwan is China's most sensitive territorial issue and a potential military flashpoint. China has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen is overseeing a revamp of the island's military, rolling out new equipment such as "carrier killer" stealth corvettes. (With inputs from agencies)

Aircraft carrier group exercising near Taiwan, drills will become regular: China

Israel's legal and political dramas converged Monday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced court in his corruption trial while his bid to form a government after another inconclusive election reached a critical phase. Taiwan’s Defence Ministry on Monday reported a new incursion by China’s air force into the island’s air defence identification zone, made up of eight fighter jets and two other aircraft, one of which flew through the strategic Bashi Channel. Taiwan’s Defence Ministry on Monday reported a new incursion by China’s air force into the island’s air defence identification zone, made up of eight fighter jets and two other aircraft, one of which flew through the strategic Bashi Channel. Read this and more in our Top 10 World News brief.

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The 71-year-old veteran premier -- who last month contested his fourth election in less than two years -- arrived at the Jerusalem courthouse where he was met by supporters but also opponents who called him Israel's "crime minister".

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-reports-new-incursion-by-chinas-air-force-into-defence-zone-375512">Taiwan reports new incursion by China’s Air Force into defence zone</a>

<img alt="Taiwan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ad46134-2381-4ce7-ad42-d707efb91e96" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%2010%20-%20Final%20-%203.jpg" />

Chinese-claimed Taiwan has complained over the last few months of repeated missions by China’s air force near the island, concentrated in the southwestern part its air defence zone near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-communities-across-us-fight-back-against-anti-asian-hate-crimes-375520">Police, communities across US fight back against anti-Asian hate crimes</a>

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The officers walked through the arcade of hair and nail salons, restaurants serving Vietnamese cuisine, and herbal medicine shops on Saturday, talking to business owners and patrons

 
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State telecommunications watchdog Roskomnadzor imposed slowdowns on Twitter's services in mid-March, accusing it of failing to remove banned content

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shuts-secret-guantanamo-prison-unit-moves-prisoners-to-another-nearby-camp-375521">US shuts secret Guantanamo prison unit, moves prisoners to another nearby camp</a>

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Biden's Democratic predecessor Obama had pitched for closing the camps but could not reach a deal with Congress when Biden was his vice-president.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-announce-new-rules-to-restart-international-travel-375522">UK to announce new rules to restart international travel</a>

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Travel destinations will be categorised as red, amber or green based on the virus risk.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-chief-of-chinese-defence-giant-norinco-being-probed-for-corruption-375495">Former chief of Chinese defence giant Norinco being probed for corruption</a>

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Yin was at the helm of the company’s leadership between 2013-2018, and is among many being probed from the defence industry

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jordans-prince-hamzah-refuses-to-obey-restrictions-on-movements-amid-coup-allegations-375489">Jordan's Prince Hamzah refuses to obey restrictions on movements amid 'coup' allegations</a>

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The government has accused Hamzah of involvement in a seditious conspiracy to "destabilise the kingdom's security", placed him under house arrest and detained at least 16 more people.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-extends-easter-wishes-especially-to-radical-left-crazies-375487">Donald Trump extends Easter wishes, especially to 'Radical Left CRAZIES'</a>

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After being banned from Twitter and Facebook in the aftermath of the Capitol riot, Trump has been assessing other ways to get his word out

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-100-nabbed-10-officers-injured-in-londons-kill-the-bill-protests-375484">Over 100 nabbed, 10 officers injured in London's 'Kill the Bill' protests</a>

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Earlier on Sunday, London police said that 10 officers were left with minor injuries after police and protesters clashed in central London on Saturday

Israel's legal and political dramas converged Monday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced court in his corruption trial while his bid to form a government after another inconclusive election reached a critical phase.

Israel's legal and political dramas converged Monday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced court in his corruption trial while his bid to form a government after another inconclusive election reached a critical phase. Taiwan’s Defence Ministry on Monday reported a new incursion by China’s air force into the island’s air defence identification zone, made up of eight fighter jets and two other aircraft, one of which flew through the strategic Bashi Channel. Taiwan’s Defence Ministry on Monday reported a new incursion by China’s air force into the island’s air defence identification zone, made up of eight fighter jets and two other aircraft, one of which flew through the strategic Bashi Channel. Read this and more in our Top 10 World News brief. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces court in corruption trial The 71-year-old veteran premier -- who last month contested his fourth election in less than two years -- arrived at the Jerusalem courthouse where he was met by supporters but also opponents who called him Israel's "crime minister". Taiwan reports new incursion by China’s Air Force into defence zone Chinese-claimed Taiwan has complained over the last few months of repeated missions by China’s air force near the island, concentrated in the southwestern part its air defence zone near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands Police, communities across US fight back against anti-Asian hate crimes The officers walked through the arcade of hair and nail salons, restaurants serving Vietnamese cuisine, and herbal medicine shops on Saturday, talking to business owners and patrons Russia extends deadline for Twitter to remove 'banned' content State telecommunications watchdog Roskomnadzor imposed slowdowns on Twitter's services in mid-March, accusing it of failing to remove banned content US shuts secret Guantanamo prison unit, moves prisoners to another nearby camp Biden's Democratic predecessor Obama had pitched for closing the camps but could not reach a deal with Congress when Biden was his vice-president. UK to announce new rules to restart international travel Travel destinations will be categorised as red, amber or green based on the virus risk. Former chief of Chinese defence giant Norinco being probed for corruption Yin was at the helm of the company’s leadership between 2013-2018, and is among many being probed from the defence industry Jordan's Prince Hamzah refuses to obey restrictions on movements amid 'coup' allegations The government has accused Hamzah of involvement in a seditious conspiracy to "destabilise the kingdom's security", placed him under house arrest and detained at least 16 more people. Donald Trump extends Easter wishes, especially to 'Radical Left CRAZIES' After being banned from Twitter and Facebook in the aftermath of the Capitol riot, Trump has been assessing other ways to get his word out Over 100 nabbed, 10 officers injured in London's 'Kill the Bill' protests Earlier on Sunday, London police said that 10 officers were left with minor injuries after police and protesters clashed in central London on Saturday

Top 10 World News: Netanyahu faces court, Taiwan reports incursion, and more

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry on Monday reported a new incursion by China’s air force into the island’s air defence identification zone, made up of eight fighter jets and two other aircraft, one of which flew through the strategic Bashi Channel.

Chinese-claimed Taiwan has complained over the last few months of repeated missions by China’s air force near the island, concentrated in the southwestern part its air defence zone near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands.

Late last month, Taiwan reported 20 Chinese aircraft were involved in one such incursion.

In the latest incident, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said four Chinese J-16 and four J-10 fighters were involved, as well as an early warning plane and anti-submarine aircraft, the latter of which flew to the south of Taiwan through the Bashi Channel that connects the Pacific to the South China Sea.

Taiwan’s air force sent up a combat air patrol and warned the Chinese aircraft away, the ministry added.

There was no immediate response from China’s Defence Ministry, but the flights coincided with other Chinese military activity to Taiwan’s north.

Japan’s Defence Ministry said on Sunday that the Chinese aircraft carrier the Liaoning, accompanied by five escort ships, had transited the Miyako Strait on their way to the Pacific.

Though China’s air force has not flown over Taiwan itself, the flights have ramped up pressure, both financial and physical, on the island’s air force to ensure its aircraft are ready to go at any moment in what security officials describe as a ‘war of attrition’.

China views democratic Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.

While Taiwan’s air force is well trained, it is dwarfed by that of China’s.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry on Monday reported a new incursion by China’s air force into the island’s air defence identification zone, made up of eight fighter jets and two other aircraft, one of which flew through the strategic Bashi Channel.

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry on Monday reported a new incursion by China’s air force into the island’s air defence identification zone, made up of eight fighter jets and two other aircraft, one of which flew through the strategic Bashi Channel. Chinese-claimed Taiwan has complained over the last few months of repeated missions by China’s air force near the island, concentrated in the southwestern part its air defence zone near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands. Late last month, Taiwan reported 20 Chinese aircraft were involved in one such incursion. In the latest incident, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said four Chinese J-16 and four J-10 fighters were involved, as well as an early warning plane and anti-submarine aircraft, the latter of which flew to the south of Taiwan through the Bashi Channel that connects the Pacific to the South China Sea. Taiwan’s air force sent up a combat air patrol and warned the Chinese aircraft away, the ministry added. There was no immediate response from China’s Defence Ministry, but the flights coincided with other Chinese military activity to Taiwan’s north. Japan’s Defence Ministry said on Sunday that the Chinese aircraft carrier the Liaoning, accompanied by five escort ships, had transited the Miyako Strait on their way to the Pacific. Though China’s air force has not flown over Taiwan itself, the flights have ramped up pressure, both financial and physical, on the island’s air force to ensure its aircraft are ready to go at any moment in what security officials describe as a ‘war of attrition’. China views democratic Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. While Taiwan’s air force is well trained, it is dwarfed by that of China’s. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan reports new incursion by China’s Air Force into defence zone

Recovery efforts continued in Taiwan on Sunday (April 4) as engineers removed a train carriage from the tunnel where 50 people died in a derailment on Friday (April 2).

Teams have been working around the clock to remove the wrecked train from inside the tunnel and to search for more bodies. Officials warned the death toll could rise.

In the island's worst rail accident in seven decades, 50 people have been confirmed dead after the packed express train carrying almost 500 passengers and crew slammed into a truck and derailed near the eastern city of Hualien Friday.

Taiwan's transport minister said he would "not avoid" responsibility and tendered his resignation, although his offer has so far been rejected as the recovery work goes on.

The Transport Ministry and the rail administration that comes under it are facing a number of questions, including why there was no proper fencing at the site and whether too many standing-only tickets were sold for the train journey.

Recovery efforts continued in Taiwan on Sunday (April 4) as engineers removed a train carriage from the tunnel where 50 people died in a derailment on Friday (April 2).

Recovery efforts continued in Taiwan on Sunday (April 4) as engineers removed a train carriage from the tunnel where 50 people died in a derailment on Friday (April 2). Teams have been working around the clock to remove the wrecked train from inside the tunnel and to search for more bodies. Officials warned the death toll could rise. In the island's worst rail accident in seven decades, 50 people have been confirmed dead after the packed express train carrying almost 500 passengers and crew slammed into a truck and derailed near the eastern city of Hualien Friday. Taiwan's transport minister said he would "not avoid" responsibility and tendered his resignation, although his offer has so far been rejected as the recovery work goes on. The Transport Ministry and the rail administration that comes under it are facing a number of questions, including why there was no proper fencing at the site and whether too many standing-only tickets were sold for the train journey.

Damaged carriage dragged from Taiwan train disaster tunnel

Taiwan`s transport minister said on Sunday he would not shirk his responsibility for a deadly train crash even as his resignation offer was rejected amid growing questions over safety lapses that could have contributed to the disaster.

In the island`s worst rail accident in seven decades, 51 people have been confirmed dead after a packed express train slammed into a truck near the eastern city of Hualien on Friday, causing it to derail and the front part to crumple.

Speaking at the crash site overlooking the ocean and backed by precipitous mountains, Lin Chia-lung said he would "not avoid" responsibility.

"I am also in charge of minimising the damage caused by the entire accident. After the whole rescue work is completed, I believe I will take the responsibility," he said.

Premier Su Tseng-chang`s office said Lin had made a verbal offer to resign on Saturday, but Su rejected it for the time being, saying efforts for now should focus on rescue and recovery.

The truck that the train hit had slid down a sloping road onto the track just outside a tunnel. Officials are investigating the manager of the construction site, Lee Yi-hsiang, whose truck is suspected of not having its brakes properly applied.

Lee had been released on bail, though the high court`s Hualien branch on Sunday rescinded that decision after the prosecutors appealed it, sending the case back to the lower court.

Lee read out a statement apologising for what happened as police took him away from his residence on Sunday, Taiwan media reported.

"I deeply regret this and express my deepest apologies," he said. "I will definitely cooperate with the prosecutors and police in the investigation, accept the responsibility that should be borne, and never shirk it. Finally, I once again express my sincerest apologies."

The transport ministry, and the rail administration which comes under it, are facing scrutiny over a number of questions, including why there was no proper fencing at the site and whether too many standing-only tickets were sold.

Deputy transport minister Wang Kwo-tsai said late on Saturday the railway administration needed to take hard look at all these issues, adding that his personal feeling was that "initially it looks like negligence" on the part of the building site contractor.

The railway administration is also without a permanent director after its former chief retired in January. The position is being filled in an acting capacity by another deputy transport minister, Chi Wen-chung.

Wang said Lin was working hard to find the right person to fill the job.

`DAUGHTER`S VOICE BECAME QUIETER AND QUIETER`

The uncle of the youngest confirmed victim, a five-year-old girl, tearfully told reporters he was still waiting for an apology for the accident.

"I`m so angry," he said.

The government has promised compensation and that it will do everything it can to help survivors and their relatives.

The damaged section of the track will not reopen until April 20 at the earliest, Wang said, though rail traffic continues on a parallel track that runs through another tunnel and was not affected by the accident.

Minister Lin said rescue and recovery work would continue.

"We continue to pull out the cabins stuck inside. The third cabin was dragged out last night. We expect to pull out two other cabins today," he added.

The accident occurred at the start of a long weekend for the traditional Tomb Sweeping Day, when people return home to tend to family graves.

Survivors have described horrible scenes inside the wreck.

Priest Sung Chih-chiang told Reuters what surviving passenger Chung Hui-mei had told him.

"She could not find her daughter. When she yelled, she found her daughter was under the steel panels. She put her effort to move those pieces one by one, but her daughter`s voice became quieter and quieter, and then there was no response," he said.

Taiwan`s transport minister said on Sunday he would not shirk his responsibility for a deadly train crash even as his resignation offer was rejected amid growing questions over safety lapses that could have contributed to the disaster.

Taiwan`s transport minister said on Sunday he would not shirk his responsibility for a deadly train crash even as his resignation offer was rejected amid growing questions over safety lapses that could have contributed to the disaster. In the island`s worst rail accident in seven decades, 51 people have been confirmed dead after a packed express train slammed into a truck near the eastern city of Hualien on Friday, causing it to derail and the front part to crumple. Speaking at the crash site overlooking the ocean and backed by precipitous mountains, Lin Chia-lung said he would "not avoid" responsibility. "I am also in charge of minimising the damage caused by the entire accident. After the whole rescue work is completed, I believe I will take the responsibility," he said. Premier Su Tseng-chang`s office said Lin had made a verbal offer to resign on Saturday, but Su rejected it for the time being, saying efforts for now should focus on rescue and recovery. The truck that the train hit had slid down a sloping road onto the track just outside a tunnel. Officials are investigating the manager of the construction site, Lee Yi-hsiang, whose truck is suspected of not having its brakes properly applied. Lee had been released on bail, though the high court`s Hualien branch on Sunday rescinded that decision after the prosecutors appealed it, sending the case back to the lower court. Lee read out a statement apologising for what happened as police took him away from his residence on Sunday, Taiwan media reported. "I deeply regret this and express my deepest apologies," he said. "I will definitely cooperate with the prosecutors and police in the investigation, accept the responsibility that should be borne, and never shirk it. Finally, I once again express my sincerest apologies." The transport ministry, and the rail administration which comes under it, are facing scrutiny over a number of questions, including why there was no proper fencing at the site and whether too many standing-only tickets were sold. Deputy transport minister Wang Kwo-tsai said late on Saturday the railway administration needed to take hard look at all these issues, adding that his personal feeling was that "initially it looks like negligence" on the part of the building site contractor. The railway administration is also without a permanent director after its former chief retired in January. The position is being filled in an acting capacity by another deputy transport minister, Chi Wen-chung. Wang said Lin was working hard to find the right person to fill the job. `DAUGHTER`S VOICE BECAME QUIETER AND QUIETER` The uncle of the youngest confirmed victim, a five-year-old girl, tearfully told reporters he was still waiting for an apology for the accident. "I`m so angry," he said. The government has promised compensation and that it will do everything it can to help survivors and their relatives. The damaged section of the track will not reopen until April 20 at the earliest, Wang said, though rail traffic continues on a parallel track that runs through another tunnel and was not affected by the accident. Minister Lin said rescue and recovery work would continue. "We continue to pull out the cabins stuck inside. The third cabin was dragged out last night. We expect to pull out two other cabins today," he added. The accident occurred at the start of a long weekend for the traditional Tomb Sweeping Day, when people return home to tend to family graves. Survivors have described horrible scenes inside the wreck. Priest Sung Chih-chiang told Reuters what surviving passenger Chung Hui-mei had told him. "She could not find her daughter. When she yelled, she found her daughter was under the steel panels. She put her effort to move those pieces one by one, but her daughter`s voice became quieter and quieter, and then there was no response," he said.

Taiwan minister accepts responsibility for train crash as questions mount

In Taiwan, 48 people have died in a train derailment. It's the worst train disaster to take place in the country in 3 decades. Our thoughts are with the families of victims.

Gravitas: Taiwan's worst train derailment in 3 decades

A Taiwan court on Saturday released on bond the manager of a construction site whose truck authorities believe caused a train accident that killed at least 51 people, as family members mourned the dead at the crash site.

The crash on Friday was Taiwan’s worst rail accident in seven decades, when an express train hit the truck that had slid down a bank beside the track from the building site. The site’s manager is suspected of having failed to properly engage the truck’s brake.

The train, with almost 500 people aboard, was travelling from Taipei, the capital, to Taitung on the east coast when it derailed in a tunnel just north of the city of Hualien. Forty one people are in hospital, from among the 188 reported injured.

Prosecutors had applied to a court to detain the manager on charges of causing death by negligence, a justice ministry official told reporters on Saturday.

But a court in Hualien released the manager, Lee Yi-hsiang, on a bond of T$500,000 ($17,525), although it restricted him from leaving Taiwan for eight months and said he had to stay in Hualien.

The court said that while the truck’s fall into the path of the train was possibly due to negligence, there was ‘no possibility of conspiracy’.

Yu Hsiu-duan, head of the Hualien prosecutors’ office, said they were not pleased with the decision. 
"The court said there was no reason to keep him in custody," she told reporters. "The court changed it to a surety of $T500,000."

Lee’s court-appointed lawyer declined to comment to reporters as he left the court. 
Lin Jinn-tsun, head of the Justice Ministry’s Prosecutorial Affairs Department, said they had lodged an appeal against the decision to release Lee on bond.

Family members visited the site on Saturday afternoon to mourn the dead, some crying out ‘Come back!’, and bringing personal belongings with them like dolls.

The youngest person confirmed to have died was a six-year-old girl, the oldest a 79-year-old man, according to a government-issued casualty list.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A Taiwan court on Saturday released on bond the manager of a construction site whose truck authorities believe caused a train accident that killed at least 51 people, as family members mourned the dead at the crash site.

A Taiwan court on Saturday released on bond the manager of a construction site whose truck authorities believe caused a train accident that killed at least 51 people, as family members mourned the dead at the crash site. The crash on Friday was Taiwan’s worst rail accident in seven decades, when an express train hit the truck that had slid down a bank beside the track from the building site. The site’s manager is suspected of having failed to properly engage the truck’s brake. The train, with almost 500 people aboard, was travelling from Taipei, the capital, to Taitung on the east coast when it derailed in a tunnel just north of the city of Hualien. Forty one people are in hospital, from among the 188 reported injured. Prosecutors had applied to a court to detain the manager on charges of causing death by negligence, a justice ministry official told reporters on Saturday. But a court in Hualien released the manager, Lee Yi-hsiang, on a bond of T$500,000 ($17,525), although it restricted him from leaving Taiwan for eight months and said he had to stay in Hualien. The court said that while the truck’s fall into the path of the train was possibly due to negligence, there was ‘no possibility of conspiracy’. Yu Hsiu-duan, head of the Hualien prosecutors’ office, said they were not pleased with the decision. "The court said there was no reason to keep him in custody," she told reporters. "The court changed it to a surety of $T500,000." Lee’s court-appointed lawyer declined to comment to reporters as he left the court. Lin Jinn-tsun, head of the Justice Ministry’s Prosecutorial Affairs Department, said they had lodged an appeal against the decision to release Lee on bond. Family members visited the site on Saturday afternoon to mourn the dead, some crying out ‘Come back!’, and bringing personal belongings with them like dolls. The youngest person confirmed to have died was a six-year-old girl, the oldest a 79-year-old man, according to a government-issued casualty list. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan court releases train crash suspect on bond as prosecutors lodge appeal

After dozens of people lost their lives in what can be called one of the deadliest train accidents in the last decade, China extended condolences to the families of the victims.

China is also monitoring the rescue operation of the train collision “with a strong concern”, Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesman for Taiwan Affairs Office of China’s State Council was quoted by local media.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-40-people-dead-as-taiwan-train-derails-in-tunnel-374879">More than 40 people dead as Taiwan train derails in tunnel</a>

Meanwhile, Japan has offered help to Taiwan in the rescue operation. “If there is a request from the Taiwan side regarding support, we want to consider possible assistance,” Chief Cabinet Secretary, Katsunobu Kato told the media.

Official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi, also took to Twitter to offer condolences to the victims’ families left behind.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of so many lives in the railway accident in Taiwan. Our deepest condolences to the families. And our prayers for the early recovery of the injured,” he tweeted.

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We are deeply saddened by the loss of so many lives in the railway accident in Taiwan. Our deepest condolences to the families. And our prayers for the early recovery of the injured.
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All flags are flying half-mast across the country after the deadly train collision.

The experts have claimed that the collision took place when a parked railway maintenance vehicle slipped onto the tracks.

A passing-by train with nearly 500 passengers onboard then ended up colliding with the truck.

The truck driver has since then been through interrogation and has been released on bail but is barred from leaving Taiwan.

After dozens of people lost their lives in what can be called one of the deadliest train accidents in the last decade, China extended condolences to the families of the victims.

After dozens of people lost their lives in what can be called one of the deadliest train accidents in the last decade, China extended condolences to the families of the victims. China is also monitoring the rescue operation of the train collision “with a strong concern”, Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesman for Taiwan Affairs Office of China’s State Council was quoted by local media. Also read | More than 40 people dead as Taiwan train derails in tunnel Meanwhile, Japan has offered help to Taiwan in the rescue operation. “If there is a request from the Taiwan side regarding support, we want to consider possible assistance,” Chief Cabinet Secretary, Katsunobu Kato told the media. Official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi, also took to Twitter to offer condolences to the victims’ families left behind. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of so many lives in the railway accident in Taiwan. Our deepest condolences to the families. And our prayers for the early recovery of the injured,” he tweeted. We are deeply saddened by the loss of so many lives in the railway accident in Taiwan. Our deepest condolences to the families. And our prayers for the early recovery of the injured. — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) April 3, 2021 × All flags are flying half-mast across the country after the deadly train collision. The experts have claimed that the collision took place when a parked railway maintenance vehicle slipped onto the tracks. A passing-by train with nearly 500 passengers onboard then ended up colliding with the truck. The truck driver has since then been through interrogation and has been released on bail but is barred from leaving Taiwan.

China, Japan, India offer condolences to Taiwan after deadly train collision

Taiwan suffers worst train accident in decades

Dozens of people were killed on Friday when a packed train derailed inside a tunnel in eastern&nbsp;Taiwan, the island's worst railway accident in decades.

Taiwan's National Fire Agency said at least 48 people were confirmed dead with 66 others sent to hospital.

The crash, which also injured more than 40 passengers, is the island's worst rail disaster in at least four decades.

Officials said the accident could have been caused by a maintenance vehicle sliding down an embankment and striking the train before it entered the tunnel near the coastal city of Hualien.

"There was a&nbsp;construction vehicle that didn't park properly and slid onto the rail track," Hualien county police chief Tsai Ding-hsien told reporters.

"This is our initial understanding and we are&nbsp;clarifying the cause of the incident," he added.&nbsp;

Local media pictures from the scene showed the back of a yellow flatbed truck on its side next to the train.

President Tsai Ing-wen's office said she had ordered hospitals to prepare for a mass casualty event.

The accident occurred on Taiwan's eastern railway line around 9.30am (0130 GMT) near the coastal city of Hualien. The eight-car train was making its way from Taipei to the southeastern city of Taitung and was carrying some 350 passengers,&nbsp;the rescue centre said.

Between 80 to 100 people were evacuated from the first four carriages of the train, while carriages five to eight have "deformed" and are hard to gain access to.

The accident occurred at the start of the busy annual Tomb Sweeping festival, a long holiday weekend when Taiwan's roads and railways are usually packed.

Taiwan Railways Administration issued a separate statement saying "many" were without signs of life, citing the local fire department.

Taiwan's mountainous east coast is a popular tourist destination, and the railway line from Taipei down the east coast is renowned for its tunnels and route that hugs the coast just north of Hualien where the crash occurred.

The line connecting Taipei with Hualien was only opened in 1979.

(With inputs from agencies)

Dozens of people were killed on Friday when a packed train derailed inside a tunnel in eastern Taiwan, the island's worst railway accident in decades. Taiwan's National Fire Agency said at least 48 people were confirmed dead with 66 others sent to hospital.

Dozens of people were killed on Friday when a packed train derailed inside a tunnel in eastern Taiwan, the island's worst railway accident in decades. Taiwan's National Fire Agency said at least 48 people were confirmed dead with 66 others sent to hospital. The crash, which also injured more than 40 passengers, is the island's worst rail disaster in at least four decades. Officials said the accident could have been caused by a maintenance vehicle sliding down an embankment and striking the train before it entered the tunnel near the coastal city of Hualien. "There was a construction vehicle that didn't park properly and slid onto the rail track," Hualien county police chief Tsai Ding-hsien told reporters. "This is our initial understanding and we are clarifying the cause of the incident," he added. Local media pictures from the scene showed the back of a yellow flatbed truck on its side next to the train. President Tsai Ing-wen's office said she had ordered hospitals to prepare for a mass casualty event. The accident occurred on Taiwan's eastern railway line around 9.30am (0130 GMT) near the coastal city of Hualien. The eight-car train was making its way from Taipei to the southeastern city of Taitung and was carrying some 350 passengers, the rescue centre said. Between 80 to 100 people were evacuated from the first four carriages of the train, while carriages five to eight have "deformed" and are hard to gain access to. The accident occurred at the start of the busy annual Tomb Sweeping festival, a long holiday weekend when Taiwan's roads and railways are usually packed. Taiwan Railways Administration issued a separate statement saying "many" were without signs of life, citing the local fire department. Taiwan's mountainous east coast is a popular tourist destination, and the railway line from Taipei down the east coast is renowned for its tunnels and route that hugs the coast just north of Hualien where the crash occurred. The line connecting Taipei with Hualien was only opened in 1979. (With inputs from agencies)

More than 40 people dead as Taiwan train derails in tunnel

At least 36 people have been killed and dozens are injured after a packed train derailed in a tunnel in Taiwan. Rescue efforts are still underway. According to reports 350 passengers were on board.

Taiwan: Train derails in tunnel, 36 dead & dozens injured

Taiwan has decided to buy an upgraded version of Lockheed Martin Corp's Patriot surface-to-air missile, the air force said on Wednesday, as the island bolsters its forces to guard against a rising threat from China.&nbsp;

Chinese-claimed Taiwan has complained of repeated incursions by China's air force in recent months into the island's air defence identification zone, as Beijing seeks to pressure Taipei into accepting its sovereignty.&nbsp;

Taiwan's Air Force said it had decided to buy the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles, with deliveries to start in 2025 and deployment the following year.&nbsp;

The Air Force did not disclose how many missiles Taiwan was planning to buy, citing the sensitivity of the matter.&nbsp;

"These purchase plans were made based on the threat from the enemy," an Air Force spokesman said, adding it will continue to 'boost defence capacity'.&nbsp;

The spokesman said the Air Force is 'cautiously optimistic' about the progress of the purchase.&nbsp;

Taiwan's Defence Ministry, in a report to parliament, said the decision to obtain the newer Patriots was made during a 2019 meeting with the United States during the previous administration of US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden's government has not announced any Taiwan arms sales since taking office in January, though it has pledged its 'rock solid' commitment to the democratically-governed island.&nbsp;

US arms sales to Taiwan always anger China, which has demanded they stop.&nbsp;

In July, China said it would put sanctions on Lockheed Martin for involvement in a $620 million upgrade package for existing Patriot missiles Taiwan operates.&nbsp;

China has announced similar sanctions before on US companies for Taiwan arms sales, though it is unclear what form they have taken.&nbsp;

The United States, like most countries, has no official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but Washington is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself.&nbsp;

Washington has been pushing Taiwan to modernise its military so it can become a 'porcupine', hard for China to attack.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Taiwan has decided to buy an upgraded version of Lockheed Martin Corp's Patriot surface-to-air missile, the air force said on Wednesday, as the island bolsters its forces to guard against a rising threat from China.

Taiwan has decided to buy an upgraded version of Lockheed Martin Corp's Patriot surface-to-air missile, the air force said on Wednesday, as the island bolsters its forces to guard against a rising threat from China. Chinese-claimed Taiwan has complained of repeated incursions by China's air force in recent months into the island's air defence identification zone, as Beijing seeks to pressure Taipei into accepting its sovereignty. Taiwan's Air Force said it had decided to buy the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles, with deliveries to start in 2025 and deployment the following year. The Air Force did not disclose how many missiles Taiwan was planning to buy, citing the sensitivity of the matter. "These purchase plans were made based on the threat from the enemy," an Air Force spokesman said, adding it will continue to 'boost defence capacity'. The spokesman said the Air Force is 'cautiously optimistic' about the progress of the purchase. Taiwan's Defence Ministry, in a report to parliament, said the decision to obtain the newer Patriots was made during a 2019 meeting with the United States during the previous administration of US President Donald Trump. US President Joe Biden's government has not announced any Taiwan arms sales since taking office in January, though it has pledged its 'rock solid' commitment to the democratically-governed island. US arms sales to Taiwan always anger China, which has demanded they stop. In July, China said it would put sanctions on Lockheed Martin for involvement in a $620 million upgrade package for existing Patriot missiles Taiwan operates. China has announced similar sanctions before on US companies for Taiwan arms sales, though it is unclear what form they have taken. The United States, like most countries, has no official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but Washington is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself. Washington has been pushing Taiwan to modernise its military so it can become a 'porcupine', hard for China to attack. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan to buy new US air defence missiles to deter Chinese aggression 

The president of the Pacific island nation of Palau was visiting Taiwan on Tuesday along with the US Ambassador to his country, a show of solidarity as China increases diplomatic, economic and military pressure on Taiwan.&nbsp;

Palau President Surangel Whipps said during a meeting with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen that he and his delegation 'feel like home when we are here'.&nbsp;

In her welcoming statement, Tsai noted Whipps was the first foreign leader to visit Taiwan since the beginning of the pandemic and said a travel bubble established between the two sides would be a model for safe two-way travel that has been closely watched not just by our own people but also by the entire world.&nbsp;

China has banned its citizens from visiting Palau, but Taiwan has responded by introducing a travel bubble between the two that will allow visitors to avoid being quarantined.&nbsp;

The presence on the trip of the US Ambassador to Palau, John Hennessey-Niland, was a further sign of Washington's support for Taiwan, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations between the two.&nbsp;

China claims Taiwan as its own territory to be brought under Beijing's control by force if deemed necessary and it has worked to internationally isolate the island.&nbsp;

Taiwan has just 15 formal diplomatic allies but operates a network of trade offices around the world that act as de-facto embassies, including in the United States, Japan and most other major nations.&nbsp;

China has blocked Taiwan's participation in international organisations including the United Nations and sought to scupper the island's relationships with other countries by threatening to withdraw its own diplomatic presence and economic support.&nbsp;

In Beijing on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying repeated China's opposition to formal exchanges between Taiwan and the US.&nbsp;

"We hope the US will pay great attention to China's concerns and act prudently on the issue of Taiwan so as to avoid further damage to China-US Relations," Hua told reporters at a daily briefing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The president of the Pacific island nation of Palau was visiting Taiwan on Tuesday along with the US Ambassador to his country, a show of solidarity as China increases diplomatic, economic and military pressure on Taiwan.

The president of the Pacific island nation of Palau was visiting Taiwan on Tuesday along with the US Ambassador to his country, a show of solidarity as China increases diplomatic, economic and military pressure on Taiwan. Palau President Surangel Whipps said during a meeting with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen that he and his delegation 'feel like home when we are here'. In her welcoming statement, Tsai noted Whipps was the first foreign leader to visit Taiwan since the beginning of the pandemic and said a travel bubble established between the two sides would be a model for safe two-way travel that has been closely watched not just by our own people but also by the entire world. China has banned its citizens from visiting Palau, but Taiwan has responded by introducing a travel bubble between the two that will allow visitors to avoid being quarantined. The presence on the trip of the US Ambassador to Palau, John Hennessey-Niland, was a further sign of Washington's support for Taiwan, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations between the two. China claims Taiwan as its own territory to be brought under Beijing's control by force if deemed necessary and it has worked to internationally isolate the island. Taiwan has just 15 formal diplomatic allies but operates a network of trade offices around the world that act as de-facto embassies, including in the United States, Japan and most other major nations. China has blocked Taiwan's participation in international organisations including the United Nations and sought to scupper the island's relationships with other countries by threatening to withdraw its own diplomatic presence and economic support. In Beijing on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying repeated China's opposition to formal exchanges between Taiwan and the US. "We hope the US will pay great attention to China's concerns and act prudently on the issue of Taiwan so as to avoid further damage to China-US Relations," Hua told reporters at a daily briefing. (With inputs from agencies)

Palau president visits Taiwan despite Chinese pressure 

In an effort to strengthen Maritime coordination, Taiwan and the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a coast guard working group to coordinate policies among the two countries.

Taiwan, United States to strengthen Maritime coordination

Taiwan has begun mass production of a long-range missile and is developing three other models, a senior official said on Thursday.

The rise in efforts to develop strike capacity happens amid growing Chinese pressure -- as it does not consider Taiwan independent, and tries to force the government in Taipei to accept Beijing's claims of sovereignty.

Taiwanese Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng, to this end, said developing a long-range attack capability was a priority.

"We hope it is long-range, accurate and mobile," he said, adding research on such weapons by the state-owned National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology had "never stopped".

The institute, which is leading Taiwan's weapon development efforts, has in recent months carried out a series of missile tests off its southeastern coast.

The institute's deputy director Leng Chin-hsu said one long-range, land-based missile had already entered production, with three other long-range missiles in development. Leng said it was "not convenient" for him to provide details on how far the missile could fly.

Taiwan's armed forces have traditionally concentrated on defending the island from a Chinese attack. But President Tsai Ing-wen has stressed the importance of developing an "asymmetrical" deterrent, using mobile equipment that is hard to find and destroy, and capable of hitting targets far from Taiwan's coast.

Washington, Taipei's main foreign arms supplier, has been eager to create a military counterbalance to Chinese forces, building on an effort known within the Pentagon as "Fortress Taiwan".

(with inputs)

Taiwan has begun mass production of a long-range missile and is developing three other models, a senior official said on Thursday. The rise in efforts to develop strike capacity happens amid growing Chinese pressure -- as it does not consider Taiwan independent, and tries to force the government in Taipei to accept Beijing's claims of sovereignty.

Taiwan has begun mass production of a long-range missile and is developing three other models, a senior official said on Thursday. The rise in efforts to develop strike capacity happens amid growing Chinese pressure -- as it does not consider Taiwan independent, and tries to force the government in Taipei to accept Beijing's claims of sovereignty. Taiwanese Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng, to this end, said developing a long-range attack capability was a priority. "We hope it is long-range, accurate and mobile," he said, adding research on such weapons by the state-owned National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology had "never stopped". The institute, which is leading Taiwan's weapon development efforts, has in recent months carried out a series of missile tests off its southeastern coast. The institute's deputy director Leng Chin-hsu said one long-range, land-based missile had already entered production, with three other long-range missiles in development. Leng said it was "not convenient" for him to provide details on how far the missile could fly. Taiwan's armed forces have traditionally concentrated on defending the island from a Chinese attack. But President Tsai Ing-wen has stressed the importance of developing an "asymmetrical" deterrent, using mobile equipment that is hard to find and destroy, and capable of hitting targets far from Taiwan's coast. Washington, Taipei's main foreign arms supplier, has been eager to create a military counterbalance to Chinese forces, building on an effort known within the Pentagon as "Fortress Taiwan". (with inputs)

Taiwan says has begun mass production of long-range missile

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