One paints with his fingers and the other in Japanese Manga style. Two Taiwanese artists divided by age, geography and art forms, depict the drama in the self-ruled island's political scene ahead of a heated presidential election. Kuang Yi, who calls himself the 'mad artist', paints with the most basic tools available, his hands. On the other side of the island, in the northern city of Taoyuan, manga artist Wei Zong-cheng takes a less neutral approach. While Tsai is coloured green, the DPP's colour, Han is shaded purple rather than the Kuomintang's blue. #Taiwan #TaiwanArtist #TaiwanElections #MadArtist

WION Dispatch: Taiwan artists draw presidential candidates in contrasting mediums

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-top-military-commander-killed-in-helicopter-crash-271568">Taiwan</a> votes on Saturday in an election overshadowed by renewed Chinese efforts to get the island to accept their rule, and as Taiwan nervously watches Hong Kong protests, worried they may be next if China ever succeeds in bringing them under its control.

Taiwan has been a democratic success story since holding its first direct presidential election in 1996, the culmination of decades of struggle against authoritarian rule and martial law under the Kuomintang, which ruled China until forced to flee to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with the Communists.

President Tsai Ing-wen of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party is seeking a second term and is being challenged by the Kuomintang's Han Kuo-yu, who favours close ties with Beijing and says this is the only way to ensure Taiwan's security and prosperity.

The issue of China has taken front and centre in the campaign, especially after President Xi Jinping warned last year they could attack Taiwan, though said he'd prefer a peaceful "one country, two systems" formula to get control of the island.

Both Tsai and Han have rejected "one country, two systems", though the DPP has painted a vote for the Kuomintang as effectively a vote for that model. Han has angrily denied this.

On Monday, Tsai's team released a slick new campaign video comparing Taiwan's freedoms with the struggle in Hong Kong, interspersed with images of Xi and Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam.

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"A few hundred miles from here, many young people are using their blood and tears to defend freedom," Tsai wrote on Facebook in introducing the video.

The idea of imposing a "one country, two systems" model of a high degree of autonomy much like China offers the former British colony of Hong Kong has never been popular in Taiwan.

It is even less so now after months of anti-government protests in the former British colony. The protesters have widespread public sympathy in Taiwan, and both the DPP and Kuomintang have pledged to help those who flee to the island.

Han has complained of "dirty tricks" being used to smear him as a puppet for China, especially revelations in Australian media from a self-proclaimed Chinese spy who claimed China has supported Han. Han strongly rejects this.

"I beseech Taiwan's people, in the 2020 presidential and parliamentary election, open your eyes. I hope Taiwan's people see these wicked smears to paint me black, red and yellow and make a rational decision," Han said on Tuesday.

Scaring Taiwan

In the run-up to the election, China has repeated its "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-rejects-chinas-offer-to-unify-under-hong-kong-model-271327">one country, two systems</a>" offer to Taiwan.

Liu Jieyi, the urbane head of China's policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office, wrote in the Communist Party's official People's Daily last week that people in Taiwan were "positively exploring" this model, though offered no evidence.

But one Chinese official, who meets regularly with senior members of the People's Liberation Army, told Reuters that the Hong Kong protests had "increased the difficulty of getting Taiwan back".

"What's happening there is scaring Taiwan," the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, referring to conversations with military officers.

While China has denied seeking to interfere in Taiwan's elections, Taiwan's parliament on the final day of last year passed a new anti-infiltration law designed to stop Chinese influence on Taiwan's democracy.

China's military is not idly sitting on the sidelines.

Its newest aircraft carrier, the Shandong, has twice sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait in the past two months, most recently in late December.

The United States, Taiwan's main arms supplier and strongest international backer even in the absence of official diplomatic ties has said it is concerned at Chinese efforts to sway the election.

Zhou Bo, director of the Centre for Security Cooperation of the Office for International Military Cooperation at China's Defence Ministry, said China "of course" wanted to resolve the "Taiwan issue" peacefully.

But China could not sit by while Taiwan continued attempts to distance itself from China, and the United States should heed that warning, he said.

"I don't know whether the United States is prepared to pay the price militarily for Taiwan."

Taiwan votes on Saturday in an election overshadowed by renewed Chinese efforts to get the island to accept their rule, and as Taiwan nervously watches Hong Kong protests, worried they may be next if China ever succeeds in bringing them under its control.

Taiwan votes on Saturday in an election overshadowed by renewed Chinese efforts to get the island to accept their rule, and as Taiwan nervously watches Hong Kong protests, worried they may be next if China ever succeeds in bringing them under its control. Taiwan has been a democratic success story since holding its first direct presidential election in 1996, the culmination of decades of struggle against authoritarian rule and martial law under the Kuomintang, which ruled China until forced to flee to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with the Communists. President Tsai Ing-wen of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party is seeking a second term and is being challenged by the Kuomintang's Han Kuo-yu, who favours close ties with Beijing and says this is the only way to ensure Taiwan's security and prosperity. The issue of China has taken front and centre in the campaign, especially after President Xi Jinping warned last year they could attack Taiwan, though said he'd prefer a peaceful "one country, two systems" formula to get control of the island. Both Tsai and Han have rejected "one country, two systems", though the DPP has painted a vote for the Kuomintang as effectively a vote for that model. Han has angrily denied this. On Monday, Tsai's team released a slick new campaign video comparing Taiwan's freedoms with the struggle in Hong Kong, interspersed with images of Xi and Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam. × "A few hundred miles from here, many young people are using their blood and tears to defend freedom," Tsai wrote on Facebook in introducing the video. The idea of imposing a "one country, two systems" model of a high degree of autonomy much like China offers the former British colony of Hong Kong has never been popular in Taiwan. It is even less so now after months of anti-government protests in the former British colony. The protesters have widespread public sympathy in Taiwan, and both the DPP and Kuomintang have pledged to help those who flee to the island. Han has complained of "dirty tricks" being used to smear him as a puppet for China, especially revelations in Australian media from a self-proclaimed Chinese spy who claimed China has supported Han. Han strongly rejects this. "I beseech Taiwan's people, in the 2020 presidential and parliamentary election, open your eyes. I hope Taiwan's people see these wicked smears to paint me black, red and yellow and make a rational decision," Han said on Tuesday. Scaring Taiwan In the run-up to the election, China has repeated its "one country, two systems" offer to Taiwan. Liu Jieyi, the urbane head of China's policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office, wrote in the Communist Party's official People's Daily last week that people in Taiwan were "positively exploring" this model, though offered no evidence. But one Chinese official, who meets regularly with senior members of the People's Liberation Army, told Reuters that the Hong Kong protests had "increased the difficulty of getting Taiwan back". "What's happening there is scaring Taiwan," the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, referring to conversations with military officers. While China has denied seeking to interfere in Taiwan's elections, Taiwan's parliament on the final day of last year passed a new anti-infiltration law designed to stop Chinese influence on Taiwan's democracy. China's military is not idly sitting on the sidelines. Its newest aircraft carrier, the Shandong, has twice sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait in the past two months, most recently in late December. The United States, Taiwan's main arms supplier and strongest international backer even in the absence of official diplomatic ties has said it is concerned at Chinese efforts to sway the election. Zhou Bo, director of the Centre for Security Cooperation of the Office for International Military Cooperation at China's Defence Ministry, said China "of course" wanted to resolve the "Taiwan issue" peacefully. But China could not sit by while Taiwan continued attempts to distance itself from China, and the United States should heed that warning, he said. "I don't know whether the United States is prepared to pay the price militarily for Taiwan."

Taiwan to vote in shadow of China pressure, Hong Kong protests

Two Taiwanese artists divided by age, geography and art forms, depict the drama in the self-ruled island's political scene ahead of a heated presidential election.

Different strokes, same election: Taiwan artists draw presidential candidates in contrasting medium

Beijing's growing influence may stroke US anxieties deeper as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mysterious-viral-pneumonia-infects-several-in-china-272495">China</a> on Monday hoped to expand its newly restored ties with the pacific state of&nbsp;strategic but mothballed Chinese space tracking station,&nbsp;Kiribati, as per reports.

A senior Chinese diplomat said Beijing was "open" to all sorts of projects in Kiribati, an ex-British colony made up mainly of atolls in the central Pacific, in waters dominated by the United States and its allies since World War Two.

Speaking to reporters after Chinese President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-qasem-soleimani-violates-international-law-272517">Xi Jinping</a> met Kiribati's President Taneti Maamau in Beijing, the diplomat, Lu Kang, did not respond directly to a question about whether Beijing planned to reopen the space tracking station.

"A lot of ideas, a lot of initiatives for joint ventures are still on the way," said Lu, who heads the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs.

"So long as any ideas that could benefit both sides, especially both peoples on both sides, definitely China is open to these kinds of ideas," he said, without elaborating.

China's space program is overseen by the military, which has so far declined to comment on the Kiribati facility.

China and Kiribati restored diplomatic ties last year after the Pacific state cut them with Taiwan. China considers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-rattles-sabre-and-offers-friendship-days-before-taiwans-elections-271145">Taiwan</a> merely a Chinese province, with no right to state-to-state relations, and refuses to maintain diplomatic ties with countries that recognize Taipei.

Kiribati had established diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2003, prompting the break with Beijing.

Up until then, China had operated a space tracking station in Kiribati, which played a role in tracking China's first manned space flight and is in a part of the world where the United States tests missiles and other military hardware.

A former Taiwanese ambassador to Kiribati, Abraham Chu, told Taiwan's Central News Agency last year that China had never fully removed the tracking station in Kiribati and that it "could come back at any time".

The Solomon Islands, another Pacific state, also switched to Beijing from Taipei last year, in a process watched with concern by Washington, which is wary of China's growing global clout.

Taiwan now has formal relations with just 15 countries, mostly small and poor nations in Latin America and the Pacific, including Nauru, Tuvalu, and Palau. China has signaled it is coming for the rest of Taiwan's allies.

Beijing's growing influence may stroke US anxieties deeper as China on Monday hoped to expand its newly restored ties with the pacific state of strategic but mothballed Chinese space tracking station, Kiribati, as per reports.

Beijing's growing influence may stroke US anxieties deeper as China on Monday hoped to expand its newly restored ties with the pacific state of strategic but mothballed Chinese space tracking station, Kiribati, as per reports. A senior Chinese diplomat said Beijing was "open" to all sorts of projects in Kiribati, an ex-British colony made up mainly of atolls in the central Pacific, in waters dominated by the United States and its allies since World War Two. Speaking to reporters after Chinese President Xi Jinping met Kiribati's President Taneti Maamau in Beijing, the diplomat, Lu Kang, did not respond directly to a question about whether Beijing planned to reopen the space tracking station. "A lot of ideas, a lot of initiatives for joint ventures are still on the way," said Lu, who heads the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs. "So long as any ideas that could benefit both sides, especially both peoples on both sides, definitely China is open to these kinds of ideas," he said, without elaborating. China's space program is overseen by the military, which has so far declined to comment on the Kiribati facility. China and Kiribati restored diplomatic ties last year after the Pacific state cut them with Taiwan. China considers Taiwan merely a Chinese province, with no right to state-to-state relations, and refuses to maintain diplomatic ties with countries that recognize Taipei. Kiribati had established diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2003, prompting the break with Beijing. Up until then, China had operated a space tracking station in Kiribati, which played a role in tracking China's first manned space flight and is in a part of the world where the United States tests missiles and other military hardware. A former Taiwanese ambassador to Kiribati, Abraham Chu, told Taiwan's Central News Agency last year that China had never fully removed the tracking station in Kiribati and that it "could come back at any time". The Solomon Islands, another Pacific state, also switched to Beijing from Taipei last year, in a process watched with concern by Washington, which is wary of China's growing global clout. Taiwan now has formal relations with just 15 countries, mostly small and poor nations in Latin America and the Pacific, including Nauru, Tuvalu, and Palau. China has signaled it is coming for the rest of Taiwan's allies.

China eyes increased ties with Kiribati, site of space tracking station

Yet Another Black Hawk Helicopter Crash In Taiwan: 8 Including Military Chief Killed. #WION #Gravitas #Taiwan

Gravitas: Taiwan Military Chief killed in helicopter crash

Taiwanese rescuers were searching for the chief of military staff and two major generals who went missing after a helicopter crash landed Thursday, the defence ministry said.&nbsp;

The UH-60M <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-lacks-pilots-engineers-to-handle-black-hawk-copters-us-watchdog-warns-195285">Black Hawk</a> helicopter carrying 13 people including chief of general staff <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-asks-us-for-new-fighter-jets-to-defend-against-china-201759">General Shen Yi-ming</a> made the crash landing in the mountains near Taipei for unknown reasons, it said in a statement.&nbsp;

The ministry said ten people have been found alive while rescuers were searching for Shen, 62, and two others that were still missing. They were on a routine mission to visit soldiers in the northeast Yilan county ahead of the lunar new year.

Air force commander Hsiung Hou-chi said the aircraft disappeared from radar less than 15 minutes after taking off and the ministry has set up a taskforce to investigate the incident.

"The search and rescue operation continues... We are investigating whether (the cause) was environmental or mechanical... the aircraft's condition is not ideal," Hsiung told reporters.

"We hope everyone can be safe and we should know the results this afternoon," he said, adding that the ministry has dispatched ground troops and rescue helicopters for the operation.

An air force official said some on board were "trapped under&nbsp;fragments of the helicopter" without elaborating.

Hou You-yi, mayor of New <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-rattles-sabre-and-offers-friendship-days-before-taiwans-elections-271145">Taipei City</a> where the crash landing site was, said 11 people have been rescued while two were still unaccounted for without identifying them.&nbsp;

A New Taipei City fire department official told local TV stations that Shen had been found alive, although the defence ministry was yet to confirm.

"It had been raining in the mountains in the past few days, the mountain roads are muddy and very steep. We are racing against time," said Chen Chung-chi, a supervisor of the operation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-rejects-chinas-offer-to-unify-under-hong-kong-model-271327">Tsai Ing-wen</a>'s office said she has cancelled her schedule for the rest of the day to monitor the rescue.

Taiwanese rescuers were searching for the chief of military staff and two major generals who went missing after a helicopter crash landed Thursday, the defence ministry said.

Taiwanese rescuers were searching for the chief of military staff and two major generals who went missing after a helicopter crash landed Thursday, the defence ministry said. The UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter carrying 13 people including chief of general staff General Shen Yi-ming made the crash landing in the mountains near Taipei for unknown reasons, it said in a statement. The ministry said ten people have been found alive while rescuers were searching for Shen, 62, and two others that were still missing. They were on a routine mission to visit soldiers in the northeast Yilan county ahead of the lunar new year. Air force commander Hsiung Hou-chi said the aircraft disappeared from radar less than 15 minutes after taking off and the ministry has set up a taskforce to investigate the incident. "The search and rescue operation continues... We are investigating whether (the cause) was environmental or mechanical... the aircraft's condition is not ideal," Hsiung told reporters. "We hope everyone can be safe and we should know the results this afternoon," he said, adding that the ministry has dispatched ground troops and rescue helicopters for the operation. An air force official said some on board were "trapped under fragments of the helicopter" without elaborating. Hou You-yi, mayor of New Taipei City where the crash landing site was, said 11 people have been rescued while two were still unaccounted for without identifying them. A New Taipei City fire department official told local TV stations that Shen had been found alive, although the defence ministry was yet to confirm. "It had been raining in the mountains in the past few days, the mountain roads are muddy and very steep. We are racing against time," said Chen Chung-chi, a supervisor of the operation. President Tsai Ing-wen's office said she has cancelled her schedule for the rest of the day to monitor the rescue.

Taiwan's military chief of staff missing after helicopter crash

Taiwanese rescuers were searching for the chief of military staff and two others who went missing after a helicopter crashed landed in a mountain. #Taiwan #TaiwanMilitaryChief

Taiwan's top military chief Shen was killed in a helicopter crash on January 2, the defence ministry said, just days before the island goes to polls to elect a new president.

Taiwan's top military chief Shen was killed in a helicopter crash on January 2, the defence ministry said, just days before the island goes to polls to elect a new president.

Taiwan's Top Military Chief Shen Yi-ming

Taiwan&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-has-urgent-need-for-infiltration-law-in-face-of-china-president-tsai-ing-wen-270657">Tsai Ing-wen</a> said on Wednesday the island would not accept a "one country, two systems" political formula Beijing has suggested could be used to&nbsp;unify&nbsp;the democratic island, saying such an arrangement had failed in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong.

China claims&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its territory, to be brought&nbsp;under&nbsp;Beijing's control by force if necessary.&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;says it is an independent country called the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peoples-republic-of-china-celebrates-70th-anniversary-in-beijing-253107">Republic of China</a>, its official name.

Tsai, who's seeking re-election in a January 11 votes, also vowed in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/may-this-year-be-filled-with-joy-and-prosperity-pm-modi-tweets-out-271326">New Year</a>'s speech to defend&nbsp;Taiwan's sovereignty, saying her government would build a mechanism to safeguard freedom and democracy as Beijing ramps up pressure on the island.

Fear of China has become a major element in the campaign, boosted by months of anti-government protests in Chinese-ruled&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong.

"Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;people have shown us that 'one country, two systems' is definitely not feasible," Tsai said, referring to the political arrangement that guaranteed certain freedoms in the former British colony of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;after it was returned to China in 1997.

"Under&nbsp;'one country, two systems', the situation continues to deteriorate in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong. The credibility of 'one country, two systems' has been sullied by the government's abuse of power," Tsai said.

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;has been hit by months of anti-government protests triggered by widespread resentment of perceived efforts by Beijing to exert control of the city despite the promises of autonomy.

Taiwan's parliament passed an anti-infiltration law on Tuesday to combat perceived threats from China, further straining ties between&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and Beijing.

Tsai said the law will protect&nbsp;Taiwan's democracy and cross-strait exchanges will not be affected amid worries that the legislation may damage business ties with China.

China suspects Tsai and her independence-leaning <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-appoints-new-premier-after-resignations-over-poll-defeats-189499">Democratic Progressive Party</a> of pushing for the island's formal independence and has threatened it with war if there was any such move.

Tsai denies seeking independence and reiterated that she would not unilaterally change the status quo with China.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Wednesday the island would not accept a "one country, two systems" political formula Beijing has suggested could be used to unify the democratic island, saying such an arrangement had failed in Hong Kong.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Wednesday the island would not accept a "one country, two systems" political formula Beijing has suggested could be used to unify the democratic island, saying such an arrangement had failed in Hong Kong. China claims Taiwan as its territory, to be brought under Beijing's control by force if necessary. Taiwan says it is an independent country called the Republic of China, its official name. Tsai, who's seeking re-election in a January 11 votes, also vowed in a New Year's speech to defend Taiwan's sovereignty, saying her government would build a mechanism to safeguard freedom and democracy as Beijing ramps up pressure on the island. Fear of China has become a major element in the campaign, boosted by months of anti-government protests in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong. "Hong Kong people have shown us that 'one country, two systems' is definitely not feasible," Tsai said, referring to the political arrangement that guaranteed certain freedoms in the former British colony of Hong Kong after it was returned to China in 1997. "Under 'one country, two systems', the situation continues to deteriorate in Hong Kong. The credibility of 'one country, two systems' has been sullied by the government's abuse of power," Tsai said. Hong Kong has been hit by months of anti-government protests triggered by widespread resentment of perceived efforts by Beijing to exert control of the city despite the promises of autonomy. Taiwan's parliament passed an anti-infiltration law on Tuesday to combat perceived threats from China, further straining ties between Taiwan and Beijing. Tsai said the law will protect Taiwan's democracy and cross-strait exchanges will not be affected amid worries that the legislation may damage business ties with China. China suspects Tsai and her independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party of pushing for the island's formal independence and has threatened it with war if there was any such move. Tsai denies seeking independence and reiterated that she would not unilaterally change the status quo with China.

Taiwan leader rejects China's offer to unify under Hong Kong model

Taiwan's parliament passed an anti-infiltration&nbsp;law&nbsp;on Tuesday to&nbsp;combat&nbsp;perceived threats from China as the island gears up for a presidential vote on January&nbsp;11 amid heightened tension with Beijing.

The legislation is part of a years-long effort to&nbsp;combat&nbsp;what many in&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;see as&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;efforts to&nbsp;influence&nbsp;politics&nbsp;and the democratic process, through illicit funding of politicians and the media and other methods.

The move further strains ties between&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and Beijing, which suspects&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-tsai-ing-wen-urges-world-to-stand-up-to-china-147236">Tsai Ing-wen</a> of pushing for the island's formal independence and has ramped up pressure on her since she took office in 2016.

Watch:&nbsp;China irked by US-Taiwan arms deal

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"The rise of China has posed a threat to all countries, and&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;is facing the biggest threat," Chen Ou-po of the majority <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-appoints-new-premier-after-resignations-over-poll-defeats-189499">Democratic Progressive Party</a> (DPP) told parliament after the bill was passed.

"Taiwan&nbsp;is on the frontline of&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;infiltration and urgently needs the anti-infiltration&nbsp;law&nbsp;to protect people's rights."

Lawmakers of Tsai's DPP backed the bill, which passed 67 to zero, despite opposition criticism of it as a "political tool" to gain votes before the election.

Lawmakers of the main opposition Kuomintang, which favours close ties with China, did not participate in the vote.

China's policy-making&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Affairs Office, in a statement carried by state media, said the DPP was seeking electoral gain from the move and creating enmity across the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait.

"We sternly warn the DPP, blood is thicker than water for the compatriots from both sides of the strait, who protect and help each other: this is something no force can change," it said.

The&nbsp;law&nbsp;gives legal teeth to efforts to stop China's funding activities on the island, such as lobbying or election campaigns. It carries a maximum penalty of seven years in jail and will take effect after Tsai signs it into&nbsp;law&nbsp;in January.

China claims&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its territory, to be brought under Beijing's control by force if necessary.&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;says it is an independent country called the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peoples-republic-of-china-celebrates-70th-anniversary-in-beijing-253107">Republic of China</a>, its official name.

The Kuomintang has said it supports efforts to protect&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;from infiltration but accused the DPP of rushing through the legislation for electoral gain, calling it a threat to&nbsp;Taiwan's democracy.

Several Kuomintang&nbsp;lawmakers staged a sit-in protest in front of the speaker's podium during the parliamentary session, holding signs that read "Objecting to bad&nbsp;law" and "Damaging human rights" while wearing black masks that read "Objection".

A handful of supporters from pro-China political parties protested outside parliament, calling&nbsp;lawmakers to withdraw what they see as legislation that "ruins" cross-Strait exchanges.

China said last week the DPP was trying to "blatantly reverse over" democracy with the bill. In response, Tsai said it was hypocritical of an autocratic China that lacks democracy, human rights or freedom of speech to use the language of democracy to criticise the proposal.

Taiwan's parliament passed an anti-infiltration law on Tuesday to combat perceived threats from China as the island gears up for a presidential vote on January 11 amid heightened tension with Beijing.

Taiwan's parliament passed an anti-infiltration law on Tuesday to combat perceived threats from China as the island gears up for a presidential vote on January 11 amid heightened tension with Beijing. The legislation is part of a years-long effort to combat what many in Taiwan see as Chinese efforts to influence politics and the democratic process, through illicit funding of politicians and the media and other methods. The move further strains ties between Taiwan and Beijing, which suspects Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen of pushing for the island's formal independence and has ramped up pressure on her since she took office in 2016. Watch: China irked by US-Taiwan arms deal "The rise of China has posed a threat to all countries, and Taiwan is facing the biggest threat," Chen Ou-po of the majority Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) told parliament after the bill was passed. "Taiwan is on the frontline of Chinese infiltration and urgently needs the anti-infiltration law to protect people's rights." Lawmakers of Tsai's DPP backed the bill, which passed 67 to zero, despite opposition criticism of it as a "political tool" to gain votes before the election. Lawmakers of the main opposition Kuomintang, which favours close ties with China, did not participate in the vote. China's policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office, in a statement carried by state media, said the DPP was seeking electoral gain from the move and creating enmity across the Taiwan Strait. "We sternly warn the DPP, blood is thicker than water for the compatriots from both sides of the strait, who protect and help each other: this is something no force can change," it said. The law gives legal teeth to efforts to stop China's funding activities on the island, such as lobbying or election campaigns. It carries a maximum penalty of seven years in jail and will take effect after Tsai signs it into law in January. China claims Taiwan as its territory, to be brought under Beijing's control by force if necessary. Taiwan says it is an independent country called the Republic of China, its official name. The Kuomintang has said it supports efforts to protect Taiwan from infiltration but accused the DPP of rushing through the legislation for electoral gain, calling it a threat to Taiwan's democracy. Several Kuomintang lawmakers staged a sit-in protest in front of the speaker's podium during the parliamentary session, holding signs that read "Objecting to bad law" and "Damaging human rights" while wearing black masks that read "Objection". A handful of supporters from pro-China political parties protested outside parliament, calling lawmakers to withdraw what they see as legislation that "ruins" cross-Strait exchanges. China said last week the DPP was trying to "blatantly reverse over" democracy with the bill. In response, Tsai said it was hypocritical of an autocratic China that lacks democracy, human rights or freedom of speech to use the language of democracy to criticise the proposal.

Taiwan passes law to combat Chinese influence on politics

Citing a letter from a young Hong Konger appealing for people "not to believe the Communists", Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Sunday the island's democratic way of life was at risk from the danger China posed to Taiwan.

The months of anti-government protests in Chinese-ruled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-police-arrest-15-in-fresh-shopping-mall-protests-270781">Hong Kong</a> have taken centre stage in Taiwan ahead of the January&nbsp;11 presidential and parliamentary elections, with Tsai in particular warning Taiwan would be next if it gives into Chinese pressure and accepts Beijing's rule.

Speaking at a televised presidential debate, Tsai read excerpts from a letter she said she received from a young person in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-paid-17-million-in-allowances-related-to-protests-270751">Hong Kong</a>. She did not name the person nor say when the letter was written.

Tsai read from the letter: "'I ask that Taiwan's people not believe the Chinese Communists, don't believe any pro-Communist official, and don't fall into China's money trap.'"

Taiwan's people have been through their own traumas under martial law before adopting democracy and are now seeing "the end of Hong Kong", Tsai quoted the letter as saying.

Tsai said she wanted to read the letter to remind people of the significance of their vote next month.

"On Jan. 11, the vote in our hands can decide whether our democratic way of life of today can continue. The whole world is watching what Taiwan will do on Jan. 11."

China claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be taken under its control by force if needed. Taiwan says it is an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name.

China says it will run Taiwan under the "one country, two systems" model - the same as used in Hong Kong - granting it a high degree of autonomy.

Tsai and her main opponent Han Kuo-yu from the Kuomintang, which favours close relations with China, have both rejected this model, though Tsai has repeatedly portrayed Han as supporting it.

Han said Tsai was "deceiving" the people of Hong Kong by using their struggle to try and win votes.

"They are bleeding from fighting against China, while you are enjoying electoral gains. Your campaign is based on the blood of Hong Kong people. You are exploiting the values they uphold," he said, citing remarks from a Hong Kong student leader who later apologised for his criticism.

Han also reiterated what has become a frequent complaint, that senior members of Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party and Tsai herself had previously been to China, accusing them of hypocrisy for denouncing a trip he made earlier this year.

"And you slam me for accepting 'one country, two systems' - this is really too much," Han said.

Citing a letter from a young Hong Konger appealing for people "not to believe the Communists", Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Sunday the island's democratic way of life was at risk from the danger China posed to Taiwan.

Citing a letter from a young Hong Konger appealing for people "not to believe the Communists", Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Sunday the island's democratic way of life was at risk from the danger China posed to Taiwan. The months of anti-government protests in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong have taken centre stage in Taiwan ahead of the January 11 presidential and parliamentary elections, with Tsai in particular warning Taiwan would be next if it gives into Chinese pressure and accepts Beijing's rule. Speaking at a televised presidential debate, Tsai read excerpts from a letter she said she received from a young person in Hong Kong. She did not name the person nor say when the letter was written. Tsai read from the letter: "'I ask that Taiwan's people not believe the Chinese Communists, don't believe any pro-Communist official, and don't fall into China's money trap.'" Taiwan's people have been through their own traumas under martial law before adopting democracy and are now seeing "the end of Hong Kong", Tsai quoted the letter as saying. Tsai said she wanted to read the letter to remind people of the significance of their vote next month. "On Jan. 11, the vote in our hands can decide whether our democratic way of life of today can continue. The whole world is watching what Taiwan will do on Jan. 11." China claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be taken under its control by force if needed. Taiwan says it is an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name. China says it will run Taiwan under the "one country, two systems" model - the same as used in Hong Kong - granting it a high degree of autonomy. Tsai and her main opponent Han Kuo-yu from the Kuomintang, which favours close relations with China, have both rejected this model, though Tsai has repeatedly portrayed Han as supporting it. Han said Tsai was "deceiving" the people of Hong Kong by using their struggle to try and win votes. "They are bleeding from fighting against China, while you are enjoying electoral gains. Your campaign is based on the blood of Hong Kong people. You are exploiting the values they uphold," he said, citing remarks from a Hong Kong student leader who later apologised for his criticism. Han also reiterated what has become a frequent complaint, that senior members of Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party and Tsai herself had previously been to China, accusing them of hypocrisy for denouncing a trip he made earlier this year. "And you slam me for accepting 'one country, two systems' - this is really too much," Han said.

'Don't believe the Communists': Taiwan president channels Hong Kong protests in appeal for votes

Taiwan “urgently” needs to pass a planned anti-infiltration law to face threats from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-rumours-and-cyber-armies-taiwan-fights-election-fake-news-268872">China to penetrate</a> the island, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Friday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-aircraft-carrier-sails-through-taiwan-strait-again-270359">denouncing China’s opposition</a> to it as illogical and hypocritical.&nbsp;

The legislation is part of a years-long effort to combat what many in Taiwan see as Chinese efforts to influence politics and the democratic process, through illicit funding of politicians and the media and other underhand methods.

China claims Taiwan as its territory, to be brought under Beijing’s control by force if necessary. Taiwan says it is an independent country called the Republic of China, its official name.

Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has begun a renewed push for the legislation, ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections on Jan. 11. The bill is due for debate in parliament again on Tuesday, when it may pass into law.

In a televised policy address - on which formal debate is set for Sunday - Tsai said the bill was about a threat from China that is not as easy to see as the likes of the Chinese aircraft carrier which sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday.

“I think that certainly there is an urgency in Taiwan society for the anti-infiltration law,” Tsai said. “I hope that we can as soon as possible examine it.”

Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang, which favours close ties with China, has condemned the proposed legislation as a “political tool” of Tsai and her DPP to gain votes while trying to paint them as Chinese Communist Party agents.

They also say the bill will only criminalize normal exchanges with China, something Tsai and the DPP have denied.

China’s policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office reiterated its opposition to the bill this week too, saying the DPP was trying to “blatantly reverse over” democracy and increase enmity.

Tsai said it was totally hypocritical of an autocratic China that lacks democracy, human rights or freedom of speech to use the language of democracy to criticize the bill.

“China has no democracy and yet it is criticizing Taiwan for reversing over democracy,” she said. “China has no democratic elections and interferes in Taiwan’s democratic elections the whole day long. This is an absurd and laughable position.”

China has denied seeking to interfere in Taiwan’s elections.

Tsai’s main opponent, the Kuomintang’s Han Kuo-yu, did not directly mention the bill, but again slammed senior DPP politicians for previous visits they have made to China. Han went to China earlier this year and met senior officials.

“Your exchanges are just exchanges, but our contacts are selling out Taiwan?” Han said, holding up a picture of DPP officials meeting with Chinese counterparts.

Taiwan “urgently” needs to pass a planned anti-infiltration law to face threats from China to penetrate the island, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Friday, denouncing China’s opposition to it as illogical and hypocritical.

Taiwan “urgently” needs to pass a planned anti-infiltration law to face threats from China to penetrate the island, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Friday, denouncing China’s opposition to it as illogical and hypocritical. The legislation is part of a years-long effort to combat what many in Taiwan see as Chinese efforts to influence politics and the democratic process, through illicit funding of politicians and the media and other underhand methods. China claims Taiwan as its territory, to be brought under Beijing’s control by force if necessary. Taiwan says it is an independent country called the Republic of China, its official name. Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has begun a renewed push for the legislation, ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections on Jan. 11. The bill is due for debate in parliament again on Tuesday, when it may pass into law. In a televised policy address - on which formal debate is set for Sunday - Tsai said the bill was about a threat from China that is not as easy to see as the likes of the Chinese aircraft carrier which sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday. “I think that certainly there is an urgency in Taiwan society for the anti-infiltration law,” Tsai said. “I hope that we can as soon as possible examine it.” Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang, which favours close ties with China, has condemned the proposed legislation as a “political tool” of Tsai and her DPP to gain votes while trying to paint them as Chinese Communist Party agents. They also say the bill will only criminalize normal exchanges with China, something Tsai and the DPP have denied. China’s policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office reiterated its opposition to the bill this week too, saying the DPP was trying to “blatantly reverse over” democracy and increase enmity. Tsai said it was totally hypocritical of an autocratic China that lacks democracy, human rights or freedom of speech to use the language of democracy to criticize the bill. “China has no democracy and yet it is criticizing Taiwan for reversing over democracy,” she said. “China has no democratic elections and interferes in Taiwan’s democratic elections the whole day long. This is an absurd and laughable position.” China has denied seeking to interfere in Taiwan’s elections. Tsai’s main opponent, the Kuomintang’s Han Kuo-yu, did not directly mention the bill, but again slammed senior DPP politicians for previous visits they have made to China. Han went to China earlier this year and met senior officials. “Your exchanges are just exchanges, but our contacts are selling out Taiwan?” Han said, holding up a picture of DPP officials meeting with Chinese counterparts.

Taiwan has 'urgent' need for infiltration law in face of China: President Tsai Ing-wen

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../white-house-considered-kicking-huawei-out-of- us-banking-system-sources-265973">Tech giant Huawei</a> has cancelled the launch of a flagship phone and watch in Taiwan after Taipei imposed a temporary ban on some of its products for listing the island as part of China.&nbsp;

On its official Taiwan Facebook page, Wednesday Chinese company Huawei said the launch of its Mate 30 Pro smartphone and its GT 2 digital watch had been cancelled due to "supply issues" without elaborating further.&nbsp;

"We thank all users who participated in the pre-order event of the products&nbsp;and express deep regret for causing you inconvenience," the statement said, adding that users would be refunded.&nbsp;

The cancellations came after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../fourth-round-of-relief-measures-to-be- introduced-in-hong-kong-carrie-lam-265826">Taiwan</a> last month suspended sales of three Huawei models that listed the self-ruled, democratic island as "Taiwan, China" for timezones and contacts.

On Thursday Taiwan's National Communications Commission (NCC) said the temporary ban of Huawei's P30, P30 Pro and Nova 5T models was still effective as the company had yet to change the wording.

How Taiwan is described is a hugely sensitive political issue.&nbsp;

Beijing considers Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to seize it by force if necessary, even though the two sides have been governed separately for the last seven decades.&nbsp;

In recent years international brands have routinely found themselves bowing to Beijing's stance on Taiwan,&nbsp;a much smaller market compared to the lucrative mainland.&nbsp;

A growing list of international firms, including luxury brands, airlines and hotels, have been pushed to apologise to Beijing or change Taiwan's classification on their websites to "Taiwan, China" or "Chinese Taipei".

The authoritarian mainland has ramped up diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen was elected in 2016 because her party refuses to recognise that idea that the island is part of "one China".&nbsp;

The pressure is building as Taiwan heads towards elections in January, with Tsai seeking to defeat an opponent who favours much warmer ties with China.&nbsp;

Huawei, the world's number two smartphone producer, has previously come under fire in mainland China for the opposite offence,&nbsp;not labelling the cities of Taipei, Hong Kong and Macau as part of China in some Chinese-language settings.&nbsp;

The company is also fighting legal battles in the United States, saying Thursday it has petitioned a US court to overturn a ban imposed on national security grounds that prevents carriers in rural America from buying its equipment by tapping an $8.5-billion federal fund.&nbsp;

Tech giant Huawei has cancelled the launch of a flagship phone and watch in Taiwan after Taipei imposed a temporary ban on some of its products for listing the island as part of China.

Tech giant Huawei has cancelled the launch of a flagship phone and watch in Taiwan after Taipei imposed a temporary ban on some of its products for listing the island as part of China. On its official Taiwan Facebook page, Wednesday Chinese company Huawei said the launch of its Mate 30 Pro smartphone and its GT 2 digital watch had been cancelled due to "supply issues" without elaborating further. "We thank all users who participated in the pre-order event of the products and express deep regret for causing you inconvenience," the statement said, adding that users would be refunded. The cancellations came after Taiwan last month suspended sales of three Huawei models that listed the self-ruled, democratic island as "Taiwan, China" for timezones and contacts. On Thursday Taiwan's National Communications Commission (NCC) said the temporary ban of Huawei's P30, P30 Pro and Nova 5T models was still effective as the company had yet to change the wording. How Taiwan is described is a hugely sensitive political issue. Beijing considers Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to seize it by force if necessary, even though the two sides have been governed separately for the last seven decades. In recent years international brands have routinely found themselves bowing to Beijing's stance on Taiwan, a much smaller market compared to the lucrative mainland. A growing list of international firms, including luxury brands, airlines and hotels, have been pushed to apologise to Beijing or change Taiwan's classification on their websites to "Taiwan, China" or "Chinese Taipei". The authoritarian mainland has ramped up diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen was elected in 2016 because her party refuses to recognise that idea that the island is part of "one China". The pressure is building as Taiwan heads towards elections in January, with Tsai seeking to defeat an opponent who favours much warmer ties with China. Huawei, the world's number two smartphone producer, has previously come under fire in mainland China for the opposite offence, not labelling the cities of Taipei, Hong Kong and Macau as part of China in some Chinese-language settings. The company is also fighting legal battles in the United States, saying Thursday it has petitioned a US court to overturn a ban imposed on national security grounds that prevents carriers in rural America from buying its equipment by tapping an $8.5-billion federal fund.

Huawei cancels new phone launch in Taiwan after China row

Protests that have paralysed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-to-disperse-anti-government-protesters-265558">Hong Kong for nearly six months</a> are pushing residents to seek new lives abroad, with many turning to nearby democratic Taiwan to escape the uncertainty at home.

Taiwan has long attracted Hong Kongers seeking an alternative to their city's frenetic pace and sky-high rents.

But the number granted short-term and permanent residency in Taiwan rose nearly 30 per cent to over 4,000 between January and September from a year earlier, with investment from Hong Kong almost doubling.

Leonardo Wong was in the southern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung last month scouting locations for a restaurant he plans to open when he moves to the island in January.

"Hong Kong is no longer safe. You don't know what would happen tomorrow. There are too many external forces that could change the course of things," the 27-year-old told AFP.

"Now it feels rather like things could never go back to the way they were. We can't see what kind of future (Hong Kong) is heading towards."

Taiwan does not recognise the legal concept of asylum or accept refugee applications, fearful of a potential influx from the authoritarian mainland.

But Hong Kongers can apply to live on the island through a variety of means, including investment visas.

'A city with hope'

Former system analyst Chow Chung-ming recently obtained a residency permit through a scheme that requires a Tw$6 million ($197,000) investment,&nbsp;a fraction of the costs associated with other popular immigration destinations such as Australia, Canada and the United States.

The 41-year-old moved to Kaohsiung attracted partly by lower rents, which have helped him realise a childhood dream of opening a cat cafe this July, but also the island's relative freedoms.

"In Taiwan, freedom of speech is in the present tense. People can elect the president and lawmakers,&nbsp;rights that Hong Kongers don't have and I don't see any chance of ever having," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pensioners-and-students-gather-for-hong-kong-protest-265423">Protests in Hong Kong erupted in response to proposed legislation</a> that would have allowed extraditions to the mainland, but have snowballed into demands for greater freedoms in the city.

Beijing officially espouses a so-called "one country, two systems" policy on Hong Kong, allowing the city greater freedoms and rule of law, but protesters argue that has been gradually eroded.

A 50-year guarantee of that status will expire in 2047, with many Hong Kongers convinced their freedoms will keep shrinking until the city is fully absorbed into the mainland.

"I think the tightening on freedom will continue in Hong Kong until it's 'one country, one system'," Chow said.

The current departure of Hong Kongers abroad is described by some as a "third wave", after many residents went overseas ahead of the 1997 British handover and, in smaller numbers, after the 2014 failure of the pro-democracy "Umbrella Movement".

Businesswoman Suki Lui has regularly participated in pro-democracy protests, but she now plans to relocate to Taiwan, hoping to give her two-year-old daughter a better future.

"My emotions have gone through so many ups and downs and I feel I have endured more emotion than I can handle," the 37-year-old said.

"I hope she can get a better education, can enjoy freedom, can realise her dreams in the future... I hope she can choose and live in a city with hope."&nbsp;

'Safeguard Taiwan'

But even those who move to Taiwan will live under a cloud cast by China.

Beijing sees the self-ruled island as part of its territory and has vowed to seize it, by force if necessary, even though the two have been governed separately for the past seven decades.

President Tsai Ing-wen, who took office in 2016, refuses to acknowledge that the island is part of "one China" and has repeatedly voiced support for Hong Kong's pro-democracy protesters.

In response, Beijing has ramped up economic and military pressure on Taiwan and poached many of the island's few remaining diplomatic allies.

Tsai faces elections in January against an opponent who favours much warmer ties with Beijing and has called the upcoming vote a "fight for freedom and democracy".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-arrests-belizean-taiwanese-citizens-over-alleged-meddling-in-hong-kong-affairs-265421">Some displaced Hong Kongers</a> hope the island will heed the lessons of the unrest in their home city.

"I can't vote yet but I hope people will vote for someone who can safeguard Taiwan," said Chow.&nbsp;

Phoenix Law, 30, said she moved to Taiwan in September drawn by the island's greater freedoms.

"If people (in Taiwan) don't accept what the president does, they can resist," she said.

"I hope Taiwanese people are on alert after seeing the situation in Hong Kong. Don't trust the Chinese Communist Party, what they say may sound nice but that are all lies."

Protests that have paralysed Hong Kong for nearly six months are pushing residents to seek new lives abroad, with many turning to nearby democratic Taiwan to escape the uncertainty at home.

Protests that have paralysed Hong Kong for nearly six months are pushing residents to seek new lives abroad, with many turning to nearby democratic Taiwan to escape the uncertainty at home. Taiwan has long attracted Hong Kongers seeking an alternative to their city's frenetic pace and sky-high rents. But the number granted short-term and permanent residency in Taiwan rose nearly 30 per cent to over 4,000 between January and September from a year earlier, with investment from Hong Kong almost doubling. Leonardo Wong was in the southern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung last month scouting locations for a restaurant he plans to open when he moves to the island in January. "Hong Kong is no longer safe. You don't know what would happen tomorrow. There are too many external forces that could change the course of things," the 27-year-old told AFP. "Now it feels rather like things could never go back to the way they were. We can't see what kind of future (Hong Kong) is heading towards." Taiwan does not recognise the legal concept of asylum or accept refugee applications, fearful of a potential influx from the authoritarian mainland. But Hong Kongers can apply to live on the island through a variety of means, including investment visas. 'A city with hope' Former system analyst Chow Chung-ming recently obtained a residency permit through a scheme that requires a Tw$6 million ($197,000) investment, a fraction of the costs associated with other popular immigration destinations such as Australia, Canada and the United States. The 41-year-old moved to Kaohsiung attracted partly by lower rents, which have helped him realise a childhood dream of opening a cat cafe this July, but also the island's relative freedoms. "In Taiwan, freedom of speech is in the present tense. People can elect the president and lawmakers, rights that Hong Kongers don't have and I don't see any chance of ever having," he said. Protests in Hong Kong erupted in response to proposed legislation that would have allowed extraditions to the mainland, but have snowballed into demands for greater freedoms in the city. Beijing officially espouses a so-called "one country, two systems" policy on Hong Kong, allowing the city greater freedoms and rule of law, but protesters argue that has been gradually eroded. A 50-year guarantee of that status will expire in 2047, with many Hong Kongers convinced their freedoms will keep shrinking until the city is fully absorbed into the mainland. "I think the tightening on freedom will continue in Hong Kong until it's 'one country, one system'," Chow said. The current departure of Hong Kongers abroad is described by some as a "third wave", after many residents went overseas ahead of the 1997 British handover and, in smaller numbers, after the 2014 failure of the pro-democracy "Umbrella Movement". Businesswoman Suki Lui has regularly participated in pro-democracy protests, but she now plans to relocate to Taiwan, hoping to give her two-year-old daughter a better future. "My emotions have gone through so many ups and downs and I feel I have endured more emotion than I can handle," the 37-year-old said. "I hope she can get a better education, can enjoy freedom, can realise her dreams in the future... I hope she can choose and live in a city with hope." 'Safeguard Taiwan' But even those who move to Taiwan will live under a cloud cast by China. Beijing sees the self-ruled island as part of its territory and has vowed to seize it, by force if necessary, even though the two have been governed separately for the past seven decades. President Tsai Ing-wen, who took office in 2016, refuses to acknowledge that the island is part of "one China" and has repeatedly voiced support for Hong Kong's pro-democracy protesters. In response, Beijing has ramped up economic and military pressure on Taiwan and poached many of the island's few remaining diplomatic allies. Tsai faces elections in January against an opponent who favours much warmer ties with Beijing and has called the upcoming vote a "fight for freedom and democracy". Some displaced Hong Kongers hope the island will heed the lessons of the unrest in their home city. "I can't vote yet but I hope people will vote for someone who can safeguard Taiwan," said Chow. Phoenix Law, 30, said she moved to Taiwan in September drawn by the island's greater freedoms. "If people (in Taiwan) don't accept what the president does, they can resist," she said. "I hope Taiwanese people are on alert after seeing the situation in Hong Kong. Don't trust the Chinese Communist Party, what they say may sound nice but that are all lies."

Hong Kong protesters turn to Taiwan in search of new lives

China is interfering in Taiwan's elections "every day" as it seeks to damage the island's democracy, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Tuesday, after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-confirms-first-domestically-built-aircraft-carrier-sailed-through-taiwan-strait-262831">China sailed an aircraft carrier group</a> near the self-ruled island on the weekend.

The election campaign, which is also for Taiwan's legislature, has kicked into high gear, and is being closely watched by Taiwan's giant neighbour China, which claims Taiwan as sacred Chinese territory, to be brought under its control by force if needed.

China on Sunday sailed an aircraft carrier group through the sensitive Taiwan Strait, the same day Tsai announced her running mate, former premier William Lai, who has angered Beijing with his pro-independence comments. Taiwan denounced the carrier sailing as an attempt to intimidate voters.

China fears Tsai and her Democratic Progressive Party will push for Taiwan's formal independence, a red line for Beijing which in 2005 enacted an "anti-secession law" that allows it to use force on Taiwan in extreme cases.

Tsai, speaking after formally registering to run for re-election in the Jan. 11 vote, said the vote was happening at a crucial time, as China's pressure grows and against the backdrop of anti-government protests in Chinese-run Hong Kong.

"Our Republic of China, Taiwan, is a country, a sovereign, independent country. Our people have the right to choose their own president," she told reporters, referring to Taiwan by its official name.

Asked whether she supported Taiwan independence, Tsai said the island already had sovereignty.

"We have sovereignty, we have a government, we have a democratic free system, we defend ourself, we have diplomatic relations. This is the Republic of China, Taiwan, that I'm talking about," she said.

China's attempts to involve itself in Taiwan's election are "clear and easy to see" as they seek to damage the island's democracy, Tsai added, when asked about the Chinese carrier group in the Taiwan Strait.

"As a large country, internationally and regionally they have to have a responsibility to maintain regional peace and stability," she said.

Tsai declined direct comment on the Chinese carrier which she called an "individual case".

"China intervening in Taiwan's election is happening, and it's happening every day."

China described the carrier sailing as routine and not aimed at anyone in particular, dismissing Taiwan's complaints.

China's President Xi Jinping said in January that China reserved the right to use force to bring Taiwan under its control but will strive to achieve peaceful "reunification".

Tsai is leading in the polls over her main opponent Han Kuo-yu of the China-friendly Kuomintang party.

China is interfering in Taiwan's elections "every day" as it seeks to damage the island's democracy, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Tuesday, after China sailed an aircraft carrier group near the self-ruled island on the weekend.

China is interfering in Taiwan's elections "every day" as it seeks to damage the island's democracy, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Tuesday, after China sailed an aircraft carrier group near the self-ruled island on the weekend. The election campaign, which is also for Taiwan's legislature, has kicked into high gear, and is being closely watched by Taiwan's giant neighbour China, which claims Taiwan as sacred Chinese territory, to be brought under its control by force if needed. China on Sunday sailed an aircraft carrier group through the sensitive Taiwan Strait, the same day Tsai announced her running mate, former premier William Lai, who has angered Beijing with his pro-independence comments. Taiwan denounced the carrier sailing as an attempt to intimidate voters. China fears Tsai and her Democratic Progressive Party will push for Taiwan's formal independence, a red line for Beijing which in 2005 enacted an "anti-secession law" that allows it to use force on Taiwan in extreme cases. Tsai, speaking after formally registering to run for re-election in the Jan. 11 vote, said the vote was happening at a crucial time, as China's pressure grows and against the backdrop of anti-government protests in Chinese-run Hong Kong. "Our Republic of China, Taiwan, is a country, a sovereign, independent country. Our people have the right to choose their own president," she told reporters, referring to Taiwan by its official name. Asked whether she supported Taiwan independence, Tsai said the island already had sovereignty. "We have sovereignty, we have a government, we have a democratic free system, we defend ourself, we have diplomatic relations. This is the Republic of China, Taiwan, that I'm talking about," she said. China's attempts to involve itself in Taiwan's election are "clear and easy to see" as they seek to damage the island's democracy, Tsai added, when asked about the Chinese carrier group in the Taiwan Strait. "As a large country, internationally and regionally they have to have a responsibility to maintain regional peace and stability," she said. Tsai declined direct comment on the Chinese carrier which she called an "individual case". "China intervening in Taiwan's election is happening, and it's happening every day." China described the carrier sailing as routine and not aimed at anyone in particular, dismissing Taiwan's complaints. China's President Xi Jinping said in January that China reserved the right to use force to bring Taiwan under its control but will strive to achieve peaceful "reunification". Tsai is leading in the polls over her main opponent Han Kuo-yu of the China-friendly Kuomintang party.

China interfering in election 'every day': Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen

Why China's first domestically-built aircraft carrier 'Type 001A' is a state secret

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-launches-new-company-logo-260130">Facebook</a> vowed Tuesday to step up monitoring for any attempt to use its platform to meddle in Taiwan's elections as the island's authorities say they face growing interference from China.

Taiwan will elect a new president and parliament on January 11, and relations with the mainland are dominating the campaign.&nbsp;

Beijing has ramped up Taiwan's isolation ever since President Tsai Ing-wen took office three years ago because her party refuses to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of "one China". &nbsp;

Tsai is seeking a second term against Han Kuo-yu, a challenger who favours much warmer ties with Beijing.&nbsp;

She and her party have accused Beijing of attempting to influence the elections by spreading disinformation via social media.

On Tuesday Facebook said it would establish a regional election centre in Singapore in the final weeks before Taiwan's elections, following similar moves in the United States, India, Indonesia and the European Union.&nbsp;

"Protecting elections at the company is a major priority for us,"&nbsp;Kate Harbath, Facebook's public policy director and global&nbsp;elections lead, told reporters via a videoconference in Taipei.

"Now we are heavily focused on these upcoming elections in Taiwan," she added, as well as upcoming polls in countries including Sri Lanka and Singapore.&nbsp;

"Each election has different risks," she said, adding that the company starts a year before an election to assess what is involved.

Facebook said it currently has 40 teams that focus on elections, to increase transparency, reduce misinformation and harmful content, as well as removing inaccurate voting information or any content that violates community standards such as hate messages.

"Our product teams are building tooling to better monitor... in order for us to be able to take quicker action and we can respond to those things in realtime," Harbath said. &nbsp;

Faced with criticism that the site has been used to manipulate polls, Facebook has been under mounting pressure to improve how its spots meddling and misinformation, as well as scrutinising political adverts.&nbsp;

It will introduce strict criteria for political ads in Taiwan, requiring those who want to advertise about elections and politics to confirm their identity and location, and disclose who is responsible for the ad.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lawsuit-accuses-facebook-ad-targeting-of-abetting-bias-259200">Facebook</a> said it has also been working with third-party checkers, including an independent fact-checking organisation in Taiwan.

In a global initiative set to start mid-November, the social network will also step up a system that makes clear when information comes from state-controlled media outlets.&nbsp;

Facebook in August removed hundreds of fake accounts it said was involved in "coordinated inauthentic behaviour" focused on Hong Kong's ongoing protests.

Since the protests began Beijing's well-oiled state media machinery has launched a global propaganda campaign both online and on social media.

Facebook said it has not detected such moves targeting Taiwan election so far.

Facebook vowed Tuesday to step up monitoring for any attempt to use its platform to meddle in Taiwan's elections as the island's authorities say they face growing interference from China.

Facebook vowed Tuesday to step up monitoring for any attempt to use its platform to meddle in Taiwan's elections as the island's authorities say they face growing interference from China. Taiwan will elect a new president and parliament on January 11, and relations with the mainland are dominating the campaign. Beijing has ramped up Taiwan's isolation ever since President Tsai Ing-wen took office three years ago because her party refuses to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of "one China". Tsai is seeking a second term against Han Kuo-yu, a challenger who favours much warmer ties with Beijing. She and her party have accused Beijing of attempting to influence the elections by spreading disinformation via social media. On Tuesday Facebook said it would establish a regional election centre in Singapore in the final weeks before Taiwan's elections, following similar moves in the United States, India, Indonesia and the European Union. "Protecting elections at the company is a major priority for us," Kate Harbath, Facebook's public policy director and global elections lead, told reporters via a videoconference in Taipei. "Now we are heavily focused on these upcoming elections in Taiwan," she added, as well as upcoming polls in countries including Sri Lanka and Singapore. "Each election has different risks," she said, adding that the company starts a year before an election to assess what is involved. Facebook said it currently has 40 teams that focus on elections, to increase transparency, reduce misinformation and harmful content, as well as removing inaccurate voting information or any content that violates community standards such as hate messages. "Our product teams are building tooling to better monitor... in order for us to be able to take quicker action and we can respond to those things in realtime," Harbath said. Faced with criticism that the site has been used to manipulate polls, Facebook has been under mounting pressure to improve how its spots meddling and misinformation, as well as scrutinising political adverts. It will introduce strict criteria for political ads in Taiwan, requiring those who want to advertise about elections and politics to confirm their identity and location, and disclose who is responsible for the ad. Facebook said it has also been working with third-party checkers, including an independent fact-checking organisation in Taiwan. In a global initiative set to start mid-November, the social network will also step up a system that makes clear when information comes from state-controlled media outlets. Facebook in August removed hundreds of fake accounts it said was involved in "coordinated inauthentic behaviour" focused on Hong Kong's ongoing protests. Since the protests began Beijing's well-oiled state media machinery has launched a global propaganda campaign both online and on social media. Facebook said it has not detected such moves targeting Taiwan election so far.

Amid controversies, Facebook steps up monitoring content for Taiwan elections

Chinese-ruled Hong Kong and Taiwan engaged in a rare squabble on Wednesday over a Hong Kong man accused of murder in Taiwan whose case was used by Hong Kong to promote a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-legislature-officially-kills-controversial-extradition-bill-257668"> now-withdrawn extradition bill</a>.

Self-ruled Taiwan, which China considers its own, wants an extradition, not a voluntary surrender, of the suspected murderer from a Chinese-ruled territory, reinforcing its status as self-ruled and separate to China.

Chan Tong-kai was accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend in Taiwan last year before fleeing back to Hong Kong where he was sentenced to 29 months in jail on money-laundering charges.

He was given an early release on Wednesday, coincidentally the same day that Hong Kong's legislature formally killed the extradition bill, the original trigger for months of often violent unrest in the former British colony.

The Hong Kong government had seized on the case to justify the need for an extradition law that would have allowed criminal suspects to be sent from Hong Kong to greater China, comprising the mainland, Taiwan and Macau.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement it was "unbelievable" that Chan could be expected to take a flight to Taiwan by himself, "completely ignoring the safety of passengers on the same flights in order to serve the political arrangement of a 'surrender'".

It said Taiwan had repeatedly asked for legal cooperation.

"We are solemnly telling the Hong Kong government that you have to take full responsibility for all bitter consequences," the council statement said.

Taiwan has also said it wanted to send officers to Hong Kong to escort Chan back, a move the Hong Kong government has described as a disrespectful and unacceptable attempt to cross legal jurisdictions.

President Tsai Ing-wen said Taiwan would "take care of the matter" adding there was no "such thing as surrender, only arrest".

Hong Kong Secretary for Security John Lee said that Taiwan was obstructing the case for "political reasons" and Chan should be free to go to Taiwan and surrender himself, as he has offered.

Chan, wearing a navy blue shirt and red backpack, bowed and apologised to the family of his ex-girlfriend and the public as he left prison.

He was arrested by Hong Kong police in March 2018, but authorities there were only able to find evidence against him for money laundering.

Chan said he had made an "unforgivable mistake" and was willing to plead guilty and turn himself in to Taiwan for trial. It was not immediately clear to what charge he planned to plead guilty.

"I hope her family can be relieved a bit and let her rest in peace," he said, declining to say when he would turn himself in.

"For the society, for Hong Kongers, I can only be sorry. I hope you can all forgive me ... let me be a new person and give me the opportunity to return to society." 
&nbsp;

Chinese-ruled Hong Kong and Taiwan engaged in a rare squabble on Wednesday over a Hong Kong man accused of murder in Taiwan whose case was used by Hong Kong to promote a now-withdrawn extradition bill.

Chinese-ruled Hong Kong and Taiwan engaged in a rare squabble on Wednesday over a Hong Kong man accused of murder in Taiwan whose case was used by Hong Kong to promote a now-withdrawn extradition bill. Self-ruled Taiwan, which China considers its own, wants an extradition, not a voluntary surrender, of the suspected murderer from a Chinese-ruled territory, reinforcing its status as self-ruled and separate to China. Chan Tong-kai was accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend in Taiwan last year before fleeing back to Hong Kong where he was sentenced to 29 months in jail on money-laundering charges. He was given an early release on Wednesday, coincidentally the same day that Hong Kong's legislature formally killed the extradition bill, the original trigger for months of often violent unrest in the former British colony. The Hong Kong government had seized on the case to justify the need for an extradition law that would have allowed criminal suspects to be sent from Hong Kong to greater China, comprising the mainland, Taiwan and Macau. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement it was "unbelievable" that Chan could be expected to take a flight to Taiwan by himself, "completely ignoring the safety of passengers on the same flights in order to serve the political arrangement of a 'surrender'". It said Taiwan had repeatedly asked for legal cooperation. "We are solemnly telling the Hong Kong government that you have to take full responsibility for all bitter consequences," the council statement said. Taiwan has also said it wanted to send officers to Hong Kong to escort Chan back, a move the Hong Kong government has described as a disrespectful and unacceptable attempt to cross legal jurisdictions. President Tsai Ing-wen said Taiwan would "take care of the matter" adding there was no "such thing as surrender, only arrest". Hong Kong Secretary for Security John Lee said that Taiwan was obstructing the case for "political reasons" and Chan should be free to go to Taiwan and surrender himself, as he has offered. Chan, wearing a navy blue shirt and red backpack, bowed and apologised to the family of his ex-girlfriend and the public as he left prison. He was arrested by Hong Kong police in March 2018, but authorities there were only able to find evidence against him for money laundering. Chan said he had made an "unforgivable mistake" and was willing to plead guilty and turn himself in to Taiwan for trial. It was not immediately clear to what charge he planned to plead guilty. "I hope her family can be relieved a bit and let her rest in peace," he said, declining to say when he would turn himself in. "For the society, for Hong Kongers, I can only be sorry. I hope you can all forgive me ... let me be a new person and give me the opportunity to return to society."

Hong Kong, Taiwan authorities clash as murder suspect walks free

A murder case that led to mass street protests in Hong Kong should be handled independently by Taiwan, where the suspect allegedly committed the crime, authorities in the Chinese-ruled city said.

Chan Tong-kai, a Hong Kong citizen, was accused of murdering his girlfriend in Taiwan last year before fleeing back to the financial hub. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam held up Chan's case as an example of why an extradition bill, that would have allowed suspects to be sent from Hong Kong to greater China - including the mainland, Taiwan and Macau - was needed.

Hong Kong has been reeling from five months of unrest originally triggered by the extradition bill but which has now evolved into a pro-democracy movement. The government has announced it will withdraw the bill, but the protests have not stopped.

Chan has offered to voluntarily surrender himself to Taiwan on release from prison in the former British colony where he has been serving a 29-month sentence for money laundering, the chief executive's office said.

Taiwan has said Chan's offer to give himself up was not sufficient and formal talks were needed with Hong Kong authorities.

Taiwan authorities argue that his extradition without a legal assistance framework would damage the self-ruled island's sovereignty and put Taiwan under the "one China" framework.

Taiwan's Premier Su Tseng-chang said on Tuesday the government had requested legal assistance and warned Hong Kong not to "politically manipulate" the case.

Beijing considers Taiwan to be a wayward province of "one China", ineligible for state-to-state relations and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.

Hong Kong has said the case can be handled without any further discussions as all relevant evidence was in Taiwan, giving it absolute jurisdiction over the case.

"The surrender does not present any obstacle in terms of legal principles and procedures...The case can totally be handled independently," the Hong Kong government said in a statement late on Monday.

Chan was arrested by police in Hong Kong in March 2018 and local authorities were only able to find evidence against him for money laundering.

A murder case that led to mass street protests in Hong Kong should be handled independently by Taiwan, where the suspect allegedly committed the crime, authorities in the Chinese-ruled city said.

A murder case that led to mass street protests in Hong Kong should be handled independently by Taiwan, where the suspect allegedly committed the crime, authorities in the Chinese-ruled city said. Chan Tong-kai, a Hong Kong citizen, was accused of murdering his girlfriend in Taiwan last year before fleeing back to the financial hub. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam held up Chan's case as an example of why an extradition bill, that would have allowed suspects to be sent from Hong Kong to greater China - including the mainland, Taiwan and Macau - was needed. Hong Kong has been reeling from five months of unrest originally triggered by the extradition bill but which has now evolved into a pro-democracy movement. The government has announced it will withdraw the bill, but the protests have not stopped. Chan has offered to voluntarily surrender himself to Taiwan on release from prison in the former British colony where he has been serving a 29-month sentence for money laundering, the chief executive's office said. Taiwan has said Chan's offer to give himself up was not sufficient and formal talks were needed with Hong Kong authorities. Taiwan authorities argue that his extradition without a legal assistance framework would damage the self-ruled island's sovereignty and put Taiwan under the "one China" framework. Taiwan's Premier Su Tseng-chang said on Tuesday the government had requested legal assistance and warned Hong Kong not to "politically manipulate" the case. Beijing considers Taiwan to be a wayward province of "one China", ineligible for state-to-state relations and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Hong Kong has said the case can be handled without any further discussions as all relevant evidence was in Taiwan, giving it absolute jurisdiction over the case. "The surrender does not present any obstacle in terms of legal principles and procedures...The case can totally be handled independently," the Hong Kong government said in a statement late on Monday. Chan was arrested by police in Hong Kong in March 2018 and local authorities were only able to find evidence against him for money laundering.

Hong Kong, Taiwan authorities tussle as fate of murder suspect in limbo

China's defence minister said on Monday that resolving the "Taiwan question" is his country's "greatest national interest," and that no force could prevent China's "reunification."

Separatist activities are doomed to failure, Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said at the opening in Beijing of the Xiangshan Forum, which China styles as its answer to the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-condemns-chinas-dictatorship-on-70th-anniversary-of-communist-rule-252977">Tensions between China and Taiwan have ratcheted up</a> ahead of the self-ruled island's presidential election in January. Taiwan is China's most sensitive territorial issue.

"China is the only major country in the world that is yet to be completely reunified," Wei said.

"Resolving the Taiwan question so as to realise China's full reunification is the irresistible trend of the times, China's greatest national interest, the righteous path to follow and the longing of all Chinese people."

Proudly democratic Taiwan has lambasted China for its authoritarian rule and for being a threat to regional peace, while China has heaped pressure on Taiwan, whittling away at its few remaining diplomatic allies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-china-is-an-authoritarian-threat-in-the-pacific-254245">China regards Taiwan as its sacred territory</a>, to be brought under Beijing's rule, by force if needed, a message President Xi Jinping reiterated at the start of this year.

China translates the word "tong yi" as "reunification," but it can also be translated as "unification," a term in English preferred by supporters of Taiwan independence who point out that Beijing's Communist government has never ruled Taiwan and so it cannot be "reunified."

Defeated Nationalist forces fled to Taiwan in 1949 at the end of a civil war with the Communists. The People's Republic of China has never governed Taiwan, whose people have shown little interest in being ruled by autocratic Beijing.

China has also been angered by US&nbsp;support for Taiwan, including arms sales. Washington has no formal ties with Taipei but is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself.

The US&nbsp;and China are also locked in a bitter trade war, though they have been holding talks to end it.

"No one and no force can ever stop China's full reunification. We are committed to promoting the peaceful development of cross-Taiwan strait relations and the peaceful reunification of the country," Wei said.

"However we will never allow separatists for Taiwan independence to have their way, nor allow interference by any external forces. Advancing china's reunification is a just cause, while separatist activities are doomed to failure."

The United States has also angered China by repeatedly conducting what it calls "freedom of navigation" operations by naval ships close to islands China occupies in the South China Sea.

China claims almost all the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, but neighbours Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims.

"The South China Sea islands and Diaoyu islands are inalienable parts of China's territory. We will not allow even an inch of territory that our ancestors have left to us to be taken away," Wei said.

China's defence minister said on Monday that resolving the "Taiwan question" is his country's "greatest national interest," and that no force could prevent China's "reunification.

China's defence minister said on Monday that resolving the "Taiwan question" is his country's "greatest national interest," and that no force could prevent China's "reunification." Separatist activities are doomed to failure, Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said at the opening in Beijing of the Xiangshan Forum, which China styles as its answer to the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore. Tensions between China and Taiwan have ratcheted up ahead of the self-ruled island's presidential election in January. Taiwan is China's most sensitive territorial issue. "China is the only major country in the world that is yet to be completely reunified," Wei said. "Resolving the Taiwan question so as to realise China's full reunification is the irresistible trend of the times, China's greatest national interest, the righteous path to follow and the longing of all Chinese people." Proudly democratic Taiwan has lambasted China for its authoritarian rule and for being a threat to regional peace, while China has heaped pressure on Taiwan, whittling away at its few remaining diplomatic allies. China regards Taiwan as its sacred territory, to be brought under Beijing's rule, by force if needed, a message President Xi Jinping reiterated at the start of this year. China translates the word "tong yi" as "reunification," but it can also be translated as "unification," a term in English preferred by supporters of Taiwan independence who point out that Beijing's Communist government has never ruled Taiwan and so it cannot be "reunified." Defeated Nationalist forces fled to Taiwan in 1949 at the end of a civil war with the Communists. The People's Republic of China has never governed Taiwan, whose people have shown little interest in being ruled by autocratic Beijing. China has also been angered by US support for Taiwan, including arms sales. Washington has no formal ties with Taipei but is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself. The US and China are also locked in a bitter trade war, though they have been holding talks to end it. "No one and no force can ever stop China's full reunification. We are committed to promoting the peaceful development of cross-Taiwan strait relations and the peaceful reunification of the country," Wei said. "However we will never allow separatists for Taiwan independence to have their way, nor allow interference by any external forces. Advancing china's reunification is a just cause, while separatist activities are doomed to failure." The United States has also angered China by repeatedly conducting what it calls "freedom of navigation" operations by naval ships close to islands China occupies in the South China Sea. China claims almost all the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, but neighbours Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims. "The South China Sea islands and Diaoyu islands are inalienable parts of China's territory. We will not allow even an inch of territory that our ancestors have left to us to be taken away," Wei said.

China's defence minister says resolving 'Taiwan question' is national priority

A Chinese company signed an agreement to lease an entire island in the Solomon Islands a day after Beijing recruited the Pacific nation as its latest ally in the strategically important region, according to documents obtained by AFP Thursday.

The leaked papers reveal that the Solomons' Central Province made a "strategic cooperation agreement" on Tulagi Island, which has the type of deep-water harbour coveted by the military, with the state-owned China Sam Group on September 22.

A day previously, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-solomon-islands-sign-deals-under-new-diplomatic-ties-254666">China and the Solomons</a> officially established diplomatic relations after Beijing persuaded the impoverished Pacific nation to sever ties with arch-rival Taiwan and become its ally.

Tulagi, an island about two square kilometres with a population of 1,200, is the site of a former Japanese naval base and was the scene of fierce fighting in World War II.

The agreement with China Sam mentions developing a refinery on the island, but its potential for dual use as a Chinese military base is certain to raise concerns with the United States and Australia.

"Party A (Central Province) is willing to first lease the whole Tulagi island and the surrounding islands to Party B (China Sam) for the development of the special economic zone," the agreement says.

It goes on to say the deal covers "any other industry that is suitable for development, including oil and gas development".

China Sam said in a statement issued Thursday that it was committed to cooperating with the Solomons in a number of areas, including trade, infrastructure, fisheries and tourism.

Jonathan Pryke, director of Sydney-based foreign policy think tank the Lowy Institute's Pacific programme, said it was not unusual for China to promise such special economic zones to developing nations that were desperate for investment.

"The fear is that these zones can in turn create enclaves of Chinese operations that could then grow over time into some kind of permanent strategic facility," he told AFP.

"The island in question in Solomon Islands has deep water anchorage so could have such strategic uses down the road."

Taiwan was previously the Solomons' largest ally in the Pacific region and the decision to ditch it for China after months of speculation was seen as a major diplomatic coup for Beijing.

Days later another Taipei loyalist in the region, Kiribati, did likewise.

The manoeuvring left Taiwan with just four nations that officially recognise it in the Pacific and 15 worldwide, while also alarming traditional western democratic powers.

The Pacific has long been a proxy battleground for Taiwan and China, with local leaders adept at playing one against the other for financial gain.

China has become more assertive in the Pacific as its economic might has grown and sees Taiwan as a renegade state which will eventually be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Other regional heavyweights, particularly Australia, fear Beijing's ultimate aim is to set up a naval base in the Pacific which would dramatically increase its military footprint in the area.

Such a move would potentially negate the geographic remoteness that provides Australia and New Zealand with a valuable defence buffer.

However, China Sam's arrangement with Central Province may count for little as it has not been approved by the central government in Honiara.

Central's Premier Stanley Manetiva played down its impacts in an interview with Radio New Zealand.

"To be honest here, leasing Tulagi will not be possible," he said. "Nothing will eventuate on the agreement."

Whether or not the deal goes ahead, the Lowy Institute's Pryke said the diplomatic upheavals between China and Taiwan were affecting good governance in the region.

"Corruption by its very nature is hard to quantify and systems of patronage were alive and well in the Pacific long before this new wave of Chinese engagement," he said.

"But this new Chinese engagement is certainly happening in a hurry, and it is most definitely making corruption in the Pacific worse."

A Chinese company signed an agreement to lease an entire island in the Solomon Islands a day after Beijing recruited the Pacific nation as its latest ally in the strategically important region, according to documents obtained by AFP Thursday.

A Chinese company signed an agreement to lease an entire island in the Solomon Islands a day after Beijing recruited the Pacific nation as its latest ally in the strategically important region, according to documents obtained by AFP Thursday. The leaked papers reveal that the Solomons' Central Province made a "strategic cooperation agreement" on Tulagi Island, which has the type of deep-water harbour coveted by the military, with the state-owned China Sam Group on September 22. A day previously, China and the Solomons officially established diplomatic relations after Beijing persuaded the impoverished Pacific nation to sever ties with arch-rival Taiwan and become its ally. Tulagi, an island about two square kilometres with a population of 1,200, is the site of a former Japanese naval base and was the scene of fierce fighting in World War II. The agreement with China Sam mentions developing a refinery on the island, but its potential for dual use as a Chinese military base is certain to raise concerns with the United States and Australia. "Party A (Central Province) is willing to first lease the whole Tulagi island and the surrounding islands to Party B (China Sam) for the development of the special economic zone," the agreement says. It goes on to say the deal covers "any other industry that is suitable for development, including oil and gas development". China Sam said in a statement issued Thursday that it was committed to cooperating with the Solomons in a number of areas, including trade, infrastructure, fisheries and tourism. Jonathan Pryke, director of Sydney-based foreign policy think tank the Lowy Institute's Pacific programme, said it was not unusual for China to promise such special economic zones to developing nations that were desperate for investment. "The fear is that these zones can in turn create enclaves of Chinese operations that could then grow over time into some kind of permanent strategic facility," he told AFP. "The island in question in Solomon Islands has deep water anchorage so could have such strategic uses down the road." Taiwan was previously the Solomons' largest ally in the Pacific region and the decision to ditch it for China after months of speculation was seen as a major diplomatic coup for Beijing. Days later another Taipei loyalist in the region, Kiribati, did likewise. The manoeuvring left Taiwan with just four nations that officially recognise it in the Pacific and 15 worldwide, while also alarming traditional western democratic powers. The Pacific has long been a proxy battleground for Taiwan and China, with local leaders adept at playing one against the other for financial gain. China has become more assertive in the Pacific as its economic might has grown and sees Taiwan as a renegade state which will eventually be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary. Other regional heavyweights, particularly Australia, fear Beijing's ultimate aim is to set up a naval base in the Pacific which would dramatically increase its military footprint in the area. Such a move would potentially negate the geographic remoteness that provides Australia and New Zealand with a valuable defence buffer. However, China Sam's arrangement with Central Province may count for little as it has not been approved by the central government in Honiara. Central's Premier Stanley Manetiva played down its impacts in an interview with Radio New Zealand. "To be honest here, leasing Tulagi will not be possible," he said. "Nothing will eventuate on the agreement." Whether or not the deal goes ahead, the Lowy Institute's Pryke said the diplomatic upheavals between China and Taiwan were affecting good governance in the region. "Corruption by its very nature is hard to quantify and systems of patronage were alive and well in the Pacific long before this new wave of Chinese engagement," he said. "But this new Chinese engagement is certainly happening in a hurry, and it is most definitely making corruption in the Pacific worse."

China signs deal to 'lease' Pacific island in Solomons

Most&nbsp;Asian&nbsp;currencies&nbsp;firmed on Thursday, as a volatile&nbsp;dollar&nbsp;weakened broadly on&nbsp;mixed&nbsp;signals&nbsp;over the state of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-to-resume-thursday-white-house-254346">&nbsp;trade&nbsp;talks between Washington and Beijing.</a>

Dampened sentiment following suggestions that the Chinese delegation might cut the ministerial-level talks short and leave Washington on Thursday were offset by a Bloomberg report that the United States is weighing a currency pact with China as part of a partial deal.

Traders also took note of a New York Times report that Washington will issue licenses allowing some US&nbsp;companies to supply non-sensitive goods to China's Huawei, as the&nbsp;dollar&nbsp;eased against a basket of major&nbsp;currencies.

"News of Huawei and the currency pact released together with the strong (yuan) fix, underscores the fact that PBoC (People's Bank Of China) is (ready) ...to give a strong guidance for the CNY as a potential pact with the US&nbsp;could be at hand," a Maybank note said.

US&nbsp;Federal Reserve meeting minutes released on Wednesday were largely in line with expectations and had little market impact.

The yuan&nbsp;strengthened 0.3 per cent&nbsp;and the Singapore&nbsp;dollar&nbsp;firmed 0.2per cent.

The Philippine peso&nbsp;firmed marginally. Data showed that August exports rose 0.6 per cent, while imports slumped 11.8 per cent, narrowing the country's August deficit.

Taiwan's financial markets were closed for a holiday.

The Korean won&nbsp;bucked the trend to slip 0.3 per cent&nbsp;ahead of talks with Japan on Friday over tighter export controls from Tokyo. The talks are part of a dispute settlement process through the World&nbsp;Trade&nbsp;Organisation.

The won is the worst performer among&nbsp;Asian&nbsp;currencies&nbsp;this year.

The prolonged Sino-US&nbsp;trade&nbsp;conflict and the dispute with Japan has dealt a huge blow to South Korea's&nbsp;trade-reliant economy. In September, exports slumped 11.7 per cent, shrinking for the 10th consecutive month.

Most Asian currencies firmed on Thursday, as a volatile dollar weakened broadly on mixed signals over the state of trade talks between Washington and Beijing. Dampened sentiment following suggestions that the Chinese delegation might cut the ministerial-level talks short and leave Washington on Thursday were offset by a Bloomberg report that the United States is weighing a currency pact with China as part of a partial deal.

Most Asian currencies firmed on Thursday, as a volatile dollar weakened broadly on mixed signals over the state of trade talks between Washington and Beijing. Dampened sentiment following suggestions that the Chinese delegation might cut the ministerial-level talks short and leave Washington on Thursday were offset by a Bloomberg report that the United States is weighing a currency pact with China as part of a partial deal. Traders also took note of a New York Times report that Washington will issue licenses allowing some US companies to supply non-sensitive goods to China's Huawei, as the dollar eased against a basket of major currencies. "News of Huawei and the currency pact released together with the strong (yuan) fix, underscores the fact that PBoC (People's Bank Of China) is (ready) ...to give a strong guidance for the CNY as a potential pact with the US could be at hand," a Maybank note said. US Federal Reserve meeting minutes released on Wednesday were largely in line with expectations and had little market impact. The yuan strengthened 0.3 per cent and the Singapore dollar firmed 0.2per cent. The Philippine peso firmed marginally. Data showed that August exports rose 0.6 per cent, while imports slumped 11.8 per cent, narrowing the country's August deficit. Taiwan's financial markets were closed for a holiday. The Korean won bucked the trend to slip 0.3 per cent ahead of talks with Japan on Friday over tighter export controls from Tokyo. The talks are part of a dispute settlement process through the World Trade Organisation. The won is the worst performer among Asian currencies this year. The prolonged Sino-US trade conflict and the dispute with Japan has dealt a huge blow to South Korea's trade-reliant economy. In September, exports slumped 11.7 per cent, shrinking for the 10th consecutive month.

Most Asian currencies rise as dollar slips; trade signals mixed

Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Wednesday and&nbsp;signed several agreements in the first official visit since the two countries established&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;relations last month.

The&nbsp;new&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;relationship is a&nbsp;sign&nbsp;of&nbsp;China's growing influence in the Pacific and a setback for self-ruled, democratic Taiwan. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-has-switched-relations-to-china-our-diplomatic-relations-terminated-taiwan-249995">The&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;severed&nbsp;ties&nbsp;with Taiwan when it established them with Beijing.</a>

"I am pleased to recognize the one-China&nbsp;policy ... We are pleased to be on the right side of history and normalise relations with the People's Republic of&nbsp;China," Sogavare said ahead of a meeting with Li and a Chinese delegation.

China&nbsp;has in recent years been expanding its influence in the Pacific to the alarm of the United States and its main regional ally, Australia.

China&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;signed an agreement to work together on President Xi Jinping's flagship foreign policy initiative, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as well as others on economic and education strategies.

After the&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;recognised Beijing, US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence declined a request from the&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;leader to meet to discuss cooperation.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing Wen said last month the end of its&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;relations with the&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;was further evidence of Chinese efforts to meddle in Taiwan's January elections.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Wednesday and signed several agreements in the first official visit since the two countries established diplomatic relations last month.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Wednesday and signed several agreements in the first official visit since the two countries established diplomatic relations last month. The new diplomatic relationship is a sign of China's growing influence in the Pacific and a setback for self-ruled, democratic Taiwan. The Solomon Islands severed ties with Taiwan when it established them with Beijing. "I am pleased to recognize the one-China policy ... We are pleased to be on the right side of history and normalise relations with the People's Republic of China," Sogavare said ahead of a meeting with Li and a Chinese delegation. China has in recent years been expanding its influence in the Pacific to the alarm of the United States and its main regional ally, Australia. China and the Solomon Islands signed an agreement to work together on President Xi Jinping's flagship foreign policy initiative, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as well as others on economic and education strategies. After the Solomon Islands recognised Beijing, US Vice President Mike Pence declined a request from the Solomon Islands leader to meet to discuss cooperation. Taiwan President Tsai Ing Wen said last month the end of its diplomatic relations with the Solomon Islands was further evidence of Chinese efforts to meddle in Taiwan's January elections.

China, Solomon Islands sign deals under new diplomatic ties

Taiwan said on Monday China was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-condemns-chinas-dictatorship-on-70th-anniversary-of-communist-rule-252977">practicing "authoritarian expansionism"</a> in the Pacific, pointing to reports of plans for Chinese military presence in two Pacific countries that have recently switched diplomatic allegiance to Beijing from Taipei.

"We have seen reports that China is interested in reopening this radar station in Kiribati, and building a naval base in Western Province of Solomon Islands," Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told a forum on cooperation among countries in the Pacific.

"From the long-term strategic perspective, like-minded friends and partners should really be worried whether the Pacific will remain free and open, and whether the key actors follow the rules-based international order."

The Solomon Islands and Kiribati decided to recognise China last month, dropping self-ruled and democratic Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own province with no rights to state-to-state relations.

That reduced the number of its diplomatic allies in the Pacific to just four - Palau, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Nauru. It now has formal diplomatic ties with just 15 nations in all.

Wu urged countries including the United States to "push back strongly" against China's moves to diminish Taiwan's presence in the Pacific.

"I certainly don't want to see the Pacific turned into another South China Sea, with us one day all sighing that it is too late for us to do anything," Wu said, referring to Chinese moves to build military installations on artificial islands and reefs in the disputed water.

China's Foreign Ministry was not immediately available for comment.

Diplomats attending the forum in Taipei include Sandra Oudkirk, US&nbsp;State Department deputy assistant secretary for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Oudkirk's visit has been seen by some analysts and diplomats in Taiwan as an effort to shore up support for Taipei.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taiwan-conducts-military-exercise-amid-tensions-with-china-142795">Taiwan has come under pressure from Beijing</a>, which includes regular Chinese bomber patrols around the island, since President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016. China suspects Tsai of pushing for Taiwan's formal independence, a red line for Beijing.

Taiwan has accused China of trying to meddle in its upcoming presidential votes in January as Tsai is seeking re-election - an accusation which China denies.

The United States, which has a fraught relationship with China over trade, defence and technology issues, upholds what is known as the "one-China" policy - officially recognising Beijing and not Taipei - while assisting Taiwan.

Taiwan said on Monday China was practicing "authoritarian expansionism" in the Pacific, pointing to reports of plans for Chinese military presence in two Pacific countries that have recently switched diplomatic allegiance to Beijing from Taipei.

Taiwan said on Monday China was practicing "authoritarian expansionism" in the Pacific, pointing to reports of plans for Chinese military presence in two Pacific countries that have recently switched diplomatic allegiance to Beijing from Taipei. "We have seen reports that China is interested in reopening this radar station in Kiribati, and building a naval base in Western Province of Solomon Islands," Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told a forum on cooperation among countries in the Pacific. "From the long-term strategic perspective, like-minded friends and partners should really be worried whether the Pacific will remain free and open, and whether the key actors follow the rules-based international order." The Solomon Islands and Kiribati decided to recognise China last month, dropping self-ruled and democratic Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own province with no rights to state-to-state relations. That reduced the number of its diplomatic allies in the Pacific to just four - Palau, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Nauru. It now has formal diplomatic ties with just 15 nations in all. Wu urged countries including the United States to "push back strongly" against China's moves to diminish Taiwan's presence in the Pacific. "I certainly don't want to see the Pacific turned into another South China Sea, with us one day all sighing that it is too late for us to do anything," Wu said, referring to Chinese moves to build military installations on artificial islands and reefs in the disputed water. China's Foreign Ministry was not immediately available for comment. Diplomats attending the forum in Taipei include Sandra Oudkirk, US State Department deputy assistant secretary for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Oudkirk's visit has been seen by some analysts and diplomats in Taiwan as an effort to shore up support for Taipei. Taiwan has come under pressure from Beijing, which includes regular Chinese bomber patrols around the island, since President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016. China suspects Tsai of pushing for Taiwan's formal independence, a red line for Beijing. Taiwan has accused China of trying to meddle in its upcoming presidential votes in January as Tsai is seeking re-election - an accusation which China denies. The United States, which has a fraught relationship with China over trade, defence and technology issues, upholds what is known as the "one-China" policy - officially recognising Beijing and not Taipei - while assisting Taiwan.

Taiwan says China is an 'authoritarian' threat in the Pacific

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