In a series, over 20 earthquakes struck the east coast of Taiwan&nbsp;on Wednesday morning. The earthquakes are likely to have caused some damage.&nbsp;

22 quakes were reported by the Central Weather Bureau for&nbsp;over two hours,&nbsp;starting at 6:52 am.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;first&nbsp;quake, which&nbsp;was&nbsp;also&nbsp;the&nbsp;largest&nbsp;with a magnitude of 5.2,&nbsp;struck at a relatively shallow depth of 5.9 kilometers. The other&nbsp;quakes&nbsp;ranged from&nbsp;the&nbsp;magnitude 3 to 5.&nbsp;

Taiwan Apple Daily news website&nbsp;posted a photograph, showing the&nbsp;remains of a second floor wall above a storefront that had fallen&nbsp;on&nbsp;to the street and crumbled.&nbsp;&nbsp;

These&nbsp;quakes&nbsp;occurred&nbsp;in Hualien County around the midpoint of the island’s east coast.&nbsp;

Last week,&nbsp;an earthquake occurred off the Taiwan coast, which&nbsp;shook&nbsp;the&nbsp;buildings&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;capital,&nbsp;Taipei.&nbsp;

The country's weather bureau said the quake with a magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale took place on the east coast.&nbsp;

There were no reports of any casualties. The underwater quake took place at a depth of 7.6 km, the weather bureau said.&nbsp;

Hualien city measured the highest intensity including&nbsp;Yanliao&nbsp;village.&nbsp;

There have been a number of earthquakes reported in Hualien since June. On June 28, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake hit Hualien County in eastern Taiwan with another reported on June 23 measuring 4.9 in the same area.&nbsp;

On June 11, at least three earthquakes had hit&nbsp;Shoufeng&nbsp;in Hualien with one recorded at magnitude 5.3 at a depth of 11.2 km.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Taiwan has been susceptible to earthquakes for a long time with one the worst occurring in 1999 which measured 7.3 on the Richter scale. The earthquake shattered several buildings and led to the death of over 2,000 people.&nbsp;

The Taiwan government has set up several early warning systems across the country including in schools and in high-risk areas.&nbsp;

(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies)&nbsp;

In a series, over 20 earthquakes struck the east coast of Taiwan on Wednesday morning. The earthquakes are likely to have caused some damage. 22 quakes were reported by the Central Weather Bureau for over two hours, starting at 6:52 am.

In a series, over 20 earthquakes struck the east coast of Taiwan on Wednesday morning. The earthquakes are likely to have caused some damage. 22 quakes were reported by the Central Weather Bureau for over two hours, starting at 6:52 am. The first quake, which was also the largest with a magnitude of 5.2, struck at a relatively shallow depth of 5.9 kilometers. The other quakes ranged from the magnitude 3 to 5. Taiwan Apple Daily news website posted a photograph, showing the remains of a second floor wall above a storefront that had fallen on to the street and crumbled. These quakes occurred in Hualien County around the midpoint of the island’s east coast. Last week, an earthquake occurred off the Taiwan coast, which shook the buildings in the capital, Taipei. The country's weather bureau said the quake with a magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale took place on the east coast. There were no reports of any casualties. The underwater quake took place at a depth of 7.6 km, the weather bureau said. Hualien city measured the highest intensity including Yanliao village. There have been a number of earthquakes reported in Hualien since June. On June 28, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake hit Hualien County in eastern Taiwan with another reported on June 23 measuring 4.9 in the same area. On June 11, at least three earthquakes had hit Shoufeng in Hualien with one recorded at magnitude 5.3 at a depth of 11.2 km. Taiwan has been susceptible to earthquakes for a long time with one the worst occurring in 1999 which measured 7.3 on the Richter scale. The earthquake shattered several buildings and led to the death of over 2,000 people. The Taiwan government has set up several early warning systems across the country including in schools and in high-risk areas. (With inputs from agencies)

Eastern Taiwan hit by series of earthquakes causing some damage  

Growing military tensions around Taiwan as well as economic and technological rivalry between China and the United States threaten peace and stability in East Asia as the regional power balance shifts in Beijing`s favour, Japan said in its annual defence white paper. 
 
"It is necessary that we pay close attention to the situation with a sense of crisis more than ever," the paper said in a new section on Taiwan. "In particular, competition in technological fields is likely to become even more intense," it said about the U.S.-China tussle. 
 
The defence review, which was approved by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga`s government on Tuesday, points to China as Japan`s main national security concern. Beijing`s recent uptick in military activity around Taiwan has Tokyo worried since the island lies close to the Okinawa chain at the western end of the Japanese archipelago. 
 
Chinese President Xi Jinping this month pledged to complete the "reunification" with Taiwan and in June criticised the United States as a "risk creator" after it sent a warship through the Taiwan Straits separating the island from the mainland. 
 
Japan`s deputy prime minister and finance minister, Taro Aso, this month in a speech reported by Japanese media said Japan should join forces with the United States to defend Taiwan from any invasion. Aso later said any contingency over Taiwan should be resolved through dialogue when asked about the remarks, which drew a rebuke from Beijing. 
 
As the military rivalry between the United States and China deepens, their economic competition is fuelling a race to take the lead in key technologies, such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence and quantum computing. 
 
The emergence of the rival technology camps poses a challenge for Japan because its economy relies as much on business ties with China as it does with the United States. Japan will also have spend heavily to keep up with government funding for technology development in the United States, China and Europe. 
 
US&nbsp;Senate lawmakers recently passed the Innovation and Competition Act of 2021, which authorises $190 billion spending on technology including $54 billion to increase chip production. House of Representative lawmakers are debating a separate proposal that also promises generous funding, the "Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement Act," or EAGLE Act. 
 
The Japanese annual security review for the first time also includes a section on threats posed by climate change, which it says will increase competition for land and resources, and may trigger mass movement of climate refugees. An increase in disasters linked to global warming could also stretch military capabilities, it adds, while Arctic Sea ice melting could lead to the militarisation of northern waters.

Growing military tensions around Taiwan as well as economic and technological rivalry between China and the United States threaten peace and stability in East Asia as the regional power balance shifts in Beijing`s favour, Japan said in its annual defence white paper.

Growing military tensions around Taiwan as well as economic and technological rivalry between China and the United States threaten peace and stability in East Asia as the regional power balance shifts in Beijing`s favour, Japan said in its annual defence white paper. "It is necessary that we pay close attention to the situation with a sense of crisis more than ever," the paper said in a new section on Taiwan. "In particular, competition in technological fields is likely to become even more intense," it said about the U.S.-China tussle. The defence review, which was approved by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga`s government on Tuesday, points to China as Japan`s main national security concern. Beijing`s recent uptick in military activity around Taiwan has Tokyo worried since the island lies close to the Okinawa chain at the western end of the Japanese archipelago. Chinese President Xi Jinping this month pledged to complete the "reunification" with Taiwan and in June criticised the United States as a "risk creator" after it sent a warship through the Taiwan Straits separating the island from the mainland. Japan`s deputy prime minister and finance minister, Taro Aso, this month in a speech reported by Japanese media said Japan should join forces with the United States to defend Taiwan from any invasion. Aso later said any contingency over Taiwan should be resolved through dialogue when asked about the remarks, which drew a rebuke from Beijing. As the military rivalry between the United States and China deepens, their economic competition is fuelling a race to take the lead in key technologies, such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The emergence of the rival technology camps poses a challenge for Japan because its economy relies as much on business ties with China as it does with the United States. Japan will also have spend heavily to keep up with government funding for technology development in the United States, China and Europe. US Senate lawmakers recently passed the Innovation and Competition Act of 2021, which authorises $190 billion spending on technology including $54 billion to increase chip production. House of Representative lawmakers are debating a separate proposal that also promises generous funding, the "Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement Act," or EAGLE Act. The Japanese annual security review for the first time also includes a section on threats posed by climate change, which it says will increase competition for land and resources, and may trigger mass movement of climate refugees. An increase in disasters linked to global warming could also stretch military capabilities, it adds, while Arctic Sea ice melting could lead to the militarisation of northern waters.

Japan warns of crisis over Taiwan, growing risks from US-China rivalry

Taiwan's Foxconn and TSMC said on Monday, they had reached deals to buy 10 million doses of Germany's BioNTech SE's COVID-19 vaccine, putting the total cost of the highly politicised deal at around $350 million. 
 
Taiwan's government has tried for months to buy the vaccine directly from BioNTech and has blamed China, which claims the self-ruled island as its own territory, for nixing an agreement the two sides were due to sign earlier this year. China denies the accusations. 
 
Last month, facing public pressure about the slow pace of Taiwan's inoculation programme, the government agreed to allow Foxconn's founder Terry Gou, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), to negotiate on its behalf for the vaccines. 
 
BioNTech's Chinese sales agent Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd said on Sunday that an agreement had been signed, though no details of a delivery timeframe have been revealed yet. 
 
Gou wrote on his Facebook page that he was 'gratified' the deal had been completed, which will see Foxconn and TSMC each buy five million doses, to be donated to the government for distribution. 
 
"But we can't relax, because we will continue to work hard to push for the delivery time and quantity," he said, adding the vaccines will come directly from Germany. 
 
"However, this batch of vaccines delivered directly from the German factory I believe will help Taiwanese society to increase confidence and offer respite in the face of the epidemic."

TSMC and Foxconn are major Apple Inc suppliers. 
 
Taiwan's government said it would comment later on Monday. 
 
Gou said Beijing did not interfere in the talks.

Taiwan's Foxconn and TSMC said on Monday, they had reached deals to buy 10 million doses of Germany's BioNTech SE's COVID-19 vaccine, putting the total cost of the highly politicised deal at around $350 million.

Taiwan's Foxconn and TSMC said on Monday, they had reached deals to buy 10 million doses of Germany's BioNTech SE's COVID-19 vaccine, putting the total cost of the highly politicised deal at around $350 million. Taiwan's government has tried for months to buy the vaccine directly from BioNTech and has blamed China, which claims the self-ruled island as its own territory, for nixing an agreement the two sides were due to sign earlier this year. China denies the accusations. Last month, facing public pressure about the slow pace of Taiwan's inoculation programme, the government agreed to allow Foxconn's founder Terry Gou, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), to negotiate on its behalf for the vaccines. BioNTech's Chinese sales agent Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd said on Sunday that an agreement had been signed, though no details of a delivery timeframe have been revealed yet. Gou wrote on his Facebook page that he was 'gratified' the deal had been completed, which will see Foxconn and TSMC each buy five million doses, to be donated to the government for distribution. "But we can't relax, because we will continue to work hard to push for the delivery time and quantity," he said, adding the vaccines will come directly from Germany. "However, this batch of vaccines delivered directly from the German factory I believe will help Taiwanese society to increase confidence and offer respite in the face of the epidemic." TSMC and Foxconn are major Apple Inc suppliers. Taiwan's government said it would comment later on Monday. Gou said Beijing did not interfere in the talks.

Taiwan's Foxconn, TSMC reach deal to buy BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

As part of a drawn out and highly politicised process for Taiwan to access the shot,&nbsp;Taiwan chipmaker TSMC said on Sunday, it was in the middle of the contract signing process to buy COVID-19 vaccines from Germany's BioNTech SE. 
 
For months, Taiwan's government has tried to buy the coronavirus vaccine directly from BioNTech and has blamed China for nixing a deal the two sides were due to sign earlier this year. China, which claims the self-ruled island as its own territory, has denied the accusations. 
 
After facing public pressure over the slow pace of inoculation programme last month, the Taiwan&nbsp;government agreed to allow Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of Foxconn, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) to negotiate on its behalf for the vaccines, which would finally be donated to the country's government for distribution.

In a brief emailed statement, without elaborating,&nbsp;TSMC said,&nbsp;"There are multiple parties.&nbsp;We are in the middle of the contract signing process. We will make announcements once the process is completed." 
 
Gou's spokesperson, BioNTech and Fosun did not respond to requests for comment. 
 
While speaking to reporters later on Sunday, Premier Su Tseng-chang said that talks for the vaccine were ongoing. "Once there is an definite outcome, we'll naturally report it to everyone." 
 
A source briefed on the matter told Reuters that contract talks were 'not yet 100% complete', while another source said an announcement was expected this week.

(With inputs from agencies)

As part of a drawn out and highly politicised process for Taiwan to access the shot, Taiwan chipmaker TSMC said on Sunday, it was in the middle of the contract signing process to buy COVID-19 vaccines from Germany's BioNTech SE.

As part of a drawn out and highly politicised process for Taiwan to access the shot, Taiwan chipmaker TSMC said on Sunday, it was in the middle of the contract signing process to buy COVID-19 vaccines from Germany's BioNTech SE. For months, Taiwan's government has tried to buy the coronavirus vaccine directly from BioNTech and has blamed China for nixing a deal the two sides were due to sign earlier this year. China, which claims the self-ruled island as its own territory, has denied the accusations. After facing public pressure over the slow pace of inoculation programme last month, the Taiwan government agreed to allow Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of Foxconn, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) to negotiate on its behalf for the vaccines, which would finally be donated to the country's government for distribution. In a brief emailed statement, without elaborating, TSMC said, "There are multiple parties. We are in the middle of the contract signing process. We will make announcements once the process is completed." Gou's spokesperson, BioNTech and Fosun did not respond to requests for comment. While speaking to reporters later on Sunday, Premier Su Tseng-chang said that talks for the vaccine were ongoing. "Once there is an definite outcome, we'll naturally report it to everyone." A source briefed on the matter told Reuters that contract talks were 'not yet 100% complete', while another source said an announcement was expected this week. (With inputs from agencies)

TSMC is in the process of signing deal to buy COVID-19 vaccines from BioNTech

Taiwan has asked its office in Washington to remind the United States not to cause "unnecessary speculation or misunderstanding" after the&nbsp;White&nbsp;House&nbsp;deleted a social media post on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine</a> donations that included Taiwan's flag.

The&nbsp;White&nbsp;House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> Response Team this week posted on Twitter an image giving details of US vaccine donations globally, including last month's Moderna shots sent to Taiwan, and showed the island's flag along with those of others getting vaccines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/forces-for-good-will-prevail-taiwan-welcomes-massive-us-vaccine-aid-392666">'Forces for good will prevail' - Taiwan welcomes massive US vaccine aid</a>

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen re-tweeted it, adding: "Thank you to the US&nbsp;for your generosity. Together, we will beat this pandemic."

However, the post was then removed, apparently on Wednesday.

The United States, like most countries, does not formally recognise Taiwan's government, only having official relations with Beijing, which claims Taiwan as Chinese territory under a "one China" policy.

China is invariably angered by any suggestion that Taiwan is, or deserves to be recognised as a separate country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-seek-political-manipulation-says-china-after-us-sends-vaccine-to-taiwan-392957">Don't seek political manipulation, says China after US sends vaccine to Taiwan</a>

Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou said the ministry had noted that the Twitter post had gone.

"Regarding the reason for the deletion of this tweet, as the media has different interpretations, the Foreign Ministry has asked the representative office in the United States to remind the United States not to cause unnecessary speculation or misunderstanding from all walks of life due to the removal of the related tweet," she said.

The American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto US&nbsp;embassy, referred questions to the&nbsp;White&nbsp;House.

Reuters was not able to immediately contact the&nbsp;White&nbsp;House&nbsp;during overnight hours in Washington.

The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and supplier of arms, and the Biden administration has moved to re-assure of that support.

However,&nbsp;White&nbsp;House&nbsp;Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said on Tuesday that while Washington supports a strong unofficial relationship it does not support Taiwan's formal independence.

Ou said that in recent years mutual trust between Taiwan and the United States has been "continuously improved", and that Biden's team has shown strong support for Taiwan, including the vaccine donation.

Taiwan has asked its office in Washington to remind the United States not to cause "unnecessary speculation or misunderstanding" after the White House deleted a social media post on COVID-19 vaccine donations that included Taiwan's flag.

Taiwan has asked its office in Washington to remind the United States not to cause "unnecessary speculation or misunderstanding" after the White House deleted a social media post on COVID-19 vaccine donations that included Taiwan's flag. The White House COVID-19 Response Team this week posted on Twitter an image giving details of US vaccine donations globally, including last month's Moderna shots sent to Taiwan, and showed the island's flag along with those of others getting vaccines. Also read | 'Forces for good will prevail' - Taiwan welcomes massive US vaccine aid Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen re-tweeted it, adding: "Thank you to the US for your generosity. Together, we will beat this pandemic." However, the post was then removed, apparently on Wednesday. The United States, like most countries, does not formally recognise Taiwan's government, only having official relations with Beijing, which claims Taiwan as Chinese territory under a "one China" policy. China is invariably angered by any suggestion that Taiwan is, or deserves to be recognised as a separate country. Also read | Don't seek political manipulation, says China after US sends vaccine to Taiwan Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou said the ministry had noted that the Twitter post had gone. "Regarding the reason for the deletion of this tweet, as the media has different interpretations, the Foreign Ministry has asked the representative office in the United States to remind the United States not to cause unnecessary speculation or misunderstanding from all walks of life due to the removal of the related tweet," she said. The American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto US embassy, referred questions to the White House. Reuters was not able to immediately contact the White House during overnight hours in Washington. The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and supplier of arms, and the Biden administration has moved to re-assure of that support. However, White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said on Tuesday that while Washington supports a strong unofficial relationship it does not support Taiwan's formal independence. Ou said that in recent years mutual trust between Taiwan and the United States has been "continuously improved", and that Biden's team has shown strong support for Taiwan, including the vaccine donation.

Taiwan asks US not to cause 'misunderstanding' after flag tweet removed

A Chinese warplane entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ) on Wednesday, marking the fourth such intrusion this month. In response, Taiwan sent aircraft, broadcast radio warnings, and had air defence missile systems track the PLAAF aircraft.

Chinese warplane enters Taiwan's air defence identification zone, 4th incursion this month

A seven-year-old boy who was slammed into the floor 27&nbsp;times during judo practice has died in Taiwan. &nbsp;

He suffered severe brain haemorrhaging after a judo class back in April. This child, who was not identified, has been on life support for almost 70 days.

He was admitted to the Fengyuan Hospital, and doctors informed his family on Tuesday that the child’s blood pressure and heart rate levels were dropping. After talking to the doctors, in a bid to ease his suffering, the family agreed to withdraw life support.

Reportedly, the cause behind the brain damage and the resulting coma was a very violent class of Judo, where the little boy was slammed into the floor almost 27 times, first by a classmate and then by the coach.

According to a local news site Taipei Times, the boy’s coach, a man in his 60’s was charged with physical assault resulting in serious injury along.

Identified by his surname Ho, the coach was also charged with using a minor to commit a crime. Earlier this month, he was released on a bail of NT$100,000 ($3,583). &nbsp;

Now, upon the child’s death, prosecutors will push to change the charge to "injury causing death", according to news site Taiwan News.

If found guilty he can be liable to a jail sentence of a minimum of seven years in jail, which can go up to life imprisonment.

The most surprising detail about this is that the child was accompanied by his maternal uncle, who was not only present there but also made a video of the class to show the child’s mother that judo might be unsuitable for him.

In this video dated 21 April, the child can be heard screaming from pain, as his classmates repeatedly throw him down. Instead of assisting the child, the coach who later was found to be unlicensed, orders the child to stand up and tells older boys to continue, after this, he can be seen proceeding to himself pick up the seven-year-old and throw him to the ground. &nbsp;

Eventually, the child passed out. According to his family, this makes the coach accuse the little boy of feigning unconsciousness.

Many have questioned why the uncle instead of making a video didn’t stop the coach.

According to experts in Taiwan, this can be because of a long-seated notion of respect and reverence that Taiwanese have for teachers, to them this sometimes also means accepting their authority regardless of the circumstances.

Talking to reporters the boy's mother said that his uncle felt "terrible for what happened".

Recalling the day she said earlier, "I still remember that morning when I took him to school,".

"He turned around and said, 'Mama goodbye'. By night, he had become like this."

While some on the Taiwanese social media are calling for harsher action against the coach, others can be seen saying, "there is no pain now, little brother".

(With inputs from agencies)

A seven-year-old boy who was slammed into the floor 27 times during judo practice has died in Taiwan. He suffered severe brain haemorrhaging after a judo class back in April.

A seven-year-old boy who was slammed into the floor 27 times during judo practice has died in Taiwan. He suffered severe brain haemorrhaging after a judo class back in April. This child, who was not identified, has been on life support for almost 70 days. He was admitted to the Fengyuan Hospital, and doctors informed his family on Tuesday that the child’s blood pressure and heart rate levels were dropping. After talking to the doctors, in a bid to ease his suffering, the family agreed to withdraw life support. Reportedly, the cause behind the brain damage and the resulting coma was a very violent class of Judo, where the little boy was slammed into the floor almost 27 times, first by a classmate and then by the coach. According to a local news site Taipei Times, the boy’s coach, a man in his 60’s was charged with physical assault resulting in serious injury along. Identified by his surname Ho, the coach was also charged with using a minor to commit a crime. Earlier this month, he was released on a bail of NT$100,000 ($3,583). Now, upon the child’s death, prosecutors will push to change the charge to "injury causing death", according to news site Taiwan News. If found guilty he can be liable to a jail sentence of a minimum of seven years in jail, which can go up to life imprisonment. The most surprising detail about this is that the child was accompanied by his maternal uncle, who was not only present there but also made a video of the class to show the child’s mother that judo might be unsuitable for him. In this video dated 21 April, the child can be heard screaming from pain, as his classmates repeatedly throw him down. Instead of assisting the child, the coach who later was found to be unlicensed, orders the child to stand up and tells older boys to continue, after this, he can be seen proceeding to himself pick up the seven-year-old and throw him to the ground. Eventually, the child passed out. According to his family, this makes the coach accuse the little boy of feigning unconsciousness. Many have questioned why the uncle instead of making a video didn’t stop the coach. According to experts in Taiwan, this can be because of a long-seated notion of respect and reverence that Taiwanese have for teachers, to them this sometimes also means accepting their authority regardless of the circumstances. Talking to reporters the boy's mother said that his uncle felt "terrible for what happened". Recalling the day she said earlier, "I still remember that morning when I took him to school,". "He turned around and said, 'Mama goodbye'. By night, he had become like this." While some on the Taiwanese social media are calling for harsher action against the coach, others can be seen saying, "there is no pain now, little brother". (With inputs from agencies)

7-year-old dies after getting thrown 27 times during Judo class in Taiwan

Taiwan will extend its coronavirus curbs by two more weeks until July 12, as the situation has yet to reach a point where they can be relaxed, Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said on Wednesday.

Taiwan has been dealing with&nbsp;a rise in domestic infections&nbsp;since May after months of relative safety, leading the government to limit personal gatherings and close entertainment venues. Those restrictions&nbsp;were meant to end on June 28.

But Mr Chen told reporters they would be extended.

"Although the overall trend has improved during this period, it has not met our requirements. So for two more weeks, everyone will endure and work together, hoping to reach a more stable level after July 12," he said.

Mr Chen announced 104 new domestic infections, up from up from 78 on Tuesday.

Although Taiwan's numbers remain comparatively low, authorities are reporting community transmission and clusters of infections.

Taiwan has logged 14,260 cases since the pandemic began, including 599 deaths.

Taiwan will extend its coronavirus curbs by two more weeks until July 12, as the situation has yet to reach a point where they can be relaxed, Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said on Wednesday.

Taiwan will extend its coronavirus curbs by two more weeks until July 12, as the situation has yet to reach a point where they can be relaxed, Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said on Wednesday. Taiwan has been dealing with a rise in domestic infections since May after months of relative safety, leading the government to limit personal gatherings and close entertainment venues. Those restrictions were meant to end on June 28. But Mr Chen told reporters they would be extended. "Although the overall trend has improved during this period, it has not met our requirements. So for two more weeks, everyone will endure and work together, hoping to reach a more stable level after July 12," he said. Mr Chen announced 104 new domestic infections, up from up from 78 on Tuesday. Although Taiwan's numbers remain comparatively low, authorities are reporting community transmission and clusters of infections. Taiwan has logged 14,260 cases since the pandemic began, including 599 deaths.

Taiwan to extend COVID-19 curbs into next month

Taiwan on Monday criticised Hong Kong over escalating row over Chines claims on Taiwan, prompting it to pull out officials from representative office in the city.

Taiwanese staff working at the island's representative office in Hong Kong started leaving the former British colony on Sunday, after Hong Kong's government demanded that the Taiwan officials sign a document supporting Beijing's "one China" claim to Taiwan.

"Their purpose obviously was to diminish our national dignity and to force our staff to bow to the Beijing authorities," Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council head Chiu Tai-san told reporters.

He said following the "unreasonable" request from Hong Kong's government, Taiwan could no longer send officials to the financial hub and had to withdraw staff whose work visas were about to expire.

"Our government stands firm in guarding national dignity and lodges stern condemnation and a warning to the Chinese Communist Party and Hong Kong government," he said.

In a statement to Reuters, Hong Kong government said that Taiwan was "confusing right and wrong".

"The Special Administrative Region's government must emphasise that Hong Kong and Taiwan belong to one China," it added.

Reuters mentioned a senior Taiwan official to say that Hong Kong government had demanded Taiwan officials who refused to sign the document leave the city by June 21.

Hong Kong, formerly a British colony was handed back to China in 1997 under "One country, two systems" formula. It was believed that such a formula would preserve city's freedoms and its role as international financial hub.

China considers Taiwan its own territory and has offered the island the same "one country two systems" model, under Chinese sovereignty.

No major Taiwanese political parties support the idea.

Hong Kong has become another source of tension between Taipei and Beijing, especially after Taiwan lambasted a new security law that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong and began welcoming Hong Kong people to settle on the democratic island.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan on Monday criticised Hong Kong over escalating row over Chines claims on Taiwan, prompting it to pull out officials from representative office in the city.

Taiwan on Monday criticised Hong Kong over escalating row over Chines claims on Taiwan, prompting it to pull out officials from representative office in the city. Taiwanese staff working at the island's representative office in Hong Kong started leaving the former British colony on Sunday, after Hong Kong's government demanded that the Taiwan officials sign a document supporting Beijing's "one China" claim to Taiwan. "Their purpose obviously was to diminish our national dignity and to force our staff to bow to the Beijing authorities," Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council head Chiu Tai-san told reporters. He said following the "unreasonable" request from Hong Kong's government, Taiwan could no longer send officials to the financial hub and had to withdraw staff whose work visas were about to expire. "Our government stands firm in guarding national dignity and lodges stern condemnation and a warning to the Chinese Communist Party and Hong Kong government," he said. In a statement to Reuters, Hong Kong government said that Taiwan was "confusing right and wrong". "The Special Administrative Region's government must emphasise that Hong Kong and Taiwan belong to one China," it added. Reuters mentioned a senior Taiwan official to say that Hong Kong government had demanded Taiwan officials who refused to sign the document leave the city by June 21. Hong Kong, formerly a British colony was handed back to China in 1997 under "One country, two systems" formula. It was believed that such a formula would preserve city's freedoms and its role as international financial hub. China considers Taiwan its own territory and has offered the island the same "one country two systems" model, under Chinese sovereignty. No major Taiwanese political parties support the idea. Hong Kong has become another source of tension between Taipei and Beijing, especially after Taiwan lambasted a new security law that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong and began welcoming Hong Kong people to settle on the democratic island. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan lashes out at Hong Kong after officials expelled over 'One China'

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific.

Nobuo Kishi made his first statement to the European Parliament's security and defence subcommittee on Friday, urging the EU to reaffirm its commitment to the "Indo-Pacific area" and for the two sides to "maintain and expand" their security cooperation. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-is-taking-its-south-china-sea-strategy-to-himalayas-386626">Also read | China is taking its South China Sea strategy to the Himalayas</a>

Kishi went on to criticise Beijing's unilateral attempts to change the status quo through pressure, as well as its efforts to militarise disputed areas of the South China Sea.

According to South China Morning Post newspaper, he also raised concern over China's "unilateral moves to change the status quo" in the East China Sea, including the enactment of a controversial coastguard law in January. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-south-china-sea-is-a-hotbed-of-confrontation-372402">Also read | Why South China Sea is a hotbed of confrontation</a>

"The justified rights of all relevant countries should never be undermined due to the coastguard law, and we can never tolerate anything that could heighten the tension on the waters such as the East China Sea and the South China Sea," he said.

Meanwhile, a source familiar with Japan's defence policymaking said that the speech was part of Japan's efforts to enlist the EU to put more pressure on Beijing. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-world-coming-together-against-china-in-south-china-sea-374136">Also read | Is World coming together against China in the South China Sea?</a>

"Japan hopes to use this opportunity to get more involvement from the EU in the region. HMS Queen Elizabeth's visit to Japan will put tremendous pressure on Beijing this year," the source said.

Tensions between China and Japan have recently risen due to Beijing's growing activities in the disputed East China Sea.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden issued a joint statement in April expressing their worries about the East and South China seas, as well as the Taiwan Strait.

But Beijing accused Tokyo of being a "strategic vassal" of the US after the meetings.

Japan would "continue to maintain a close watch" on the shifting military balance across the Taiwan Strait, Kishi said on Friday.

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific.

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific. Nobuo Kishi made his first statement to the European Parliament's security and defence subcommittee on Friday, urging the EU to reaffirm its commitment to the "Indo-Pacific area" and for the two sides to "maintain and expand" their security cooperation. Also read | China is taking its South China Sea strategy to the Himalayas Kishi went on to criticise Beijing's unilateral attempts to change the status quo through pressure, as well as its efforts to militarise disputed areas of the South China Sea. According to South China Morning Post newspaper, he also raised concern over China's "unilateral moves to change the status quo" in the East China Sea, including the enactment of a controversial coastguard law in January. Also read | Why South China Sea is a hotbed of confrontation "The justified rights of all relevant countries should never be undermined due to the coastguard law, and we can never tolerate anything that could heighten the tension on the waters such as the East China Sea and the South China Sea," he said. Meanwhile, a source familiar with Japan's defence policymaking said that the speech was part of Japan's efforts to enlist the EU to put more pressure on Beijing. Also read | Is World coming together against China in the South China Sea? "Japan hopes to use this opportunity to get more involvement from the EU in the region. HMS Queen Elizabeth's visit to Japan will put tremendous pressure on Beijing this year," the source said. Tensions between China and Japan have recently risen due to Beijing's growing activities in the disputed East China Sea. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden issued a joint statement in April expressing their worries about the East and South China seas, as well as the Taiwan Strait. But Beijing accused Tokyo of being a "strategic vassal" of the US after the meetings. Japan would "continue to maintain a close watch" on the shifting military balance across the Taiwan Strait, Kishi said on Friday.

Have a stronger military presence in Asia to tackle China: Japan urges European nations

Taiwan reacted with an outpouring of thanks to the United States for shipping 2.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to the major semiconductor-producing island, more than doubling its arsenal as it deals with a rise in domestic infections.

Washington, competing with Beijing to deepen geopolitical clout through "vaccine diplomacy," initially had promised to donate 750,000 doses but increased that number as President Joe Biden's administration advances its pledge to send 80 million U.S.-made shots around the world.

"What a sight! What a gesture!" Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu tweeted in thanks late on Saturday, linking to pictures of the vaccines being loaded onto a China Airlines Boeing 777 freighter at Memphis airport.

"The Taiwan-U.S. relationship is rock solid, &amp; we'll keep cooperating closely in combating COVID19. Forces for goodwill prevail!"

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen tweeted she was touched by the U.S. move.

"Thank you to the U.S. for this moving gesture of friendship. These vaccines will go a long way toward keeping Taiwan safe &amp; healthy."

The United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but is its most important international backer, to China's anger.

The 2.5 million Moderna Inc doses, due to arrive at Taiwan's main international airport late Sunday afternoon, will more than double the number of vaccines that have already arrived on the island, including 1.24 million AstraZeneca Plc shots donated by Japan earlier this month.

China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as an integral part of its territory, has offered Chinese-made vaccines, but the government in Taipei has repeatedly expressed concerns about their safety and efficacy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-elects-new-president-mixed-reactions-across-world-392652">Also Read |&nbsp;Iran elects new president, mixed reactions across world</a>

Taiwan has accused China of blocking at least one foreign vaccine deal with the island. Beijing denies that.

Despite the pandemic, China has continued to pressure Taiwan militarily.

Last week, 28 Chinese air force aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone, the largest reported incursion to date.

Taiwan is trying to speed up the arrival of the millions of vaccines it has on order as it deals with a rise in domestic cases, although infections remain comparatively low. Only around 6% of Taiwan's 23.5 million people have received at least one of the two-shot coronavirus vaccine regimen.

Tsai has come under pressure domestically to get vaccines faster.

On Friday the government said it would allow Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of major Apple Inc supplier Foxconn, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) to negotiate on Taipei's behalf for vaccines.

Taiwan reacted with an outpouring of thanks to the United States for shipping 2.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to the major semiconductor-producing island, more than doubling its arsenal as it deals with a rise in domestic infections.

Taiwan reacted with an outpouring of thanks to the United States for shipping 2.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to the major semiconductor-producing island, more than doubling its arsenal as it deals with a rise in domestic infections. Washington, competing with Beijing to deepen geopolitical clout through "vaccine diplomacy," initially had promised to donate 750,000 doses but increased that number as President Joe Biden's administration advances its pledge to send 80 million U.S.-made shots around the world. "What a sight! What a gesture!" Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu tweeted in thanks late on Saturday, linking to pictures of the vaccines being loaded onto a China Airlines Boeing 777 freighter at Memphis airport. "The Taiwan-U.S. relationship is rock solid, & we'll keep cooperating closely in combating COVID19. Forces for goodwill prevail!" Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen tweeted she was touched by the U.S. move. "Thank you to the U.S. for this moving gesture of friendship. These vaccines will go a long way toward keeping Taiwan safe & healthy." The United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but is its most important international backer, to China's anger. The 2.5 million Moderna Inc doses, due to arrive at Taiwan's main international airport late Sunday afternoon, will more than double the number of vaccines that have already arrived on the island, including 1.24 million AstraZeneca Plc shots donated by Japan earlier this month. China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as an integral part of its territory, has offered Chinese-made vaccines, but the government in Taipei has repeatedly expressed concerns about their safety and efficacy. Also Read | Iran elects new president, mixed reactions across world Taiwan has accused China of blocking at least one foreign vaccine deal with the island. Beijing denies that. Despite the pandemic, China has continued to pressure Taiwan militarily. Last week, 28 Chinese air force aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone, the largest reported incursion to date. Taiwan is trying to speed up the arrival of the millions of vaccines it has on order as it deals with a rise in domestic cases, although infections remain comparatively low. Only around 6% of Taiwan's 23.5 million people have received at least one of the two-shot coronavirus vaccine regimen. Tsai has come under pressure domestically to get vaccines faster. On Friday the government said it would allow Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of major Apple Inc supplier Foxconn, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) to negotiate on Taipei's behalf for vaccines.

'Forces for good will prevail' - Taiwan welcomes massive US vaccine aid

Taiwan will 'adjust' the operations of its representative office in Hong Kong after the government there demanded its officials sign a document supporting Beijing's claim to Taiwan under its 'one China' policy, the island's government said on Sunday. 
 
Chinese-ruled Hong Kong has become another bone of contention between Taipei and Beijing, especially after Taiwan lambasted a security law imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing and began welcoming Hong Kongers to settle on the island. 
 
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said that since July 2018 the Hong Kong government has repeatedly set unreasonable political conditions for staff visas for our Hong Kong office, demanding the signing of a 'One China Commitment Letter'. 
 
That has prevented staff for the office from staying there or taking up their posts, it added. 
 
"Starting from June 21, the Hong Kong office will adjust its business handling method," the council added, without giving details, though said the office will maintain 'necessary operations'. 
 
Taiwanese staff will not sign any such 'one China' letter, it added. 
 
China sees democratically-ruled Taiwan as part of 'one China' and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. 
 
Last month, Hong Kong suspended operations at its Taiwan representative office, blaming Taipei's 'gross' interference in internal affairs, including with its offer to assist 'violent' protesters, accusations Taiwan rejected. 
 
Macau's government followed suit on Wednesday, saying it would suspend operations at its representative office in Taiwan. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan will 'adjust' the operations of its representative office in Hong Kong after the government there demanded its officials sign a document supporting Beijing's claim to Taiwan under its 'one China' policy, the island's government said on Sunday.

Taiwan will 'adjust' the operations of its representative office in Hong Kong after the government there demanded its officials sign a document supporting Beijing's claim to Taiwan under its 'one China' policy, the island's government said on Sunday. Chinese-ruled Hong Kong has become another bone of contention between Taipei and Beijing, especially after Taiwan lambasted a security law imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing and began welcoming Hong Kongers to settle on the island. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said that since July 2018 the Hong Kong government has repeatedly set unreasonable political conditions for staff visas for our Hong Kong office, demanding the signing of a 'One China Commitment Letter'. That has prevented staff for the office from staying there or taking up their posts, it added. "Starting from June 21, the Hong Kong office will adjust its business handling method," the council added, without giving details, though said the office will maintain 'necessary operations'. Taiwanese staff will not sign any such 'one China' letter, it added. China sees democratically-ruled Taiwan as part of 'one China' and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Last month, Hong Kong suspended operations at its Taiwan representative office, blaming Taipei's 'gross' interference in internal affairs, including with its offer to assist 'violent' protesters, accusations Taiwan rejected. Macau's government followed suit on Wednesday, saying it would suspend operations at its representative office in Taiwan. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan to 'adjust' Hong Kong office operations in 'one China' row

The United States will ship 2.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan on Saturday, a senior administration official told Reuters, more than tripling Washington's previous allocation of shots for the island, which has faced increasing political and military pressure from China.

Washington, competing with Beijing to deepen geopolitical clout through so-called "vaccine diplomacy", initially had promised to donate 750,000 doses to Taiwan, but is increasing that number as President Joe Biden's administration advances its pledge to send 80 million US-made shots around the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-to-get-750000-covid-19-vaccine-shots-from-us-389683">Taiwan to get 750,000 COVID-19 vaccine shots from US</a>

China, which considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory, has repeatedly offered to send coronavirus vaccines to the island, which has been battling a spike in domestic infections. Taipei has expressed concern about the safety of Chinese shots.

The 2.5 million donated doses of the Moderna Inc vaccine will leave Memphis, Tennessee, on a flight belonging to Taiwan's China Airlines early on Saturday and arrive in Taipei on Sunday evening, the senior US administration official said, adding that the prompt delivery was due to experts from both sides being able to work out regulatory issues.

"We are not allocating these doses, or delivering these doses, based on political or economic conditions. We are donating these vaccines with the singular objective of saving lives," the official said.

"Our vaccines do not come with strings attached," the official said, adding Taiwan had "faced unfair challenges in its efforts to acquire vaccines on the global marketplace."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/if-china-takes-taiwan-its-all-over-haley-urges-us-to-act-strongly-392335/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A deal for Taiwan to purchase vaccines from Germany's BioNTech SE fell through this year, with Taiwan's government blaming pressure from Beijing.

China has denied the accusation, saying Taiwan is free to obtain the vaccines through Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd, which has a contract to sell BioNTech's vaccine in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

"We believe that these attempts by China to block purchases, for political purposes, are reprehensible," the senior Biden administration official said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-wants-german-vaccines-china-may-be-standing-in-its-way-392037">Taiwan wants German vaccines. China may be standing in its way.</a>

Taiwan is trying to speed up the arrival of the millions of vaccines it has on order, although infections remain comparatively low despite a rise in domestic cases. Only around 6 per cent&nbsp;of Taiwan's 23.5 million people have received at least one shot of a vaccine regimen.

The US shipment comes when Washington has been working with Taipei to create secure supply chains for strategic items such as computer chips, of which Taiwan is a key producer vital for US automobile manufacturers and other industries.

It also comes after Taiwan announced on Friday that it will allow Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of Taiwan's Foxconn and semiconductor giant TSMC, to negotiate on its behalf for COVID-19 vaccines.

On Thursday, Jonathan Fritz, a senior State Department official, said that China had been "very aggressively using vaccine donations as a lever to induce more of Taiwan's diplomatic partners to switch recognition."

Beijing has steadily whittled down the number of Taiwan's diplomatic allies, which now stands at just 15 countries.

The United States, which like most countries has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, has watched with alarm the stepped-up tensions with Beijing and Biden's administration has vowed to boost ties with the island, which it is required under US law to supply with the means of defence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-massed-plane-incursion-near-taiwan-china-says-must-respond-to-collusion-391791">After massed plane incursion near Taiwan, China says must respond to 'collusion'</a>

This week, Taiwan reported the largest incursion yet by China's air force, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, into its air defence identification zone.

The United States will ship 2.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan on Saturday, a senior administration official told Reuters, more than tripling Washington's previous allocation of shots for the island, which has faced increasing political and military pressure from China.

The United States will ship 2.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan on Saturday, a senior administration official told Reuters, more than tripling Washington's previous allocation of shots for the island, which has faced increasing political and military pressure from China. Washington, competing with Beijing to deepen geopolitical clout through so-called "vaccine diplomacy", initially had promised to donate 750,000 doses to Taiwan, but is increasing that number as President Joe Biden's administration advances its pledge to send 80 million US-made shots around the world. Also read | Taiwan to get 750,000 COVID-19 vaccine shots from US China, which considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory, has repeatedly offered to send coronavirus vaccines to the island, which has been battling a spike in domestic infections. Taipei has expressed concern about the safety of Chinese shots. The 2.5 million donated doses of the Moderna Inc vaccine will leave Memphis, Tennessee, on a flight belonging to Taiwan's China Airlines early on Saturday and arrive in Taipei on Sunday evening, the senior US administration official said, adding that the prompt delivery was due to experts from both sides being able to work out regulatory issues. "We are not allocating these doses, or delivering these doses, based on political or economic conditions. We are donating these vaccines with the singular objective of saving lives," the official said. "Our vaccines do not come with strings attached," the official said, adding Taiwan had "faced unfair challenges in its efforts to acquire vaccines on the global marketplace." A deal for Taiwan to purchase vaccines from Germany's BioNTech SE fell through this year, with Taiwan's government blaming pressure from Beijing. China has denied the accusation, saying Taiwan is free to obtain the vaccines through Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd, which has a contract to sell BioNTech's vaccine in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. "We believe that these attempts by China to block purchases, for political purposes, are reprehensible," the senior Biden administration official said. Also read | Taiwan wants German vaccines. China may be standing in its way. Taiwan is trying to speed up the arrival of the millions of vaccines it has on order, although infections remain comparatively low despite a rise in domestic cases. Only around 6 per cent of Taiwan's 23.5 million people have received at least one shot of a vaccine regimen. The US shipment comes when Washington has been working with Taipei to create secure supply chains for strategic items such as computer chips, of which Taiwan is a key producer vital for US automobile manufacturers and other industries. It also comes after Taiwan announced on Friday that it will allow Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of Taiwan's Foxconn and semiconductor giant TSMC, to negotiate on its behalf for COVID-19 vaccines. On Thursday, Jonathan Fritz, a senior State Department official, said that China had been "very aggressively using vaccine donations as a lever to induce more of Taiwan's diplomatic partners to switch recognition." Beijing has steadily whittled down the number of Taiwan's diplomatic allies, which now stands at just 15 countries. The United States, which like most countries has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, has watched with alarm the stepped-up tensions with Beijing and Biden's administration has vowed to boost ties with the island, which it is required under US law to supply with the means of defence. Also read | After massed plane incursion near Taiwan, China says must respond to 'collusion' This week, Taiwan reported the largest incursion yet by China's air force, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, into its air defence identification zone.

Exclusive: US triples vaccines for Taiwan with 2.5 million-dose shipment

This is the age of “vaccine diplomacy.” It is also the era of its bitter, mudslinging opposite.

For months, Taiwan has been unable to purchase doses of the BioNTech <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>, and the island’s leaders blame “Chinese intervention.” China, which regards Taiwan as its own territory, calls this accusation “fabricated out of nothing.”

It is unclear what steps if any, the government in Beijing has taken to disrupt Taiwan’s dealings with BioNTech, the German drugmaker that developed the vaccine with Pfizer. BioNTech declined to comment.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-sends-largest-ever-number-of-warplanes-near-taiwan-391764/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But the crux of the problem is that a Chinese company claims the exclusive commercial rights to distribute BioNTech’s vaccine in Taiwan. And for many people in the self-governing democracy, buying shots from a mainland Chinese business is simply unpalatable.

The impasse is exacerbating Taiwan’s vaccine shortage as the island confronts its first major outbreak of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> since the start of the pandemic. It is a bleak illustration of how deeply entrenched the long-running conflict across the Taiwan Strait has become, with a degree of mutual distrust that not even a global medical emergency can allay.

Beijing’s efforts to stand between Taiwan and the wider world began spilling into public health a long time ago. China has for years blocked the island from participating in the World Health Assembly, the policy body of the World Health Organization.

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China has a say in Taiwan’s inoculation campaign because BioNTech last year partnered with a Shanghai company, Fosun Pharma, to distribute its COVID vaccine in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. BioNTech’s partner in the United States, the European Union and other places is Pfizer.

China says Taiwan is flouting this arrangement by trying to buy doses directly from BioNTech. Taiwan says it respects the companies’ partnership but hopes their relationship will not get in the way of the island’s vaccine purchases.

Beijing also warned against “meddling in China’s internal affairs” after Japan said it was donating 1.2 million AstraZeneca doses to Taiwan. Chinese officials were similarly peeved this month when three US&nbsp;senators visited the island to announce a donation of 750,000 doses. On Tuesday, Taiwan said 28 Chinese military aircraft entered the island’s southwestern air defence identification zone, the largest such show of force in months.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-massed-plane-incursion-near-taiwan-china-says-must-respond-to-collusion-391791">After massed plane incursion near Taiwan, China says must respond to 'collusion'</a>

As COVID infections have spread in Taiwan, Chinese representatives have accused the island’s leaders of putting politics above health by refusing to accept Chinese-made vaccines. Chinese state news media has underlined the point by highlighting the “Taiwan compatriots” who have gotten vaccinated in China.

“On the vaccine issue or the pandemic issue, I think China is trying to exploit any opportunity they can have,” said Lee Che-chuan of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, a think tank funded by Taiwan’s government.

Beijing, Lee said, is telling Taiwan, “You are part of China. I can give you vaccines. But if you want to purchase them from some other countries, you have a political purpose: You’re trying to indicate you are independent from China.”

Taiwan’s inoculation efforts have taken on greater urgency since a wave of Covid&nbsp;cases caused the island to enter a soft lockdown last month. The government has placed orders with AstraZeneca, Moderna and two domestic vaccine makers. But shipments have been slow to materialize. Less than 5 per cent of the island’s 23.5 million people have been vaccinated so far.

Taiwan began talking with BioNTech about buying 5 million doses in August, the island’s health minister, Chen Shih-chung, said during a recent news conference. The two sides had largely agreed on a contract by December, according to Chen. On Jan. 8, BioNTech approved Taiwan’s draft news releases announcing the deal in Chinese and English.

But four hours later, BioNTech came back with a request, Chen said. The company wanted the word “country” in the Chinese-language news release to be replaced with “Taiwan.”

Beijing is extremely sensitive to any suggestion that Taiwan is an autonomous nation.

Taiwanese officials agreed to make the change, Chen said. But BioNTech said it needed to consider the matter further. The deal has been on hold ever since.

“It wasn’t because of a problem within the contract, but rather a problem outside the contract,” Chen said.

The chief executive of Fosun Pharma, BioNTech’s partner for Greater China, recently told China’s Xinhua state news agency that the company would gladly supply vaccines to “Taiwan compatriots.”

Whether Taiwan would accept those doses is more complicated. Taiwanese law forbids the import of Chinese-made vaccines. But Chen suggested Wednesday that Taiwan would be open to importing BioNTech shots if Fosun were acting only as their distributor, not manufacturer. Fosun did not respond to a request for comment.

Recently, discussions have taken place about a vaccine deal for Taiwan that would involve not only BioNTech and Fosun but also Zuellig Pharma, a Swiss-owned health services, cold storage and logistics company, according to two people familiar with the matter. Such a deal might allow BioNTech to honor its partnership with Fosun while also satisfying Taiwanese authorities by reducing Fosun’s role.

Zuellig has partnered with Moderna to supply Moderna’s vaccine in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. A Zuellig spokesperson declined to comment, as did Taiwan’s central epidemic command center.

BioNTech and Fosun have already delivered vaccines from Germany to Hong Kong and Macao, and they are preparing to manufacture BioNTech’s vaccine at a Fosun facility for the China market. Fosun Pharma’s parent company is Fosun International, a Shanghai-based conglomerate with interests in insurance, property, fashion, retail, tourism and more.

In a poll conducted in late May by researchers at Taiwan’s National Chengchi University, three-quarters of respondents said they would not take a Chinese vaccine. More than half, though, said they would receive a European or US&nbsp;vaccine purchased through a Chinese distributor.

Germany’s de facto embassy in Taiwan, the German Institute Taipei, said this month that it “tried hard” to facilitate communication between BioNTech and Taiwanese authorities. But it is uncertain how much Germany’s government is able or willing to help broker a deal, given the risk of angering Beijing. A spokesperson for the German Institute Taipei declined to comment.

“China’s vaccine strategy goes beyond just economic interest,” said Elena Meyer-Clement, who studies Chinese politics and business at the Free University of Berlin. “It has become a geopolitical question, which means you can rely on the fact that the political leadership in Beijing keeps an eye on these deals.”

Meyer-Clement said she believed that BioNTech had tried selling vaccines directly to Taiwan in good faith, not to deliberately sidestep its agreement with Fosun Pharma.

“If they had refused to even attempt it, it would have been tantamount to self-censorship,” she said. “I think it was really just about getting vaccines to Taiwan.”

Still, she said BioNTech was naive to give initial signoff to a news release that used the word “country” in the Taiwan context.

“It’s something someone with experience dealing with Taiwan should have known,” she said.

This is the age of “vaccine diplomacy.” It is also the era of its bitter, mudslinging opposite. For months, Taiwan has been unable to purchase doses of the BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, and the island’s leaders blame “Chinese intervention.

This is the age of “vaccine diplomacy.” It is also the era of its bitter, mudslinging opposite. For months, Taiwan has been unable to purchase doses of the BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, and the island’s leaders blame “Chinese intervention.” China, which regards Taiwan as its own territory, calls this accusation “fabricated out of nothing.” It is unclear what steps if any, the government in Beijing has taken to disrupt Taiwan’s dealings with BioNTech, the German drugmaker that developed the vaccine with Pfizer. BioNTech declined to comment. But the crux of the problem is that a Chinese company claims the exclusive commercial rights to distribute BioNTech’s vaccine in Taiwan. And for many people in the self-governing democracy, buying shots from a mainland Chinese business is simply unpalatable. The impasse is exacerbating Taiwan’s vaccine shortage as the island confronts its first major outbreak of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. It is a bleak illustration of how deeply entrenched the long-running conflict across the Taiwan Strait has become, with a degree of mutual distrust that not even a global medical emergency can allay. Beijing’s efforts to stand between Taiwan and the wider world began spilling into public health a long time ago. China has for years blocked the island from participating in the World Health Assembly, the policy body of the World Health Organization. Also read | Biden's Asia nominee says US should develop Taiwan ties in every sector China has a say in Taiwan’s inoculation campaign because BioNTech last year partnered with a Shanghai company, Fosun Pharma, to distribute its COVID vaccine in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. BioNTech’s partner in the United States, the European Union and other places is Pfizer. China says Taiwan is flouting this arrangement by trying to buy doses directly from BioNTech. Taiwan says it respects the companies’ partnership but hopes their relationship will not get in the way of the island’s vaccine purchases. Beijing also warned against “meddling in China’s internal affairs” after Japan said it was donating 1.2 million AstraZeneca doses to Taiwan. Chinese officials were similarly peeved this month when three US senators visited the island to announce a donation of 750,000 doses. On Tuesday, Taiwan said 28 Chinese military aircraft entered the island’s southwestern air defence identification zone, the largest such show of force in months. Also read | After massed plane incursion near Taiwan, China says must respond to 'collusion' As COVID infections have spread in Taiwan, Chinese representatives have accused the island’s leaders of putting politics above health by refusing to accept Chinese-made vaccines. Chinese state news media has underlined the point by highlighting the “Taiwan compatriots” who have gotten vaccinated in China. “On the vaccine issue or the pandemic issue, I think China is trying to exploit any opportunity they can have,” said Lee Che-chuan of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, a think tank funded by Taiwan’s government. Beijing, Lee said, is telling Taiwan, “You are part of China. I can give you vaccines. But if you want to purchase them from some other countries, you have a political purpose: You’re trying to indicate you are independent from China.” Taiwan’s inoculation efforts have taken on greater urgency since a wave of Covid cases caused the island to enter a soft lockdown last month. The government has placed orders with AstraZeneca, Moderna and two domestic vaccine makers. But shipments have been slow to materialize. Less than 5 per cent of the island’s 23.5 million people have been vaccinated so far. Taiwan began talking with BioNTech about buying 5 million doses in August, the island’s health minister, Chen Shih-chung, said during a recent news conference. The two sides had largely agreed on a contract by December, according to Chen. On Jan. 8, BioNTech approved Taiwan’s draft news releases announcing the deal in Chinese and English. But four hours later, BioNTech came back with a request, Chen said. The company wanted the word “country” in the Chinese-language news release to be replaced with “Taiwan.” Beijing is extremely sensitive to any suggestion that Taiwan is an autonomous nation. Taiwanese officials agreed to make the change, Chen said. But BioNTech said it needed to consider the matter further. The deal has been on hold ever since. “It wasn’t because of a problem within the contract, but rather a problem outside the contract,” Chen said. The chief executive of Fosun Pharma, BioNTech’s partner for Greater China, recently told China’s Xinhua state news agency that the company would gladly supply vaccines to “Taiwan compatriots.” Whether Taiwan would accept those doses is more complicated. Taiwanese law forbids the import of Chinese-made vaccines. But Chen suggested Wednesday that Taiwan would be open to importing BioNTech shots if Fosun were acting only as their distributor, not manufacturer. Fosun did not respond to a request for comment. Recently, discussions have taken place about a vaccine deal for Taiwan that would involve not only BioNTech and Fosun but also Zuellig Pharma, a Swiss-owned health services, cold storage and logistics company, according to two people familiar with the matter. Such a deal might allow BioNTech to honor its partnership with Fosun while also satisfying Taiwanese authorities by reducing Fosun’s role. Zuellig has partnered with Moderna to supply Moderna’s vaccine in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. A Zuellig spokesperson declined to comment, as did Taiwan’s central epidemic command center. BioNTech and Fosun have already delivered vaccines from Germany to Hong Kong and Macao, and they are preparing to manufacture BioNTech’s vaccine at a Fosun facility for the China market. Fosun Pharma’s parent company is Fosun International, a Shanghai-based conglomerate with interests in insurance, property, fashion, retail, tourism and more. In a poll conducted in late May by researchers at Taiwan’s National Chengchi University, three-quarters of respondents said they would not take a Chinese vaccine. More than half, though, said they would receive a European or US vaccine purchased through a Chinese distributor. Germany’s de facto embassy in Taiwan, the German Institute Taipei, said this month that it “tried hard” to facilitate communication between BioNTech and Taiwanese authorities. But it is uncertain how much Germany’s government is able or willing to help broker a deal, given the risk of angering Beijing. A spokesperson for the German Institute Taipei declined to comment. “China’s vaccine strategy goes beyond just economic interest,” said Elena Meyer-Clement, who studies Chinese politics and business at the Free University of Berlin. “It has become a geopolitical question, which means you can rely on the fact that the political leadership in Beijing keeps an eye on these deals.” Meyer-Clement said she believed that BioNTech had tried selling vaccines directly to Taiwan in good faith, not to deliberately sidestep its agreement with Fosun Pharma. “If they had refused to even attempt it, it would have been tantamount to self-censorship,” she said. “I think it was really just about getting vaccines to Taiwan.” Still, she said BioNTech was naive to give initial signoff to a news release that used the word “country” in the Taiwan context. “It’s something someone with experience dealing with Taiwan should have known,” she said.

Taiwan wants German vaccines. China may be standing in its way.

China does not tolerate foreign forces intervening in Taiwan issues and has to make strong responses to such acts of 'collusion', the government said on Wednesday after the island reported the largest incursion to date of Chinese aircraft. 
 
Twenty-eight Chinese air force aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ) on Tuesday, the Chinese-claimed island's government said. 
 
The incident came after the Group of Seven leaders issued a joint statement on Sunday scolding China for a series of issues and underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, comments China condemned as 'slander'. 
 
Asked at a news conference whether the military activity was related to the G7 statement, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, said it was Taiwan's government that was to blame for tensions. Beijing believes the island's government is working with foreign countries to seek formal independence. 
 
"We will never tolerate attempts to seek independence or wanton intervention in the Taiwan issue by foreign forces, so we need to make a strong response to these acts of collusion," Ma said. 
 
Democratically-ruled Taiwan has complained over the last few months of repeated missions by China's air force near the island, concentrated in the southwestern part of its air defence zone near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands. 
 
However, this time not only did the Chinese aircraft fly in an area close to the Pratas Islands, but the bombers and some of the fighters flew around the southern part of Taiwan near the bottom tip of the island, according to Taiwan's defence ministry. 
 
The fly-by happened on the same day the US&nbsp;Navy said a carrier group led by the USS Ronald Reagan had entered the disputed South China Sea. 
 
"The Ronald Reagan Strike group did not interact with any Chinese military aircraft," Carrier Strike Group 5 spokesperson Lt&nbsp;Cmdr&nbsp;Joe Keiley said in an emailed statement responding to questions on whether the Chinese aircraft had approached them. 
 
"During the strike group's South China Sea operations, all communications between ships and aircraft have been consistent with international norms and have not impacted our operations." 
 
A senior official familiar with Taiwan's security planning said that officials believed China was sending a message to the United States as the carrier group sailed through the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines and leads into the South China Sea. 
 
"It's strategic intimidation of the US&nbsp;military. They wanted the United States to notice their capability and for them to restrain their behaviour." &nbsp; 
 
Taiwan needs in particular to pay attention to the fact that China's military has started conducting drills in Taiwan's southeastern ADIZ, the source added. 
 
This "to a certain degree was targeting our deployments in the east and increasing air defence pressure around our ADIZ", the source said. 
 
Taiwan's east coast is home to two major air bases with hangers dug out of the side of mountains to provide protection in the event of a Chinese assault. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

China does not tolerate foreign forces intervening in Taiwan issues and has to make strong responses to such acts of 'collusion', the government said on Wednesday after the island reported the largest incursion to date of Chinese aircraft.

China does not tolerate foreign forces intervening in Taiwan issues and has to make strong responses to such acts of 'collusion', the government said on Wednesday after the island reported the largest incursion to date of Chinese aircraft. Twenty-eight Chinese air force aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ) on Tuesday, the Chinese-claimed island's government said. The incident came after the Group of Seven leaders issued a joint statement on Sunday scolding China for a series of issues and underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, comments China condemned as 'slander'. Asked at a news conference whether the military activity was related to the G7 statement, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, said it was Taiwan's government that was to blame for tensions. Beijing believes the island's government is working with foreign countries to seek formal independence. "We will never tolerate attempts to seek independence or wanton intervention in the Taiwan issue by foreign forces, so we need to make a strong response to these acts of collusion," Ma said. Democratically-ruled Taiwan has complained over the last few months of repeated missions by China's air force near the island, concentrated in the southwestern part of its air defence zone near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands. However, this time not only did the Chinese aircraft fly in an area close to the Pratas Islands, but the bombers and some of the fighters flew around the southern part of Taiwan near the bottom tip of the island, according to Taiwan's defence ministry. The fly-by happened on the same day the US Navy said a carrier group led by the USS Ronald Reagan had entered the disputed South China Sea. "The Ronald Reagan Strike group did not interact with any Chinese military aircraft," Carrier Strike Group 5 spokesperson Lt Cmdr Joe Keiley said in an emailed statement responding to questions on whether the Chinese aircraft had approached them. "During the strike group's South China Sea operations, all communications between ships and aircraft have been consistent with international norms and have not impacted our operations." A senior official familiar with Taiwan's security planning said that officials believed China was sending a message to the United States as the carrier group sailed through the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines and leads into the South China Sea. "It's strategic intimidation of the US military. They wanted the United States to notice their capability and for them to restrain their behaviour." Taiwan needs in particular to pay attention to the fact that China's military has started conducting drills in Taiwan's southeastern ADIZ, the source added. This "to a certain degree was targeting our deployments in the east and increasing air defence pressure around our ADIZ", the source said. Taiwan's east coast is home to two major air bases with hangers dug out of the side of mountains to provide protection in the event of a Chinese assault. (With inputs from agencies)

After massed plane incursion near Taiwan, China says must respond to 'collusion'

The nominee to be the top US&nbsp;diplomat for East Asia said on Tuesday that Washington should develop its relationship with Taiwan in every sector, hours after China's largest reported incursion to date into the island's air defence identification zone. 
 
Daniel Kritenbrink said it was important for Washington to demonstrate its resolve to meet its 'rock-solid obligations' towards Taiwan in the face of pressure from China, which claims the self-governing island as its own territory. 
 
"It's ... incumbent upon us to further develop our robust relationship with Taiwan in every sector," Kritenbrink told a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on his nomination to be assistant secretary of state for East Asia. 
 
Earlier, Taiwan said 28 Chinese aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered its air defense identification zone. 
 
The Group of Seven leaders issued a statement on Sunday scolding China for a series of issues and underscoring the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, comments that China called 'slander'. 
 
Kritenbrink, a career foreign service officer, who was most recently ambassador to Vietnam and a former deputy head of mission in China, was asked if Washington should switch from a long-standing stance of 'strategic ambiguity' to make a clear commitment to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. 
 
He said the US&nbsp;'one-China' policy that formally recognises Beijing and not Taipei had ensured cross-strait stability and Taiwan's security for many decades. 
 
He added: "I do think that maintenance of that status quo and of that security is a dynamic situation. As the threat from (China) grows, as Beijing`s aggressive and bullying behavior vis-a-vis Taiwan grows, I think that our response has to be calibrated as well." 
 
Responding to a request for comment, Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said Washington should 'stop elevating its relationship with the Taiwan region in any substantive way ... so as to avoid serious damage to China-US&nbsp;relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait." 
 
Kritenbrink described China as the 'major challenge the United States faces today' and said new guidelines adopted by the Biden administration for Taiwan relations were 'significantly liberalized' and 'explicitly designed to further develop our relationships and our partnership'.&nbsp;He said Washington should continue to take steps to hold to account Chinese leaders responsible for what it calls genocide against Uyghurs and other Muslims in China's Xinjiang region. 
 
"The ongoing genocide in Xinjiang shocks the conscience," he said. "We estimate more than 1 million Uyghurs have been forcibly detained, put into re-education camps, forced to provide labor, and many other disturbing allegations about how they are being treated," he said. 
 
"We need to continue to take steps using all the tools that the US&nbsp;government has at its disposal to hold to account the leaders who are carrying out these atrocities," Kritenbrink said. 
 
Liu repeated Chinese denials of abuses in Xinjiang, saying: "Facts have proved that there has never been any genocide in Xinjiang." 
 
In a tweet, Sophie Richardson, China director for Human Rights Watch, called Kritenbrink's Xinjiang remarks a 'strong pledge',&nbsp;while adding: "Follow through critical." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The nominee to be the top US diplomat for East Asia said on Tuesday that Washington should develop its relationship with Taiwan in every sector, hours after China's largest reported incursion to date into the island's air defence identification zone.

The nominee to be the top US diplomat for East Asia said on Tuesday that Washington should develop its relationship with Taiwan in every sector, hours after China's largest reported incursion to date into the island's air defence identification zone. Daniel Kritenbrink said it was important for Washington to demonstrate its resolve to meet its 'rock-solid obligations' towards Taiwan in the face of pressure from China, which claims the self-governing island as its own territory. "It's ... incumbent upon us to further develop our robust relationship with Taiwan in every sector," Kritenbrink told a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on his nomination to be assistant secretary of state for East Asia. Earlier, Taiwan said 28 Chinese aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered its air defense identification zone. The Group of Seven leaders issued a statement on Sunday scolding China for a series of issues and underscoring the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, comments that China called 'slander'. Kritenbrink, a career foreign service officer, who was most recently ambassador to Vietnam and a former deputy head of mission in China, was asked if Washington should switch from a long-standing stance of 'strategic ambiguity' to make a clear commitment to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. He said the US 'one-China' policy that formally recognises Beijing and not Taipei had ensured cross-strait stability and Taiwan's security for many decades. He added: "I do think that maintenance of that status quo and of that security is a dynamic situation. As the threat from (China) grows, as Beijing`s aggressive and bullying behavior vis-a-vis Taiwan grows, I think that our response has to be calibrated as well." Responding to a request for comment, Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said Washington should 'stop elevating its relationship with the Taiwan region in any substantive way ... so as to avoid serious damage to China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait." Kritenbrink described China as the 'major challenge the United States faces today' and said new guidelines adopted by the Biden administration for Taiwan relations were 'significantly liberalized' and 'explicitly designed to further develop our relationships and our partnership'. He said Washington should continue to take steps to hold to account Chinese leaders responsible for what it calls genocide against Uyghurs and other Muslims in China's Xinjiang region. "The ongoing genocide in Xinjiang shocks the conscience," he said. "We estimate more than 1 million Uyghurs have been forcibly detained, put into re-education camps, forced to provide labor, and many other disturbing allegations about how they are being treated," he said. "We need to continue to take steps using all the tools that the US government has at its disposal to hold to account the leaders who are carrying out these atrocities," Kritenbrink said. Liu repeated Chinese denials of abuses in Xinjiang, saying: "Facts have proved that there has never been any genocide in Xinjiang." In a tweet, Sophie Richardson, China director for Human Rights Watch, called Kritenbrink's Xinjiang remarks a 'strong pledge', while adding: "Follow through critical." (With inputs from agencies)

Biden's Asia nominee says US should develop Taiwan ties in every sector

The flights of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft included 20 total fighter jets, four bombers, two aerial early warning aircraft, an electronic warfare aircraft and an anti-submarine warfare aircraft, Taiwan said.

China sends largest-ever number of warplanes near Taiwan

Macau&nbsp;said on Wednesday it was closing its representative office in Taiwan, following neighbouring Hong Kong which made the same move last month in protest at Taipei's support for pro-democracy activists.

Hong Kong and&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;are "semi-autonomous" Chinese cities, although foreign policy is all but decided by Beijing and the central government has taken an increasingly more direct say in how both former colonies are run in recent years.

In a short statement,&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;announced its Economic and Cultural Delegation in Taiwan will temporarily suspend operations from June 19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-suspends-operations-at-representative-office-in-taiwan-as-tensions-rise-385847">Hong Kong suspends operations at representative office in Taiwan as tensions rise</a>&nbsp;

In response, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council expressed "deep regret over the&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;government's unilateral decision," saying it would continue to keep its trade office in the Chinese gambling enclave open.

Macau&nbsp;gave no reason for the closure. But the wording was almost identical to last month's statement by Hong Kong.

That announcement was then followed by Hong Kong's government confirming the closure was indeed political.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-blames-gross-interference-for-taiwan-office-closure-386536">Hong Kong blames 'gross interference' for Taiwan office closure</a>

Taiwan, Hong Kong said, had "grossly interfered" in the city's affairs on repeated occasions and "created irretrievable damage" to relations.

Hong Kong and&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;abide by authoritarian China's view that democratic, self-ruled Taiwan is part of its territory and must be seized one day, by force if necessary.

That makes any official contact with Taipei tricky, even though Taiwan is a major trading partner.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-launches-protest-after-japanese-pm-suga-refers-to-taiwan-as-a-country-390764">China launches protest after Japanese PM Suga refers to Taiwan as a country</a>

China had encouraged trade offices when relations were warmer.

But since the 2016 election of Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, Beijing cut official contacts and ramped up economic, military and diplomatic pressure.

Beijing loathes Tsai because she regards Taiwan as a de facto sovereign nation and not part of "one China".

Her government is also a vocal supporter of democratic principles and has quietly helped open its doors to some Hong Kongers trying to escape Beijing's crackdown on dissent after huge democracy protests rocked the financial hub in 2019.

Macau said on Wednesday it was closing its representative office in Taiwan, following neighbouring Hong Kong which made the same move last month in protest at Taipei's support for pro-democracy activists.

Macau said on Wednesday it was closing its representative office in Taiwan, following neighbouring Hong Kong which made the same move last month in protest at Taipei's support for pro-democracy activists. Hong Kong and Macau are "semi-autonomous" Chinese cities, although foreign policy is all but decided by Beijing and the central government has taken an increasingly more direct say in how both former colonies are run in recent years. In a short statement, Macau announced its Economic and Cultural Delegation in Taiwan will temporarily suspend operations from June 19. Also read | Hong Kong suspends operations at representative office in Taiwan as tensions rise In response, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council expressed "deep regret over the Macau government's unilateral decision," saying it would continue to keep its trade office in the Chinese gambling enclave open. Macau gave no reason for the closure. But the wording was almost identical to last month's statement by Hong Kong. That announcement was then followed by Hong Kong's government confirming the closure was indeed political. Also read | Hong Kong blames 'gross interference' for Taiwan office closure Taiwan, Hong Kong said, had "grossly interfered" in the city's affairs on repeated occasions and "created irretrievable damage" to relations. Hong Kong and Macau abide by authoritarian China's view that democratic, self-ruled Taiwan is part of its territory and must be seized one day, by force if necessary. That makes any official contact with Taipei tricky, even though Taiwan is a major trading partner. Also read | China launches protest after Japanese PM Suga refers to Taiwan as a country China had encouraged trade offices when relations were warmer. But since the 2016 election of Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, Beijing cut official contacts and ramped up economic, military and diplomatic pressure. Beijing loathes Tsai because she regards Taiwan as a de facto sovereign nation and not part of "one China". Her government is also a vocal supporter of democratic principles and has quietly helped open its doors to some Hong Kongers trying to escape Beijing's crackdown on dissent after huge democracy protests rocked the financial hub in 2019.

Macau follows Hong Kong in shuttering Taiwan office

Taiwan will be a 'force for good' and continue to seek even greater international support, the presidential office said, after the Chinese-claimed island won unprecedented backing from the Group of Seven of major democracies. 
 
The G7 leaders on Sunday scolded China over human rights in Xinjiang, called for Hong Kong to keep a high degree of autonomy and underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. 
 
Taiwan presidential office spokesman Xavier Chang said this was the first time the G7 leaders' communique has stressed the importance of peace and stability in the strait and first time since its founding there was 'content friendly to Taiwan', expressing deep thanks for the support. 
 
Taiwan and G7 member countries share basic values, such as democracy, freedom, and human rights, he added. 
 
"Taiwan will certainly adhere to its role as a responsible member of the region, and it will also firmly defend the democratic system and safeguard shared universal values," Chang said. 
 
Taiwan will continue to deepen its partnership with G7 states and other like-minded countries and strive for greater support from the international community, he said. 
 
Taiwan will also 'firmly contribute the greatest force for good' for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, Chang added. 
 
China has stepped up its pressure against democratically-run Taiwan in recent months, with regular military drills near the island as it tries to assert Beijing's sovereignty. 
 
While most countries, including G7 members, have no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the grouping along with other Western allies have been bolstering their backing for the island. 
 
That includes calling for Taiwan to be given proper access to the World Health Organization during the coronavirus pandemic. Taiwan is not a member due to Chinese objections, which considers it merely one of its provinces with no right to the trappings of a state. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan will be a 'force for good' and continue to seek even greater international support, the presidential office said, after the Chinese-claimed island won unprecedented backing from the Group of Seven of major democracies.

Taiwan will be a 'force for good' and continue to seek even greater international support, the presidential office said, after the Chinese-claimed island won unprecedented backing from the Group of Seven of major democracies. The G7 leaders on Sunday scolded China over human rights in Xinjiang, called for Hong Kong to keep a high degree of autonomy and underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan presidential office spokesman Xavier Chang said this was the first time the G7 leaders' communique has stressed the importance of peace and stability in the strait and first time since its founding there was 'content friendly to Taiwan', expressing deep thanks for the support. Taiwan and G7 member countries share basic values, such as democracy, freedom, and human rights, he added. "Taiwan will certainly adhere to its role as a responsible member of the region, and it will also firmly defend the democratic system and safeguard shared universal values," Chang said. Taiwan will continue to deepen its partnership with G7 states and other like-minded countries and strive for greater support from the international community, he said. Taiwan will also 'firmly contribute the greatest force for good' for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, Chang added. China has stepped up its pressure against democratically-run Taiwan in recent months, with regular military drills near the island as it tries to assert Beijing's sovereignty. While most countries, including G7 members, have no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the grouping along with other Western allies have been bolstering their backing for the island. That includes calling for Taiwan to be given proper access to the World Health Organization during the coronavirus pandemic. Taiwan is not a member due to Chinese objections, which considers it merely one of its provinces with no right to the trappings of a state. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan says will be 'force for good' after unprecedented G7 support

China has launched a protest against Japan after its Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga referred to Taiwan as a country during a parliament debate.

Referring to Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, Suga had said, “Such three countries have been imposing strong restrictions on privacy rights” to curb the Covid pandemic.

He was speaking in the first one-on-one debate with opposition in parliament on Wednesday.

Taiwan is usually called a “region” in Japan, while China claims the self-gorverned island as an “inalienable part” of its territory.

At a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin was asked about Suga's remarks.

 
Wang said: "Japanese leaders flagrantly refer to Taiwan as a "country" on multiple occasions, severely violating principles set out in the four political documents including the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement and its solemn and repeated commitment of not seeing Taiwan as a country."&nbsp;

"China is strongly dissatisfied with Japan's wrong remarks and has lodged solemn representations to the Japanese side," he said, adding, "We ask Japan to make prompt clarification, remove the severe damage and ensure that such things won't happen again.

"There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Taiwan question bears on the political foundation of China-Japan relations, the basic trust and good faith between the two countries and the international rule of law and justice," the Chinese official said.&nbsp;

"We seriously urge the Japanese side to earnestly honor its commitment, be prudent in words and actions, avoid undermining China's sovereignty in any form and refrain from sending any wrong signal to the "Taiwan independence" forces."

China and Japan, who have been historic rivals in the last century, &nbsp;currently differ on several issues such as the East China Sea and Beijing's crackdown on Hong Kong pro-democracy activists.

China has launched a protest against Japan after its Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga referred to Taiwan as a country during a parliament debate. Referring to Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, Suga had said, “Such three countries have been imposing strong restrictions on privacy rights” to curb the Covid pandemic.

China has launched a protest against Japan after its Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga referred to Taiwan as a country during a parliament debate. Referring to Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, Suga had said, “Such three countries have been imposing strong restrictions on privacy rights” to curb the Covid pandemic. He was speaking in the first one-on-one debate with opposition in parliament on Wednesday. Taiwan is usually called a “region” in Japan, while China claims the self-gorverned island as an “inalienable part” of its territory. At a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin was asked about Suga's remarks. Wang said: "Japanese leaders flagrantly refer to Taiwan as a "country" on multiple occasions, severely violating principles set out in the four political documents including the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement and its solemn and repeated commitment of not seeing Taiwan as a country." "China is strongly dissatisfied with Japan's wrong remarks and has lodged solemn representations to the Japanese side," he said, adding, "We ask Japan to make prompt clarification, remove the severe damage and ensure that such things won't happen again. "There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Taiwan question bears on the political foundation of China-Japan relations, the basic trust and good faith between the two countries and the international rule of law and justice," the Chinese official said. "We seriously urge the Japanese side to earnestly honor its commitment, be prudent in words and actions, avoid undermining China's sovereignty in any form and refrain from sending any wrong signal to the "Taiwan independence" forces." China and Japan, who have been historic rivals in the last century, currently differ on several issues such as the East China Sea and Beijing's crackdown on Hong Kong pro-democracy activists.

China launches protest after Japanese PM Suga refers to Taiwan as a country

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga referred to Taiwan as a country. In his first one-on-one parliamentary debate with opposition leaders on Wednesday, Suga, naming Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, said, "Such three countries have been imposing strong restrictions on privacy rights" to curb the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Japaese PM Suga calls Taiwan a country during Parliament debate

The United States has taken a direct hit at China, hinting at a possible trade deal with Taiwan. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that the United States will soon start discussing a trade deal with Taiwan.

U.S. hints at possible trade deal with Taiwan

The United States will donate 750,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan as part of the country's plan to share shots globally, US&nbsp;Senator Tammy Duckworth said on Sunday, offering a much-needed boost to the island's fight against the pandemic. 
 
Taiwan is dealing with a spike in domestic cases but has been affected like many places by global vaccines shortages. Only around 3% of its 23.5 million people have been vaccinated, with most getting only the first shot of two needed. 
 
Speaking at Taipei's downtown Songshan airport after arriving on a brief visit with fellow Senators Dan Sullivan and Christopher Coons, Duckworth said Taiwan would be getting 750,000 doses as part of the first tranche of US&nbsp;donations. 
 
"It was critical to the United States that Taiwan be included in the first group to receive vaccines because we recognise your urgent need and we value this partnership," she said at a news conference. She did not give details of which vaccines Taiwan would get or when. 
 
Taiwan has complained about China, which claims the democratically-ruled island as its own, trying to block the island from accessing vaccines internationally, which Beijing has denied. 
 
Standing by Duckworth's side, Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu thanked the United States for the donation. 
 
"While we are doing our best to import vaccines, we must overcome obstacles to ensure that these life-saving medicines are delivered free from trouble from Beijing," he said. 
 
China has offered Taiwan Chinese-made vaccines, but the government in Taipei has repeatedly expressed concern about their safety, and in any case cannot import them without changing Taiwanese law, which bans their import. 
 
The senators will also meet with President Tsai Ing-wen to discuss security and other issues. 
 
US&nbsp;senators and congressmen visit Taiwan routinely in normal times, but coming in the middle of an upswing in infections on the island when its borders remain largely closed to visitors is a strong show of support. 
 
Unusually, they also arrived on a US&nbsp;Air Force C-17 Globemaster III freighter, rather than a private jet as is generally the case for senior US&nbsp;visitors. 
 
Taiwan's vaccine arrivals have been gathering pace. 
 
Japan delivered to Taiwan 1.24 million doses of AstraZeneca PLC's coronavirus vaccine on Friday for free, in a gesture that more than doubled the amount of shots the island has received to date. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States will donate 750,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan as part of the country's plan to share shots globally, US Senator Tammy Duckworth said on Sunday, offering a much-needed boost to the island's fight against the pandemic.

The United States will donate 750,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan as part of the country's plan to share shots globally, US Senator Tammy Duckworth said on Sunday, offering a much-needed boost to the island's fight against the pandemic. Taiwan is dealing with a spike in domestic cases but has been affected like many places by global vaccines shortages. Only around 3% of its 23.5 million people have been vaccinated, with most getting only the first shot of two needed. Speaking at Taipei's downtown Songshan airport after arriving on a brief visit with fellow Senators Dan Sullivan and Christopher Coons, Duckworth said Taiwan would be getting 750,000 doses as part of the first tranche of US donations. "It was critical to the United States that Taiwan be included in the first group to receive vaccines because we recognise your urgent need and we value this partnership," she said at a news conference. She did not give details of which vaccines Taiwan would get or when. Taiwan has complained about China, which claims the democratically-ruled island as its own, trying to block the island from accessing vaccines internationally, which Beijing has denied. Standing by Duckworth's side, Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu thanked the United States for the donation. "While we are doing our best to import vaccines, we must overcome obstacles to ensure that these life-saving medicines are delivered free from trouble from Beijing," he said. China has offered Taiwan Chinese-made vaccines, but the government in Taipei has repeatedly expressed concern about their safety, and in any case cannot import them without changing Taiwanese law, which bans their import. The senators will also meet with President Tsai Ing-wen to discuss security and other issues. US senators and congressmen visit Taiwan routinely in normal times, but coming in the middle of an upswing in infections on the island when its borders remain largely closed to visitors is a strong show of support. Unusually, they also arrived on a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III freighter, rather than a private jet as is generally the case for senior US visitors. Taiwan's vaccine arrivals have been gathering pace. Japan delivered to Taiwan 1.24 million doses of AstraZeneca PLC's coronavirus vaccine on Friday for free, in a gesture that more than doubled the amount of shots the island has received to date. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan to get 750,000 COVID-19 vaccine shots from US

US delegation in Taiwan: Taiwan's foreign minister hails US support

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