Chinese Embassy in New Delhi wrote a letter to Indian BJD leader Sujeet Kumar asking him to withdraw from the Formosa Club. This comes a day after he attended the Founding Ceremony of the Formosa Club and batted for the strong ties and cooperation between Taiwan and Indo-Pacific Nations.

China sends letter to Indian BJD leader Sujeet Kumar over Taiwan

Taiwan will quarantine all pilots for its largest carrier China Airlines Ltd for 14 days as it tries to stop an outbreak of COVID-19, the health minister said on Monday, impacting a lifeline for the island's trade-dependent economy. &nbsp;

Taiwan has generally kept the pandemic under control due to early prevention with only sporadic domestic cases, but since last month it has been dealing with an outbreak linked to China Airlines pilots and an airport hotel where many of them stayed. There have been 35 confirmed infections so far in the outbreak.&nbsp;

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung told reporters the only way to break the chain of transmission at the carrier is to quarantine all China Airlines pilots currently in Taiwan and any who return. &nbsp;

"This will have a big impact on China Airlines, on its passenger and freighter flights, and for the crew, too. But for the safety of the whole community we cannot but make this decision," he said. &nbsp;

The pilots will only be allowed out of quarantine once they have tested negative, Chen said. &nbsp;

China Airlines, a major cargo carrier, said it would split the quarantining pilots into groups and try "as much as possible to maintain flight operations; it is not a total grounding." &nbsp;

China Airlines will prioritise cargo flights, but there will be disruption even as they 'go all out' to ensure they can still fly, it said. &nbsp;

"The short-term reduction in Taiwan’s import and export capacity will affect the delivery time of goods," China Airlines said, without elaborating. &nbsp;

Taiwan's health authorities believe some of the pilots got infected overseas, then spread the infection upon returning to Taiwan, and that others could have been infected by pilots from other airlines staying at the same hotel.&nbsp;

Taiwan will quarantine all pilots for its largest carrier China Airlines Ltd for 14 days as it tries to stop an outbreak of COVID-19, the health minister said on Monday, impacting a lifeline for the island's trade-dependent economy.

Taiwan will quarantine all pilots for its largest carrier China Airlines Ltd for 14 days as it tries to stop an outbreak of COVID-19, the health minister said on Monday, impacting a lifeline for the island's trade-dependent economy. Taiwan has generally kept the pandemic under control due to early prevention with only sporadic domestic cases, but since last month it has been dealing with an outbreak linked to China Airlines pilots and an airport hotel where many of them stayed. There have been 35 confirmed infections so far in the outbreak. Health Minister Chen Shih-chung told reporters the only way to break the chain of transmission at the carrier is to quarantine all China Airlines pilots currently in Taiwan and any who return. "This will have a big impact on China Airlines, on its passenger and freighter flights, and for the crew, too. But for the safety of the whole community we cannot but make this decision," he said. The pilots will only be allowed out of quarantine once they have tested negative, Chen said. China Airlines, a major cargo carrier, said it would split the quarantining pilots into groups and try "as much as possible to maintain flight operations; it is not a total grounding." China Airlines will prioritise cargo flights, but there will be disruption even as they 'go all out' to ensure they can still fly, it said. "The short-term reduction in Taiwan’s import and export capacity will affect the delivery time of goods," China Airlines said, without elaborating. Taiwan's health authorities believe some of the pilots got infected overseas, then spread the infection upon returning to Taiwan, and that others could have been infected by pilots from other airlines staying at the same hotel.

Taiwan to quarantine pilots of its largest airline amid COVID-19 outbreak 

After losing a judo fight, a seven-year-old boy is now fighting for his life after he was slammed on the mat 27 times during a&nbsp;practice session.

WeiWei — child’s nickname — is a seven-year-old from Taiwan who is a fan of Super Mario and loves to spend his time playing different sports.

With his passion for sports, he convinced his family in April to let him take judo lessons. However, after two weeks of practice, he was thrown to the floor 27 times by an elder student. While Wei Wei made it clear that he was in pain, his coach kept ordering him to stand up and asked the elder boy to keep slamming the kid.

In a disturbing video, which has come out as a piece of evidence, Wei Wei can be heard screaming “my leg”, “my head” and “I don’t want it”, but the coach has also been caught on camera encouraging the elder student, instead of stopping the fight.

Not just this, when Wei Wei became too weak to get up, he was thrown on the floor several times by the coach himself, who is much bigger and stronger than the seven-year-old. The deadly training wasn’t stopped even when the kid vomited.

Soon enough WeiWei passed out and was taken to a hospital, where doctors announced that he has suffered severe brain hemorrhaging and has been in a coma since then on life support.

This has raised serious concerns about an existing debate of whether children are being abused in the name of culture.

The coach, in his late 60s, has denied any wrongdoing but has been placed in incommunicado detention after the parents held a press conference to raise the issue.

Surprisingly, WeiWei’s uncle was also present at the venue, and several other adults, who filmed the video to prove to WeiWei’s mother that judo might not be the best fit for him. However, nobody stopped the coach.

His mother said the kid’s uncle has felt terrible for what happened. “They may have been thinking since the coach requires it, I shouldn't oppose the coach's requirement,” she said. “We've seen many examples of this reaction and mindset; even in serious cases.”

WeiWei’s mother has once again urged people to talk about corporal punishment and child abuse in the name of culture. “Taiwanese people still don't put enough importance on this issue and even stay silent,” she said.

"We need to educate adults to really respect and protect children," Feng said. "This is the government's responsibility. The government and society need to re-evaluate themselves."

&nbsp;

After losing a judo fight, a seven-year-old boy is now fighting for his life after he was slammed on the mat 27 times during a practice session. WeiWei — child’s nickname — is a seven-year-old from Taiwan who is a fan of Super Mario and loves to spend his time playing different sports.

After losing a judo fight, a seven-year-old boy is now fighting for his life after he was slammed on the mat 27 times during a practice session. WeiWei — child’s nickname — is a seven-year-old from Taiwan who is a fan of Super Mario and loves to spend his time playing different sports. With his passion for sports, he convinced his family in April to let him take judo lessons. However, after two weeks of practice, he was thrown to the floor 27 times by an elder student. While Wei Wei made it clear that he was in pain, his coach kept ordering him to stand up and asked the elder boy to keep slamming the kid. In a disturbing video, which has come out as a piece of evidence, Wei Wei can be heard screaming “my leg”, “my head” and “I don’t want it”, but the coach has also been caught on camera encouraging the elder student, instead of stopping the fight. Not just this, when Wei Wei became too weak to get up, he was thrown on the floor several times by the coach himself, who is much bigger and stronger than the seven-year-old. The deadly training wasn’t stopped even when the kid vomited. Soon enough WeiWei passed out and was taken to a hospital, where doctors announced that he has suffered severe brain hemorrhaging and has been in a coma since then on life support. This has raised serious concerns about an existing debate of whether children are being abused in the name of culture. The coach, in his late 60s, has denied any wrongdoing but has been placed in incommunicado detention after the parents held a press conference to raise the issue. Surprisingly, WeiWei’s uncle was also present at the venue, and several other adults, who filmed the video to prove to WeiWei’s mother that judo might not be the best fit for him. However, nobody stopped the coach. His mother said the kid’s uncle has felt terrible for what happened. “They may have been thinking since the coach requires it, I shouldn't oppose the coach's requirement,” she said. “We've seen many examples of this reaction and mindset; even in serious cases.” WeiWei’s mother has once again urged people to talk about corporal punishment and child abuse in the name of culture. “Taiwanese people still don't put enough importance on this issue and even stay silent,” she said. "We need to educate adults to really respect and protect children," Feng said. "This is the government's responsibility. The government and society need to re-evaluate themselves."

'My head!': 7-year-old in coma after coach, elder boy slam him 27 times in 'judo practice'

The U.S. has a record of bullying its allies. U.S. President Joe Biden promised to be different, but his administration is now pressing Taiwan. What for? Microchips. U.S. wants priority in the supply chain.

Gravitas: U.S. is pressing Taiwan for microchips

Taiwan's defence minister on Monday said authorities were investigating whether a man from mainland China had managed to cross the Taiwan Strait in a rubber dinghy in a bid to seek political sanctuary.

On Saturday, police said a man surnamed Zhou had been detained in Taichung city's harbour after locals spotted him near a dyke and said he was behaving suspiciously.

Police said the man told them he had travelled from Fujian on China's southeastern coast in a rubber dinghy fitted with an outboard motor and 90 liters of fuel.

The man said he wanted to move to Taiwan to seek "freedom and democracy", police said.

Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said "shortcomings" in how the Taiwan Strait is policed were being investigated because of the man's journey.

"We will get in touch with the coastguard, we will notify each other when there is a situation, to find out the reasons and make improvements," Chiu told reporters on Monday.&nbsp;

The Taiwan Strait is one of the world's most heavily policed waterways.

Authoritarian China views self-ruled, democratic Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.

Navy and coastguard vessels from both sides keep a close eye on the 180 kilometre (110 miles) strait. 
While there have been historical defections between the two sides -- and some Chinese nationals have flown to Taiwan to ask for sanctuary -- journeys across the length of the strait are rare, especially given Taipei controls a few islands that are just a few miles off China's coastline and much closer.

Weather in the strait is also notoriously unpredictable and seeking sanctuary in Taiwan is a risky tactic.&nbsp; 
The island does not recognise the concept of asylum, partly because it fears infiltration by Chinese agents and also because it wants to discourage any influx during times of crises.

Illegal immigrants from China have been returned, but Taipei does sometimes turn a blind eye to dissidents.&nbsp; 
Over the years some Chinese refugees have been quietly granted permission to stay, while Taiwan has also welcomed Hong Kongers trying to escape Beijing's crackdown in the restless financial hub.

Taiwan's defence minister on Monday said authorities were investigating whether a man from mainland China had managed to cross the Taiwan Strait in a rubber dinghy in a bid to seek political sanctuary.

Taiwan's defence minister on Monday said authorities were investigating whether a man from mainland China had managed to cross the Taiwan Strait in a rubber dinghy in a bid to seek political sanctuary. On Saturday, police said a man surnamed Zhou had been detained in Taichung city's harbour after locals spotted him near a dyke and said he was behaving suspiciously. Police said the man told them he had travelled from Fujian on China's southeastern coast in a rubber dinghy fitted with an outboard motor and 90 liters of fuel. The man said he wanted to move to Taiwan to seek "freedom and democracy", police said. Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said "shortcomings" in how the Taiwan Strait is policed were being investigated because of the man's journey. "We will get in touch with the coastguard, we will notify each other when there is a situation, to find out the reasons and make improvements," Chiu told reporters on Monday. The Taiwan Strait is one of the world's most heavily policed waterways. Authoritarian China views self-ruled, democratic Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary. Navy and coastguard vessels from both sides keep a close eye on the 180 kilometre (110 miles) strait. While there have been historical defections between the two sides -- and some Chinese nationals have flown to Taiwan to ask for sanctuary -- journeys across the length of the strait are rare, especially given Taipei controls a few islands that are just a few miles off China's coastline and much closer. Weather in the strait is also notoriously unpredictable and seeking sanctuary in Taiwan is a risky tactic. The island does not recognise the concept of asylum, partly because it fears infiltration by Chinese agents and also because it wants to discourage any influx during times of crises. Illegal immigrants from China have been returned, but Taipei does sometimes turn a blind eye to dissidents. Over the years some Chinese refugees have been quietly granted permission to stay, while Taiwan has also welcomed Hong Kongers trying to escape Beijing's crackdown in the restless financial hub.

Taiwan investigating China dinghy defector claim

Taiwan's first batch of aid to India to help it fight a surging increase in COVID-19 infections left for New Delhi on Sunday, consisting of 150 oxygen concentrators and 500 oxygen cylinders, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said.&nbsp;

Countries around the world have been rushing to help India alleviate the crisis. India recorded more than 400,000 new COVID-19 cases for the first time on Saturday as it battles a devastating second wave.&nbsp;

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said the aid consignment left on a China Airlines freighter on Sunday morning and would be received by India's Red Cross.&nbsp;

Taiwan will continue to provide aid as needed, it added.&nbsp;

"These oxygen concentrators and cylinders are love from Taiwan. More help for our friends in India is on the way. #IndiaStayStrong!" Foreign Minister Joseph Wu tweeted. &nbsp;

An oxygen concentrator reduces nitrogen from an air supply to produce an oxygen-enriched air supply to a patient.&nbsp;

While India, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan, the two have drawn closer in recent years thanks to their shared antipathy of Beijing.&nbsp;

Taiwan sees India as an important like-minded democracy and friend, and there are close cultural and economic links too.&nbsp;

Last year, Taiwan accused Beijing of trying to impose censorship in India after China's embassy in New Delhi advised local journalists to observe the ‘one-China' principle following advertisements in newspapers that marked Taiwan's national day.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Taiwan's first batch of aid to India to help it fight a surging increase in COVID-19 infections left for New Delhi on Sunday, consisting of 150 oxygen concentrators and 500 oxygen cylinders, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said.

Taiwan's first batch of aid to India to help it fight a surging increase in COVID-19 infections left for New Delhi on Sunday, consisting of 150 oxygen concentrators and 500 oxygen cylinders, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said. Countries around the world have been rushing to help India alleviate the crisis. India recorded more than 400,000 new COVID-19 cases for the first time on Saturday as it battles a devastating second wave. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said the aid consignment left on a China Airlines freighter on Sunday morning and would be received by India's Red Cross. Taiwan will continue to provide aid as needed, it added. "These oxygen concentrators and cylinders are love from Taiwan. More help for our friends in India is on the way. #IndiaStayStrong!" Foreign Minister Joseph Wu tweeted. An oxygen concentrator reduces nitrogen from an air supply to produce an oxygen-enriched air supply to a patient. While India, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan, the two have drawn closer in recent years thanks to their shared antipathy of Beijing. Taiwan sees India as an important like-minded democracy and friend, and there are close cultural and economic links too. Last year, Taiwan accused Beijing of trying to impose censorship in India after China's embassy in New Delhi advised local journalists to observe the ‘one-China' principle following advertisements in newspapers that marked Taiwan's national day. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan's first batch of COVID-19 aid leaves for India 

Amid rising tensions with Beijing, Taiwan has now banned staffing companies from posting job opportunities on mainland China.

Taiwan bans companies from posting openings in China

Amid the ongoing stand off fresh claims of increased aggressive activities by China have come from Taiwan. Country's foreign minister on Thursday said that China seems to be preparing a 'final military assault' against Taiwan.

Taiwan FM says China seems to be preparing for 'final military assault'

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

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

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

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

US is talking with China and its regional adversaries at the same time. US President Joe Biden's special envoy for climate John Kerry is in Shanghai to talk to Chinese officials. Biden's top emissaries are in Taiwan to discuss military situation vis-a-vis China. And tomorrow, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga will be at the White House. On the agenda, once again, is China.

US appears to be doing a balancing act. Will this approach work or is&nbsp;confrontation inevitable?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-joe-bidens-new-rules-of-engagement-for-china-377834/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Timing of John Kerry's Shanghai visit is crucial. Biden is due to hold a climate summit of 40 countries next week. Kerry's mission is hence very important. The US Wants China to control its emissions, give-up coal-fired power stations and stop financing coal ventures abroad.

It's ironic, because the US and China are the world's worst polluters. A global summit would not be needed if these two nations cut their emissions.

America, quite hypocritically, will pollute and also preach. So Kerry is in China to convince it to cut emissions. It won't be easy and the reasons are as much political as financial.

Financial because switching to green energy will need investments. Political, because why should China listen to America, when America doesn't listen to China on Taiwan?

Moreover, Kerry's visit is coinciding with another American mission. A delegation has touched down in Taipei.

This is Joe Biden's first unofficial delegation to Taiwan. A former lawmaker and two former senior state department officials are part of it.

Over the next three days, they will meet senior Taiwanese officials. Reports say, Taiwan will brief the American side about China's recent provocations. They will also demand more support from Washington.

On Thursday, Biden's emissaries met with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen.

Tsai told the delegation that China's military activities are threatening regional peace and stability.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Biden administration for reiterating on numerous occasions the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan strait. Recently we have seen that China has frequently dispatched military vessels and aircraft to carry out manoeuvres in the sea and airspace surrounding Taiwan. These actions alter the status quo in the indo-pacific and threaten regional peace and stability," said Tsai Ing-wen.

This couldn't go unnoticed in Beijing. Earlier today, the Chinese foreign ministry issued a response.

It told the US to 'Take caution' and adhere to the One China principle.

The same old line. But accompanied by new provocations.

This month, &nbsp;25 Chinese warplanes breached Taiwan's air defence zone. This was the largest incursion in months. And it wasn't the only provocation. The Chinese Navy conducted drills in the Taiwan strait.

The threat is serious. The US Intelligence community has come up with a report. It decodes China's military assertiveness in several regional disputes. The American assessment says there could be two reasons behind China's aggression.

One, Beijing wants to use military actions to demonstrate strength. Two, Beijing wants to compel neighbours to accept its claims over disputed territory.

"China is employing a comprehensive approach to demonstrate its growing strength and compel regional neighbors to acquiesce to beijing's preferences, including its claims over disputed territory and assertions of sovereignty over Taiwan," said Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence.

These aggressive actions against Taiwan are expected to come up on Friday as well.&nbsp;

That's when the third big meeting will take place. Joe Biden will sit down with Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga in Washington. Reports say China is expected to dominate the talks. The US wants Japan to back Taiwan.

Biden wants Suga to issue a joint statement of support to Taiwan.

This is tricky, because Japan has its own territorial dispute with China over Senkaku Islands. And a joint statement on Taiwan will only further aggravate the situation with China.

So three meetings, one agenda. Getting china to come to heel. This could prove to be biden's biggest test so far.

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

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

US tries a balancing act vis-a-vis China

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

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

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

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

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

Paraguay's Covid crisis gives China diplomatic opening

We have heard stories of couples marrying, divorcing and reuniting.

But, in a peculiar incident, a man in Taiwan has married the same spouse four times and divorced three times.

All this has also happened in 37 days, according to local media reports.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/marriage-stability-highest-among-indian-americans-in-us-new-report-reveals-372260">Marriage stability highest among Indian Americans in US, new report reveals</a>

And the reason behind this bizarre act is also something never heard of.&nbsp;

A bank clerk registered for a marriage on April 6 for which he took eight days leave from April 7 to 16, according to a Facebook post shared by a lawyer Lin.&nbsp;

The post further said that immediately the man divorced his wife and registered for a new marriage to the same woman on April 17.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/host-surprises-virtual-guests-attending-marriage-by-home-delivering-wedding-feast-349771">Host surprises virtual guests attending marriage by home-delivering wedding feast</a>

After taking another eight days of marriage leave, the clerk again divorced on April 28 and married yet again on April 29.&nbsp;

It followed the third divorce on May 11 and a fourth marriage to the same woman on May 12.&nbsp;

The bank suspected abuse of marriage leaves and only paid for leaves for the clerk's first marriage.&nbsp;

A complaint was filed by the man at the Taipei City Labor Bureau, which fined the bank NT$20,000 (over USD 700) for not paying for the leaves of all four marriages.&nbsp;

The bank then filed an appeal to the verdict saying that leave was not in compliance with the Labor Standard Act.&nbsp;

The Commissioner of the Labor Standards Section of the Labor Bureau Huang Jingang though agreed that the man's practice was unreasonable, but said there is no such provision in the Labor Standard Act that a person cannot marry the same person to get leaves.&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taiwan transport minister resigns over train crash

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

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

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

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

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

China opposes any contact between US and Taiwan

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

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

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

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

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

Blinken warns China against aggression near Taiwan

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

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

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

Blinken warns China over Taiwan

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

US State Department issues fresh guidelines on Taiwan

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

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

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

US issues guidelines to deepen relations with Taiwan 

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

Taiwan praises India for helping Paraguay amid Chinese pressure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

taiwan

Taiwan, News on Taiwan, stories on Taiwan, articles on Taiwan, Taiwan stories at Wion, Taiwan news, Taiwan latest news