Browsing Tag

Taiwan

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In Taiwan, UK’s ex-PM to urge West to confront ‘Cold War’ with China

Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss’s visit to Taiwan is expected to ignite a clash with both China and her successor Rishi Sunak as she calls for a tougher stance against Beijing. Truss will demand that Sunak designate China as a strategic threat, close down UK-based Confucius Institutes controlled by the Chinese government, and replace them with cultural centers run by individuals from Hong Kong and Taiwan. She will argue that the West cannot avoid a “Cold War” with China and criticize attempts to cooperate with Beijing on issues like climate change. Truss’s visit has drawn criticism and accusations of performative diplomacy.

Taiwan district court orders perpetrator to compensate parents of murdered Malaysian student with US$192,000

In October 2020, Irene Chung, a Malaysian student studying in Taiwan, was abducted, sexually assaulted, and killed by a Taiwanese man named Liang Yuzhi. Liang was sentenced to death for murder, and Chung’s parents sought compensation. The court ruled that Liang should compensate over 5.94 million New Taiwan Dollars, and the case is subject to appeal. The judge condemned Liang’s brutal actions and determined that he poses a high risk of reoffending, requiring permanent isolation from the community.

Taiwan publishers warn against visiting China as editor held

Publishers in Taiwan cautioned against visiting mainland China and Hong Kong after the detention of editor Li Yanhe, who went missing and is now suspected of national security crimes. The incident has created a chilling effect on Taiwan’s literary community, with concerns extending to media professionals and even individuals critical of China on social media. Activists and journalists have expressed alarm over the situation, calling for Li’s release and decrying China’s crackdown on freedoms.

Taiwan holds first training for women reservists

Taiwan conducted its first-ever reservist training for women as part of efforts to strengthen its defenses against China. Soldiers, equipped with gas masks, participated in mock defense exercises, showcasing their dedication to protecting the country. Military analysts have emphasized the need for Taiwan to bolster its reservists and prepare the civilian population for potential conflicts. Tensions between Taipei and Beijing have escalated, with China conducting military exercises and Taiwan taking measures to enhance its security.

Taiwan in talks for US$500 mn weapons package from US: defence minister

Taiwan is set to receive a fast-tracked US$500 million weapons package from the United States this year to compensate for delays in arms procurements, according to the island’s defense minister. The package aims to prioritize the immediate delivery of spot goods and address delays in previous arms sales. The details of the package and its prioritized equipment are yet to be determined, but discussions between the two sides are ongoing. The United States’ decision to provide US$4.5 billion in security assistance to Taiwan over four years has sparked tensions with China. Delivery delays have been attributed to supply disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Taiwan to prepare for Chinese blockade in annual war drills

Taiwan’s military will hold annual war game simulations in July to practice intercepting warships and combating a Chinese blockade of the island, according to the defence ministry. The drills will include computer war games in May tackling “various possible actions of the enemy’s invasion of Taiwan” and partial live-fire exercises in July. The military will practice “joint anti-blockade on the main external waterways to maintain the safety of marine transportation routes and counter the enemy’s blockade,” said Major General Lin Wen-huang. Beijing views Taiwan as part of its territory that must be reunified with the mainland.

China says Taiwan publisher under national security investigation

Taiwanese publisher Li Yanhe, who went missing during a visit to Shanghai, is under investigation for suspected national security crimes, according to Chinese authorities. Li’s Gusa Publishing has published books on history and politics critical of China’s ruling Communist Party, including a history of alleged Chinese oppression in the western region of Xinjiang and a title on Beijing’s global propaganda efforts. The case follows the formal pressing of secession charges against Taiwanese activist Yang Chih-yuan by Chinese authorities.

China charges Taiwanese man with ‘secession’

Taiwanese man Yang Chih-yuan, who was held by Chinese authorities for eight months, has been charged with “secession”, a move condemned by Taipei as a violation of rights aimed at creating fear. Yang is vice-chair of a minor political party that advocates Taiwan’s independence. Beijing has increased pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen’s 2016 election and has arrested several Taiwanese people, including Yang. Taiwan’s government has urged China to release Yang and to “cautiously evaluate the risk” of going to China.

Guatemala leader vows to stand by ‘solid’ ally Taiwan

Guatemala’s President Alejandro Giammattei has pledged support for Taiwan during his visit to the island, which is one of the few countries that still recognises Taiwan as an independent nation. The move has drawn criticism from China, which considers Taiwan a part of its territory. Beijing has been trying to isolate Taiwan on the international stage and has convinced several countries to switch recognition from Taipei to Beijing.

Guatemalan president arrives in Taiwan for visit slammed by China

Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei arrived in Taiwan on Monday to strengthen diplomatic ties, drawing criticism from China. During his visit, Giammattei is scheduled to address Taiwan’s congress, visit a technology company, and attend an event promoting Guatemalan coffee. Beijing warned Giammattei’s government “not to help evildoers” and go against the global trend, while Taiwan’s foreign ministry condemned Beijing’s “extremely disrespectful remarks.”