Four bodies have been recovered from under a collapsed bridge in Taiwan, rescuers said Wednesday, as searchers continued for two people still missing when the structure smashed onto fishing boats moored underneath.

The National Fire Agency said two bodies were retrieved in the waters near a boat stuck underneath the shattered bridge while the others were found near a badly damaged boat that was dragged out from under the structure on Tuesday.

"The search and rescue mission continues," transport minister Lin Chia-lung told reporters, adding evidence was being collected to ascertain any culpability.

Dramatic CCTV footage captured the moment the 140-metre&nbsp;long single-arch bridge came crashing down in Nanfangao, on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-shuts-its-schools-and-markets-as-typhoon-mitag-approaches-252761">Taiwan</a>'s east coast early on Tuesday morning.

In the video, a vertical cable at the centre of the bridge's steel arch suddenly snaps.

The road then collapses into the water, crashing down on three fishing boats as a petrol tanker which nearly made it across also plunged into the water.

Twelve people were injured, including six Filipino and three Indonesian fishing workers, the Taiwanese driver of the petrol tanker, and two coastguard personnel.

The petrol tanker burst into flames at some point after it hit the water, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the air.

Prosecutors have launched a probe into the cause of the collapse.

The local landmark was completed in 1998 and spanned a small fishing port. It was featured in a number of TV dramas and commercials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-condemns-chinas-dictatorship-on-70th-anniversary-of-communist-rule-252977">Taiwan</a>&nbsp;was skirted by a typhoon on Monday night, which brought heavy rains and strong winds to parts of the east coast.

But at the time of the bridge collapse, the weather was fine.

Taiwan has a huge fishing industry and many of those who work on its boats are low-paid migrant workers from countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Previous serious bridge incidents in Taiwan have mostly been related to typhoons.

In 2009, two bridges were badly damaged by Typhoon Morakot, which left more than 400 people dead.

Four bodies have been recovered from under a collapsed bridge in Taiwan, rescuers said Wednesday, as searchers continued for two people still missing when the structure smashed onto fishing boats moored underneath.

Four bodies have been recovered from under a collapsed bridge in Taiwan, rescuers said Wednesday, as searchers continued for two people still missing when the structure smashed onto fishing boats moored underneath. The National Fire Agency said two bodies were retrieved in the waters near a boat stuck underneath the shattered bridge while the others were found near a badly damaged boat that was dragged out from under the structure on Tuesday. "The search and rescue mission continues," transport minister Lin Chia-lung told reporters, adding evidence was being collected to ascertain any culpability. Dramatic CCTV footage captured the moment the 140-metre long single-arch bridge came crashing down in Nanfangao, on Taiwan's east coast early on Tuesday morning. In the video, a vertical cable at the centre of the bridge's steel arch suddenly snaps. The road then collapses into the water, crashing down on three fishing boats as a petrol tanker which nearly made it across also plunged into the water. Twelve people were injured, including six Filipino and three Indonesian fishing workers, the Taiwanese driver of the petrol tanker, and two coastguard personnel. The petrol tanker burst into flames at some point after it hit the water, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the air. Prosecutors have launched a probe into the cause of the collapse. The local landmark was completed in 1998 and spanned a small fishing port. It was featured in a number of TV dramas and commercials. Taiwan was skirted by a typhoon on Monday night, which brought heavy rains and strong winds to parts of the east coast. But at the time of the bridge collapse, the weather was fine. Taiwan has a huge fishing industry and many of those who work on its boats are low-paid migrant workers from countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. Previous serious bridge incidents in Taiwan have mostly been related to typhoons. In 2009, two bridges were badly damaged by Typhoon Morakot, which left more than 400 people dead.

Four bodies found, two still missing after Taiwan bridge collapse

Rescuers in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-bodies-found-two-still-missing-after-taiwan-bridge-collapse-253187">Taiwan</a> searched on Wednesday for the last fisherman believed to have been crushed in his boat when a bridge collapsed into a harbour, killing at least five people, as questions were raised about construction standards.

Divers joined hundreds of rescuers in the search effort, using cranes and excavators to raise the wreckage of two fishing boats after Tuesday's accident injured ten&nbsp;people, most of them fishermen from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-arrested-after-fresh-indonesia-legal-reforms-protests-253022">Indonesia</a> and the Philippines.

"Rescuers found the body of a foreign fisherman, while the search for one missing foreign fisherman continues", the National Fire Agency said in a statement in the early afternoon.

Dramatic video images released by Taiwan's Coast Patrol Corps showed the arched bridge in the northeastern town of Suao collapsing just as an oil tanker was crossing. Plumes of black smoke went up when the cargo of fuel burst into flames.

It was not immediately known what caused the collapse, which crushed three boats and set the tanker ablaze.

The bridge, dubbed the "lovers' bridge", was built in 1998 and was a tourist attraction.

The incident shocked many in Taiwan, which is regularly hit by earthquakes and typhoons and has high building standards, prompting authorities to launch a review of bridges.

The government has set up a task force to investigate, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-meets-solomons-envoy-to-shore-up-ties-over-china-248580">President Tsai Ing-wen </a>vowing not to "evade responsibilities".

Suao's mayor, Lee Ming-Che, told Reuters residents had raised a concern about the bridge's load limit, saying trucks carrying blocks of concrete for a construction project near the harbour had caused "shakings" when crossing the bridge.

Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC), which managed the bridge's maintenance and oversees nearby the project, said it had completed a safety review before allowing the trucks to use the bridge.

"The project was evaluated and proven to be fine," said Wang Chin-Jung, associate general manager of TIPC, referring to the bridge's load limit.

"We will check if there's any problem with the bridge's design, construction and maintenance... We will not evade responsibilities if we have any," Wang said.

TIPC said the bridge was regularly checked and maintained, and that the company had observed safety regulations.

The bridge was last reinforced in 2018 and another security check was due next year, the company said. Problems such as rusty steel and cracks in concrete had been fixed during a check last October, it said.

Rescuers in Taiwan searched on Wednesday for the last fisherman believed to have been crushed in his boat when a bridge collapsed into a harbour, killing at least five people, as questions were raised about construction standards.

Rescuers in Taiwan searched on Wednesday for the last fisherman believed to have been crushed in his boat when a bridge collapsed into a harbour, killing at least five people, as questions were raised about construction standards. Divers joined hundreds of rescuers in the search effort, using cranes and excavators to raise the wreckage of two fishing boats after Tuesday's accident injured ten people, most of them fishermen from Indonesia and the Philippines. "Rescuers found the body of a foreign fisherman, while the search for one missing foreign fisherman continues", the National Fire Agency said in a statement in the early afternoon. Dramatic video images released by Taiwan's Coast Patrol Corps showed the arched bridge in the northeastern town of Suao collapsing just as an oil tanker was crossing. Plumes of black smoke went up when the cargo of fuel burst into flames. It was not immediately known what caused the collapse, which crushed three boats and set the tanker ablaze. The bridge, dubbed the "lovers' bridge", was built in 1998 and was a tourist attraction. The incident shocked many in Taiwan, which is regularly hit by earthquakes and typhoons and has high building standards, prompting authorities to launch a review of bridges. The government has set up a task force to investigate, with President Tsai Ing-wen vowing not to "evade responsibilities". Suao's mayor, Lee Ming-Che, told Reuters residents had raised a concern about the bridge's load limit, saying trucks carrying blocks of concrete for a construction project near the harbour had caused "shakings" when crossing the bridge. Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC), which managed the bridge's maintenance and oversees nearby the project, said it had completed a safety review before allowing the trucks to use the bridge. "The project was evaluated and proven to be fine," said Wang Chin-Jung, associate general manager of TIPC, referring to the bridge's load limit. "We will check if there's any problem with the bridge's design, construction and maintenance... We will not evade responsibilities if we have any," Wang said. TIPC said the bridge was regularly checked and maintained, and that the company had observed safety regulations. The bridge was last reinforced in 2018 and another security check was due next year, the company said. Problems such as rusty steel and cracks in concrete had been fixed during a check last October, it said.

Taiwan divers search for trapped fisherman after bridge collapse kills five

A towering arch bridge collapsed into a harbor in northeastern Taiwan on Tuesday (October 1), crushing several fishing boats with some crew feared trapped, authorities said. Watch this video to know more.

Bridge collapses in Taiwan, kills four people

30 years in: Tracing the history of gay marriage

Taiwan's government on Tuesday condemned&nbsp;China's&nbsp;"dictatorship" on the&nbsp;70th&nbsp;anniversary&nbsp;of the founding of the People's Republic, saying the country was a threat to peace and trying to find excuses for its military expansion.

Defeated Nationalist forces fled to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-shuts-its-schools-and-markets-as-typhoon-mitag-approaches-252761">Taiwan</a>&nbsp;in 1949 after losing a civil war to the&nbsp;Communists. China claims now democratic&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its sacred territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Beijing's control.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-anniversary-no-force-can-shake-the-chinese-nation-says-president-xi-jinping-252931">President Xi Jinping</a>, addressing a massive military parade in Beijing to mark seven decades of&nbsp;Communist&nbsp;Party&nbsp;rule, said China would promote the peaceful development of relations with&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and "continue to strive for the motherland's complete reunification".

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, responding to the parade and Xi's comments, said&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;would never accept "one country, two systems", the model of supposedly high autonomy Hong Kong and Macau have, which Beijing sees as eventually being the best way to win&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;over.

"The Chinese&nbsp;Communist&nbsp;Party has persisted with its one-party dictatorship for 70 years, a concept of governance that violates the values ​​of democracy, freedom and human rights, causing risks and challenges for the development of mainland China," it said.

"It's shouting about the struggle for unity, great rejuvenation and unification is only an excuse for military expansion, seriously threatening regional peace and world democracy and civilisation."

Taiwan&nbsp;has been democratic for more than 30 years, and China should use this moment to reflect and push for democracy, it added.

"The lifeline of the survival and development of mainland China is not tied to one person and one party," the council said.

Taiwan&nbsp;will not be bullied into accepting&nbsp;China's&nbsp;position, it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-marks-70-years-of-communism-with-massive-show-of-force-252955">China</a> has heaped pressure on&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;President Tsai Ing-wen, who faces re-election in January, believing she wishes to push for the island's formal independence, a red line for Beijing.

China has also been angered for expressions of support from&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;for anti-government protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-under-lockdown-on-chinas-70th-national-day-252958">Hong Kong</a>, which are expected again on Tuesday.

"We are a country of democracy and freedom and will show support for anyone in the world who pursues democracy and freedom," Tsai told reporters on Tuesday.

"Likewise, any&nbsp;ruler should carefully listen to the people's pursuit of freedom and democracy and respect the people's will", Tsai added.

Taiwan's government on Tuesday condemned China's "dictatorship" on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic, saying the country was a threat to peace and trying to find excuses for its military expansion.

Taiwan's government on Tuesday condemned China's "dictatorship" on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic, saying the country was a threat to peace and trying to find excuses for its military expansion. Defeated Nationalist forces fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to the Communists. China claims now democratic Taiwan as its sacred territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Beijing's control. President Xi Jinping, addressing a massive military parade in Beijing to mark seven decades of Communist Party rule, said China would promote the peaceful development of relations with Taiwan and "continue to strive for the motherland's complete reunification". Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, responding to the parade and Xi's comments, said Taiwan would never accept "one country, two systems", the model of supposedly high autonomy Hong Kong and Macau have, which Beijing sees as eventually being the best way to win Taiwan over. "The Chinese Communist Party has persisted with its one-party dictatorship for 70 years, a concept of governance that violates the values of democracy, freedom and human rights, causing risks and challenges for the development of mainland China," it said. "It's shouting about the struggle for unity, great rejuvenation and unification is only an excuse for military expansion, seriously threatening regional peace and world democracy and civilisation." Taiwan has been democratic for more than 30 years, and China should use this moment to reflect and push for democracy, it added. "The lifeline of the survival and development of mainland China is not tied to one person and one party," the council said. Taiwan will not be bullied into accepting China's position, it added. China has heaped pressure on Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, who faces re-election in January, believing she wishes to push for the island's formal independence, a red line for Beijing. China has also been angered for expressions of support from Taiwan for anti-government protests in Hong Kong, which are expected again on Tuesday. "We are a country of democracy and freedom and will show support for anyone in the world who pursues democracy and freedom," Tsai told reporters on Tuesday. "Likewise, any ruler should carefully listen to the people's pursuit of freedom and democracy and respect the people's will", Tsai added.

Taiwan condemns China's 'dictatorship' on 70th anniversary of Communist rule

Rescuers were scrambling on Tuesday to reach six people they feared were trapped after a bridge collapsed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-shuts-its-schools-and-markets-as-typhoon-mitag-approaches-252761">Taiwan</a>, smashing onto a group of fishing boats moored underneath.

Dramatic CCTV images captured the moment the 140-metre long single-arch bridge came crashing down in Nanfangao, on Taiwan's eastern coast.

In the images, the road gives way and tumbles down onto at least three fishing boats as a petrol tanker that was crossing also plunges into the water.

The National Fire Agency said they believed six people were unaccounted for and could be trapped in the boats underneath the collapsed structure.

"The rescue operation is ongoing," the agency said in a statement, adding at least twelve people were injured, including six Philippine and three Indonesian fishing workers as well as the Taiwanese driver of the petrol tanker.

"We hope to safely rescue all in the shortest time to minimize the damage," Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen told reporters.

The petrol tanker burst into flames at some point after it hit the water, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the air.

It is not clear what caused the bridge, which was built in 1998 and spanned a small fishing port, to collapse.

Taiwan was skirted by a typhoon on Monday night, which brought heavy rains and strong winds to parts of the east coast.

But at the time of the bridge collapse, the weather was fine.

Rescuers were scrambling on Tuesday to reach six people they feared were trapped after a bridge collapsed in Taiwan, smashing onto a group of fishing boats moored underneath.

Rescuers were scrambling on Tuesday to reach six people they feared were trapped after a bridge collapsed in Taiwan, smashing onto a group of fishing boats moored underneath. Dramatic CCTV images captured the moment the 140-metre long single-arch bridge came crashing down in Nanfangao, on Taiwan's eastern coast. In the images, the road gives way and tumbles down onto at least three fishing boats as a petrol tanker that was crossing also plunges into the water. The National Fire Agency said they believed six people were unaccounted for and could be trapped in the boats underneath the collapsed structure. "The rescue operation is ongoing," the agency said in a statement, adding at least twelve people were injured, including six Philippine and three Indonesian fishing workers as well as the Taiwanese driver of the petrol tanker. "We hope to safely rescue all in the shortest time to minimize the damage," Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen told reporters. The petrol tanker burst into flames at some point after it hit the water, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the air. It is not clear what caused the bridge, which was built in 1998 and spanned a small fishing port, to collapse. Taiwan was skirted by a typhoon on Monday night, which brought heavy rains and strong winds to parts of the east coast. But at the time of the bridge collapse, the weather was fine.

Rescuers fear six trapped after Taiwan bridge collapse

Taiwan shut down its financial markets and ordered schools closed on Monday as a typhoon approached its northeastern coast, while airlines cancelled more than 150 flights amid warnings of floods and high winds.

Typhoon Mitag, categorised by Taiwan's weather bureau as at the second-strongest typhoon level, was expected to approach the coast of Yilan county with maximum winds of 162 kmph&nbsp;on Monday night.

It was moving across the ocean in a north-northwesterly direction at 25 kmph, weather officials said, and could gain strength as it approaches the island.

The bureau issued wind and rain warnings for greater Taipei, the northern port city of Keelung, and other northern counties. It also put out a warning to seafarers around Taiwan.

About 12,000 soldiers were on standby amid fears of floods and storm surge.

"The national army and authorities are on all-out alert. Friends in the affected areas please make preparations for the typhoon and stay indoors as much as possible," President Tsai Ing-wen wrote on Facebook.

More than 150 flights and ferry services were cancelled, while several highways across the island were shut amid fears of landslides and floods. The storm cut power to about 2,700 houses on Monday morning.

After passing over Taiwan, the typhoon was expected to approach China's eastern city of Shanghai on Tuesday, forecasts showed.

Chinese state media said the storm was likely to make landfall in the eastern province of Zhejiang on Tuesday afternoon, or closely skirt its coastline, bringing heavy rain to both Zhejiang and neighbouring Fujian provinces.

The government has ordered provincial authorities to make preparations for the typhoon, especially in areas prone to landslides, the official China News Agency reported. Both provinces are very mountainous.

The timing is particularly bad for China as Tuesday marks the start of the week-long National Day holiday, one of China's two "golden week" vacations, when tourist spots around the country heave with visitors.

Taiwan shut down its financial markets and ordered schools closed on Monday as a typhoon approached its northeastern coast, while airlines cancelled more than 150 flights amid warnings of floods and high winds.

Taiwan shut down its financial markets and ordered schools closed on Monday as a typhoon approached its northeastern coast, while airlines cancelled more than 150 flights amid warnings of floods and high winds. Typhoon Mitag, categorised by Taiwan's weather bureau as at the second-strongest typhoon level, was expected to approach the coast of Yilan county with maximum winds of 162 kmph on Monday night. It was moving across the ocean in a north-northwesterly direction at 25 kmph, weather officials said, and could gain strength as it approaches the island. The bureau issued wind and rain warnings for greater Taipei, the northern port city of Keelung, and other northern counties. It also put out a warning to seafarers around Taiwan. About 12,000 soldiers were on standby amid fears of floods and storm surge. "The national army and authorities are on all-out alert. Friends in the affected areas please make preparations for the typhoon and stay indoors as much as possible," President Tsai Ing-wen wrote on Facebook. More than 150 flights and ferry services were cancelled, while several highways across the island were shut amid fears of landslides and floods. The storm cut power to about 2,700 houses on Monday morning. After passing over Taiwan, the typhoon was expected to approach China's eastern city of Shanghai on Tuesday, forecasts showed. Chinese state media said the storm was likely to make landfall in the eastern province of Zhejiang on Tuesday afternoon, or closely skirt its coastline, bringing heavy rain to both Zhejiang and neighbouring Fujian provinces. The government has ordered provincial authorities to make preparations for the typhoon, especially in areas prone to landslides, the official China News Agency reported. Both provinces are very mountainous. The timing is particularly bad for China as Tuesday marks the start of the week-long National Day holiday, one of China's two "golden week" vacations, when tourist spots around the country heave with visitors.

Taiwan shuts its schools and markets as Typhoon Mitag approaches

The last of Taiwan's four remaining allies in the Pacific reaffirmed diplomatic ties with Taipei on Thursday following last week's defection of two nations to China.

Nauru President Lionel Aingimea, who won office late last month, said his country "has enjoyed a close relationship with Taiwan for almost four decades and he looks forward to it continuing well into the future".

"Nauru considers its relationship with Taiwan as that of family and we stand with Taiwan in upholding democratic values and the rule of law," he said.

The pledge of loyalty will come as a relief to Taiwan, which<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-has-switched-relations-to-china-our-diplomatic-relations-terminated-taiwan-249995"> lost its largest Pacific ally, the Solomon Islands</a>, on September 17 after months of speculation over Honiara's intentions.

That was followed four days later by Kiribati's shock move into the Chinese stable, leaving Taiwan with just four nations that officially recognise it in the Pacific and 15 worldwide.

Poaching two of Taipei's highly prized allies was seen as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-meets-solomons-envoy-to-shore-up-ties-over-china-248580">a major diplomatic coup</a> for Beijing just weeks before it celebrates the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

But Nauru's statement means a flurry of high-level visits and diplomatic activity have paid off for Taiwan, with all four remaining Pacific partners vowing to remain steadfast.

The Marshall Islands parliament passed a resolution last week confirming ties and expressing "profound appreciation to the people and government of Taiwan".

Tuvalu's Foreign Minister Simon Kore told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday "the government is quite happy to continue our relationship with Taiwan... I don't expect any changes".

Palau President Tommy Remengesau said last week that his country had no plans to switch.

"We are friends with Taiwan because our principles and values are similar, our aspirations for democracy and freedom," he told reporters.

Taiwan has been a de facto sovereign nation since the end of a civil war in 1949, but China still views the island as its territory and has vowed to seize it, by force if necessary.

Beijing stepped up its campaign to diplomatically <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pence-rebuffs-solomon-islands-pm-after-nation-cuts-ties-with-taiwan-250328">isolate Taiwan</a> after President Tsai Ing-wen's 2016 election because she hails from a party that refuses to recognise the idea that the island is part of "one China".

The last of Taiwan's four remaining allies in the Pacific reaffirmed diplomatic ties with Taipei on Thursday following last week's defection of two nations to China.

The last of Taiwan's four remaining allies in the Pacific reaffirmed diplomatic ties with Taipei on Thursday following last week's defection of two nations to China. Nauru President Lionel Aingimea, who won office late last month, said his country "has enjoyed a close relationship with Taiwan for almost four decades and he looks forward to it continuing well into the future". "Nauru considers its relationship with Taiwan as that of family and we stand with Taiwan in upholding democratic values and the rule of law," he said. The pledge of loyalty will come as a relief to Taiwan, which lost its largest Pacific ally, the Solomon Islands, on September 17 after months of speculation over Honiara's intentions. That was followed four days later by Kiribati's shock move into the Chinese stable, leaving Taiwan with just four nations that officially recognise it in the Pacific and 15 worldwide. Poaching two of Taipei's highly prized allies was seen as a major diplomatic coup for Beijing just weeks before it celebrates the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. But Nauru's statement means a flurry of high-level visits and diplomatic activity have paid off for Taiwan, with all four remaining Pacific partners vowing to remain steadfast. The Marshall Islands parliament passed a resolution last week confirming ties and expressing "profound appreciation to the people and government of Taiwan". Tuvalu's Foreign Minister Simon Kore told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday "the government is quite happy to continue our relationship with Taiwan... I don't expect any changes". Palau President Tommy Remengesau said last week that his country had no plans to switch. "We are friends with Taiwan because our principles and values are similar, our aspirations for democracy and freedom," he told reporters. Taiwan has been a de facto sovereign nation since the end of a civil war in 1949, but China still views the island as its territory and has vowed to seize it, by force if necessary. Beijing stepped up its campaign to diplomatically isolate Taiwan after President Tsai Ing-wen's 2016 election because she hails from a party that refuses to recognise the idea that the island is part of "one China".

Taiwan's remaining Pacific allies reaffirm allegiance

US Vice President Mike Pence has cancelled plans to meet with the leader of the Solomon Islands to discuss development partnerships after the Pacific island cut ties with Taiwan in favour of China this week, a senior US official said on Tuesday.

The Solomon Islands was the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-has-switched-relations-to-china-our-diplomatic-relations-terminated-taiwan-249995">sixth country to switch allegiance to China</a> since 2016.

Self-ruled Taiwan has accused China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, of trying to meddle in its upcoming elections.

Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had asked Pence in July for a meeting, the senior administration official told Reuters, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

The meeting was to have taken place this month on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, or afterwards in Washington.

"But the decision by the Solomon Islands to change its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to the People's Republic of China has consequences. They're hurting a historically strong relationship by doing this," the official said.

"It's a setback, and it's prioritizing short-term gain with China over long-term commitment with the US," the official said.

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 recognizing Beijing and not Taipei, while assisting Taiwan.

Washington and Beijing are embroiled in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-war-to-knock-05-points-off-global-growth-french-finance-minister-247859">trade war</a>, slapping tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods.

The United States is also pushing to restrict Chinese state-owned telecom companies over concerns about espionage, allegations rejected by China.

President Donald Trump's administration is also considering confronting China over its detention of some 1 million Muslims in remote Xinjiang province at next week's UN meeting.

Pence has criticized China for what he calls "debt-trap" lending practices to small countries, pushing them into debt and compromising their sovereignty. China denies those charges.

"Countries that establish closer ties to China primarily out of the hope or expectation that such a step will stimulate economic growth and infrastructure development often find themselves worse off in the long run," the US official told Reuters.

After the Solomon Islands decision, Taiwan has formal relations with only 16 countries, many of them small, less-developed nations in Central America and the Pacific.

The Solomons, a former British protectorate that is home to about 600,000 people, had been the largest of the Taiwan-aligned Pacific countries, with access to airfields and deepwater ports dating back to World War Two.

After his July phone call with Pence, Sogavare sent him a letter, saying he was "favourably disposed of" to ask his Cabinet to defer a decision on its Taiwan ties until later in the year.

Sogavare emphasized that he needed help from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Taiwan to develop infrastructure, a critical domestic issue for his government - according to a copy of the letter reviewed by Reuters.

"It is the one agenda that has the potential to split the cabinet and could potentially cause the government to fall," Sogavare said in the letter.

Beijing said on Tuesday that the Solomon Islands would have unprecedented development opportunities after cutting ties with Taiwan.

China had offered $8.5 million in development funds to the Solomons ahead of its decision.

US Vice President Mike Pence has cancelled plans to meet with the leader of the Solomon Islands to discuss development partnerships after the Pacific island cut ties with Taiwan in favour of China this week, a senior US official said on Tuesday.

US Vice President Mike Pence has cancelled plans to meet with the leader of the Solomon Islands to discuss development partnerships after the Pacific island cut ties with Taiwan in favour of China this week, a senior US official said on Tuesday. The Solomon Islands was the sixth country to switch allegiance to China since 2016. Self-ruled Taiwan has accused China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, of trying to meddle in its upcoming elections. Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had asked Pence in July for a meeting, the senior administration official told Reuters, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The meeting was to have taken place this month on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, or afterwards in Washington. "But the decision by the Solomon Islands to change its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to the People's Republic of China has consequences. They're hurting a historically strong relationship by doing this," the official said. "It's a setback, and it's prioritizing short-term gain with China over long-term commitment with the US," the official said. 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 recognizing Beijing and not Taipei, while assisting Taiwan. Washington and Beijing are embroiled in a trade war, slapping tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods. The United States is also pushing to restrict Chinese state-owned telecom companies over concerns about espionage, allegations rejected by China. President Donald Trump's administration is also considering confronting China over its detention of some 1 million Muslims in remote Xinjiang province at next week's UN meeting. Pence has criticized China for what he calls "debt-trap" lending practices to small countries, pushing them into debt and compromising their sovereignty. China denies those charges. "Countries that establish closer ties to China primarily out of the hope or expectation that such a step will stimulate economic growth and infrastructure development often find themselves worse off in the long run," the US official told Reuters. After the Solomon Islands decision, Taiwan has formal relations with only 16 countries, many of them small, less-developed nations in Central America and the Pacific. The Solomons, a former British protectorate that is home to about 600,000 people, had been the largest of the Taiwan-aligned Pacific countries, with access to airfields and deepwater ports dating back to World War Two. After his July phone call with Pence, Sogavare sent him a letter, saying he was "favourably disposed of" to ask his Cabinet to defer a decision on its Taiwan ties until later in the year. Sogavare emphasized that he needed help from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Taiwan to develop infrastructure, a critical domestic issue for his government - according to a copy of the letter reviewed by Reuters. "It is the one agenda that has the potential to split the cabinet and could potentially cause the government to fall," Sogavare said in the letter. Beijing said on Tuesday that the Solomon Islands would have unprecedented development opportunities after cutting ties with Taiwan. China had offered $8.5 million in development funds to the Solomons ahead of its decision.

Pence rebuffs Solomon Islands PM after nation cuts ties with Taiwan

Taiwan on Monday severed ties with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-meets-solomons-envoy-to-shore-up-ties-over-china-248580">Solomon Islands</a> after learning the Pacific nation had decided to switch diplomatic recognition to China, a decision it described as "extremely regrettable".

"The cabinet of the Solomon Islands government decided to switch diplomatic relations to the People's Republic of China," foreign minister Joseph Wu announced at a press conference in Taipei on Monday.

"The government hereby declares the termination of diplomatic relations with the Solomon Islands with immediate effect," he added.

The move is yet another diplomatic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-approves-sale-of-66-f-16-fighters-to-taiwan-244591">blow for Taiwan</a> which has seen its few remaining allies steadily whittled down by Beijing.

Only 16 nations still diplomatically recognise the island over Beijing.&nbsp;

Taiwan has been a de facto sovereign nation since the end of a civil war in 1949, but China still views the island as its territory and has vowed to seize it -&nbsp;by force if necessary.

Over the decades, as China's economic and military power has grown, dozens of countries, including the United States and most Western nations, have switched recognition to Beijing.

In the last few years only a handful of countries have remained loyal to Taiwan, largely in Latin America and the Pacific.

But Beijing stepped up its campaign to diplomatically isolate Taiwan after the 2016 election of President Tsai Ing-wen, who hails from a party that refused to recognise the idea that the island is part of "one China".

Since her election, six of Taiwan's allies have now defected.

Taiwan on Monday severed ties with the Solomon Islands after learning the Pacific nation had decided to switch diplomatic recognition to China, a decision it described as "extremely regrettable".

Taiwan on Monday severed ties with the Solomon Islands after learning the Pacific nation had decided to switch diplomatic recognition to China, a decision it described as "extremely regrettable". "The cabinet of the Solomon Islands government decided to switch diplomatic relations to the People's Republic of China," foreign minister Joseph Wu announced at a press conference in Taipei on Monday. "The government hereby declares the termination of diplomatic relations with the Solomon Islands with immediate effect," he added. The move is yet another diplomatic blow for Taiwan which has seen its few remaining allies steadily whittled down by Beijing. Only 16 nations still diplomatically recognise the island over Beijing. Taiwan has been a de facto sovereign nation since the end of a civil war in 1949, but China still views the island as its territory and has vowed to seize it - by force if necessary. Over the decades, as China's economic and military power has grown, dozens of countries, including the United States and most Western nations, have switched recognition to Beijing. In the last few years only a handful of countries have remained loyal to Taiwan, largely in Latin America and the Pacific. But Beijing stepped up its campaign to diplomatically isolate Taiwan after the 2016 election of President Tsai Ing-wen, who hails from a party that refused to recognise the idea that the island is part of "one China". Since her election, six of Taiwan's allies have now defected.

Solomon Islands has switched relations to China, our diplomatic relations terminated: Taiwan

The Solomon Islands said Friday that no decision had yet been made on switching the Pacific island nation's diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China.

The Solomons are among only 17 nations to recognise Taiwan, but Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare vowed to review the relationship after he was elected in April.

A switch would reduce the number of nations backing Taiwan which Beijing regards as a renegade province as well as boosting China's influence among the strategically important Pacific isles.

For the Solomons, where less than half the population has access to electricity, the debate offers a chance to weigh up promises of aid from Taipei and Beijing.

Government frontbencher Peter Shanel Agovaka, who led a recent ministerial delegation to Beijing to discuss the issue, told a parliamentary committee this week that his preference was to recognise China.

"We cannot sit for the next 40 years with our friends Taiwan, it is time that we make new friends," he said, arguing links with China would help boost the Pacific nation's economy.

The Solomon Islands' foreign affairs department said no decision had been made and the issue would not be finalised until the cabinet had reviewed a task force report.

"As far as can be determined, the Office of Prime Minister has not announced when it is likely to decide on whether or not the government agrees to switch diplomatic ties to China or remain with Taiwan," the department said in a statement issued to media in Taiwan on Friday.

The Solomons parliament's foreign relations committee is accepting submissions on the Taiwan-China issue until the end of this month and has an October 31 deadline to report to the legislature.

Nations such as Australia and the United States fear Beijing's interest is fuelled by a long-term goal to establish a military base in the islands, offering control of vast swathes of the Pacific Ocean.

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper last month accused China of destabilising the region using such tactics, citing "predatory economics and debt-for-sovereignty deals".

However, China's ambassador to Samoa Chao Xiaoliang has labelled critics "ignorant" and "prejudiced", saying Beijing's main interest is forming partnerships to help Pacific nations.

The Solomon Islands said Friday that no decision had yet been made on switching the Pacific island nation's diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China. The Solomons are among only 17 nations to recognise Taiwan, but Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare vowed to review the relationship after he was elected in April.

The Solomon Islands said Friday that no decision had yet been made on switching the Pacific island nation's diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China. The Solomons are among only 17 nations to recognise Taiwan, but Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare vowed to review the relationship after he was elected in April. A switch would reduce the number of nations backing Taiwan which Beijing regards as a renegade province as well as boosting China's influence among the strategically important Pacific isles. For the Solomons, where less than half the population has access to electricity, the debate offers a chance to weigh up promises of aid from Taipei and Beijing. Government frontbencher Peter Shanel Agovaka, who led a recent ministerial delegation to Beijing to discuss the issue, told a parliamentary committee this week that his preference was to recognise China. "We cannot sit for the next 40 years with our friends Taiwan, it is time that we make new friends," he said, arguing links with China would help boost the Pacific nation's economy. The Solomon Islands' foreign affairs department said no decision had been made and the issue would not be finalised until the cabinet had reviewed a task force report. "As far as can be determined, the Office of Prime Minister has not announced when it is likely to decide on whether or not the government agrees to switch diplomatic ties to China or remain with Taiwan," the department said in a statement issued to media in Taiwan on Friday. The Solomons parliament's foreign relations committee is accepting submissions on the Taiwan-China issue until the end of this month and has an October 31 deadline to report to the legislature. Nations such as Australia and the United States fear Beijing's interest is fuelled by a long-term goal to establish a military base in the islands, offering control of vast swathes of the Pacific Ocean. US Defence Secretary Mark Esper last month accused China of destabilising the region using such tactics, citing "predatory economics and debt-for-sovereignty deals". However, China's ambassador to Samoa Chao Xiaoliang has labelled critics "ignorant" and "prejudiced", saying Beijing's main interest is forming partnerships to help Pacific nations.

Solomons say no decision yet in Taiwan-China debate

Taiwan braced for Typhoon Bailu on Friday, prompting cancellations of domestic flights amid warnings of floods and high season the island.

Typhoon Bailu, categorised at the weakest typhoon level by Taiwan's weather bureau, was expected to approach off the island's southeastern coast early on Saturday.&nbsp;

It was moving across the ocean in a northwesterly direction at 24 km per hour (15 mph), weather officials said.

Bailu was carrying maximum winds of 126 km per hour (78 mph) as it approaches <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-approves-sale-of-66-f-16-fighters-to-taiwan-244591">Taiwan</a>, the weather bureau said, adding that the storm could gain in strength and become the first typhoon to make landfall on the island in more than two years.

Thousands of people were moved to safety, most of them tourists on islands off the east coast, while dozens of domestic flights and ferry services were cancelled.

Some 34,000 soldiers were deployed in the south amid fears of floods.

The bureau issued wind and rain warnings for southeastern Taiwan, and other southern counties were expected to be included in the warnings later in the day. It also put out a warning to seafarers.

After passing over Taiwan, the typhoon is expected to cross the Taiwan Strait and hit the Chinese province of Fujian, forecasters said.

Typhoons regularly hit Taiwan, China, the Philippines, and Japan in the second half of the year, gathering strength from the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean or the South China Sea.

Typhoon Morakot devastated the island in 2009, killing nearly 700 people, most of them in landslides.

Taiwan braced for Typhoon Bailu on Friday, prompting cancellations of domestic flights amid warnings of floods and high season the island. Typhoon Bailu, categorised at the weakest typhoon level by Taiwan's weather bureau, was expected to approach off the island's southeastern coast early on Saturday.

Taiwan braced for Typhoon Bailu on Friday, prompting cancellations of domestic flights amid warnings of floods and high season the island. Typhoon Bailu, categorised at the weakest typhoon level by Taiwan's weather bureau, was expected to approach off the island's southeastern coast early on Saturday. It was moving across the ocean in a northwesterly direction at 24 km per hour (15 mph), weather officials said. Bailu was carrying maximum winds of 126 km per hour (78 mph) as it approaches Taiwan, the weather bureau said, adding that the storm could gain in strength and become the first typhoon to make landfall on the island in more than two years. Thousands of people were moved to safety, most of them tourists on islands off the east coast, while dozens of domestic flights and ferry services were cancelled. Some 34,000 soldiers were deployed in the south amid fears of floods. The bureau issued wind and rain warnings for southeastern Taiwan, and other southern counties were expected to be included in the warnings later in the day. It also put out a warning to seafarers. After passing over Taiwan, the typhoon is expected to cross the Taiwan Strait and hit the Chinese province of Fujian, forecasters said. Typhoons regularly hit Taiwan, China, the Philippines, and Japan in the second half of the year, gathering strength from the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean or the South China Sea. Typhoon Morakot devastated the island in 2009, killing nearly 700 people, most of them in landslides.

Flights cancelled as Taiwan braces for typhoon

Limiting marriage to a relationship between a man and a woman will remain China's legal position, a parliament spokesman said on Wednesday, ruling out following neighbouring Taiwan in allowing same-sex marriage, despite pressure from activists.

Taiwan's parliament passed a bill in May that endorsed same-sex marriage, after years of heated debate over marriage equality that has divided the self-ruled and democratic island.

China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has a thriving gay scene in major cities, but there has been little sign the ruling Communist Party will legalise same-sex marriage.

Asked at a news briefing whether China would legalise same-sex marriage, Zang Tiewei, spokesman for parliament's legal affairs commission, said Chinese law only allowed for marriage between one man and one woman.

"This rule suits our country's national condition and historical and cultural traditions," he said. "As far as I know, the vast majority of countries in the world do not recognise the legalisation of same-sex marriage."

Individual Chinese legislators have occasionally in the past few years proposed measures during the annual meeting of the largely rubber-stamp parliament every March to legalise same-sex marriage, without success.

There are no laws against same-sex relations in China and despite growing awareness of LGBT issues, the community has been the target of censors in recent months, fuelling fears of growing intolerance.

Activists have asked people in China to propose amendments to a draft civil code en masse, though they have admitted they see little chance of success. The parts of the code relating to marriage are expected to pass into law next year.

The code makes changes on issues such as sexual harassment, divorce and family planning, but does not further the rights of the LGBT community, drafts published by parliament show.

Zang said the marriage section of the draft civil code maintains the bond as being between a man and a woman.

Prominent gay rights activist Sun Wenlin said he was disappointed in the comments, but not surprised.

"I feel that my partner and I are sacrificing our happiness for the country's legal system," said Sun, who three years ago had his application to legally marry his partner rejected by a Chinese court.

"They are undermining our life plan of choosing to marry the person we love."

He added, "I feel I am being excluded, and am absolutely not a consideration for policymakers."

Another activist, who asked not to be named, told Reuters there were cases in China of same-sex partners who had lost their homes after one of them died, as they lacked the legal protection of marriage.

"We hope these tragedies don't keen happening," the activist said.

Limiting marriage to a relationship between a man and a woman will remain China's legal position, a parliament spokesman said on Wednesday, ruling out following neighbouring Taiwan in allowing same-sex marriage, despite pressure from activists.

Limiting marriage to a relationship between a man and a woman will remain China's legal position, a parliament spokesman said on Wednesday, ruling out following neighbouring Taiwan in allowing same-sex marriage, despite pressure from activists. Taiwan's parliament passed a bill in May that endorsed same-sex marriage, after years of heated debate over marriage equality that has divided the self-ruled and democratic island. China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has a thriving gay scene in major cities, but there has been little sign the ruling Communist Party will legalise same-sex marriage. Asked at a news briefing whether China would legalise same-sex marriage, Zang Tiewei, spokesman for parliament's legal affairs commission, said Chinese law only allowed for marriage between one man and one woman. "This rule suits our country's national condition and historical and cultural traditions," he said. "As far as I know, the vast majority of countries in the world do not recognise the legalisation of same-sex marriage." Individual Chinese legislators have occasionally in the past few years proposed measures during the annual meeting of the largely rubber-stamp parliament every March to legalise same-sex marriage, without success. There are no laws against same-sex relations in China and despite growing awareness of LGBT issues, the community has been the target of censors in recent months, fuelling fears of growing intolerance. Activists have asked people in China to propose amendments to a draft civil code en masse, though they have admitted they see little chance of success. The parts of the code relating to marriage are expected to pass into law next year. The code makes changes on issues such as sexual harassment, divorce and family planning, but does not further the rights of the LGBT community, drafts published by parliament show. Zang said the marriage section of the draft civil code maintains the bond as being between a man and a woman. Prominent gay rights activist Sun Wenlin said he was disappointed in the comments, but not surprised. "I feel that my partner and I are sacrificing our happiness for the country's legal system," said Sun, who three years ago had his application to legally marry his partner rejected by a Chinese court. "They are undermining our life plan of choosing to marry the person we love." He added, "I feel I am being excluded, and am absolutely not a consideration for policymakers." Another activist, who asked not to be named, told Reuters there were cases in China of same-sex partners who had lost their homes after one of them died, as they lacked the legal protection of marriage. "We hope these tragedies don't keen happening," the activist said.

China's Parliament rules out allowing same-sex marriage

The US State Department on Tuesday approved the sale of 66 F-16 fighters to Taiwan, in a move expected to anger Beijing. Taiwan will get the latest version of the Lockheed Martin-built fighter, the F-16C/D Block 70, in the $8 billion deal, the State Department said.

The US State Department on Tuesday approved the sale of 66 F-16 fighters to Taiwan, in a move expected to anger Beijing. Taiwan will get the latest version of the Lockheed Martin-built fighter, the F-16C/D Block 70, in the $8 billion deal, the State Department said. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that President Donald Trump had green-lighted the proposed sale after Congress was notified last week. The F-16s "are deeply consistent with the arrangements, the historical relationship between the United States and China," Pompeo said. "Our actions are consistent with past US policy. We are simply following through on the commitments we've made to all of the parties." Taiwan's plan to upgrade its air defenses comes amid increasing Chinese military incursions into its air space. A spokesman for the Taiwanese president released a statement saying the jets would "substantially enhance our air defence capabilities to help Taiwan's self-defence and maintain the people's freedom and welfare." The sale's approval will have a key role in "peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and region, especially in the wake of China's frequent military actions... in the region in recent years," the statement said. Beijing regards Taiwan as a part of China awaiting reunification, but the island is self-ruled and is a close ally of the United States. In a statement, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees US foreign military sales, said Taiwan's purchase of the F-16s "will not alter the basic military balance in the region." "This proposed sale will contribute to the recipient's capability to provide for the defence of its airspace, regional security, and interoperability with the United States." On Monday, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said US arms sales to Taiwan "severely violate" agreements between Washington and Beijing and "constitute severe interference in China's internal affairs." The United States should "immediately cancel the planned arms sales, and stop selling weapons and military contact with Taiwan," he said. "Otherwise, the US will have to bear all the consequences." Taiwan already has a fleet of old-model F-16s purchased in 1992, which have undergone several crucial upgrades. Manufacturer Lockheed Martin says the newest version, the F-16 Block 70/72, includes many avionics, weapons and radar technologies not in existence when earlier models were created. It is structurally stronger, the company says, so that it "can fly and fight to 2070 and beyond." The approval of the sale comes as Washington and Beijing face off in tough trade negotiations that economists say are hurting both of the superpowers, as well as dragging down the global economy.

US State Department approves sale of 66 F-16 fighters to Taiwan

Congress should move quickly with an $8&nbsp;billion&nbsp;sale&nbsp;of F-16&nbsp;fighter jets to&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as the self-ruled island faces pressure from China's increased military presence in the region, leading US&nbsp;Democratic&nbsp;and&nbsp;Republican&nbsp;lawmakers&nbsp;said on Friday.

China denounced the planned&nbsp;sale, one of the biggest yet by the United States to&nbsp;Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province. It warned of unspecified "countermeasures."

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, a&nbsp;Republican, welcomed the proposed&nbsp;sale&nbsp;of the Lockheed Martin Corp F-16V jets.&nbsp;

"These fighters are critical to improving&nbsp;Taiwan's ability to defend its sovereign airspace, which is under increasing pressure from the People’s Republic of China," he said in a statement.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-irked-by-us-taiwan-arms-deal-243606/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Jim Inhofe, and fellow&nbsp;Republican&nbsp;Senator John Cornyn said&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;"remains an important pillar of security and stability" in the region.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;sale&nbsp;of the jets would "deter aggression given Beijing's increasing assertiveness and military buildup," they said in a joint statement.

Similarly, the&nbsp;Democratic&nbsp;chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, Eliot Engel, and the panel's ranking&nbsp;Republican, Michael McCaul, said in a joint statement that the deal "sends a strong message" about US commitment to security and democracy in the region.

Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, both&nbsp;Republicans, also issued statements&nbsp;backing the deal.

Washington has no formal ties with self-ruled and&nbsp;democratic&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;but is bound by law to help provide it with the means to defend itself.

It is the main arms supplier to&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and there is broad support for this in Congress.

China has never renounced the use of force to bring&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;under its control and has repeatedly denounced US arms&nbsp;sales to the island.

Friday's New York Times quoted unnamed US officials as saying that the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-survive-trade-war-some-us-importers-embark-on-major-revamps-of-product-lines-238323"> Trump administration, which is engaged in a major trade war with China</a>, was moving forward with the&nbsp;sale and said the State Department gave informal notification of the plan to the House and Senate foreign affairs committees on Thursday.

The paper said once those committees gave the go-ahead, which would probably come within days or weeks, there would follow a formal notification to Congress, which would trigger 30 days for objections.

The State Department and the White House declined to comment. China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Beijing had made solemn representations to the United States over the planned&nbsp;sale.

China's state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Hua as saying that it was a serious violation of the "one-China principle," under which Washington recognise Beijing and not Taipei, and undermined China's sovereignty and security interests.

Hua urged the US to stop arms&nbsp;sales to and military contact with&nbsp;Taiwan, otherwise, the Chinese side would "certainly take countermeasures," Xinhua said.

After the United States approved&nbsp;sales of tanks and Raytheon Co's &nbsp;anti-aircraft Stinger missiles to&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;in July, China said it was "ready to go to war" if people "try to split Taiwan&nbsp;from the country."

Beijing said it would impose sanctions on US companies involved in any deals.

On Thursday,&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;unveiled its largest defence spending increase in more than a decade, to T$411.3&nbsp;billion&nbsp;($13.11&nbsp;billion.)

Congress should move quickly with an $8 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan as the self-ruled island faces pressure from China's increased military presence in the region, leading US Democratic and Republican lawmakers said on Friday.

Congress should move quickly with an $8 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan as the self-ruled island faces pressure from China's increased military presence in the region, leading US Democratic and Republican lawmakers said on Friday. China denounced the planned sale, one of the biggest yet by the United States to Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province. It warned of unspecified "countermeasures." Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, a Republican, welcomed the proposed sale of the Lockheed Martin Corp F-16V jets. "These fighters are critical to improving Taiwan's ability to defend its sovereign airspace, which is under increasing pressure from the People’s Republic of China," he said in a statement. The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Jim Inhofe, and fellow Republican Senator John Cornyn said Taiwan "remains an important pillar of security and stability" in the region. The sale of the jets would "deter aggression given Beijing's increasing assertiveness and military buildup," they said in a joint statement. Similarly, the Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, Eliot Engel, and the panel's ranking Republican, Michael McCaul, said in a joint statement that the deal "sends a strong message" about US commitment to security and democracy in the region. Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, both Republicans, also issued statements backing the deal. Washington has no formal ties with self-ruled and democratic Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide it with the means to defend itself. It is the main arms supplier to Taiwan and there is broad support for this in Congress. China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control and has repeatedly denounced US arms sales to the island. Friday's New York Times quoted unnamed US officials as saying that the Trump administration, which is engaged in a major trade war with China, was moving forward with the sale and said the State Department gave informal notification of the plan to the House and Senate foreign affairs committees on Thursday. The paper said once those committees gave the go-ahead, which would probably come within days or weeks, there would follow a formal notification to Congress, which would trigger 30 days for objections. The State Department and the White House declined to comment. China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Beijing had made solemn representations to the United States over the planned sale. China's state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Hua as saying that it was a serious violation of the "one-China principle," under which Washington recognise Beijing and not Taipei, and undermined China's sovereignty and security interests. Hua urged the US to stop arms sales to and military contact with Taiwan, otherwise, the Chinese side would "certainly take countermeasures," Xinhua said. After the United States approved sales of tanks and Raytheon Co's anti-aircraft Stinger missiles to Taiwan in July, China said it was "ready to go to war" if people "try to split Taiwan from the country." Beijing said it would impose sanctions on US companies involved in any deals. On Thursday, Taiwan unveiled its largest defence spending increase in more than a decade, to T$411.3 billion ($13.11 billion.)

Democratic, Republican lawmakers back F-16 sales to Taiwan

Dozens of activists joined a protest in front of Japan's de facto embassy in Taipei on Wednesday (August 14), demanding an official formal apology and monetary compensation for the Taiwanese 'comfort women' who were forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels.

Taiwan activists demand Japan apologise for forcing women to work in its wartime brothels

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake that rattled Taiwan on Thursday (Aug 8) killed one woman and caused temporary power outages that affected over 10,000 homes, the authorities said. Watch video to know more.

Magnitude 6.0 earthquake rocks northeastern Taiwan

China's film regulator on Wednesday said it was suspending mainland Chinese movies and their personnel from participating in Taiwan's annual Golden Horse Awards this year, without giving a reason.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspended-individual-travel-permits-to-taiwan-due-to-current-cross-strait-relations-china-239659">China Film Administration </a>made the announcement in a statement on its official WeChat account.

The move comes after the event, the Chinese-speaking world’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-holds-military-drills-in-south-china-sea-near-taiwan-239171">version of the Oscars</a>, last year became a lightning rod for questions about Taiwanese independence, sparking a debate between Taiwanese and mainland stars as well as netizens.

The state of ties between Beijing and the self-ruled island has since become more tense, with China announcing that it would stop issuing individual travel permits for Taiwan to Chinese travellers last week.

"From an industry point of view, the Golden Horse was a good platform for exchanges on films among mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong," said Dong Shu, a Shanghai-based film critic.

"But some people in Taiwan had to get politically sensitive content on it, things that crossed red lines for mainland China, thus the nature of this award has been changed."

Taiwan is self-governed and has a democratically elected leadership, but China claims the island as a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to ensure unification. The question of Taiwanese independence is one of Beijing's most sensitive political concerns.

China's content regulator has also been taking an extra-cautious stance over its media industry in the run-up to the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic, on October&nbsp;1, pulling off a few blockbusters and banning "entertainment-driven" historical dramas and idol dramas.

Reports of the suspension soon became a trending topic on China's Weibo, a Twitter-like microblogging service, with one related hashtag receiving more than 68 million views Wednesday morning.

"Taiwan made this award political first, don't we have a right to punch back?" said a Weibo commentator.

Others expressed disappointment at the decision.

"Politics aside, this is a lose-lose situation. There isn't an impartial and matchable award in mainland China, what a pity!" said another commentator.

Reuters was not immediately able to reach the organisers of the Golden Horse Film Festival for comment. &nbsp;

China's film regulator on Wednesday said it was suspending mainland Chinese movies and their personnel from participating in Taiwan's annual Golden Horse Awards this year, without giving a reason.

China's film regulator on Wednesday said it was suspending mainland Chinese movies and their personnel from participating in Taiwan's annual Golden Horse Awards this year, without giving a reason. The China Film Administration made the announcement in a statement on its official WeChat account. The move comes after the event, the Chinese-speaking world’s version of the Oscars, last year became a lightning rod for questions about Taiwanese independence, sparking a debate between Taiwanese and mainland stars as well as netizens. The state of ties between Beijing and the self-ruled island has since become more tense, with China announcing that it would stop issuing individual travel permits for Taiwan to Chinese travellers last week. "From an industry point of view, the Golden Horse was a good platform for exchanges on films among mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong," said Dong Shu, a Shanghai-based film critic. "But some people in Taiwan had to get politically sensitive content on it, things that crossed red lines for mainland China, thus the nature of this award has been changed." Taiwan is self-governed and has a democratically elected leadership, but China claims the island as a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to ensure unification. The question of Taiwanese independence is one of Beijing's most sensitive political concerns. China's content regulator has also been taking an extra-cautious stance over its media industry in the run-up to the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic, on October 1, pulling off a few blockbusters and banning "entertainment-driven" historical dramas and idol dramas. Reports of the suspension soon became a trending topic on China's Weibo, a Twitter-like microblogging service, with one related hashtag receiving more than 68 million views Wednesday morning. "Taiwan made this award political first, don't we have a right to punch back?" said a Weibo commentator. Others expressed disappointment at the decision. "Politics aside, this is a lose-lose situation. There isn't an impartial and matchable award in mainland China, what a pity!" said another commentator. Reuters was not immediately able to reach the organisers of the Golden Horse Film Festival for comment.

China suspends movies, stars from participating in Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards

Taiwan's president rebuked China over its decision to ban individual travel permits for Chinese visitors to the self-ruled island, saying the move aimed to manipulate presidential elections in January. Watch this video to know more.

China bans solo tourists to Taiwan

The mayor of Taipei said on Thursday he will form a political party to run in Taiwan`s 2020 elections, a move that could complicate President Tsai Ing-wen`s re-election and shake up the political landscape amid heightened tension with China.&nbsp;

Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je said he will set up the Taiwanese People`s Party in early August in a bid to run in legislative elections in January.&nbsp;

The self-ruled island is also set to hold its presidential election in January at a time of precarious relations with China, which considers it a wayward province and has never ruled out the use of force to bring it under Beijing`s control.

Ko, who advocates closer cross-strait ties and is known for his colourful comments about Taiwan politics, said he will decide whether to run in the highly competitive presidential race by early September.&nbsp;

"It`s not important whether I run (for the president) or not. What matters is the well-being of the people," Ko told reporters in Taipei.&nbsp;

Another who could complicate Tsai`s bid for re-election is Foxconn founder Terry Gou.

Gou lost the presidential nomination for the China-friendly opposition Kuomintang (KMT) last month but has not announced whether he will run as an independent in 2020.

A mayor from the island`s south won the KMT`s nomination for the presidential election, issuing a direct challenge to Tsai.

The Taiwan president is facing criticism over her party`s reform agenda amid rising diplomatic and military pressure from Beijing.

China said on Wednesday it will stop issuing individual travel permits to Chinese citizens for travel to Taiwan, a blow to the island`s tourism industry.

China`s military is also holding exercises this week in waters near Taiwan, days after Beijing reiterated it was ready to fight if there was any move towards independence for Taiwan.

The mayor of Taipei said on Thursday he will form a political party to run in Taiwan`s 2020 elections, a move that could complicate President Tsai Ing-wen`s re-election and shake up the political landscape amid heightened tension with China.

The mayor of Taipei said on Thursday he will form a political party to run in Taiwan`s 2020 elections, a move that could complicate President Tsai Ing-wen`s re-election and shake up the political landscape amid heightened tension with China. Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je said he will set up the Taiwanese People`s Party in early August in a bid to run in legislative elections in January. The self-ruled island is also set to hold its presidential election in January at a time of precarious relations with China, which considers it a wayward province and has never ruled out the use of force to bring it under Beijing`s control. Ko, who advocates closer cross-strait ties and is known for his colourful comments about Taiwan politics, said he will decide whether to run in the highly competitive presidential race by early September. "It`s not important whether I run (for the president) or not. What matters is the well-being of the people," Ko told reporters in Taipei. Another who could complicate Tsai`s bid for re-election is Foxconn founder Terry Gou. Gou lost the presidential nomination for the China-friendly opposition Kuomintang (KMT) last month but has not announced whether he will run as an independent in 2020. A mayor from the island`s south won the KMT`s nomination for the presidential election, issuing a direct challenge to Tsai. The Taiwan president is facing criticism over her party`s reform agenda amid rising diplomatic and military pressure from Beijing. China said on Wednesday it will stop issuing individual travel permits to Chinese citizens for travel to Taiwan, a blow to the island`s tourism industry. China`s military is also holding exercises this week in waters near Taiwan, days after Beijing reiterated it was ready to fight if there was any move towards independence for Taiwan.

Taipei mayor to form political party in challenge to Taiwan president

Taiwan blamed China's "malicious suppression" Wednesday after being stripped of hosting figure skating's Asian Open this year, warning against the interference of politics in sport.

China has ramped up military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan since the Beijing-sceptic President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016.&nbsp;

Taiwan's figure skating union said it was notified by the International Skating Union (ISU) on Monday that the second-tier Challenger level event, which had been due to take place in Taipei from October 30 to November 3, had been moved to the southern Chinese city of Dongguan.

Taiwan's foreign ministry said Wednesday it deeply regretted the ISU cancelling the event in Taiwan due to what it called "political factors" and issued a strong condemnation of China for "again interfering in international NGOs."

"China's malicious suppression of our civil groups' participation in international events will only re-spark the resentment of Taiwanese people on China," it said in a statement.

It is the second cancellation of an international sports event in Taiwan in the past year.&nbsp;

According to Taiwan sports officials, members of the East Asian Olympic Committee (EAOC) voted in a meeting in Beijing last year to revoke the island's right to host the 2019 East Asian Youth Games in Taichung.&nbsp;

Taiwan's government at that time accused China of bullying while the Taichung city government said it had invested around $21 million to build facilities for the games.

Taipei has also been blocked from attending a string of international events following pressure from Beijing since President Tsai came to power.

China sees self-ruled, democratic Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, by force if must.

The ISU said in a statement the change of location was suggested and agreed upon by several members, including Taiwan's skating union.

In May "ISU received indications from several ISU Asian member federations ... that it would be preferable to host this event in another Asian country."

However, Taiwan's skating union expressed regret in a statement issued earlier Wednesday, saying it was "trying to figure out ISU's decision-making process" in preparation for an appeal.

Taiwan blamed China's "malicious suppression" Wednesday after being stripped of hosting figure skating's Asian Open this year, warning against the interference of politics in sport.

Taiwan blamed China's "malicious suppression" Wednesday after being stripped of hosting figure skating's Asian Open this year, warning against the interference of politics in sport. China has ramped up military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan since the Beijing-sceptic President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016. Taiwan's figure skating union said it was notified by the International Skating Union (ISU) on Monday that the second-tier Challenger level event, which had been due to take place in Taipei from October 30 to November 3, had been moved to the southern Chinese city of Dongguan. Taiwan's foreign ministry said Wednesday it deeply regretted the ISU cancelling the event in Taiwan due to what it called "political factors" and issued a strong condemnation of China for "again interfering in international NGOs." "China's malicious suppression of our civil groups' participation in international events will only re-spark the resentment of Taiwanese people on China," it said in a statement. It is the second cancellation of an international sports event in Taiwan in the past year. According to Taiwan sports officials, members of the East Asian Olympic Committee (EAOC) voted in a meeting in Beijing last year to revoke the island's right to host the 2019 East Asian Youth Games in Taichung. Taiwan's government at that time accused China of bullying while the Taichung city government said it had invested around $21 million to build facilities for the games. Taipei has also been blocked from attending a string of international events following pressure from Beijing since President Tsai came to power. China sees self-ruled, democratic Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, by force if must. The ISU said in a statement the change of location was suggested and agreed upon by several members, including Taiwan's skating union. In May "ISU received indications from several ISU Asian member federations ... that it would be preferable to host this event in another Asian country." However, Taiwan's skating union expressed regret in a statement issued earlier Wednesday, saying it was "trying to figure out ISU's decision-making process" in preparation for an appeal.

Taiwan blames China for being stripped of skating event

How China's PLA maintains internal equilibrium to control external threat

China's defence ministry warned on Wednesday that it was ready for war if there was a move toward Taiwan's independence, accusing the United States of undermining <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-eyes-high-tech-army-says-us-undermines-global-stability-238077">global stability and denouncing its arms sales</a> to the self-ruled island.

This month, the Pentagon said the US State Department had approved sales of weapons requested by Taiwan, including tanks and Stinger missiles estimated to be worth $2.2 billion.

China responded by saying it would impose sanctions on US firms involved in any deals.

Defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian told a news briefing on a defence white paper, the first in several years to outline the military's strategic concerns, that China would make its greatest effort for peaceful reunification with Taiwan.

"However, we must firmly point out that seeking Taiwan independence is a dead end," Wu said.

"If there are people who dare to try to split Taiwan from the country, China's military will be ready to go to war to firmly safeguard national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity," he said.

The United States is the main arms supplier to Taiwan, which China deems a wayward province. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.

The United States has no formal ties with democratic Taiwan, but is bound by law to help provide it with the means to defend itself.

The Chinese ministry said the United States had "provoked intensified competition among major countries, significantly increased its defence expenditure ... and undermined global strategic stability."

China's defence spending would maintain moderate and steady growth, but it was relatively low, compared to other major countries, it added.

"There is still a wide gap between China's defence expenditure and the requirements for safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests," it said.

Reports of a secret pact with Cambodia granting China's armed forces exclusive access to part of the southeast Asian nation's Ream Naval Base on the Gulf of Thailand were not in accordance with the facts, Wu added.

"China and Cambodia have in the past carried out positive exchanges and cooperation on military drills, personnel training and logistics," he said. "This kind of cooperation does not target any third party."

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said later in a statement that Beijing's "provocative behaviour ... seriously violated the peace principle in international laws and relations, challenging regional safety and order".

"We urge Beijing authorities to renounce irrational, malicious acts such as the use of force, and to improve cross-strait relations and handle issues including Hong Kong rationally, so that it can be a responsible regional member," it said.

China's defence ministry warned on Wednesday that it was ready for war if there was a move toward Taiwan's independence, accusing the United States of undermining global stability and denouncing its arms sales to the self-ruled island.

China's defence ministry warned on Wednesday that it was ready for war if there was a move toward Taiwan's independence, accusing the United States of undermining global stability and denouncing its arms sales to the self-ruled island. This month, the Pentagon said the US State Department had approved sales of weapons requested by Taiwan, including tanks and Stinger missiles estimated to be worth $2.2 billion. China responded by saying it would impose sanctions on US firms involved in any deals. Defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian told a news briefing on a defence white paper, the first in several years to outline the military's strategic concerns, that China would make its greatest effort for peaceful reunification with Taiwan. "However, we must firmly point out that seeking Taiwan independence is a dead end," Wu said. "If there are people who dare to try to split Taiwan from the country, China's military will be ready to go to war to firmly safeguard national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity," he said. The United States is the main arms supplier to Taiwan, which China deems a wayward province. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. The United States has no formal ties with democratic Taiwan, but is bound by law to help provide it with the means to defend itself. The Chinese ministry said the United States had "provoked intensified competition among major countries, significantly increased its defence expenditure ... and undermined global strategic stability." China's defence spending would maintain moderate and steady growth, but it was relatively low, compared to other major countries, it added. "There is still a wide gap between China's defence expenditure and the requirements for safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests," it said. Reports of a secret pact with Cambodia granting China's armed forces exclusive access to part of the southeast Asian nation's Ream Naval Base on the Gulf of Thailand were not in accordance with the facts, Wu added. "China and Cambodia have in the past carried out positive exchanges and cooperation on military drills, personnel training and logistics," he said. "This kind of cooperation does not target any third party." Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said later in a statement that Beijing's "provocative behaviour ... seriously violated the peace principle in international laws and relations, challenging regional safety and order". "We urge Beijing authorities to renounce irrational, malicious acts such as the use of force, and to improve cross-strait relations and handle issues including Hong Kong rationally, so that it can be a responsible regional member," it said.

China warns of war in case of move towards Taiwan independence

India, in its attempt to strike a rapport with China, should not renege on her time-honoured stand on Dalai Lama.&nbsp;

Earlier, the NDA government had issued a note to senior officials, asking them not to attend events organised by the Tibetan government-in-exile. India has also supported the ‘One China’ policy, which states that Taiwan and Tibet are part of China’s mainland. Beijing made the ‘One-China’ policy a prerequisite for countries to establish diplomatic ties with it.

Chinese authorities have warned that Dalai Lama’s successor has to be decided within China and any ‘interference’ by India will impact bilateral ties. The Tibetan spiritual leader has taken China to task for raking up the issue of his successor, asserting that the subject would be decided by the people of Tibet.&nbsp;

By tagging its sensitivities on Dalai Lama as a perquisite for settlement of the border dispute with India, China runs the risk of overusing its Tibet card, which India must not lose sight of.

Though Nehru’s unwillingness to condemn China’s invasion of Tibet and the expulsion of Dalai Lama in the 1950s was a mistake, his decision to give refuge to the spiritual guru and the ruler of Tibetan Buddhists, in India in March 1959, cannot be faulted. &nbsp;

In the aftermath of the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, Nehru and his military advisors thought the Chinese takeover of Tibet could neither be resisted by India nor any other external power. India signed an agreement with China on Tibet in 1954, renouncing its inherited prerogatives and recognising Tibet as a ‘region of China’. The forfeiture of India’s rights in Tibet happened without China being made to recognise the Indian-claimed boundary.&nbsp;

Again, it was Atal Bihari Vajpayee in June 2003, who ceded Tibet to be ‘part of Chinese territory’ while trying to bargain Chinese recognition of Sikkim in exchange for Tibet.

The Uighurs have been condemned to a fate similar to the Tibetans, fighting Chinese domination for centuries, enjoying brief periods of independence twice during the twentieth century, facing threats from Han Chinese migration alongside rigours of “centrally” planned development policies besides being subject to newly- strengthened anti-terror measures.&nbsp;

All of this cannot be, and is not Western propaganda. Nehru signed the agreement in 1954, knowing fully well that Tibetans would be disappointed. In 1959, following a crackdown on an uprising by the local population in Tibet, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, fled to India. Therefore, 2019 is the 60th year of the great event — incidentally when the Modi government’s policy of standing up to China is touted to be a sharp departure from Nehru’s China policy.&nbsp;

India, overly careful in assuaging Chinese sensitivities, must not concede further. If the fear to offend Beijing becomes an obsession, or India is seen to be too much in awe of China as has been the case for decades, it might be unfairly treated at international fora like the Organisation for Islamic Countries (OIC) that remains critical of India, but is wary of offending China.&nbsp;

With the succession issue of the Dalai Lama assuming importance, India would have to take a firm decision. The US Congress has made it clear that it would not recognise a Dalai Lama chosen by the Chinese government, nor does the current Dalai Lama believe anyone to trust the Chinese government’s choice.&nbsp;

The point is this: has India, which has seen Tibet as part of China for over five decades, made more concessions than it has received? No Indian government has ever sought to extend political support to the Dalai Lama, despite the tortuous contours of Sino-Indian relationship.&nbsp;

If China links Tibet and Dalai Lama to a settlement of the long-standing border dispute, it amounts to distrust of India’s position.&nbsp;

The succession of Dalai Lama is distinctly different from China’s claims to Tibet. If India lends support to a future Dalai Lama chosen by China, it would not only fritter away its time-honoured policy on Tibet, but the mistake of 1954 would also turn a full circle. &nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

India, in its attempt to strike a rapport with China, should not renege on her time-honoured stand on Dalai Lama. Earlier, the NDA government had issued a note to senior officials, asking them not to attend events organised by the Tibetan government-in-exile.

India, in its attempt to strike a rapport with China, should not renege on her time-honoured stand on Dalai Lama. Earlier, the NDA government had issued a note to senior officials, asking them not to attend events organised by the Tibetan government-in-exile. India has also supported the ‘One China’ policy, which states that Taiwan and Tibet are part of China’s mainland. Beijing made the ‘One-China’ policy a prerequisite for countries to establish diplomatic ties with it. Chinese authorities have warned that Dalai Lama’s successor has to be decided within China and any ‘interference’ by India will impact bilateral ties. The Tibetan spiritual leader has taken China to task for raking up the issue of his successor, asserting that the subject would be decided by the people of Tibet. By tagging its sensitivities on Dalai Lama as a perquisite for settlement of the border dispute with India, China runs the risk of overusing its Tibet card, which India must not lose sight of. Though Nehru’s unwillingness to condemn China’s invasion of Tibet and the expulsion of Dalai Lama in the 1950s was a mistake, his decision to give refuge to the spiritual guru and the ruler of Tibetan Buddhists, in India in March 1959, cannot be faulted. In the aftermath of the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, Nehru and his military advisors thought the Chinese takeover of Tibet could neither be resisted by India nor any other external power. India signed an agreement with China on Tibet in 1954, renouncing its inherited prerogatives and recognising Tibet as a ‘region of China’. The forfeiture of India’s rights in Tibet happened without China being made to recognise the Indian-claimed boundary. Again, it was Atal Bihari Vajpayee in June 2003, who ceded Tibet to be ‘part of Chinese territory’ while trying to bargain Chinese recognition of Sikkim in exchange for Tibet. The Uighurs have been condemned to a fate similar to the Tibetans, fighting Chinese domination for centuries, enjoying brief periods of independence twice during the twentieth century, facing threats from Han Chinese migration alongside rigours of “centrally” planned development policies besides being subject to newly- strengthened anti-terror measures. All of this cannot be, and is not Western propaganda. Nehru signed the agreement in 1954, knowing fully well that Tibetans would be disappointed. In 1959, following a crackdown on an uprising by the local population in Tibet, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, fled to India. Therefore, 2019 is the 60th year of the great event — incidentally when the Modi government’s policy of standing up to China is touted to be a sharp departure from Nehru’s China policy. India, overly careful in assuaging Chinese sensitivities, must not concede further. If the fear to offend Beijing becomes an obsession, or India is seen to be too much in awe of China as has been the case for decades, it might be unfairly treated at international fora like the Organisation for Islamic Countries (OIC) that remains critical of India, but is wary of offending China. With the succession issue of the Dalai Lama assuming importance, India would have to take a firm decision. The US Congress has made it clear that it would not recognise a Dalai Lama chosen by the Chinese government, nor does the current Dalai Lama believe anyone to trust the Chinese government’s choice. The point is this: has India, which has seen Tibet as part of China for over five decades, made more concessions than it has received? No Indian government has ever sought to extend political support to the Dalai Lama, despite the tortuous contours of Sino-Indian relationship. If China links Tibet and Dalai Lama to a settlement of the long-standing border dispute, it amounts to distrust of India’s position. The succession of Dalai Lama is distinctly different from China’s claims to Tibet. If India lends support to a future Dalai Lama chosen by China, it would not only fritter away its time-honoured policy on Tibet, but the mistake of 1954 would also turn a full circle. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India has to stand up to China on Dalai Lama’s succession

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