China's military concluded two-day war games around Taiwan in which it held long-range live fire drills in the East China Sea, marking an escalation of exercises around the island.

China-Taiwan conflict: China's strong message with 2nd day of long-range live-fire drills

China has started laying the groundwork for the reunification of Taiwan, carrying out live simulations for a full-scale invasion of the island. Beijing has also deployed new hypersonic anti-ship missiles as a potential deterrent to the U.S.

China rehearses Taiwan war

More than 10 Chinese military ships approached close to Taiwan's 24 nautical miles contiguous zone on April 1. Taiwan sent its warships to respond. Taiwan dispatched aircraft and ships and deployed land-based missile systems. Taiwan has not yet detected any live fire by the Chinese military. This comes as China's military said it had begun joint army, navy, and rocket force exercises around Taiwan.

China-Taiwan conflict: China's military holds live-fire drills in East China Sea

The simmering tensions between China and Taiwan have reached a boiling point, and this is of course sparking fears of a military confrontation now that could engulf the entire Asia-Pacific region. How are the Philippines and Japan reacting to this? Our next report tells you more.

China-Taiwan war: Taiwan urges democracies to condemn Chinese military drills

Taiwanese fighter jets take off after China announced military drills.
The US has delivered the first of 66 advanced F-16V fighter jets to Taiwan under a multi-billion dollar deal signed in 2019. This comes as satellite images reveal fresh Chinese bomber deployments in the South China Sea.

China-Taiwan war: China launches massive military drill around Taiwan

#Gravitas The United States appears to be shifting its military focus solely towards China. A secret Pentagon memo revealed that the U.S. military is being realigned to counter a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, while reducing its presence in other global hotspots.

Secret Pentagon memo names China number 1 enemy

Taiwan is facing mounting pressure as China intensifies its military presence around the island. Seven Chinese navy ships have been detected near Taiwanese waters, fueling concerns of a possible invasion. Meanwhile, the US is urging Taiwan to boost its defense spending.

US pressures Taiwan amid Chinese threat, internal differences widen

The US has delivered the first of 66 advanced F-16V fighter jets to Taiwan under a multi-billion dollar deal signed in 2019. This comes as satellite images reveal fresh Chinese bomber deployments in the South China Sea.

US delivers first F-16V jet to Taiwan amid China tensions

#GRAVITAS | A Chinese influencer has been deported from Taiwan back to China after she heaped praise for Beijing online.  
The influencer backed Beijing’s ambitions to conquer Taiwan by force. But via this move, do Taiwanese authorities stand to lose balance between protecting its democracy and cracking down on freedom of expression. Watch this video to find out more. 


Liu Zhenya deported for promoting Chinese invasion of Taiwan

China has accused the U.S. of resorting to provocative actions in the Taiwan matter, urging it to handle the issue with extreme caution, as it is the core of China's interests and the One China principle. Watch in for more details!

China-Taiwan tensions: China urges US to handle Taiwan issue with extreme caution

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry released a rare footage of Chinese military aircraft and warships conducting drills near its territory.

Taiwan releases rare footage of Chinese military drones and ships

Taiwan detected 59 Chinese aircraft around the island, the highest tally since a record in October. Along with the 59 aircraft, nine Chinese warships and two balloons were also detected.

Taiwan calls China 'foreign hostile force', detects 59 Chinese aircrafts

Taiwan claims to have detected 59 Chinese aircraft around island

China's PLA Commander has issued a fresh warning to Taiwan, escalating tensions in the region. The warning comes amid increasing concerns over military maneuvers and potential conflict.

China-Taiwan war: PLA commander: Chinese military ready to fight at all times

China&rsquo;s army on Sunday (Mar 9) said that it will tighten its &ldquo;noose&rdquo; around Taiwan if separatism on the island escalated. It further warned independence promoters to step back from the &ldquo;precipice&rdquo;.
Beijing considers the self-ruled island of Taiwan as a part of its territory and has been increasing pressure on its authorities with military drills and frequently deploying navy vessels and fighter jets around its land.
According to an interview published by state broadcaster CCTV, People's Liberation Army (PLA) spokesman Wu Qian said, &ldquo;The more rampant &lsquo;Taiwan independence&rsquo; separatists become, the tighter the noose around their necks and the sharper the sword hanging over their heads will be.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/active-duty-us-soldiers-charged-with-selling-sensitive-military-data-to-china-in-shocking-betrayal-8833674">Active-duty US soldiers charged with selling sensitive military data to China in shocking 'betrayal'</a>
&ldquo;The PLA is a force of action in countering separatism and promoting reunification,&rdquo; said Wu during the country's annual political gathering, &ldquo;Two Sessions.&rdquo;&nbsp;
He further warned, &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve ridden your steed to a precipice of a cliff, but behind you lies land &ndash; if you persist in taking the wrong course, you will meet a dead end.&rdquo;
This comes days after Beijing announced an increase of 7.2 per cent in its 2025 defence budget, aimed at rapid modernisation of China's armed forces as it competes with the United States.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lets-make-elephant-dragon-dance-china-urges-india-to-unite-against-donald-trump-power-politics-as-trade-war-escalates-8831314">'Let's make elephant, dragon dance' China urges India to unite against US &lsquo;power politics&rsquo; amid trade war</a>
Wu called the increase &ldquo;limited... reasonable and stable&rdquo;, adding that extra money would be used to develop &ldquo;combat forces in new fields and with new qualities&rdquo;, and enhance reconnaissance, joint strike and battlefield support capabilities.
<h2>Second largest defence budget</h2>
Aligning with the economic growth, China has been increasing its military spending for decades. The country has the world&rsquo;s second-largest defence budget, well behind the United States. Beijing&rsquo;s budget of $245.7 billion this year is a third less than that of Washington&rsquo;s.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-will-work-to-firmly-advance-reunification-with-taiwan-says-premier-li-qiang-8791247">China will work to 'firmly advance' reunification with Taiwan, says Premier Li Qiang</a>
While China has described its military stance as &ldquo;defensive&rdquo; and aimed at protecting its sovereignty, the US and other nations view its defence expansion with suspicion as Beijing increasingly asserts its control in the South China Sea.
<h2>China&rsquo;s territorial clashes</h2>
China&rsquo;s territorial claims over areas under other governments have often led to regional clashes, raising concerns.
On Friday (Mar 7), China&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a press conference that Taiwan coming under China&rsquo;s control was the &ldquo;shared hope of all Chinese people, the general trend of the time, and a righteous cause&rdquo;.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-come-and-get-you-sooner-or-later-china-warns-taiwan-authorities-over-expansion-of-military-exercises-8766301">'Will come and get you, sooner or later': China warns Taiwan authorities over expansion of military exercises</a>
&ldquo;Using Taiwan to control China is just like trying to stop a car with the arm of a mantis,&rdquo; he said.
Last month, Taiwan's Ministry of Defence condemned China for conducting &ldquo;live-fire&rdquo; exercises to the island's south. However, Beijing said the drills were &ldquo;routine&rdquo;.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Beijing considers the self-ruled island of Taiwan as a part of its territory and has been increasing pressure on its authorities with military drills.

China’s army on Sunday (Mar 9) said that it will tighten its “noose” around Taiwan if separatism on the island escalated. It further warned independence promoters to step back from the “precipice”. Beijing considers the self-ruled island of Taiwan as a part of its territory and has been increasing pressure on its authorities with military drills and frequently deploying navy vessels and fighter jets around its land. According to an interview published by state broadcaster CCTV, People's Liberation Army (PLA) spokesman Wu Qian said, “The more rampant ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists become, the tighter the noose around their necks and the sharper the sword hanging over their heads will be.” Also read | Active-duty US soldiers charged with selling sensitive military data to China in shocking 'betrayal' “The PLA is a force of action in countering separatism and promoting reunification,” said Wu during the country's annual political gathering, “Two Sessions.” He further warned, “You’ve ridden your steed to a precipice of a cliff, but behind you lies land – if you persist in taking the wrong course, you will meet a dead end.” This comes days after Beijing announced an increase of 7.2 per cent in its 2025 defence budget, aimed at rapid modernisation of China's armed forces as it competes with the United States. Also read | 'Let's make elephant, dragon dance' China urges India to unite against US ‘power politics’ amid trade war Wu called the increase “limited... reasonable and stable”, adding that extra money would be used to develop “combat forces in new fields and with new qualities”, and enhance reconnaissance, joint strike and battlefield support capabilities. Second largest defence budget Aligning with the economic growth, China has been increasing its military spending for decades. The country has the world’s second-largest defence budget, well behind the United States. Beijing’s budget of $245.7 billion this year is a third less than that of Washington’s. Also read | China will work to 'firmly advance' reunification with Taiwan, says Premier Li Qiang While China has described its military stance as “defensive” and aimed at protecting its sovereignty, the US and other nations view its defence expansion with suspicion as Beijing increasingly asserts its control in the South China Sea. China’s territorial clashes China’s territorial claims over areas under other governments have often led to regional clashes, raising concerns. On Friday (Mar 7), China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a press conference that Taiwan coming under China’s control was the “shared hope of all Chinese people, the general trend of the time, and a righteous cause”. Also read | 'Will come and get you, sooner or later': China warns Taiwan authorities over expansion of military exercises “Using Taiwan to control China is just like trying to stop a car with the arm of a mantis,” he said. Last month, Taiwan's Ministry of Defence condemned China for conducting “live-fire” exercises to the island's south. However, Beijing said the drills were “routine”. (With inputs from agencies)

Will tighten ‘noose’ around Taiwan if separatism escalates, warns Chinese military

In an unprecedented escalation, Taiwan has detected about 11 Chinese surveillance balloons encroaching on its airspace within a single day, a record since December 2023. This development coincides with the presence of five Chinese aircraft and six warships operating near the island, intensifying concerns over Beijing's assertive military maneuvers. Watch in for more details!

Balloons, aircraft & warships threaten Taiwan

Taiwan is never a country, not in the past, and never in the future, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday during a press conference on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing.

Chinese FM: Taiwan has never been a country and it will never be

Taiwan detects six Chinese balloons as military pressure continues

According to a report by the Taipei Times, China’s military expansion in the southern part of the first island chain could be a cause for concern for Taiwan as it poses a significant danger to Taiwan’s liquefied natural gas or LNG supplies. Taiwan has long relied on US support to deter Chinese aggression but the return of Trump to the White House has introduced a new era of geopolitical uncertainty. Watch this video to find out more.

Report: China's Expansion in First Island Chain Could Worry Taiwan

China has escalated its military activities near Taiwan, intensifying regional tensions. On February 28, 2025, Taiwan's defense ministry reported detecting 17 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, eight naval vessels, and three official ships near its territory, with 15 aircraft entering Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

Taiwan deploys jets and warships as China intensifies military drills

China's Defence Ministry spokesperson warned Taiwan that they "will get them" after Taipei announced an expansion of military exercises.&nbsp;
"We will come and get you, sooner or later," &nbsp;Wu Qian warned.&nbsp;
Earlier on Thursday, Qian threatened Taiwan in a press conference in response to a report claiming that Taiwan's Exercise Han Kuang 41 would considerably increase the duration of its live-fire phase, and would mobilise as many as 3,000 reserve troops as prodded by the US side.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-dispatches-forces-in-response-to-china-live-fire-drills-off-island-8758182">Taiwan dispatches forces in response to China 'live-fire' drills off island</a>
The spokesperson further said that the Taiwan question is an internal affair of China, which brooks no external interference.&nbsp;
&ldquo;It is a serious miscalculation of the situation, the public opinion, and the comparison of strength,&rdquo; said Wu. &ldquo;Overreaching itself in such a way is extremely dangerous. We warn the DPP [Democratic Progressive Party] authorities that holding back the tide with a broom will only end up in self-destruction. We will come and get you, sooner or later.&rdquo;
The democratically governed Taiwan is viewed by China as its own territory and has repeatedly complained of stepped-up Chinese military activity, including drills this week off the island's southwestern coast that Beijing said was "routine".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-crewed-detained-ship-after-subsea-cable-cut-says-taiwan-8755439">Chinese-crewed ship detained after subsea cable cut, says Taiwan</a>
<h2>Biggest 'troublemaker'</h2>
Taiwan's defence ministry issued a statement, saying that China has recently been escalating its military threats in the region, destroying the status quo of regional stability, and has become the biggest "troublemaker" in the global community.&nbsp;
"This year marks the 80th anniversary of (the end of) World War Two, and history has proven that any form of aggression and expansion will end in failure," it said. "The actions of the Communist military in recent years are repeating the mistakes of the invaders and pushing China towards defeat."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-crewed-detained-ship-after-subsea-cable-cut-says-taiwan-8755439">Chinese-crewed ship detained after subsea cable cut, says Taiwan</a>
<h2>Expert reacts&nbsp;</h2>
Bill Bishop, a China expert behind the Sinocism newsletter said that Beijing's language towards Taiwan "appears to be getting harsher".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/autonews/china-rejects-new-us-tariff-threat-accuses-washington-of-shifting-blame-8764905">China rejects new US tariff threat, accuses Washington of 'shifting blame'</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: China's Defence Ministry spokesperson  further said that the Taiwan question is an internal affair of China, which brooks no external interference.

China's Defence Ministry spokesperson warned Taiwan that they "will get them" after Taipei announced an expansion of military exercises. "We will come and get you, sooner or later," Wu Qian warned. Earlier on Thursday, Qian threatened Taiwan in a press conference in response to a report claiming that Taiwan's Exercise Han Kuang 41 would considerably increase the duration of its live-fire phase, and would mobilise as many as 3,000 reserve troops as prodded by the US side. Also read: Taiwan dispatches forces in response to China 'live-fire' drills off island The spokesperson further said that the Taiwan question is an internal affair of China, which brooks no external interference. “It is a serious miscalculation of the situation, the public opinion, and the comparison of strength,” said Wu. “Overreaching itself in such a way is extremely dangerous. We warn the DPP [Democratic Progressive Party] authorities that holding back the tide with a broom will only end up in self-destruction. We will come and get you, sooner or later.” The democratically governed Taiwan is viewed by China as its own territory and has repeatedly complained of stepped-up Chinese military activity, including drills this week off the island's southwestern coast that Beijing said was "routine". Also read: Chinese-crewed ship detained after subsea cable cut, says Taiwan Biggest 'troublemaker' Taiwan's defence ministry issued a statement, saying that China has recently been escalating its military threats in the region, destroying the status quo of regional stability, and has become the biggest "troublemaker" in the global community. "This year marks the 80th anniversary of (the end of) World War Two, and history has proven that any form of aggression and expansion will end in failure," it said. "The actions of the Communist military in recent years are repeating the mistakes of the invaders and pushing China towards defeat." Also read: Chinese-crewed ship detained after subsea cable cut, says Taiwan Expert reacts Bill Bishop, a China expert behind the Sinocism newsletter said that Beijing's language towards Taiwan "appears to be getting harsher". Also read: China rejects new US tariff threat, accuses Washington of 'shifting blame' (With inputs from agencies)

'Will come and get you, sooner or later': China warns Taiwan authorities over expansion of military exercises

After dismissing security guarantees for Ukraine in exchange for a mineral deal, Trump has been noncommittal about defending Taiwan against a potential Chinese invasion. When pressed by a reporter about Taiwan on Wednesday, he responded, “I never comment on that... I don’t want to ever put myself in that position.” It seems that after NATO and Ukraine, U.S. under Trump is now abandoning Taiwan as well. Where does it leave the two countries?

Trump betrays Taiwan after Ukraine, won't answer question about defending Taiwan

Taiwan has claimed to have detected about 45 Chinese aircraft near the island, just a day after Taipei condemned China's live fire drills in the South. This marks the highest number of Chinese aircraft detected near Taiwan this year. Watch in for more details!

Taiwan objects to Chinese live fire drills near island

Taiwan said Thursday it detected 45 Chinese aircraft near the island, the highest number this year and a tally that comes a day after Taipei condemned China's "live-fire" drills off the south. Watch this report for more details!

Taiwan detects 45 Chinese aircraft in a day, highest this year

Taiwan detects 45 Chinese aircraft near its territory, highest this year

Taiwan says detects 45 Chinese aircraft in 24-hours, highest this year

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Taiwan&nbsp;dispatched forces on Wednesday in response to China's "live-fire" drills off the self-ruled island, Taipei's defence ministry said, condemning the exercises as dangerous.
China deployed 32 aircraft around&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as part of a joint combat drill and announced "live-fire exercises" in an area about 40 nautical miles (74 kilometres) off the island's south, the ministry said in a statement.
Taiwan's military responded by sending sea, air and land forces to "monitor, alert and respond appropriately", the statement said.
China's People's Liberation Army "has blatantly violated international norms by unilaterally designating a drill zone 40 NM off the coast of Kaohsiung and Pingtung, claiming to conduct live-fire exercises without prior warning," the ministry said.
"This move not only caused a high degree of danger to the safety of international flights and vessels at sea, but is also a blatant provocation to regional security and stability."
China has ramped up the deployment of fighter jets and warships around&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;in recent years to press its claim of sovereignty over the island -- which Taipei rejects.
The defence ministry said the live-fire exercises come after China held similar drills off Vietnam and Australia, and "prove that China is the only and biggest threat to peace and stability in the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait and the Indo-Pacific region".
The drills also come after&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;on Tuesday seized a Chinese-crewed cargo ship suspected of severing a subsea telecoms cable serving&nbsp;Taiwan's Penghu island group.&nbsp;
There is growing concern in&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;over the security of its cables after a Chinese-owned cargo ship was suspected of cutting one northeast of the island this year.
China has threatened to use force to bring&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;under its control. And&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;fears China could sever its communication links as part of an attempt to seize the island or blockade it.
Taiwan&nbsp;is a potential flashpoint for a war between China and the United States, which is the island's most important backer and biggest arms supplier.&nbsp;
While the United States is legally bound to provide arms to&nbsp;Taiwan, Washington has long maintained "strategic ambiguity" when it comes to whether it would deploy its military to defend the island from a Chinese attack.
Despite strong bipartisan support in the US Congress for&nbsp;Taiwan, there are fears that President Donald Trump might not consider the island worth defending if China attacked.
Taiwan&nbsp;President Lai Ching-te has already vowed to boost investment in the United States to reduce the trade imbalance and spend more on the island's military, while his government is also considering increasing US natural gas imports.
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World | Taiwan's defence ministry accuses China of violating international norms with its drills, posing risks to international flights and maritime security in the region.

Taiwan dispatched forces on Wednesday in response to China's "live-fire" drills off the self-ruled island, Taipei's defence ministry said, condemning the exercises as dangerous. China deployed 32 aircraft around Taiwan as part of a joint combat drill and announced "live-fire exercises" in an area about 40 nautical miles (74 kilometres) off the island's south, the ministry said in a statement. Taiwan's military responded by sending sea, air and land forces to "monitor, alert and respond appropriately", the statement said. China's People's Liberation Army "has blatantly violated international norms by unilaterally designating a drill zone 40 NM off the coast of Kaohsiung and Pingtung, claiming to conduct live-fire exercises without prior warning," the ministry said. "This move not only caused a high degree of danger to the safety of international flights and vessels at sea, but is also a blatant provocation to regional security and stability." China has ramped up the deployment of fighter jets and warships around Taiwan in recent years to press its claim of sovereignty over the island -- which Taipei rejects. The defence ministry said the live-fire exercises come after China held similar drills off Vietnam and Australia, and "prove that China is the only and biggest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region". The drills also come after Taiwan on Tuesday seized a Chinese-crewed cargo ship suspected of severing a subsea telecoms cable serving Taiwan's Penghu island group. There is growing concern in Taiwan over the security of its cables after a Chinese-owned cargo ship was suspected of cutting one northeast of the island this year. China has threatened to use force to bring Taiwan under its control. And Taiwan fears China could sever its communication links as part of an attempt to seize the island or blockade it. Taiwan is a potential flashpoint for a war between China and the United States, which is the island's most important backer and biggest arms supplier. While the United States is legally bound to provide arms to Taiwan, Washington has long maintained "strategic ambiguity" when it comes to whether it would deploy its military to defend the island from a Chinese attack. Despite strong bipartisan support in the US Congress for Taiwan, there are fears that President Donald Trump might not consider the island worth defending if China attacked. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has already vowed to boost investment in the United States to reduce the trade imbalance and spend more on the island's military, while his government is also considering increasing US natural gas imports.

Taiwan dispatches forces in response to China 'live-fire' drills off island

Taiwan's Coast Guard has detained a China-linked cargo ship after an undersea cable near the Penghu Islands, located in the sensitive Taiwan Strait, was disconnected. Watch this report for more details!

Taiwan detains ship suspected of cutting undersea cable

Taiwan detained a Chinese-crewed cargo ship on Tuesday after a subsea telecoms cable was severed off the island, the coast guard said.
It is the latest in a series of Taiwanese undersea cable breakages, with previous incidents blamed on natural causes or Chinese ships.
Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom reported the cable between Penghu, a strategic island group in the sensitive Taiwan Strait, and Taiwan was disconnected early Tuesday, the Ministry of Digital Affairs said.
The Togolese-registered ship Hongtai was intercepted in the area and escorted back to Taiwan, the coast guard said.
The case was being "handled in accordance with national security-level principles", it added.
"Whether the cause of the undersea cable breakage was intentional sabotage or a simple accident remains to be clarified by further investigation."
The Hongtai, using a flag of convenience, was crewed by eight Chinese&nbsp;nationals and had Chinese funding, the coast guard said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-affirms-no-limits-partnership-with-russias-putin-on-ukraine-war-anniversary-true-friends-who-share-weal-and-woe-8753204">China's Xi affirms &lsquo;no limits&rsquo; partnership with Russia&rsquo;s Putin on Ukraine war anniversary; &lsquo;true friends who share weal and woe&rsquo;</a>
Flags of convenience allow shipping companies to register their vessels in countries to which they have no link &ndash; for a fee and freedom from oversight.
Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring it under its control.
And Taiwan fears China could sever its communication links as part of an attempt to seize the island or blockade it.
"It cannot be ruled out that it was a grey zone intrusion by China," the coast guard said, referring to actions that fall short of an act of war.&nbsp;
"The coast guard will cooperate with the prosecutors in the investigation and make every effort to clarify the truth."
<h2>High strategic value</h2>
Taiwan has 14 international underwater cables and 10 domestic ones.
The ministry ordered Chunghwa Telecom to transfer voice communications and internet services for Penghu to other undersea cables.
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The world's data and communications are carried across oceans by great bundles of subsea fibre optic cables &ndash; with their high strategic value making them potential targets for attack.
There is growing concern in Taiwan over the security of its cables after a Chinese-owned cargo ship was suspected of severing one northeast of the island this year.
Separately, two ageing subsea cables serving Taiwan's Matsu archipelago stopped functioning last month, with the outages blamed on "natural deterioration".
In February 2023, two subsea telecoms lines serving Matsu were cut within days of each other, disrupting communications for weeks.
Locals and Taipei officials suspected that Chinese fishing vessels or sand dredgers, which often drop anchor or scrape the seabed in Taiwanese waters, may have been responsible.
The Taiwanese coast guard identified last month 52 "suspicious" Chinese-owned ships flying flags of convenience from Mongolia, Cameroon, Tanzania, Togo, and Sierra Leone for close monitoring.
The stricter regime involves watching for anomalies in a ship's automatic identification system operation and fake vessel names.
Vessels suspected of loitering or anchoring near subsea cables will be warned by radio to leave the area, and boarding inspections carried out when needed.
AFP does not know yet if Hongtai is among the 52.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom reported the cable between Penghu, a strategic island group in the sensitive Taiwan Strait, and Taiwan was disconnected early Tuesday, the Ministry of Digital Affairs said.

Taiwan detained a Chinese-crewed cargo ship on Tuesday after a subsea telecoms cable was severed off the island, the coast guard said. It is the latest in a series of Taiwanese undersea cable breakages, with previous incidents blamed on natural causes or Chinese ships. Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom reported the cable between Penghu, a strategic island group in the sensitive Taiwan Strait, and Taiwan was disconnected early Tuesday, the Ministry of Digital Affairs said. The Togolese-registered ship Hongtai was intercepted in the area and escorted back to Taiwan, the coast guard said. The case was being "handled in accordance with national security-level principles", it added. "Whether the cause of the undersea cable breakage was intentional sabotage or a simple accident remains to be clarified by further investigation." The Hongtai, using a flag of convenience, was crewed by eight Chinese nationals and had Chinese funding, the coast guard said. Also read | China's Xi affirms ‘no limits’ partnership with Russia’s Putin on Ukraine war anniversary; ‘true friends who share weal and woe’ Flags of convenience allow shipping companies to register their vessels in countries to which they have no link – for a fee and freedom from oversight. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring it under its control. And Taiwan fears China could sever its communication links as part of an attempt to seize the island or blockade it. "It cannot be ruled out that it was a grey zone intrusion by China," the coast guard said, referring to actions that fall short of an act of war. "The coast guard will cooperate with the prosecutors in the investigation and make every effort to clarify the truth." High strategic value Taiwan has 14 international underwater cables and 10 domestic ones. The ministry ordered Chunghwa Telecom to transfer voice communications and internet services for Penghu to other undersea cables. Also read | Volkswagen and CATL forge partnership for lithium battery development in China The world's data and communications are carried across oceans by great bundles of subsea fibre optic cables – with their high strategic value making them potential targets for attack. There is growing concern in Taiwan over the security of its cables after a Chinese-owned cargo ship was suspected of severing one northeast of the island this year. Separately, two ageing subsea cables serving Taiwan's Matsu archipelago stopped functioning last month, with the outages blamed on "natural deterioration". In February 2023, two subsea telecoms lines serving Matsu were cut within days of each other, disrupting communications for weeks. Locals and Taipei officials suspected that Chinese fishing vessels or sand dredgers, which often drop anchor or scrape the seabed in Taiwanese waters, may have been responsible. The Taiwanese coast guard identified last month 52 "suspicious" Chinese-owned ships flying flags of convenience from Mongolia, Cameroon, Tanzania, Togo, and Sierra Leone for close monitoring. The stricter regime involves watching for anomalies in a ship's automatic identification system operation and fake vessel names. Vessels suspected of loitering or anchoring near subsea cables will be warned by radio to leave the area, and boarding inspections carried out when needed. AFP does not know yet if Hongtai is among the 52. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Chinese-crewed ship detained after subsea cable cut, says Taiwan

#Gravitas From Taiwan to the Pacific, U.S. and its allies are ramping up efforts to counter China. Taiwan is reportedly overhauling its marine corps while Australia and New Zealand are monitoring Chinese warships spotted near Sydney.

From Taiwan to Pacific: US & allies counter China

Japan will now allow Taiwan to be listed as a place of origin in its family registry. Taiwan welcomed the decision, while China strongly urged Japan to adhere to the One-China principle.

Japan to allow Taiwan as place of origin in family registry

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