TAIWAN INDEPENDENCE SUPPORT
Why has Taiwan issued a travel advisory to its residents visiting China?
China has threatened to execute residents of Taiwan who support its independence. This is the yet another move by China aimed at intimidating Taiwan. Taiwan has issued a travel advisory to its residents visiting China.
Taiwan urges citizens to avoid travel to China, Hong Kong Macao following Beijing threats
Taiwan has advised its citizens to avoid travel to China, Hong Kong, and Macao following Beijing's threats to execute supporters of Taiwan's independence. This advisory was issued by Liang Wen-chieh, spokesperson and deputy head of the Mainland Affairs Council, amid escalating threats from China, which views Taiwan as a territory to be annexed by force if necessary.
Taiwan warns against travel to China after execution threat
Taiwan's government raised its travel warning for China, urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel following Beijing's threat to execute "diehard" Taiwan independence supporters. The warning also applies to Hong Kong and Macau. China, which considers Taiwan its territory, has escalated tensions by issuing new legal guidelines targeting Taiwan independence advocates, prompting condemnation from Taiwan and the United States.
Chinese hackers step up attacks on Taiwanese organisations: cybersecurity firm
A suspected Chinese state-sponsored hacking group, RedJuliett, has intensified its targeting of Taiwanese organisations, including government, education, technology, and diplomacy sectors, ahead of Taiwan's presidential elections in January. The cyberattacks were observed between November 2023 and April 2024. RedJuliett accessed servers via vulnerabilities in SoftEther enterprise VPN software. Recorded Future suggests that Chinese intelligence services in Fuzhou are likely behind the attacks to gather intelligence on Taiwan.
Taiwan leader says China 'has no right to punish' island
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has rebuked China's recent warning that "diehard" supporters of Taiwanese independence could face the death penalty, stating that China "has no right to punish" Taiwanese people for their views. Lai emphasized that democracy should not be equated with crime, and that China should engage in dialogue with Taiwan's democratically elected government instead of pursuing punitive measures. The comments come amidst heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, with Beijing increasing military pressure on the island in recent years.
China hits out at US, calls Dalai Lama 'political exile' over Tibet independence
The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded assertively on Tuesday to the visit of US lawmakers to Dharamshala to meet with Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, stating that "China will take decisive actions to vigorously defend its sovereignty, security, and developmental interests." Today, a US delegation led by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrived at Kangra airport to hold discussions with the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala.
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Taiwan is not seeking war with China, defence minister says
Taiwanese Defence Minister Wellington Koo emphasized that Taiwan is not seeking war with Beijing but is focusing on building a multi-level defensive deterrence to complicate China's invasion plans. Amid increasing military and political pressure from China, Taiwan's strategy is to employ asymmetric warfare, making its forces more mobile and harder to target with vehicle-mounted missiles and drones. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te reiterated that Taiwan’s future should be decided by its people, rejecting Beijing’s sovereignty claims. Koo labeled China as the provocateur, asserting that Taiwan’s strategy remains defensive. U.S. strategic ambiguity adds uncertainty to China’s invasion plans.
Former Trump defence official warns against Chinese surprise attack on Taiwan
Former US President Donald Trump's administration official Elbridge Colby has served as deputy assistant secretary of defence for strategy and force development in 2017-2018. In an interview with Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun conducted in Washington DC, Colby said that the military needed to be strengthened so it could deliver any immediate response against Chinese aggression.
US President Biden says not ruling out using military force to defend Taiwan
In an interview published on Tuesday in Time magazine, Biden said he has made clear to Chinese President Xi Jinping that the United States will not seek independence for Taiwan as Washington had agreed with Beijing, Focus Taiwan reported.
China beats the war drums at Shangri-La Dialogue
Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun delivered a strong message at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, emphasizing China's stance against hegemonism and power politics in the Asia-Pacific region.
Top US and Chinese defence officials seek to restore communications as tensions rise in Indo-Pacific
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun for the first time in person since 2022. The two discussed tensions in the Indo-Pacific region at the Shangri-La defence forum. The US emphasised freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. China accused the US of inflaming regional security. Both countries are restoring defence contacts and plan to resume military-to-military communications.
'Taiwan independence' means war, warns Chinese military
The Chinese military issued a stern warning against Taiwan's pro-independence actions, declaring that "Taiwan independence" equates to war. In response to Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te's pro-independence stance, PLA spokesperson Sr. Col. Wu Qian emphasized China's readiness to thwart foreign interference and separatist activities. Lai, from the Democratic Progressive Party, maintains Taiwan's sovereignty but urges peace with China. Following Lai's inauguration, China conducted extensive military drills around Taiwan, demonstrating its capability and resolve to counter any moves towards independence and foreign support.
China's military says Taiwan drills met goals but it is ready for further action
China, which views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, staged two days of war games around the island following the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing calls a "separatist".
China drills more about intimidation, propaganda than starting war, says Taiwan
China's recent military drills around Taiwan were primarily aimed at propaganda and intimidation rather than initiating conflict, according to Taiwan's top security official, Tsai Ming-yen. These exercises were a reaction to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's inauguration speech, which China interpreted as a declaration of Taiwanese independence. China, viewing Taiwan as its territory, conducted these drills to demonstrate control over the Taiwan Strait and to intimidate both domestic and international audiences.
China warns of Taiwan 'war' as military drills encircle island
On the second day of exercises, warships and fighter jets surrounded Taiwan in what Beijing described as a test of its capability to seize the island, following the inauguration of its new president. China's military initiated the two-day war games on Thursday, deploying naval vessels and military aircraft to encircle democratic Taiwan, affirming its determination that the blood of "independence forces" on the island would be shed.
China stages mock missile strikes on Taiwan, jets with live missiles used in drills
China staged two-day military exercises involving mock missile strikes and bomber formations targeting Taiwan. These drills, launched after Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, took office, are seen as punishment for his pro-independence stance. The exercises included naval and air operations, testing China's ability to control key areas of Taiwan. Taiwan condemned the actions, mobilizing its forces in response. The U.S. Navy monitored the situation, emphasizing its commitment to regional stability. Despite the tension, life in Taiwan remained unaffected.
Taiwan's military, coast guard activate in response to China's drills
Taiwan's aerial and naval forces responded to China's military drills as President Lai Ching-te swore in. Taipei's coast guard warned off Chinese vessels amid 'Joint Sword-2024A' war games.
China breathes fire as Taiwan's new President William Lai asserts sovereignty
Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te asserts Taiwan's sovereignty, sparking China's denouncement. Lai, of the DPP, succeeded Tsai Ing-wen. In his inaugural speech, he calls for peace, upholding the Republic of China's sovereignty.
New Taiwan president Lai hails 'glorious' democracy
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has hailed the arrival of a "glorious era" for Taiwan's democracy and called on China to cease political and military intimidation. In an inauguration speech, Lai thanked citizens for refusing to be swayed by external forces and urged them to demonstrate their resolution to defend their nation. Lai has been described by Beijing as a "dangerous separatist" for his past comments on Taiwan's independence, but has since moderated his rhetoric.
Taiwan is selling more to the US than China in major shift away from Beijing
Taiwan is shifting its focus away from China, the world's second-largest economy, and towards the United States. The world's largest computer chip maker, TSMC, announced bigger investments in the U.S. last month after a boost from the Biden administration. Taiwanese semiconductor company ended its two-decade-long run in mainland China amid a global race to gain the edge in the high-tech industry.
What is Putin and Xi's 'new era' strategic partnership?
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership, criticizing the United States for actions they see as threatening their countries. They expressed determination to defend their interests, resist interference, and support each other on key issues like Taiwan and Ukraine. They also condemned U.S. missile defense systems, nuclear weapons development, and military alliances in Asia. The joint statement outlines plans to deepen cooperation in trade, industry, agriculture, technology, energy, and nuclear energy.
China blasts US military aid to Taiwan, saying the island is entering a "dangerous situation"
The US Senate late Tuesday passed USD 95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
Taiwan happy with US aid package, China objects to arms sales
Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen expresses gratitude for the U.S. Congress passing a substantial foreign aid package, including arms support for Taiwan, amid China's opposition. The bills, approved by both chambers, signal continued U.S. backing for Taiwan, sparking tensions with Beijing, which demands an end to arms sales.
$8 billion US military aid package to Taiwan will 'boost confidence' in region: President-elect Lai Ching-te
US approved $8B defense package for Taiwan to counter China. President-elect Lai aims to maintain peace. Taiwan strengthens military with US hardware. China threatens annexation. Taiwan prepares for defense with asymmetrical warfare.
Aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan heads to the Senate for final approval after months of delay
The Senate is set to vote on a $95 billion war aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, with the $61 billion allocated for Ukraine being a critical component as the country faces increased Russian aggression. President Biden assured Ukrainian President Zelenskyy of the US's commitment to send air defense weaponry. The aid package also includes $26 billion for Israel and humanitarian relief for Gaza, as well as $8 billion to counter China in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.
China not to 'sit on its hands' if Taiwan independence forces step up their separatist activities: Xi tells Biden
During a recent phone call, Chinese President Xi Jinping reminded US President Joe Biden that the Taiwan issue is a "red line" for China, urging the US to uphold its commitment not to support Taiwan's independence. This conversation, their first since last November's summit, covered trade, technology, and the need for diplomatic management of their relationship. The call highlighted ongoing tensions over Taiwan, with China emphasizing its sovereignty on this matter.
US delegation praises Taiwan's democracy after pro-independence presidential candidate wins election
A group of retired U.S. officials met with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, praising the island's democratic process that recently elected Vice President Lai Ching-te as the new head of government. The officials, including former national security advisor Stephen Hadley and former Deputy Secretary of State James B. Steinberg, emphasized America's "rock-solid" commitment to Taiwan.
View: Taiwan talks strait
Taiwanese voters have re-elected pro-sovereignty Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) Lai 'William' Ching-te as president, defying Chinese threats and expressing their commitment to democratic values. Despite economic concerns, voters chose to continue on a trajectory at odds with China's wishes. Beijing had framed the election as a choice between 'war and peace,' warning against Taiwan independence.
Chinese President Xi says 'reunification' with Taiwan is inevitable
China's President Xi Jinping has emphasized the inevitable "reunification" of Taiwan with China, announcing that the two countries are "members of one and the same family" and hoped for joint prosperity. The Jan. 13 presidential and parliamentary elections are happening at a time of fraught relations between Beijing and Taipei, with China ramping up military pressure to assert its sovereignty claims over Taiwan.
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