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Taiwan detects Chinese warships, planes around island after drills end

China’s naval and aerial activities in Taiwan continued on Tuesday, a day after it called off its three-day military drills. The activities were initiated by China’s People’s Liberation Army in response to Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last week. The Taiwanese defence ministry detected nine warships and 26 aircraft around the island as of 11:00 am on Tuesday. This comes after Taiwan detected 12 warships and 91 aircraft on Monday, while the ADIZ incursions were the highest recorded in a single day since October 2021.

China simulates Taiwan strikes in second day of ‘Joint Sword’ drills

China’s military conducted joint military drills dubbed “Joint Sword” as they simulated attacks on Taiwan. The exercise ran over a three-day period, aimed at showcasing Beijing’s military prowess. The drills included the deployment of fighter jets, warships, and ground forces around Taiwan’s four sides. Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, criticized the exercises, which occurred after she met with the US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

China launches three days of military drills in Taiwan Strait

China launched military drills around Taiwan on Saturday, in what it called a “stern warning” to the self-ruled island’s government following a meeting between its president and the US House speaker. Dubbed “United Sharp Sword”, the three-day operation will run until Monday, the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command said in a statement. China views democratic, self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.

Solomons ‘disqualifies’ pro-Taiwan ex-provincial leader

Daniel Suidani, a former provincial leader of the Solomon Islands, has been “disqualified” by the pro-China government for his refusal to recognise Beijing over Taipei. The move follows Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s decision to switch the country’s diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 2019. Suidani, who plans to challenge the decision in the High Court, has consistently refused to toe the line set by Sogavare, citing overwhelming support among people in Malaita for maintaining ties with Taiwan. The move comes at a time of growing Chinese influence in the Solomons and the wider Pacific.

Led by China, more countries targeting citizens abroad: US study

A US democracy research group, Freedom House, has reported that an increasing number of countries, including China, Turkey and Russia, are using abductions, violence and deportations to silence dissent among their citizens living abroad. The report identified 854 direct incidents of “transnational repression” carried out by 38 governments since 2014, with China responsible for 30% of all cases. The report calls for governments to develop plans to stop transnational repression, including targeted sanctions and restricting security assistance. Bangladesh and Djibouti were identified as first-time perpetrators in 2022.

Taiwan says 1 Chinese aircraft, 3 warships detected around island

Chinese anti-submarine helicopter and warships detected around Taiwan after President Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence stated that they monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond. China had threatened a “resolute” response to the meeting.

China calls for WTO review of US-led chip export restrictions

Beijing demanded that the US, Japan, and the Netherlands confirm an alleged agreement to limit semiconductor exports to China during a regular meeting at the World Trade Organization. China has been seeking self-reliance in the semiconductor industry, while the US has been attempting to cut Chinese companies out of supply chains that provide access to advanced chip technology.

TikTok fined US$15.9 million in UK for flouting under-13 age limit

TikTok has been fined £12.7m (US$15.9m) by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office for violating its own rules by allowing up to 1.4 million children under 13 to use its social media platform without the consent of their parents or guardians. The platform’s terms of service do not permit children under 13 to set up accounts.

China warns Philippine-US base deal ‘endangering regional peace’

China accused the US of endangering regional peace after it signed a deal with the Philippines allowing US troops to use four additional bases in the country, including one near the disputed South China Sea and another near Taiwan. The deal allows US forces to access a total of nine Philippine bases, in addition to storing defence equipment and supplies. The US-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement aims to counter China’s increasing assertiveness over Taiwan and bases in the South China Sea.

Investment from China a boon for Anwar’s administration, but Malaysia must be cautious

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has secured a record investment commitment of RM170 billion from China, which is expected to bolster his administration’s support and create a favorable atmosphere. Anwar’s focus on the economy and his efforts to win foreign investment and create job opportunities are earning him many brownie points, according to Dr Ngeow Chow Bing, the director of the Institute of China Studies at the University of Malaya. However, some experts warn that Malaysia needs to be cautious not to be bullied by China, given its significant economic relationship with the country.