China has increased tensions with Taiwan by stepping up military activities and declaring that ‘independence means war’. Taiwan has been claimed by China as one of its territories, but recently Beijing has deployed fighter jets and bombers into the island’s airspace. China believes Taiwan’s democratically-elected government is moving the island towards formal declaration of independence, … Read more
China has deployed 15 fighter jets into Taiwan airspace for the second time in two days, in what could be one of the earliest tests for Joe Biden’s administration. According to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry, the Chinese air force flew 15 military aircraft into Taiwan on Sunday. The day before, a number of fighter jets and … Read more
A giant prehistoric worm sprang from long tunnels in the seabed and sliced fish in half, according to a new study. Researchers found large, L-shaped burrows from layers of seafloor dating back to the Miocene period (23 million to 5.3 million years ago) of northeast Taiwan. These burrows are trace fossils – geological records of biological … Read more
Her trip cancelled in the final days of the Trump administration, US Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft instead met virtually Wednesday night with Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen and told her: ‘The United States will always stand with Taiwan.’ And though she’ll leave office with the president next week, Craft said she still hopes … Read more
A group of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists went on trial in China today after they were arrested at sea as they tried to flee the city by speedboat to get to Taiwan. Ten of the so-called ‘Hong Kong 12’ appeared in court today in the southern city of Shenzhen to face charges linked to an … Read more
China appears to send a new warning to Taiwan after releasing footage of its army tanks engaging in a simulated street battle during a recent urban warfare exercise. In a video released by state broadcaster CCTV, the Chinese battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles are seen rolling past the streets, a mock invasion reported by … Read more
Powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake strikes in Taiwan rattling buildings in Taipei The epicentre struck around 37 miles south-east of the country’s Taipei capital There were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage in the region City government said there was scattered reports of light damage Subway system continued to operate normally while high-speed railway paused By … Read more
Chinese President Xi tells his army ‘not to fear death’ and ‘prepare to win wars’ as he addresses military commanders President Xi gave the speech Wednesday to the Central Military Commission The Chinese leader stressed the importance and urgency of war readiness Xi urged soldiers to step up combat training and ‘not to fear death … Read more
U.S. Navy sends a warship through the Taiwan Strait for the second time in two weeks – days after an American destroyer sailed near disputed South China Sea islands amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing A U.S. warship transited the sensitive Taiwan Strait, Taiwan confirmed Monday Ship was on an ‘ordinary mission’ and situation … Read more
Taiwan tries to make its executions ‘more humane’ with new rules allowing the condemned to be hooded (before they are sedated and shot in the heart) Condemned in Taiwan are currently laid face-down and shot in the heart They are also given a powerful sedative before being shot through the back New rules will allow … Read more