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.

US delegation in Taiwan: Taiwan's Foreign Minister hails US support

Taiwan has pulled out of the final baseball qualifying tournament for the Tokyo Olympics after failing to secure a training facility and because of concerns over the health of the players in Mexico.

Ranked fourth in the world, Taiwan was originally scheduled to host the tournament before a spike in COVID-19 cases in the country forced the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) to move it to Puebla, Mexico.

Mexico is still reporting thousands of new COVID-19 cases a day and health ministry data released on Wednesday said that 228,146 people had died since the start of the pandemic.

The surge in COVID-19 cases in Taiwan was also behind the refusal of the Yunlin County local government to let the squad prepare at training fields under their jurisdiction, the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association said in a statement.

"We apologise to all team staff who originally expressed their willingness to participate and we thank them for their dedication," the statement released late on Wednesday added.

Taiwan, which competes as Chinese Taipei at the Olympics, has won only 22 medals at previous Summer Games, including a baseball silver in Barcelona in 1992.

Baseball is returning to the Games for the first time since Beijing 2008, when Taiwan finished fifth in the group stage to just miss out on the medal rounds.

Six nations will compete for gold in Tokyo with hosts Japan, Israel, Mexico and South Korea already qualified.

The Americas qualifying tournament, which offers one ticket to Tokyo, is ongoing in the United States with the final berth up for grabs in Puebla from June 22-26.

China pulled out of the final Olympic qualification tournament last month, leaving a five-team event now reduced to four with Taiwan's withdrawal.

Australia and Netherlands are the two teams confirmed for the tournament with the second and third-placed teams from the Americas qualifiers set to join them.

"At this stage Team Australia is still planning to attend," Baseball Australia Chief Executive Glenn Williams told Reuters by e-mail on Thursday.

"The complexity of the location change so close to the event is providing challenges but we are working on trying to meet those challenges."

Taiwan has pulled out of the final baseball qualifying tournament for the Tokyo Olympics after failing to secure a training facility and because of concerns over the health of the players in Mexico.

Taiwan has pulled out of the final baseball qualifying tournament for the Tokyo Olympics after failing to secure a training facility and because of concerns over the health of the players in Mexico. Ranked fourth in the world, Taiwan was originally scheduled to host the tournament before a spike in COVID-19 cases in the country forced the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) to move it to Puebla, Mexico. Mexico is still reporting thousands of new COVID-19 cases a day and health ministry data released on Wednesday said that 228,146 people had died since the start of the pandemic. The surge in COVID-19 cases in Taiwan was also behind the refusal of the Yunlin County local government to let the squad prepare at training fields under their jurisdiction, the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association said in a statement. "We apologise to all team staff who originally expressed their willingness to participate and we thank them for their dedication," the statement released late on Wednesday added. Taiwan, which competes as Chinese Taipei at the Olympics, has won only 22 medals at previous Summer Games, including a baseball silver in Barcelona in 1992. Baseball is returning to the Games for the first time since Beijing 2008, when Taiwan finished fifth in the group stage to just miss out on the medal rounds. Six nations will compete for gold in Tokyo with hosts Japan, Israel, Mexico and South Korea already qualified. The Americas qualifying tournament, which offers one ticket to Tokyo, is ongoing in the United States with the final berth up for grabs in Puebla from June 22-26. China pulled out of the final Olympic qualification tournament last month, leaving a five-team event now reduced to four with Taiwan's withdrawal. Australia and Netherlands are the two teams confirmed for the tournament with the second and third-placed teams from the Americas qualifiers set to join them. "At this stage Team Australia is still planning to attend," Baseball Australia Chief Executive Glenn Williams told Reuters by e-mail on Thursday. "The complexity of the location change so close to the event is providing challenges but we are working on trying to meet those challenges."

Olympics: Taiwan pulls out of baseball qualifying tournament over COVID-19 fears

Firmly rejecting any attempt by Australia to intervene in the case of writer and academic Yang Jun, China defended holding the spy trial of him behind closed doors, saying it involved "state secrets".

"Australian citizen Yang Jun's case involves state secrets, and is not held in open court by the law, with no arrangements for observers to sit in," said foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian. "This is entirely lawful and reasonable."

Australia's ambassador to China was barred from the trial, in a case that has exacerbated a bitter row between the two nations.

Yang has been held since arriving in China in January 2019 and has had no access to his family. He has had only limited contact with his legal representation, according to Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

The case comes amid a deepening crisis in relations between Australia and China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said&nbsp;that by Chinese law, all cases involving state secrets, including Yang's, are heard in private sessions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Firmly rejecting any attempt by Australia to intervene in the case of writer and academic Yang Jun, China defended holding the spy trial of him behind closed doors, saying it involved "state secrets".

Firmly rejecting any attempt by Australia to intervene in the case of writer and academic Yang Jun, China defended holding the spy trial of him behind closed doors, saying it involved "state secrets". "Australian citizen Yang Jun's case involves state secrets, and is not held in open court by the law, with no arrangements for observers to sit in," said foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian. "This is entirely lawful and reasonable." Australia's ambassador to China was barred from the trial, in a case that has exacerbated a bitter row between the two nations. Yang has been held since arriving in China in January 2019 and has had no access to his family. He has had only limited contact with his legal representation, according to Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne. The case comes amid a deepening crisis in relations between Australia and China. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that by Chinese law, all cases involving state secrets, including Yang's, are heard in private sessions. (With inputs from agencies)

Closed-door spy trial of Australian writer 'lawful and reasonable': China

Taiwan is experiencing a profound shift demographic shift and is hurtling towards 'super-aged status as the birthrate plummets.

In 1951, the average Taiwanese woman gave birth to seven children. Now it is less than one.

Last year the island recorded more deaths than births, a watershed moment that signals&nbsp;Taiwan's population officially contracted for the first time.

In the first quarter of this year, deaths outpaced births by 47,626 to 34,917.

It is an increasingly familiar story across East Asia. Japan has led the way, hitting that population decline milestone in 2007.

South Korea, Hong Kong and&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;also joined the club last year.

Government census data released earlier this month showed China's population is now growing at its slowest pace in decades.&nbsp;

Much of Asia faces a looming labour crisis with few families supplying the average 2.1 children needed for a population to replicate.

Millions are approaching retirement age with neither enough younger generations, or immigrants, to fill their shoes.

Taiwan's dwindling birth rates reflect the increasing choice of younger people, especially women, to get married at an older age, have smaller families or stay single.

Another cause of low births is the sheer cost of living.&nbsp;Taiwan's industrialisation last century transformed the island into a regional economic powerhouse.&nbsp;

But in the last decade or so wages have stagnated as daily expenses continue to rise. Unless there is a radical change,&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;is projected to become a "super-aged society" by 2025 with one in every five citizens aged over 65.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan is experiencing a profound shift demographic shift and is hurtling towards 'super-aged status as the birthrate plummets. In 1951, the average Taiwanese woman gave birth to seven children.

Taiwan is experiencing a profound shift demographic shift and is hurtling towards 'super-aged status as the birthrate plummets. In 1951, the average Taiwanese woman gave birth to seven children. Now it is less than one. Last year the island recorded more deaths than births, a watershed moment that signals Taiwan's population officially contracted for the first time. In the first quarter of this year, deaths outpaced births by 47,626 to 34,917. It is an increasingly familiar story across East Asia. Japan has led the way, hitting that population decline milestone in 2007. South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan also joined the club last year. Government census data released earlier this month showed China's population is now growing at its slowest pace in decades. Much of Asia faces a looming labour crisis with few families supplying the average 2.1 children needed for a population to replicate. Millions are approaching retirement age with neither enough younger generations, or immigrants, to fill their shoes. Taiwan's dwindling birth rates reflect the increasing choice of younger people, especially women, to get married at an older age, have smaller families or stay single. Another cause of low births is the sheer cost of living. Taiwan's industrialisation last century transformed the island into a regional economic powerhouse. But in the last decade or so wages have stagnated as daily expenses continue to rise. Unless there is a radical change, Taiwan is projected to become a "super-aged society" by 2025 with one in every five citizens aged over 65. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan hurtling towards 'super-aged' status as birthrate plummets

Taiwan on Monday slammed the World Health Organization on persistent exclusion from an important annual gathering of the World Health Assembly, which focus on preventing the next pandemic catastrophe. Taiwan accused China of conspiracy.

Taiwan blames China for WHO meet snub as it fails to get into crucial WHA meet

'Fast &amp; Furious 9'&nbsp;star John Cena made a U-turn Tuesday, apologising to Chinese fans after he called Taiwan a "country" and sparked outrage in the world's largest movie market.

Beijing sees democratic, self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory which is to be seized one day, by force if necessary, and rages at any diplomatic attempts to recognise the island as an independent nation.

But American wrestling star turned actor Cena left his diplomatic lane during a trip to Taiwan in early May to promote the franchise of action movies about fast cars, making the "country" comment during a fan meet.

On Tuesday, as outrage billowed across China's social media, he released an apology on the Weibo platform in conversational-level Mandarin.

"I did many, many interviews for Fast &amp; Furious 9, and I made a mistake during one interview," Cena said in the video, without repeating the controversial term.

"I must say, which is very very important, that I love and respect China and Chinese people. I'm very, very sorry for my mistake. I apologise."

The video was played 2.4 million times on the strictly-controlled social media site, while Chinese media leapt on the apology.

Fast &amp; Furious 9 smashed through the box office during its May 21 release in China last weekend, raking in $148 million, according to the nationalist Global Times newspaper.

But social media users appeared only partially appeased.

"Please say 'Taiwan is part of China' in Chinese, or we won't accept it," said one Weibo user, while another lamented the American's apparent lack of knowledge that "Taiwan is an integral part of China".

The apology also provoked indignation from American politicians who accused the actor of censoring himself to appease Beijing.&nbsp;

"A world where #China's Communist Party controls what Americans can say isn't some nightmarish future threat," tweeted Republican senator Marco Rubio, linking to the apology. "It's already here."

China's vast consumer market has in recent years been weaponised against critics of Beijing.

Entities including the NBA and global fashion giants have faced boycotts and a battering on social media for speaking out on rights abuses or political issues China deems off-limits.

'Fast & Furious 9' star John Cena made a U-turn Tuesday, apologising to Chinese fans after he called Taiwan a "country" and sparked outrage in the world's largest movie market.

'Fast & Furious 9' star John Cena made a U-turn Tuesday, apologising to Chinese fans after he called Taiwan a "country" and sparked outrage in the world's largest movie market. Beijing sees democratic, self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory which is to be seized one day, by force if necessary, and rages at any diplomatic attempts to recognise the island as an independent nation. But American wrestling star turned actor Cena left his diplomatic lane during a trip to Taiwan in early May to promote the franchise of action movies about fast cars, making the "country" comment during a fan meet. On Tuesday, as outrage billowed across China's social media, he released an apology on the Weibo platform in conversational-level Mandarin. "I did many, many interviews for Fast & Furious 9, and I made a mistake during one interview," Cena said in the video, without repeating the controversial term. "I must say, which is very very important, that I love and respect China and Chinese people. I'm very, very sorry for my mistake. I apologise." The video was played 2.4 million times on the strictly-controlled social media site, while Chinese media leapt on the apology. Fast & Furious 9 smashed through the box office during its May 21 release in China last weekend, raking in $148 million, according to the nationalist Global Times newspaper. But social media users appeared only partially appeased. "Please say 'Taiwan is part of China' in Chinese, or we won't accept it," said one Weibo user, while another lamented the American's apparent lack of knowledge that "Taiwan is an integral part of China". The apology also provoked indignation from American politicians who accused the actor of censoring himself to appease Beijing. "A world where #China's Communist Party controls what Americans can say isn't some nightmarish future threat," tweeted Republican senator Marco Rubio, linking to the apology. "It's already here." China's vast consumer market has in recent years been weaponised against critics of Beijing. Entities including the NBA and global fashion giants have faced boycotts and a battering on social media for speaking out on rights abuses or political issues China deems off-limits.

'Fast & Furious' star John Cena apologises for calling Taiwan a country

Despite international pressure, the WHO has refused to invite Taiwan to the 74th World Health Assembly. Dr. Tedros has bowed to Chinese pressure and ignored requests from the G7 and the US. Palki Sharma tells you more

Gravitas: WHO toes Chinese line and snubs Taiwan

A surge in domestic COVID-19 cases in Taiwan after months of relative safety is intensifying pressure on the government to accept vaccines from China, as the island has vaccinated just 1% of the population with no immediate sign of new shots arriving. 
 
The Chinese-claimed island and Beijing have repeatedly sparred over the pandemic since it began. 
Taipei accuses Beijing of spreading fake news and preventing its full participation at the World Health Organization, while Beijing says Taipei is playing political games with its people`s lives by refusing Chinese vaccines. 
 
Taiwan has only received about 700,000 vaccine doses to date, all from AstraZeneca Plc, which are rapidly running out. It has millions more on order, including from Moderna Inc. 
 
Over the weekend, Hung Hsiu-chu, a former head of Taiwan`s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), said the government should allow in Chinese vaccines as soon as possible, saying that they are internationally accepted and that Taiwan cannot wait. 
 
"At this moment, lives are at stake, and we respectfully tell the Tsai government: the real enemy is the virus, not the mainland," she said, referring to President Tsai Ing-wen. 
 
The KMT, always wary of being painted as pro-China, has not explicitly backed or rejected the idea, but has called on the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) not to tar as Communist Party sympathisers those who are trying to obtain more vaccines. 
 
Pressure is growing from industry too to address the issue, especially after China`s Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd said on Saturday it was willing to provide Taiwan with BioNTech SE COVID-19 vaccines. 
 
A source familiar with the situation said major Apple Inc supplier Foxconn was exploring directly approaching Fosun for the shots to vaccinate its employees and their families, though the company had not formally started discussions with the Chinese firm or Taiwan`s Central Epidemic Command Centre. 
 
Fosun has 10 million shots that are expiring in August and is anxious to offload them, the source added. Fosun did not respond to requests for comment. 
 
Foxconn, formally called Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, told Reuters that information on vaccines should come from the command centre. 
 
"If we can do what we can to prevent the epidemic in Taiwan, then our company is willing to assist," it added. 
Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said on Sunday that if companies wanted to buy vaccines they had to talk to his ministry. 
 
Chen has said that China has not provided enough evidence that its vaccines are safe, and that most Taiwanese would not want to take them anyway. Chen has also said the law prohibiting the imports of any Chinese vaccine would need to be revised. 
 
Beijing has called on Taiwan to cast aside political prejudices. 
 
"Most Taiwanese compatriots are eagerly anticipating the use of mainland vaccines," China`s Taiwan Affairs Office said in a statement to Reuters, without offering evidence. "The pressing task is to remove artificial political obstacles on the island." 
 
Taiwan`s government has kept vaccine purchase details under close wraps, but has promised more are on the way. 
 
Chen met virtually with his US&nbsp;counterpart, Xavier Becerra, last week and discussed vaccines, but no announcements of any US&nbsp;help have come yet, even after President Joe Biden said the country would release stocks to other parts of the world. However, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the United States was trying to help speed up deliveries of the vaccines Taiwan has already ordered.

A surge in domestic COVID-19 cases in Taiwan after months of relative safety is intensifying pressure on the government to accept vaccines from China, as the island has vaccinated just 1% of the population with no immediate sign of new shots arriving.

A surge in domestic COVID-19 cases in Taiwan after months of relative safety is intensifying pressure on the government to accept vaccines from China, as the island has vaccinated just 1% of the population with no immediate sign of new shots arriving. The Chinese-claimed island and Beijing have repeatedly sparred over the pandemic since it began. Taipei accuses Beijing of spreading fake news and preventing its full participation at the World Health Organization, while Beijing says Taipei is playing political games with its people`s lives by refusing Chinese vaccines. Taiwan has only received about 700,000 vaccine doses to date, all from AstraZeneca Plc, which are rapidly running out. It has millions more on order, including from Moderna Inc. Over the weekend, Hung Hsiu-chu, a former head of Taiwan`s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), said the government should allow in Chinese vaccines as soon as possible, saying that they are internationally accepted and that Taiwan cannot wait. "At this moment, lives are at stake, and we respectfully tell the Tsai government: the real enemy is the virus, not the mainland," she said, referring to President Tsai Ing-wen. The KMT, always wary of being painted as pro-China, has not explicitly backed or rejected the idea, but has called on the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) not to tar as Communist Party sympathisers those who are trying to obtain more vaccines. Pressure is growing from industry too to address the issue, especially after China`s Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd said on Saturday it was willing to provide Taiwan with BioNTech SE COVID-19 vaccines. A source familiar with the situation said major Apple Inc supplier Foxconn was exploring directly approaching Fosun for the shots to vaccinate its employees and their families, though the company had not formally started discussions with the Chinese firm or Taiwan`s Central Epidemic Command Centre. Fosun has 10 million shots that are expiring in August and is anxious to offload them, the source added. Fosun did not respond to requests for comment. Foxconn, formally called Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, told Reuters that information on vaccines should come from the command centre. "If we can do what we can to prevent the epidemic in Taiwan, then our company is willing to assist," it added. Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said on Sunday that if companies wanted to buy vaccines they had to talk to his ministry. Chen has said that China has not provided enough evidence that its vaccines are safe, and that most Taiwanese would not want to take them anyway. Chen has also said the law prohibiting the imports of any Chinese vaccine would need to be revised. Beijing has called on Taiwan to cast aside political prejudices. "Most Taiwanese compatriots are eagerly anticipating the use of mainland vaccines," China`s Taiwan Affairs Office said in a statement to Reuters, without offering evidence. "The pressing task is to remove artificial political obstacles on the island." Taiwan`s government has kept vaccine purchase details under close wraps, but has promised more are on the way. Chen met virtually with his US counterpart, Xavier Becerra, last week and discussed vaccines, but no announcements of any US help have come yet, even after President Joe Biden said the country would release stocks to other parts of the world. However, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the United States was trying to help speed up deliveries of the vaccines Taiwan has already ordered.

Pressure to accept China vaccines intensifies as Taiwan battles Covid surge

Taiwan's government slammed the World Health Organization's (WHO) 'indifference' to the health rights of Taiwanese people and for capitulating to China on Monday after failing to get invited to a meeting of its decision-making body.&nbsp;

Taiwan is excluded from most global organisations, such as the WHO because of the objections of China, which considers the island one of its provinces and not a country.&nbsp;

Taiwan, with the strong backing of major Western powers, had been lobbying for access to the WHO's World Health Assembly, which opens on Monday, as an observer.&nbsp;

In a joint statement by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and Health Minister Chen Shih-chung, Taiwan's government said that they would continue to seek participation.&nbsp;

"As a professional international health body, the World Health Organization (WHO) should serve the health and welfare of all humanity and not capitulate to the political interests of a certain member," Chen said, referring to China.&nbsp;

Wu expressed regret at the "WHO Secretariat's continued indifference to the health rights of Taiwan's 23.5 million people".&nbsp;

China says Taiwan can only take part if it accepts it is part of 'one China', which Taipei's government will not do, and that only Beijing has a right to speak for Taiwan on the international stage and Taiwan has in any case been given the access it needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Taiwan's statement said China was falsely claiming that appropriate arrangements have been made for Taiwan's WHO participation, adding that only the island's democratically elected government can speak for its people.&nbsp;

Taiwan urges the WHO to "maintain a professional and neutral stance, reject China's political interference, and allow Taiwan to join WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities in order to protect the welfare of humanity and jointly combat disease".&nbsp;

While the WHO cooperates with Taiwan's technical experts on COVID-19, it is up to member states whether to invite Taiwan to observe the WHO meeting, the WHO's principal legal officer Steve Solomon said last week.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Taiwan's government slammed the World Health Organization's (WHO) 'indifference' to the health rights of Taiwanese people and for capitulating to China on Monday after failing to get invited to a meeting of its decision-making body.

Taiwan's government slammed the World Health Organization's (WHO) 'indifference' to the health rights of Taiwanese people and for capitulating to China on Monday after failing to get invited to a meeting of its decision-making body. Taiwan is excluded from most global organisations, such as the WHO because of the objections of China, which considers the island one of its provinces and not a country. Taiwan, with the strong backing of major Western powers, had been lobbying for access to the WHO's World Health Assembly, which opens on Monday, as an observer. In a joint statement by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and Health Minister Chen Shih-chung, Taiwan's government said that they would continue to seek participation. "As a professional international health body, the World Health Organization (WHO) should serve the health and welfare of all humanity and not capitulate to the political interests of a certain member," Chen said, referring to China. Wu expressed regret at the "WHO Secretariat's continued indifference to the health rights of Taiwan's 23.5 million people". China says Taiwan can only take part if it accepts it is part of 'one China', which Taipei's government will not do, and that only Beijing has a right to speak for Taiwan on the international stage and Taiwan has in any case been given the access it needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Taiwan's statement said China was falsely claiming that appropriate arrangements have been made for Taiwan's WHO participation, adding that only the island's democratically elected government can speak for its people. Taiwan urges the WHO to "maintain a professional and neutral stance, reject China's political interference, and allow Taiwan to join WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities in order to protect the welfare of humanity and jointly combat disease". While the WHO cooperates with Taiwan's technical experts on COVID-19, it is up to member states whether to invite Taiwan to observe the WHO meeting, the WHO's principal legal officer Steve Solomon said last week. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan slams WHO's 'indifference' after failing to get into key meeting 

Taiwan slams the World Health Organization, takes direct hit at China

Taiwan calls WHO 'indifference' to the health rights as it didn't get invite for crucial WHA meet

World Health Assembly (WHA) members will gather on May 24 to discuss the world's response to COVID-19 pandemic. World leaders have also called for Taiwan's re-entry to the WHA but China is opposing it.

World leaders call for Taiwan's re-entry to the WHA

Taiwan's abrupt decision to add 400 new domestic Covid-19 cases has prompted catcalls from opposition politicians and jokes online about fishy statistics, putting the government on the back foot to explain where the number came from.&nbsp;

Taiwan is dealing with a spike in cases after months of keeping the pandemic well under control, with restrictions in place across the island to limit gatherings.&nbsp;

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung announced 721 new domestic infections on Saturday, including 400 infections over the past six days whose positive tests had not been included in previous reports due to a delay following a spike in cases.&nbsp;

Chen said the 'regression calibration' was needed to more accurately reflect the state of infections, while the trend was stable.&nbsp;

But the move went down poorly with Taiwan's opposition parties, who said Chen was inventing words and spreading fear.&nbsp;

"Today, the command centre created a new expression, ‘regression calibration’, adding 400 new infections," Johnny Chiang, chairman of the main opposition party the Kuomintang, wrote on his Facebook page late on Saturday.&nbsp;

"This information has terrified everyone, as the daily numbers being received were inaccurate."&nbsp;

The small Taiwan People’s Party, led by Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, called on the government not to engage in ‘cognitive warfare’, riffing off accusations Taiwan has levelled at China about spreading propaganda and misinformation.&nbsp;

Ko said the rise in tests and infections was causing delays in reporting numbers to the central government for collation, but added the reporting system needed improving, rather than ‘creating new expressions’.&nbsp;

The government has strenuously denied a cover-up, saying it is working to improve the reporting and testing system.&nbsp;

"From the central to the local level, no one wants to conceal the pandemic, and no medical staff would conceal the number of confirmed diagnoses," Premier Su Tseng-chang wrote on his Facebook page.&nbsp;

Still, the term ‘regression calibration’ has caused some amusement online, and black humour.&nbsp;

In one joke, a woman asks her boyfriend how many girlfriends he has had before, to which he replies "just you".&nbsp;

"After getting married, with regression calibration I'd had about 50."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Taiwan's abrupt decision to add 400 new domestic Covid-19 cases has prompted catcalls from opposition politicians and jokes online about fishy statistics, putting the government on the back foot to explain where the number came from.

Taiwan's abrupt decision to add 400 new domestic Covid-19 cases has prompted catcalls from opposition politicians and jokes online about fishy statistics, putting the government on the back foot to explain where the number came from. Taiwan is dealing with a spike in cases after months of keeping the pandemic well under control, with restrictions in place across the island to limit gatherings. Health Minister Chen Shih-chung announced 721 new domestic infections on Saturday, including 400 infections over the past six days whose positive tests had not been included in previous reports due to a delay following a spike in cases. Chen said the 'regression calibration' was needed to more accurately reflect the state of infections, while the trend was stable. But the move went down poorly with Taiwan's opposition parties, who said Chen was inventing words and spreading fear. "Today, the command centre created a new expression, ‘regression calibration’, adding 400 new infections," Johnny Chiang, chairman of the main opposition party the Kuomintang, wrote on his Facebook page late on Saturday. "This information has terrified everyone, as the daily numbers being received were inaccurate." The small Taiwan People’s Party, led by Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, called on the government not to engage in ‘cognitive warfare’, riffing off accusations Taiwan has levelled at China about spreading propaganda and misinformation. Ko said the rise in tests and infections was causing delays in reporting numbers to the central government for collation, but added the reporting system needed improving, rather than ‘creating new expressions’. The government has strenuously denied a cover-up, saying it is working to improve the reporting and testing system. "From the central to the local level, no one wants to conceal the pandemic, and no medical staff would conceal the number of confirmed diagnoses," Premier Su Tseng-chang wrote on his Facebook page. Still, the term ‘regression calibration’ has caused some amusement online, and black humour. In one joke, a woman asks her boyfriend how many girlfriends he has had before, to which he replies "just you". "After getting married, with regression calibration I'd had about 50." (With inputs from agencies)

Catcalls and jokes after Taiwan's Covid 'regression calibration' 

As Taiwan is struggling to control the rising number of coronavirus infections in the country, the health minister has assured locals that the government will find a solution to the testing issue.

The country’s healthcare system is struggling to test people for infection and the overflow of covid tests has led to a massive delay in the reports, which the officials are referring to as a "traffic jam".

However, the health department has assured that the government is already working on clearing the backlog and finding solutions to make sure such a situation does not take place again.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-imf-pitches-50bn-plan-to-end-coronavirus-386814">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-imf-pitches-50bn-plan-to-end-coronavirus-386814/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I believe that we will quickly be able to resolve this systemic issue," Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said.

He also announced 570 positive cases which has not been included in the previous reports due to the same “traffic jam”.

However, the government is being criticised for not being able to report the right figures of positive cases.

"Today the command centre created a new expression, 'regression calibration', adding 400 new infections," Johnny Chiang, chairman of the main opposition party the Kuomintang said. "This information has terrified everyone, as the daily numbers being received were inaccurate."

This term has also brought amusement for locals in form of jokes and memes. While some are poking fun at the term, others are skeptical of the government’s capacity to handle the worsening situation.

As Taiwan is struggling to control the rising number of coronavirus infections in the country, the health minister has assured locals that the government will find a solution to the testing issue.

As Taiwan is struggling to control the rising number of coronavirus infections in the country, the health minister has assured locals that the government will find a solution to the testing issue. The country’s healthcare system is struggling to test people for infection and the overflow of covid tests has led to a massive delay in the reports, which the officials are referring to as a "traffic jam". However, the health department has assured that the government is already working on clearing the backlog and finding solutions to make sure such a situation does not take place again. Watch | "I believe that we will quickly be able to resolve this systemic issue," Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said. He also announced 570 positive cases which has not been included in the previous reports due to the same “traffic jam”. However, the government is being criticised for not being able to report the right figures of positive cases. "Today the command centre created a new expression, 'regression calibration', adding 400 new infections," Johnny Chiang, chairman of the main opposition party the Kuomintang said. "This information has terrified everyone, as the daily numbers being received were inaccurate." This term has also brought amusement for locals in form of jokes and memes. While some are poking fun at the term, others are skeptical of the government’s capacity to handle the worsening situation.

Taiwan reassures on clearing covid 'traffic jam'

A Taiwanese official on Saturday accused China of spreading fake news about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The official said that the country is undertaking public measures to ward off misinformation that is circulating on social media platforms, for which they blame China.

Taiwan has been praised for its response to the pandemic and has managed to keep cases under control since the first outbreak in Wuhan, China. But amid fears of variants and fresh cases, the island country has put out several stay-at-home orders and many public venues are now shut.

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'Cognitive warfare'

On multiple occasions, Taiwan has blamed China for using “cognitive warfare” to undermine public faith in the country’s response to the pandemic. China claims Taiwan as its own island and believes the territory ought to&nbsp;be merged with China, even if force is required.

Chen Tsung-yen, Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of the Interior was cited by Reuters as saying that the country’s officials feel that there is considerable danger from Chinese propaganda and misinformation against Taiwan. "The reason we are continuing to explain the contents of the fake information to everyone is to call attention to it. We must immediately intercept this, and not let cognitive warfare affect Taiwan's society," Tsung-yen said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/taiwan-raises-coronavirus-alert-level-after-spike-in-infections-386096" hreflang="en">Taiwan raises coronavirus alert level after spike in infections</a>

Citing examples of Chinese propaganda, the official pointed to online reports claiming that Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen was recently infected with Covid and that the government was hiding the information. "I want to say to everyone that this is really vile fake news," he added.

Earlier this week, Tsai tested negative for COVID-19 after one of her residence workers tested positive for the virus.

'Chaos'

As part of the so-called cognitive warfare, China is reportedly trying to “create chaos” about the state of the pandemic in the island country.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office told Reuters on Thursday that such accusations were “imaginary”, constituent of the government’s aim to cover-up its issues.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/hong-kong-blames-gross-interference-for-taiwan-office-closure-386536" hreflang="en">Hong Kong blames 'gross interference' for Taiwan office closure</a>

A Taiwanese official on Saturday accused China of spreading fake news about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The official said that the country is undertaking public measures to ward off misinformation that is circulating on social media platforms, for which they blame China.

A Taiwanese official on Saturday accused China of spreading fake news about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The official said that the country is undertaking public measures to ward off misinformation that is circulating on social media platforms, for which they blame China. Taiwan has been praised for its response to the pandemic and has managed to keep cases under control since the first outbreak in Wuhan, China. But amid fears of variants and fresh cases, the island country has put out several stay-at-home orders and many public venues are now shut. 'Cognitive warfare' On multiple occasions, Taiwan has blamed China for using “cognitive warfare” to undermine public faith in the country’s response to the pandemic. China claims Taiwan as its own island and believes the territory ought to be merged with China, even if force is required. Chen Tsung-yen, Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of the Interior was cited by Reuters as saying that the country’s officials feel that there is considerable danger from Chinese propaganda and misinformation against Taiwan. "The reason we are continuing to explain the contents of the fake information to everyone is to call attention to it. We must immediately intercept this, and not let cognitive warfare affect Taiwan's society," Tsung-yen said. Also read: Taiwan raises coronavirus alert level after spike in infections Citing examples of Chinese propaganda, the official pointed to online reports claiming that Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen was recently infected with Covid and that the government was hiding the information. "I want to say to everyone that this is really vile fake news," he added. Earlier this week, Tsai tested negative for COVID-19 after one of her residence workers tested positive for the virus. 'Chaos' As part of the so-called cognitive warfare, China is reportedly trying to “create chaos” about the state of the pandemic in the island country. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office told Reuters on Thursday that such accusations were “imaginary”, constituent of the government’s aim to cover-up its issues. Also read: Hong Kong blames 'gross interference' for Taiwan office closure

Cognitive warfare? Taiwan says China is spreading 'vile fake news' about COVID-19

One of Taiwan's largest lakes is gaining attention not for its abundant blue water, but for its noticeably dry lake bed and cracked earth..

Giant lake in Taiwan shrinks amid record drought

Taiwan&nbsp;on Wednesday raised its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> alert level, tightening social distancing measures as it battled a widening outbreak.

The Level 3 alert was imposed on the entire island with entertainment venues, libraries, sports facilities and community centres closed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-discourages-people-from-panic-buying-as-covid-restrictions-come-into-force-385320">Taiwan discourages people from panic buying as Covid restrictions come into force</a>

People are required to wear masks all the time when going out while indoor gatherings of more than five and outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people are banned.

"(Infections) are successively increasing in other cities and counties besides Taipei and New Taipei," said health minister Chen Shih-chung while announcing the new measures.

Those cities,&nbsp;Taiwan's largest, were already on Level 3 because of the coronavirus spike, which had prompted the government to close the island to non-resident foreigners for a month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/risky-for-businesses-taiwan-warns-against-freezing-of-jimmy-lais-assets-385486">'Risky for businesses': Taiwan warns against freezing of Jimmy Lai's assets</a>

On Wednesday, an additional 267 locally transmitted infections were reported. The island has recorded more than 1,200 local infections in five days.

Level 4 restrictions in&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;involve a lockdown with people only allowed to go out to buy necessities or medical treatment, all gatherings banned and schools shut down.

Health Minister Chen said that was not being considered, but the mayor of New Taipei said his city was preparing for Level 4 restrictions and urged residents to do the same.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-to-quarantine-pilots-of-its-largest-airline-amid-covid-19-outbreak-384086">Taiwan to quarantine pilots of its largest airline amid COVID-19 outbreak</a>

Taiwan&nbsp;was hailed as a global leader in containing Covid-19 with minimal social distancing needed after it quelled the initial outbreak. Last year, it went 253 days straight without any local infections.

But an outbreak first detected among pilots last month has spread into the community, forcing the reimposition of restrictions.

A similar cluster centred around a hospital led to the suspension of large-scale Lantern Festival events during the Lunar New Year in February.

That outbreak was quickly brought under control.

Taiwan on Wednesday raised its coronavirus alert level, tightening social distancing measures as it battled a widening outbreak. The Level 3 alert was imposed on the entire island with entertainment venues, libraries, sports facilities and community centres closed.

Taiwan on Wednesday raised its coronavirus alert level, tightening social distancing measures as it battled a widening outbreak. The Level 3 alert was imposed on the entire island with entertainment venues, libraries, sports facilities and community centres closed. Also read | Taiwan discourages people from panic buying as Covid restrictions come into force People are required to wear masks all the time when going out while indoor gatherings of more than five and outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people are banned. "(Infections) are successively increasing in other cities and counties besides Taipei and New Taipei," said health minister Chen Shih-chung while announcing the new measures. Those cities, Taiwan's largest, were already on Level 3 because of the coronavirus spike, which had prompted the government to close the island to non-resident foreigners for a month. Also read | 'Risky for businesses': Taiwan warns against freezing of Jimmy Lai's assets On Wednesday, an additional 267 locally transmitted infections were reported. The island has recorded more than 1,200 local infections in five days. Level 4 restrictions in Taiwan involve a lockdown with people only allowed to go out to buy necessities or medical treatment, all gatherings banned and schools shut down. Health Minister Chen said that was not being considered, but the mayor of New Taipei said his city was preparing for Level 4 restrictions and urged residents to do the same. Also read | Taiwan to quarantine pilots of its largest airline amid COVID-19 outbreak Taiwan was hailed as a global leader in containing Covid-19 with minimal social distancing needed after it quelled the initial outbreak. Last year, it went 253 days straight without any local infections. But an outbreak first detected among pilots last month has spread into the community, forcing the reimposition of restrictions. A similar cluster centred around a hospital led to the suspension of large-scale Lantern Festival events during the Lunar New Year in February. That outbreak was quickly brought under control.

Taiwan raises coronavirus alert level after spike in infections

The Chinses government has protested against the latest passage by a US Navy ship through the Taiwan Strait, calling it a provocation that undermined peace and stability in the region.

The 110-mile Taiwan Strait is regarded as international waters, but China has accused the United States of sending erroneous signals to the Taiwan Independence force. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-would-find-change-in-policy-toward-taiwan-deeply-destabilising-us-381601">Also read | China would find change in policy toward Taiwan 'deeply destabilising': US</a> 
 
The United States and most other countries have recognized Taiwan as an independent country since 1949, and have sold military equipment to the country since 2015 -- but China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province.

The U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet said the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur conducted a "routine Taiwan Strait transit" on Tuesday by international law.

"The ship`s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military will continue to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows," it said. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Another day committed to a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeAndOpenIndoPacific?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeAndOpenIndoPacific</a> !<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USSCurtisWilbur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USSCurtisWilbur</a> (DDG 54) completed a routine <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TaiwanStrait?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TaiwanStrait</a> transit May 18 (local time). The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USNavy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USNavy</a> will continue to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows. <a href="https://t.co/zcgpIRuyTU">pic.twitter.com/zcgpIRuyTU</a>
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) <a href="https://twitter.com/USNavy/status/1394730779985518594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A spokesman for China`s Eastern Theatre Command expressed strong opposition and condemned the move, which comes amid heightened tensions between the two powers.

"The U.S. actions send the wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces, deliberately disrupting the regional situation and endangering peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," he said.

Chinese forces tracked and monitored the ship throughout its voyage, he added.

China believes Taiwan`s democratically elected government is bent on a formal declaration of independence for the island, a red line for Beijing.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen says they are already an independent state called the Republic of China, its formal name.

Taiwan`s Defence Ministry said the U.S. ship had sailed in a southerly direction through the strait and the "situation was as normal".

The U.S. Navy has been conducting such operations every month or so.

The United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but is its most important international backer and a major seller of arms.

Military tension between Taiwan and Beijing have spiked over the past year, with Taipei complaining of China repeatedly sending its air force into Taiwan`s air defence zone.

Some of those activities can involve multiple fighters and bombers.

China has said its activities around Taiwan are aimed at protecting China`s sovereignty. Taiwan`s government has denounced it as attempts at intimidation.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Chinses government has protested against the latest passage by a US Navy ship through the Taiwan Strait, calling it a provocation that undermined peace and stability in the region.

The Chinses government has protested against the latest passage by a US Navy ship through the Taiwan Strait, calling it a provocation that undermined peace and stability in the region. The 110-mile Taiwan Strait is regarded as international waters, but China has accused the United States of sending erroneous signals to the Taiwan Independence force. Also read | China would find change in policy toward Taiwan 'deeply destabilising': US The United States and most other countries have recognized Taiwan as an independent country since 1949, and have sold military equipment to the country since 2015 -- but China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province. The U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet said the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur conducted a "routine Taiwan Strait transit" on Tuesday by international law. "The ship`s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military will continue to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows," it said. Another day committed to a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific !#USSCurtisWilbur (DDG 54) completed a routine #TaiwanStrait transit May 18 (local time). The #USNavy will continue to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows. pic.twitter.com/zcgpIRuyTU — U.S. Navy (@USNavy) May 18, 2021 × A spokesman for China`s Eastern Theatre Command expressed strong opposition and condemned the move, which comes amid heightened tensions between the two powers. "The U.S. actions send the wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces, deliberately disrupting the regional situation and endangering peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," he said. Chinese forces tracked and monitored the ship throughout its voyage, he added. China believes Taiwan`s democratically elected government is bent on a formal declaration of independence for the island, a red line for Beijing. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen says they are already an independent state called the Republic of China, its formal name. Taiwan`s Defence Ministry said the U.S. ship had sailed in a southerly direction through the strait and the "situation was as normal". The U.S. Navy has been conducting such operations every month or so. The United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but is its most important international backer and a major seller of arms. Military tension between Taiwan and Beijing have spiked over the past year, with Taipei complaining of China repeatedly sending its air force into Taiwan`s air defence zone. Some of those activities can involve multiple fighters and bombers. China has said its activities around Taiwan are aimed at protecting China`s sovereignty. Taiwan`s government has denounced it as attempts at intimidation. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Sending wrong signals’: China protests US Navy passage in Taiwan Strait

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Gravitas: Wuhan virus is now infecting children

Hong Kong government on Tuesday&nbsp;suspended operations at its representative office in Taiwan in a sign of escalating diplomatic tensions between the global financial hub and the democratically ruled island that Beijing claims.&nbsp;

Tension between Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government and Taiwan have risen since pro-democracy protests erupted in Hong Kong in 2019 and China responded by imposing a sweeping national security law in the city that prompted many activists to leave, some for Taiwan.&nbsp;

A Hong Kong government representative did not provide an explanation for the decision to halt operations at the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office, adding only that the decision was not related to the recent rise in coronavirus cases in Taiwan.&nbsp;

"The suspension is not related to the pandemic situation in Taiwan. We do not have anything further to add," the representative said in a statement.&nbsp;

Taiwan's government said that while it respected the decision, it also regretted it.&nbsp;

"We express deep regret at today's unilateral decision by the Hong Kong government," Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement.&nbsp;

Taiwan has criticised the security law that Beijing imposed in Hong Kong and opened an office in Taipei to help people who may want to leave.&nbsp;

In August last year, China intercepted a boat carrying 12 people from Hong Kong, who had all faced charges related to the anti-government protests, and were apparently looking to escape to Taiwan.&nbsp;

Last year, Taiwan officials in Hong Kong were told their visas would not be renewed unless they signed a document supporting Beijing's claim to Taiwan under its 'one China' policy, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said.&nbsp;

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said this month, there were only eight Taiwanese staff members left at its de facto consulate in Hong Kong, and that all their visas were due to expire this year.&nbsp;

Hong Kong's Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said the suspension in operations meant requests for assistance from Hong Kong people in Taiwan would be handled through hotlines and via a Hong Kong government website.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Hong Kong government on Tuesday suspended operations at its representative office in Taiwan in a sign of escalating diplomatic tensions between the global financial hub and the democratically ruled island that Beijing claims.

Hong Kong government on Tuesday suspended operations at its representative office in Taiwan in a sign of escalating diplomatic tensions between the global financial hub and the democratically ruled island that Beijing claims. Tension between Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government and Taiwan have risen since pro-democracy protests erupted in Hong Kong in 2019 and China responded by imposing a sweeping national security law in the city that prompted many activists to leave, some for Taiwan. A Hong Kong government representative did not provide an explanation for the decision to halt operations at the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office, adding only that the decision was not related to the recent rise in coronavirus cases in Taiwan. "The suspension is not related to the pandemic situation in Taiwan. We do not have anything further to add," the representative said in a statement. Taiwan's government said that while it respected the decision, it also regretted it. "We express deep regret at today's unilateral decision by the Hong Kong government," Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement. Taiwan has criticised the security law that Beijing imposed in Hong Kong and opened an office in Taipei to help people who may want to leave. In August last year, China intercepted a boat carrying 12 people from Hong Kong, who had all faced charges related to the anti-government protests, and were apparently looking to escape to Taiwan. Last year, Taiwan officials in Hong Kong were told their visas would not be renewed unless they signed a document supporting Beijing's claim to Taiwan under its 'one China' policy, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said this month, there were only eight Taiwanese staff members left at its de facto consulate in Hong Kong, and that all their visas were due to expire this year. Hong Kong's Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said the suspension in operations meant requests for assistance from Hong Kong people in Taiwan would be handled through hotlines and via a Hong Kong government website. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong suspends operations at representative office in Taiwan as tensions rise 

Taiwan has raised concern about the survival of international businesses in Hong Kong a day after authorities announced plans to freeze all assets of media tycoon and pro-democracy activist, Jimmy Lai.

The freezing of Lai’s assets sends a message that risks for international businesses in Hong Kong has increased alarmingly, Taiwan warned, and it "highlights the National Security Law's threats".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-freezes-jimmy-lais-assets-and-shares-in-media-publications-385069">Hong Kong freezes Jimmy Lai's assets and shares in media publications</a>

"It's equivalent to announcing to the international community that Hong Kong's business risks are increasing," Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement.

Taiwan, which has been a supporter of Hong Kong’s pro-democratic voices, has urged China and Hong Kong government to stop ‘suppressing’ the locals and activists in Hong Kong.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-billionaire-jimmy-lai-sentenced-14-months-in-prison-over-anti-beijing-protests-378005">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-billionaire-jimmy-lai-sentenced-14-months-in-prison-over-anti-beijing-protests-378005/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We also once again call on relevant parties to stop suppressing Hong Kong democrats, otherwise they will drift away from popular sentiment," the statement read.

Jimmy Lai, a 73-year-old pro-democracy activist and media tycoon, was sentenced to 12 months in jail a few weeks ago for attending a massive pro-democracy protest in Hong Kong and has been accused of calling for sanctions against China. If proven guilty, he could face a life-long prison sentence. &nbsp;

Following that, all his assets and his shares in media houses such as Next Digital have been forfeited and also "the property in the local bank accounts of three companies owned by him".

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan has raised concern about the survival of international businesses in Hong Kong a day after authorities announced plans to freeze all assets of media tycoon and pro-democracy activist, Jimmy Lai.

Taiwan has raised concern about the survival of international businesses in Hong Kong a day after authorities announced plans to freeze all assets of media tycoon and pro-democracy activist, Jimmy Lai. The freezing of Lai’s assets sends a message that risks for international businesses in Hong Kong has increased alarmingly, Taiwan warned, and it "highlights the National Security Law's threats". Also read | Hong Kong freezes Jimmy Lai's assets and shares in media publications "It's equivalent to announcing to the international community that Hong Kong's business risks are increasing," Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement. Taiwan, which has been a supporter of Hong Kong’s pro-democratic voices, has urged China and Hong Kong government to stop ‘suppressing’ the locals and activists in Hong Kong. Watch | "We also once again call on relevant parties to stop suppressing Hong Kong democrats, otherwise they will drift away from popular sentiment," the statement read. Jimmy Lai, a 73-year-old pro-democracy activist and media tycoon, was sentenced to 12 months in jail a few weeks ago for attending a massive pro-democracy protest in Hong Kong and has been accused of calling for sanctions against China. If proven guilty, he could face a life-long prison sentence. Following that, all his assets and his shares in media houses such as Next Digital have been forfeited and also "the property in the local bank accounts of three companies owned by him". (With inputs from agencies)

'Risky for businesses': Taiwan warns against freezing of Jimmy Lai's assets

China has released a video that appeared to show military drills simulating invasion of Taiwan. The drills featured a huge amphibious warship understood to be capable of carrying 30 helicopters as per Express.co.uk

It is not yet clear when or where the drill was conducted.

The videos were released in response to joint military drills carried out by the US, Japan, Australia and France. Chinese military expert Song Zhongping said the PLA was targeting its combat training to prepare for a possible war over Taiwan.&nbsp;

A Chinese military official told the state-run Global Times: "Many on the island of Taiwan and foreign countries for a long time believe the Chinese mainland does not possess what it takes to organize a proper large-scale, joint amphibious landing operation on the island due to this kind of mission`s high complexity."

"Exercises like this one and daily routine warplane drills near the island, could serve as a deterrent and give secessionist and foreign forces a clear look at the real situation that the PLA is fully determined and capable of safeguarding China`s sovereignty and territorial integrity," the official added.

He warned that China could carry out "many more amphibious landing tactics, including the involvement of missile, artillery and aviation forces if secessionists insist on provoking Beijing".

Beijing has stepped up its gray-zone tactics by regularly sending planes in Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Most instances have occurred in the southwest corner of the zone and usually consisting of one to three slow-flying turboprop planes.

(With inputs from agencies)

China has released a video that appeared to show military drills simulating invasion of Taiwan. The drills featured a huge amphibious warship understood to be capable of carrying 30 helicopters as per Express.

China has released a video that appeared to show military drills simulating invasion of Taiwan. The drills featured a huge amphibious warship understood to be capable of carrying 30 helicopters as per Express.co.uk It is not yet clear when or where the drill was conducted. The videos were released in response to joint military drills carried out by the US, Japan, Australia and France. Chinese military expert Song Zhongping said the PLA was targeting its combat training to prepare for a possible war over Taiwan. A Chinese military official told the state-run Global Times: "Many on the island of Taiwan and foreign countries for a long time believe the Chinese mainland does not possess what it takes to organize a proper large-scale, joint amphibious landing operation on the island due to this kind of mission`s high complexity." "Exercises like this one and daily routine warplane drills near the island, could serve as a deterrent and give secessionist and foreign forces a clear look at the real situation that the PLA is fully determined and capable of safeguarding China`s sovereignty and territorial integrity," the official added. He warned that China could carry out "many more amphibious landing tactics, including the involvement of missile, artillery and aviation forces if secessionists insist on provoking Beijing". Beijing has stepped up its gray-zone tactics by regularly sending planes in Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Most instances have occurred in the southwest corner of the zone and usually consisting of one to three slow-flying turboprop planes. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid rising tensions, China conducts 'Taiwan invasion' military drills

Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said on Tuesday that&nbsp;the Central American nation, a long-standing diplomatic ally of Taiwan, could open a trade office in China in a bid to acquire coronavirus vaccines.&nbsp;

Honduras does not have formal relations with China and is one of a group of Latin American nations with strong diplomatic ties to Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory. &nbsp;

Hernandez, frustrated rich countries have 'hoarded' global vaccine supplies, said poorer countries desperately need vaccines and his government was willing to do whatever was necessary to help its people during a global pandemic.&nbsp;

If necessary, his government would open a trade office in China "because it is in the best interest of the Honduran people," he said in a televised speech. &nbsp;

In order to buy Chinese vaccines, Hernandez said he would do as the Chinese had suggested and look for a 'diplomatic bridge’.&nbsp;

He suggested Mexico, Chile, Argentina or El Salvador could help his nation acquire Chinese vaccines, and had also asked Taiwan to press the United States to help.&nbsp;

"As we have a relationship with Taiwan, we have asked Taiwan to help us talk with people in Washington because we have been very close allies with the United States. And they have a huge number of vaccines that are going to expire," Hernandez said.&nbsp;

A host of Latin American nations are receiving Chinese vaccines, although several countries that have built ties with Taipei rather than Beijing, such as Honduras and Guatemala, are not in line to receive them.&nbsp;

Both China and Russia, as well as the United States, have sought to deepen ties through providing vaccines in Latin America, part of 'vaccine diplomacy' efforts to further their countries` geopolitical clout in the region.&nbsp;

Beijing has been gradually whittling away at Taiwan's diplomatic allies, now down to just 15 countries, which has alarmed Washington, nervous about an increased Chinese presence in Latin America and the Pacific where those allies are concentrated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said on Tuesday that the Central American nation, a long-standing diplomatic ally of Taiwan, could open a trade office in China in a bid to acquire coronavirus vaccines.

Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said on Tuesday that the Central American nation, a long-standing diplomatic ally of Taiwan, could open a trade office in China in a bid to acquire coronavirus vaccines. Honduras does not have formal relations with China and is one of a group of Latin American nations with strong diplomatic ties to Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory. Hernandez, frustrated rich countries have 'hoarded' global vaccine supplies, said poorer countries desperately need vaccines and his government was willing to do whatever was necessary to help its people during a global pandemic. If necessary, his government would open a trade office in China "because it is in the best interest of the Honduran people," he said in a televised speech. In order to buy Chinese vaccines, Hernandez said he would do as the Chinese had suggested and look for a 'diplomatic bridge’. He suggested Mexico, Chile, Argentina or El Salvador could help his nation acquire Chinese vaccines, and had also asked Taiwan to press the United States to help. "As we have a relationship with Taiwan, we have asked Taiwan to help us talk with people in Washington because we have been very close allies with the United States. And they have a huge number of vaccines that are going to expire," Hernandez said. A host of Latin American nations are receiving Chinese vaccines, although several countries that have built ties with Taipei rather than Beijing, such as Honduras and Guatemala, are not in line to receive them. Both China and Russia, as well as the United States, have sought to deepen ties through providing vaccines in Latin America, part of 'vaccine diplomacy' efforts to further their countries` geopolitical clout in the region. Beijing has been gradually whittling away at Taiwan's diplomatic allies, now down to just 15 countries, which has alarmed Washington, nervous about an increased Chinese presence in Latin America and the Pacific where those allies are concentrated. (With inputs from agencies)

In diplomatic shift, Honduran president says he may open China office 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tensions-us-china-security-meeting-next-month-may-be-cancelled-168406">Taiwan</a> which has been praised internationally for containing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-to-quarantine-pilots-of-its-largest-airline-amid-covid-19-outbreak-384086">coronavirus</a> pandemic,&nbsp;said today that it is yet to receive an invite from the World Health Organization's(WHO) decision-making body, the World Health Assembly, which meets from May 24.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-fm-says-china-seems-to-be-preparing-for-final-military-assault-381568/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taipei-to-dispatch-military-aircraft-ships-to-counter-chinese-activities-in-taiwan-strait-382948">China</a> has reportedly disallowed Taiwan's participation as it claims the country is a breakaway&nbsp;province even as Taiwan declared it will "fight to the last minute" for an invitation to the&nbsp;WHO.

"The foreign ministry will continue to work together with the Ministry of Health and Welfare to fight to the last minute and do everything possible for our right to participate in the meeting," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-investigating-china-dinghy-defector-claim-382600">Taiwan's</a> foreign ministry official&nbsp;said.

The WHO on the other hand has declared that it is up to member states to invite Taiwan to the meeting.

"I want to emphasise once again that the Taiwan issue concerns China's core interests. China has no room for compromise," China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

China had earlier condemned a joint statement by G7 foreign ministers which expressed support for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-does-us-pressure-on-taiwan-for-microchips-say-about-biden-administration-383073">Taiwan</a>, saying it was gross interference in China's internal affairs.

"This is the wanton destruction of the norms of international relations," the Chinese foreign ministry had said, adding, "they should not criticise and interfere in other countries with a high-and-mighty attitude, undermining the current top priority of international anti-pandemic cooperation."

"The G7, as a group for developed countries, should do more to push forth the global economic recovery and help developing countries develop even faster, rather than creating confrontations and divisions to disturb global economic recovery," it asserted.

Taiwan's presidential office thanked the G7 for the move while promising to "deepen the cooperative partnership with G7 member countries".

Relations between China and Taiwan have nosedived in recent months with the Chinese Air Force entering Taiwan's airspace on a number of occasions with Taiwan scrambling jets to counter the PLA jets.

Taiwan which has been praised internationally for containing the coronavirus pandemic, said today that it is yet to receive an invite from the World Health Organization's(WHO) decision-making body, the World Health Assembly, which meets from May 24.

Taiwan which has been praised internationally for containing the coronavirus pandemic, said today that it is yet to receive an invite from the World Health Organization's(WHO) decision-making body, the World Health Assembly, which meets from May 24. Watch: China has reportedly disallowed Taiwan's participation as it claims the country is a breakaway province even as Taiwan declared it will "fight to the last minute" for an invitation to the WHO. "The foreign ministry will continue to work together with the Ministry of Health and Welfare to fight to the last minute and do everything possible for our right to participate in the meeting," Taiwan's foreign ministry official said. The WHO on the other hand has declared that it is up to member states to invite Taiwan to the meeting. "I want to emphasise once again that the Taiwan issue concerns China's core interests. China has no room for compromise," China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said. China had earlier condemned a joint statement by G7 foreign ministers which expressed support for Taiwan, saying it was gross interference in China's internal affairs. "This is the wanton destruction of the norms of international relations," the Chinese foreign ministry had said, adding, "they should not criticise and interfere in other countries with a high-and-mighty attitude, undermining the current top priority of international anti-pandemic cooperation." "The G7, as a group for developed countries, should do more to push forth the global economic recovery and help developing countries develop even faster, rather than creating confrontations and divisions to disturb global economic recovery," it asserted. Taiwan's presidential office thanked the G7 for the move while promising to "deepen the cooperative partnership with G7 member countries". Relations between China and Taiwan have nosedived in recent months with the Chinese Air Force entering Taiwan's airspace on a number of occasions with Taiwan scrambling jets to counter the PLA jets.

Taiwan fights to attend WHO meeting as China denies entry

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