Taiwan has slammed China after Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday (December 20) said that Taiwan is a "wanderer" who will eventually "return home".

Re-emphasising on the unification of China, the country's top diplomat also said that Taiwan "should not be used as a pawn".&nbsp;

Wang was speaking during an opening ceremony at a Beijing-based symposium on international affairs and China's diplomacy in 2021.

On Taiwan-US ties, Wang&nbsp;said that the cause of current tensions was the Taiwan government's attempts to "rely on the United States for independence".&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-is-on-a-school-building-spree-in-iraq-over-1000-by-two-firms-438380">China is on a school-building spree in Iraq. Over 1,000 by two firms</a>

"It is these perverse actions that have changed the status quo and undermined the peace in the Taiwan Strait, violating the consensus of the international community and the basic norms of international relations," said Wang, who is a former head of China's Taiwan Affairs Office.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, reacting to Wang's statement, Taiwan's China-policymaking Mainland Affairs Council said that the island had never been a part of the People's Republic of China.&nbsp;

"It is neither a wanderer nor a chess piece. Only the 23 million people of Taiwan have the right to decide Taiwan's future, and absolutely will not accept a path laid out by an autocratic political system," it said in a statement sent to Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-northwest-region-hit-with-hemorrhagic-fever-438362">China's northwest region hit with hemorrhagic fever</a>

China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has in the past two years increased military and diplomatic pressure to assert its sovereignty claims.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Taiwan's four contentious referendums were rejected as low voter turnout resulted in nullification

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(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan has slammed China after Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday (December 20) said that Taiwan is a "wanderer" who will eventually "return home".

Taiwan has slammed China after Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday (December 20) said that Taiwan is a "wanderer" who will eventually "return home". Re-emphasising on the unification of China, the country's top diplomat also said that Taiwan "should not be used as a pawn". Wang was speaking during an opening ceremony at a Beijing-based symposium on international affairs and China's diplomacy in 2021. On Taiwan-US ties, Wang said that the cause of current tensions was the Taiwan government's attempts to "rely on the United States for independence". ALSO READ | China is on a school-building spree in Iraq. Over 1,000 by two firms "It is these perverse actions that have changed the status quo and undermined the peace in the Taiwan Strait, violating the consensus of the international community and the basic norms of international relations," said Wang, who is a former head of China's Taiwan Affairs Office. Meanwhile, reacting to Wang's statement, Taiwan's China-policymaking Mainland Affairs Council said that the island had never been a part of the People's Republic of China. "It is neither a wanderer nor a chess piece. Only the 23 million people of Taiwan have the right to decide Taiwan's future, and absolutely will not accept a path laid out by an autocratic political system," it said in a statement sent to Reuters. ALSO READ | China's northwest region hit with hemorrhagic fever China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has in the past two years increased military and diplomatic pressure to assert its sovereignty claims. WATCH | Taiwan's four contentious referendums were rejected as low voter turnout resulted in nullification × (With inputs from agencies)

'Neither a wanderer nor a chess piece': Taiwan slams China over Wang Yi's remark

Taiwan's opposition suffered a major setback after voters rejected four referendums it had championed as a show of no confidence in the government.

Taiwan referendums fail in major setback for opposition

Taiwan's four contentious referendums were rejected as low voter turnout resulted in nullification

As a part of the parliamentary delegation, some lawmakers from France visit Taiwan amid tensions with China.

French lawmakers part of parliamentary delegation embarks to Taiwan amid China tensions

A group of six French lawmakers visited Taiwan in a show of support in the face of China’s belligerence towards the island.

Francois de Rugy, who heads the France-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, said the French government had been positive about moves to strengthen ties between the sides.

“We see that a certain number of countries are obviously deploying very important armament programs. This is of course the case for China, for Russia, which is rearming itself, it is also the case with the US, which is investing in armament as well, and it is also the case with some European countries, including France, to take on challenges of new threats or risks of (power) unbalances.”

“So, in such cases, we think that Taiwan's position is particular. Taiwan is particular because it is threatened, such threats are new and very obvious. Besides, it (Taiwan) is in a zone where a new power equilibrium is yet to be built between the US and China,” Rugy said.

Another parliamentarian Aina Kuric stressed the need for democracies “to support each other” at a joint news conference on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-loses-another-ally-to-china-as-nicaragua-recognises-chinese-sovereignty-435709">Taiwan loses another ally to China as Nicaragua recognises Chinese sovereignty</a>

The French lawmakers arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday for a five-day visit. The latest visit follows a similar trip led by another group of French parliamentarians in October that China sought to discourage.

On Wednesday, China's foreign ministry criticised the latest French visit, saying “relevant parties should... stop sending false signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/while-us-was-hosting-democracy-summit-china-targeted-our-allies-taiwan-436971">While US was hosting democracy summit, China targeted our allies: Taiwan</a>

“China firmly opposes any official and political exchanges between Taiwan and other countries,” said spokesman Zhao Lijian.

Beijing claims Taiwan as a province of China. Unification is a key goal of the Chinese premier Xi Jinping, who has not ruled out taking Taiwan by force.

China conducted military drills near the Taiwan Strait following a visit by a group of American lawmakers last month.

Taiwan's defence minister has warned that military tensions between the island and China were at their highest in four decades, after around 150 Chinese warplanes -- a record number -- made incursions into Taiwan's air defence zone in October.

(With inputs from agencies)

A group of six French lawmakers visited Taiwan in a show of support in the face of China’s belligerence towards the island. Francois de Rugy, who heads the France-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, said the French government had been positive about moves to strengthen ties between the sides.

A group of six French lawmakers visited Taiwan in a show of support in the face of China’s belligerence towards the island. Francois de Rugy, who heads the France-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, said the French government had been positive about moves to strengthen ties between the sides. “We see that a certain number of countries are obviously deploying very important armament programs. This is of course the case for China, for Russia, which is rearming itself, it is also the case with the US, which is investing in armament as well, and it is also the case with some European countries, including France, to take on challenges of new threats or risks of (power) unbalances.” “So, in such cases, we think that Taiwan's position is particular. Taiwan is particular because it is threatened, such threats are new and very obvious. Besides, it (Taiwan) is in a zone where a new power equilibrium is yet to be built between the US and China,” Rugy said. Another parliamentarian Aina Kuric stressed the need for democracies “to support each other” at a joint news conference on Friday. Also read | Taiwan loses another ally to China as Nicaragua recognises Chinese sovereignty The French lawmakers arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday for a five-day visit. The latest visit follows a similar trip led by another group of French parliamentarians in October that China sought to discourage. On Wednesday, China's foreign ministry criticised the latest French visit, saying “relevant parties should... stop sending false signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces”. Also read | While US was hosting democracy summit, China targeted our allies: Taiwan “China firmly opposes any official and political exchanges between Taiwan and other countries,” said spokesman Zhao Lijian. Beijing claims Taiwan as a province of China. Unification is a key goal of the Chinese premier Xi Jinping, who has not ruled out taking Taiwan by force. China conducted military drills near the Taiwan Strait following a visit by a group of American lawmakers last month. Taiwan's defence minister has warned that military tensions between the island and China were at their highest in four decades, after around 150 Chinese warplanes -- a record number -- made incursions into Taiwan's air defence zone in October. (With inputs from agencies)

French lawmakers visit Taiwan to show support in the face of China’s belligerence

US military commanders in the Pacific have developed a software tool that can predict how the Chinese government will react to US-backed activities in the region such as military sales, other military activity and even congressional visits to hotspots like Taiwan.

On Tuesday, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks visited the United States Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii, where she was briefed on this new tool.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/while-us-was-hosting-democracy-summit-china-targeted-our-allies-taiwan-436971">While US was hosting democracy summit, China targeted our allies: Taiwan</a>

An official with the Defense Department said the tool calculates "strategic friction." It analyzes data since early 2020 and looks at significant activities that affected US-Sino relations.&nbsp;

The computer-based system will allow the Pentagon to predict whether certain actions will provoke an "outsized reaction" or an overreaction from the Chinese side.

As recently as October, the Chinese military warned that the United States and Canada were threatening peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait by sending warships through the strait.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-canada-colluded-to-provoke-trouble-says-china-after-warships-sail-through-taiwan-strait-421574">US, Canada colluded to provoke trouble, says China after warships sail through Taiwan Strait</a>

An official from the US said this incident and others like it have fueled demand for this tool, which will help ensure the United States does not unintentionally upset China with its actions.

US-China relations are already at a low point, but the tool provides visibility across a variety of activities such as congressional visits to Taiwan and arms sales to allies in the region. It can also point out when US ships crossing the Taiwan Strait might provoke an unintended reaction from China.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: From Iraq to Afghanistan: America's trail of deaths

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-from-iraq-to-afghanistan-americas-trail-of-deaths-437226/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The People's Republic of China claims democratically ruled Taiwan as its territory and has undertaken repeated air force missions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) over the past year, provoking anger in Taipei.

This newly developed software will enhance the ability of US&nbsp;officials to plan actions as early as four months in advance, the official said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US military commanders in the Pacific have developed a software tool that can predict how the Chinese government will react to US-backed activities in the region such as military sales, other military activity and even congressional visits to hotspots like Taiwan.

US military commanders in the Pacific have developed a software tool that can predict how the Chinese government will react to US-backed activities in the region such as military sales, other military activity and even congressional visits to hotspots like Taiwan. On Tuesday, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks visited the United States Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii, where she was briefed on this new tool. Also read | While US was hosting democracy summit, China targeted our allies: Taiwan An official with the Defense Department said the tool calculates "strategic friction." It analyzes data since early 2020 and looks at significant activities that affected US-Sino relations. The computer-based system will allow the Pentagon to predict whether certain actions will provoke an "outsized reaction" or an overreaction from the Chinese side. As recently as October, the Chinese military warned that the United States and Canada were threatening peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait by sending warships through the strait. Also read | US, Canada colluded to provoke trouble, says China after warships sail through Taiwan Strait An official from the US said this incident and others like it have fueled demand for this tool, which will help ensure the United States does not unintentionally upset China with its actions. US-China relations are already at a low point, but the tool provides visibility across a variety of activities such as congressional visits to Taiwan and arms sales to allies in the region. It can also point out when US ships crossing the Taiwan Strait might provoke an unintended reaction from China. Watch | Gravitas: From Iraq to Afghanistan: America's trail of deaths The People's Republic of China claims democratically ruled Taiwan as its territory and has undertaken repeated air force missions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) over the past year, provoking anger in Taipei. This newly developed software will enhance the ability of US officials to plan actions as early as four months in advance, the official said. (With inputs from agencies)

US develops new software to predict actions that can trigger 'outsized' Chinese reactions

Taiwan’s foreign minister Joseph Wu&nbsp;has said that Nicaragua's decision to cut ties was part of a deliberate plan of China, which was feeling threatened by the democracy summit hosted by the US.

Joe Biden hosted the democracy summit on December 9, which saw the participation of over 100 countries, including Taiwan.

China and Russia were deliberately not invited, as the US had said that they were stoking an ideological rift.

“When democratic countries were holding a democratic summit, China was excluded, China was a target, so China chose this opportunity to set about targeting our diplomatic allies,” Reuters quoted Taiwanese Wu as saying on the sidelines of the 2021 Taiwan-US-Japan Trilateral Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue conference in Taipei on Tuesday.

Nicaragua, one of Taiwan’s nine remaining allies in Latin America and the Caribbean, had last week switched allegiance to Beijing, recognising the Chinese government’s ‘One China policy’.

It is the eighth country to cut ties with Taipei since Tsai Ing-wen was elected president in 2016.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-loses-another-ally-to-china-as-nicaragua-recognises-chinese-sovereignty-435709">Taiwan loses another ally to China as Nicaragua recognises Chinese sovereignty</a>

Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory. It has steadily won over a number of Taipei’s allies&nbsp;over the years, leaving the island nation with only 14 formal diplomatic allies.

“Losing a diplomatic ally is a very painful thing for us. We had all done our best to maintain the official relationship but to no avail," WU said.

Nicaragua first cut ties with Taiwan in 1985, but they were re-established with the island in 1990.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-democracy-summit-100-nations-invited-china-russia-see-red-after-being-left-out-435351">Biden's Democracy Summit: 100+ nations invited, China &amp; Russia see red after being left out</a>

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen had said the island-nation would not bend to pressure or change its determination&nbsp;to uphold democracy and freedom.

“The more successful Taiwan's democracy is, the stronger the international support, and the greater the pressure from the authoritarian camp,” she said in Taipei.

The One China policy is a diplomatic acknowledgement that there is only one Chinese government.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan’s foreign minister Joseph Wu has said that Nicaragua's decision to cut ties was part of a deliberate plan of China, which was feeling threatened by the democracy summit hosted by the US.

Taiwan’s foreign minister Joseph Wu has said that Nicaragua's decision to cut ties was part of a deliberate plan of China, which was feeling threatened by the democracy summit hosted by the US. Joe Biden hosted the democracy summit on December 9, which saw the participation of over 100 countries, including Taiwan. China and Russia were deliberately not invited, as the US had said that they were stoking an ideological rift. “When democratic countries were holding a democratic summit, China was excluded, China was a target, so China chose this opportunity to set about targeting our diplomatic allies,” Reuters quoted Taiwanese Wu as saying on the sidelines of the 2021 Taiwan-US-Japan Trilateral Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue conference in Taipei on Tuesday. Nicaragua, one of Taiwan’s nine remaining allies in Latin America and the Caribbean, had last week switched allegiance to Beijing, recognising the Chinese government’s ‘One China policy’. It is the eighth country to cut ties with Taipei since Tsai Ing-wen was elected president in 2016. Also read | Taiwan loses another ally to China as Nicaragua recognises Chinese sovereignty Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory. It has steadily won over a number of Taipei’s allies over the years, leaving the island nation with only 14 formal diplomatic allies. “Losing a diplomatic ally is a very painful thing for us. We had all done our best to maintain the official relationship but to no avail," WU said. Nicaragua first cut ties with Taiwan in 1985, but they were re-established with the island in 1990. Also read | Biden's Democracy Summit: 100+ nations invited, China & Russia see red after being left out Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen had said the island-nation would not bend to pressure or change its determination to uphold democracy and freedom. “The more successful Taiwan's democracy is, the stronger the international support, and the greater the pressure from the authoritarian camp,” she said in Taipei. The One China policy is a diplomatic acknowledgement that there is only one Chinese government. (With inputs from agencies)

While US was hosting democracy summit, China targeted our allies: Taiwan

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

Gravitas: US censors Taiwan at Summit for Democracies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Liquid Natural Gas terminal threatens to wipe off corals in Taiwan

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

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

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

Taiwan loses another ally to China as Nicaragua recognises Chinese sovereignty

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

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

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

Nicaragua cuts diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of Beijing

The last few nations that recognise Taiwan's sovereignty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top military officials of China and US to discuss Taiwan

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

Gravitas: Japan's former PM warns China over Taiwan

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

Report: China extradited over 600 Taiwanese worldwide

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

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

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

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

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

China 'hunting' Taiwanese abroad through deportation: rights group

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

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

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

Taiwan gears up to stave off China's invasion

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