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☆ Opinion | Taiwan’s #MeToo Moment Has Been a Long Time Coming
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( Vickie Wang | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

In many ways, Taiwan’s a nice place to live. We have laws in place for sexual harassment on campuses and in the workplace. On July 13, Taiwan’s cabinet proposed harsher penalties for perpetrators of sexual harassment and increased support for survivors under the three existing gender equality laws. The movement has grown far beyond politics, with dozens of men and women from a variety of backgrounds coming forward with their own stories of being victimized. People are expected to respect and yield to their elders and superiors — in short, the powers that be.

Persons: —, Chen Chien, Hsueh Chao, Tsai Ing, Hsueh Organizations: Democratic Progressive Party Locations: Taiwan

“I don’t necessarily need a higher paid job or a better life,” she added. College graduates looking for jobs at a fair in central China's Hubei province on July 20. A growing trendOn Douban, about 4,000 members of a group called “full-time children’s work communication center” discuss topics related to their daily “working” lives. By contrast, today’s “professional” children spend time with parents and do housework in exchange for financial support. In addition to her family duties, she’s busy applying for government jobs and taking exams for graduate school.

Persons: Litsky Li, Li, ”, “, headwinds, Zhang Dandan, ” hashtag, somethings, today’s, ’, Fang Xu, Nancy Chen, she’s, Chen, hasn’t, It’s, George Magnus, Magnus Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, College, CNN, Peking University, University of California, China News Service, Harvard University, China Centre, Oxford University, SOAS University of London Locations: Hong Kong, Luoyang, China's Hubei, Beijing, ”, China, University of California Berkeley, Jiangxi, Wanshou, China's Jiangxi

☆ ‘Barbie’ movie’s ending is an important reminder for women’s health
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( Madeline Holcombe | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

The final scene in "Barbie" is important for normalizing women's health, CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen said. Jaap Buitendijk/Courtesy of Warner Bros. PicturesCNN: Do we give enough attention to women’s reproductive health? Dr. Leana Wen: Reproductive health care is still not regarded as part of total health and well-being. It solidifies the understanding that reproductive health is an integral part of overall health. This is a general preventive health visit in which the health care provider begins to establish a relationship of trust with the patient in a one-on-one, confidential setting.

Persons: “ Barbie, ”, Ruth Handler, Barbie, Leana Wen, Margot Robbie, Jaap Buitendijk, Barbie ”, Wen, normalizes, Pap Organizations: CNN, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Warner Bros . Pictures CNN, American College of Obstetricians

[1/6] Black Hawk helicopters prepare to land at Taoyuan International Airport as part of the annual Han Kuang military exercise in Taoyuan, Taiwan July 26, 2023. REUTERS/Ann WangTAOYUAN, Taiwan, July 26 (Reuters) - Taiwan conducted an anti-aircraft landing drill at its main international airport for the first time on Wednesday, simulating the repulsion of an invading force as China ramps up military pressure to force the island to accept its sovereignty. The drill at the island's main Taoyuan international airport was part of Taiwan's main annual Han Kuang exercises that started on Monday, focusing on protecting its infrastructure and striking incoming enemy ships to keep key waterways open. Soldiers carrying rifles were seen running on the runway to fight off enemy forces being dropped off by the helicopters. Tsai has made modernising the military a top priority, pushing for various defence projects including developing Taiwan's own jets and submarines.

Persons: Han, Ann Wang, Han Kuang, Tsai Ing, Tsai, Fabian Hamacher, Yimou Lee, Christian Schmollinger Organizations: Taoyuan International Airport, REUTERS, Thomson Locations: Taoyuan, Taiwan, Ann, Ann Wang TAOYUAN, China, island's, Taiwan's, Taipei

Sirens sounded at 1:30 p.m. (0530 GMT) for the mandatory street evacuation drills, which effectively shut towns and cities including its capital Taipei for 30 minutes. An "air raid alert", asking people to evacuate to safety immediately, was sent via text message. Tourists with luggage were seen taking shelter in a subway station, some shocked and not sure what had happened. Other parts of Taiwan, where periodic air-raid drills are required by law, will carry out street evacuation drills this week. Reporting By Angie Teo, Fabian Hamacher and Ann Wang; Writing by Yimou Lee; Editing by Lincoln Feast.

Persons: Ann Wang, Tsai Ing, Wan, Lee Jang Ho, William Lai, Angie Teo, Fabian Hamacher, Yimou Lee, Lincoln Organizations: REUTERS, Facebook, Taiwan, Thomson Locations: Taipei, Taiwan, Ann Wang TAIPEI, Beijing, China, Ximending, South Korea, United States

☆ Beijing Offers Love, but Chinese Entrepreneurs Aren’t Buying It
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-22 | by ( Li Yuan | More About Li Yuan | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In the darkest moments of the financial crisis in 2008, former Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao lectured a group of U.S. government officials and business executives in New York. “In the face of economic difficulties,” he said, “confidence is more precious than gold.”The Chinese economy then was teetering. Today it’s sputtering, facing the dimmest prospects in decades, and China’s leaders are learning the hard way exactly what Mr. Wen meant. Beijing unveiled a 31-point set of guidelines on Wednesday to bolster the confidence of the private sector. But in private, others I interviewed dismissed the party’s pep talk in words that can be best translated as, “Save it for the suckers.”

Persons: Wen Jiabao, ”, Wen Organizations: “, Communist Party Locations: New York, Beijing, Hong Kong

☆ Inspired by Ukraine war, Taiwan launches drone blitz to counter China
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( Reuters Graphic | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +16 min

These drones range from jet-powered, long range surveillance aircraft to small quadcopters deployed by ground troops. Taiwan should accelerate mass production of a range of military drones to boost self-reliance in the struggle with Beijing, it concluded. U.S. drones range in size from two-kilogram, hand-launched drones to 14,500-kilogram long range surveillance drones. Unlike Taiwan, China began mass-producing unmanned aircraft long before the Ukraine conflict. Hundreds of technology experts, including specialists in AI, were recruited to the military, according to UCSD analyst Cheung.

Persons: Tsai Ing, ”, Tsai “, Max Lo, “, Hawk Yang, Yang, Tsai, Joe Biden, ’, Lo, Tai Ming Cheung, ” Cheung, Nancy Pelosi, ” Tsai, Chang, Xi Jinping, Xi, Cheung, ” Elsa Kania Organizations: Reuters, People’s Liberation Army, Thunder Tiger Group, “, Communist Party, Taiwan, Taiwan Affairs Office, U.S . Department of Defense, White, Pentagon ., Teal, University of California, PLA, U.S . House, Airborne, Washington -, Strategic & International Studies ., Royal United Services Institute, 20th Party Congress, UCSD, Center, New, New American Security, China's Ministry of Defense, Pentagon Locations: Russia, Ukraine, Taipei, Taiwan, China, Asia, United States, Australia, Japan, South Korea, America, Republic of China, “ China, Kinmen, Beijing, Washington, Pentagon . U.S, U.S, University of California San Diego, Chiayi, Strategic & International Studies . Ukraine, London, Chang Kong, Today, New American

☆ Exclusive: Taiwan probes alleged leak of classified reports, diplomatic cables
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( Yimou Lee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

TAIPEI, July 21 (Reuters) - Taiwan is investigating a potential leak of official documents including diplomatic cables and classified reports on the island's sensitive bid to join a global trade pact, according to two officials familiar with the probe. Taiwan and China both applied in 2021 to join the CPTPP, a landmark trade pact between 11 countries - Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. Beijing has said it strongly opposes Taiwan's membership because Taiwan is part of China and therefore ineligible to join international bodies on its own. Taiwan is however a member of the World Trade Organization, designated as a separate customs territory called Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu. Taiwan strongly rejects Chinese sovereignty claims and says only Taiwanese people can decide their future.

Persons: Taiwan's, Tsai Ing, China's, Yimou Lee, John Geddie Organizations: Reuters, Trans, Pacific, Taiwan's, National Security Bureau, World Trade Organization, Thomson Locations: TAIPEI, Taiwan, China, Japan, Vietnam, Washington, United States, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Britain, Beijing, Matsu, Lincoln

The planned recipient of the colorful batik top was Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang, who has not been seen in nearly a month and is set to miss at least one other important meeting, in South Africa, next week. It is not clear whether even then Borrell would meet Qin as initially planned, the official said. The former aide to President Xi Jinping was appointed foreign minister in December after serving less than two years as ambassador to the United States. Qin's absence has also been widely discussed in the diplomatic community, with some saying it is another example of China's lack of transparency. Some diplomats have even started to speculate on who may replace Qin, with three telling Reuters the ranking vice foreign minister, Ma Zhaoxu could be a candidate.

Persons: Qin Gang, Qin, Yun Sun, Mao Ning, Wang Yi, Josep Borrell, Wen, Xi Jinping, Antony Blinken, Ma Zhaoxu, Ma, Wang, Xie Feng, Xie, Laurie Chen, Martin Quin Pollard, Yew, Tian, Kate Lamb, Gabriela Baczynska, Andrew MacAskill, John Geddie, Robert Birsel Organizations: China Program, Stimson, Reuters, EU, Australian National University, Qin, Baidu, London School of Economics, United, Aspen Security Conference, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, JAKARTA, China, Indonesia, Jakarta, South Africa, Washington, Johannesburg, Britain, United States, Beijing, Sri Lankan, United Nations, Brussels, London

☆ China says its 'priority' is to stop Taiwan VP visiting US next month
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BEIJING, July 20 (Reuters) - It is China's "priority" to stop Taiwan's vice president and presidential frontrunner William Lai from visiting the United States next month, the country's ambassador in Washington said on Wednesday, as Beijing steps up its warnings against the trip. Provocative moves by Taiwan "separatists" should be contained, he added. "Now the priority for us is to stop Lai Ching-te from visiting the United States, which is like a grey rhino charging at us," Xie said, using Lai's Chinese language name. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and her government have repeatedly offered talks with China but been rejected, as Beijing views them as separatists. In August and then again in April, China staged large-scale war games around Taiwan, angered by the August visit to Taiwan of then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and in April by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen meeting current House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles, while she was transitting back from a visit to Central America.

Persons: William Lai, Lai, Democratic Progressive Party's, Xie Feng, Xie, Lai Ching, Tsai Ing, Both Tsai, Nancy Pelosi, Kevin McCarthy, Ben Blanchard, Stephen Coates Organizations: United, Democratic Progressive, Aspen Security, ., Taiwan, Central America, Beijing, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, United States, Washington, Beijing, China, Taiwan, Taipei, Paraguay, Los Angeles, Central, Tapei

BEIJING/TAIPEI, July 17 (Reuters) - China reacted with anger on Monday to a planned visit next month to the United States by "separatist" Taiwan presidential frontrunner Vice President William Lai, as the government in Taipei said it saw no reason to overreact to mere transit stops. Such transits infuriate China, which views them as covert support by the United States for Taiwan's separateness from China and challenge to Beijing's territorial claims. "China firmly opposes any form of official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan, resolutely opposes sneaky visits by Taiwan independence separatists in any name or for any reason, and resolutely opposes any form of connivance by the United States to support Taiwan independence separatists," she said. Speaking to reporters, Taiwan Vice Foreign Minister Alexander Yui declined to give details on Lai's U.S. transits, saying details would come later. Pena visited Taiwan last week and met both Lai and Tsai, who cannot run for office again after serving two terms.

Persons: William Lai, Lai, Santiago Pena, Tsai Ing, Tsai, Kevin McCarthy, Mao Ning, Pena, Alexander Yui, Yui, Liz Lee, Ben Blanchard, Kim Coghill, Lincoln, Michael Perry Organizations: Central America, Foreign Ministry, Taiwan, Foreign, U.S, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, TAIPEI, China, United States, Taiwan, Taipei, U.S, Taiwan's, Los Angeles, Central, Beijing, Paraguay, Republic of China

CNN —Taiwan’s Vice President Lai Ching-Te is expected to transit the US next month en route to Paraguay, the island’s presidential office announced at a news conference Monday. The Biden administration expects the transit to occur “without incident,” a senior administration official said Sunday. The transit comes as the Biden administration is working to regularize the pace of diplomacy with Beijing, with three top administration officials visiting China in the last month. “These transits of senior officials are unofficial in keeping with our US One China policy,” the official said, calling the transits fairly common. Candidates from other political parties may also visit the US later this year, but the senior administration official did not provide detail about future possible trips.

Persons: CNN —, Lai Ching, Biden, ”, Lai, We’ve, hasn’t, China’s, Mao Ning, ’, ” Mao, Tsai Ing, Kevin McCarthy, John Kerry, Antony Blinken, Janet Yellen, “ We’ve Organizations: CNN, US, ”, Democratic Progressive Party, Communist Party, Foreign Ministry, Biden, Presidential Locations: Paraguay, Beijing, China, Taiwan, Lai, Washington, California, Ukraine

☆ Paraguay 'would love' more China trade, Taiwan still better for development
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-15 | by ( Ben Blanchard | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

TAIPEI, July 15 (Reuters) - Paraguay "would love" to do more trade with China, but Taiwan offers the best bet for moving the largely agricultural economy up the value chain, the country's president-elect Santiago Pena said on Saturday on a visit to Taipei. Paraguay is the last South American country with formal relations with Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory. Honduras ended decades of ties in favour of Beijing this year, and only 13 countries now recognise Taiwan. "We have no constraints on doing trade with China. We would love to do more trade with the PRC," he said, referring to the People's Republic of China.

Persons: Santiago Pena, Pena, Tsai Ing, Wang Mei, Tsai, William Lai, Lai, Ben Blanchard, William Mallard Organizations: Thomson Locations: TAIPEI, Paraguay, China, Taiwan, Taipei, American, Honduras, Beijing, People's Republic of China, Brazil, United States

REUTERS/Jason Lee/File PhotoTAIPEI, July 14 (Reuters) - China's military has been flexing its muscles this week around Taiwan practicing joint force operations far out at sea, ahead of Taipei holding its annual war games at the end of the month when Taiwan will simulate breaking a Chinese blockade. Chieh Chung, a military researcher at Taiwan's National Policy Foundation think tank, said practicing long-distance missions was important for China as they would be the "main combat mode" in any conflict. "They are expanding military deterrence actions to create a cognitive effect that Taiwan's national defences are useless," the official said. China routinely denounces U.S. military activity in the strait as provocation. "The Eastern Theatre Command are well seasoned, but it's the Southern Theatre Command that needs training for long-distance support," Su said.

Persons: Jason Lee, Chieh Chung, Han Kuang, Tsai Ing, Kevin McCarthy, Xi Jinping, Su Tzu, yun, Su, Yimou Lee, Roger Tung, Yew Lun Tian, Ben Blanchard, Robert Birsel Organizations: Chinese Air Force, REUTERS, Foundation, Taiwan, House, Eastern Theatre Command, U.S . Navy, Institute for National Defence and Security Research, Southern Theatre Command, Thomson Locations: Beijing, TAIPEI, Taiwan, Taipei, China, Philippines, Japan, Borneo, Los Angeles

☆ Taiwan flags space ambition with domestically developed weather satellite
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( Ann Wang | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/4] Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen makes a speech at the shipment ceremony of Triton, Taiwan's first locally built weather satellite in Hsinchu, Taiwan July 14, 2023. REUTERS/Ann WangHSINCHU, Taiwan, July 14 (Reuters) - Taiwan's first domestically developed weather satellite shows its determination to develop its space industry, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Friday, lauding the programme as a step to take the island to the stars. "The Wind-Hunter Satellite is born-and-bred made in Taiwan," she said at Taiwan Space Agency in the northern city of Hsinchu, home to Taiwan's world-beating semiconductor industry, referring to it by its Chinese-language name. "The Wind-Hunter Satellite proves that with the advantages of Taiwan's semiconductor and precision manufacturing, it is absolutely capable of entering the global space industry," Tsai said, adding that the satellite showed Taiwan's determination to develop a space industry and participate in the space age. Triton will be launched into a circular low-earth orbit at an altitude of about 550-650 km (340-400 miles), according to the Taiwan Space Agency.

Persons: Tsai Ing, Triton, Ann Wang, Tsai, Vega, Elon, Safran, Ben Blanchard, Robert Birsel Organizations: REUTERS, Taiwan Space Agency, Hunter, SpaceX, Airbus, Thomson Locations: Hsinchu, Taiwan, Ann, Ann Wang HSINCHU, China, Guiana

☆ Taiwan proposes stricter sexual harassment laws after #MeToo erupts
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( Sarah Wu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

TAIPEI, July 13 (Reuters) - Taiwan's cabinet on Thursday proposed stricter laws against sexual harassment as a recent surge in allegations brought the #MeToo movement to the island nearly six years after it gained global prominence. Under the revised laws, an employer found guilty of sexual harassment could be fined up to T$1 million ($32,306) and jailed for up to three years. Her Facebook post sparked a wave of sexual harassment and assault allegations that has spread beyond the political sphere to other sectors ranging from academia to the entertainment industry. The measures accompanying the legal reforms include setting up a counselling hotline and training more case investigators. Senior DPP officials including President Tsai Ing-wen have apologised to the sexual harassment victims and the public over the allegations.

Persons: Harvey Weinstein, Lo Ping, cheng, Lo, Lin Tze, luen, Tsai Ing, Sarah Wu, Devika Organizations: Hollywood, Democratic Progressive Party, Facebook, Thomson Locations: TAIPEI, Taiwan

☆ Paraguay president-elect says committed to Taiwan, pitches investment
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Paraguay's President-elect Santiago Pena speaks at a meeting with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen at the presidential office in Taipei, Taiwan, in this handout image released July 12, 2023. Taiwan Presidential Office/Handout via REUTERSTAIPEI, July 12 (Reuters) - Paraguay President-elect Santiago Pena said on Wednesday that he is committed to a relationship with Taiwan as he pitched investment opportunities he said should not be based on political or diplomatic considerations. Paraguay is the last South American country with formal relations with Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory. Meeting Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, Pena said that as president he would stick with Taipei. Pena met Lai before meeting Tsai, though Taiwan's presidential office did not mention whether Lai would attend the inauguration.

Persons: Santiago Pena, Tsai Ing, Pena, William Lai, Lai, Tsai, Ben Blanchard, Robert Birsel Organizations: Taiwan, Taiwan Presidential, REUTERS, Reuters, Democratic Progressive, Thomson Locations: Taipei, Taiwan, REUTERS TAIPEI, Paraguay, American, China, Honduras, Beijing, United States

☆ Are sports drinks good or bad for you? A medical analyst explains
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Dr. Leana Wen: It’s important to distinguish between sports drinks and energy drinks. There are also energy drinks that are often, and unfortunately, confused with sports drinks. Those consuming energy drinks instead of sports drinks or water may become dehydrated. This could be because of confusion between sports drinks and energy drinks, so people should be careful to choose the beverage that’s appropriate for their purpose. And really distinguish between sports drinks that replenish electrolytes and fluids versus energy drinks.

Persons: Chuck Schumer, Schumer, Leana Wen, Wen, I’d Organizations: CNN, US Food and Drug Administration, Prime Energy, Red Bulls, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Energy, US Centers for Disease Control, American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Academy of Pediatrics, Getty, Endurance

☆ Paraguay president-elect to visit 'great friend' Taiwan's Tsai
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] President-Elect Santiago Pena, a 44-year-old economist who won 43% of the vote on Sunday in the Presidential election, speaks during a news conference in Asuncion, Paraguay May 2, 2023. REUTERS/Cesar Olmedo/File PhotoTAIPEI, July 9 (Reuters) - Paraguay's president-elect, Santiago Pena, will visit Taiwan this week and meet "great friend" President Tsai Ing-wen, he said on Sunday, shoring up a relationship at a time China is working to entice the island's dwindling allies. Pena said on his Twitter account he would visit Abu Dhabi, then go to Taiwan to meet Tsai, who he described as a "great friend". He will be in Taiwan for the 66th anniversary of diplomatic ties on Wednesday, the ministry said. Diplomatic sources have told Reuters that Lai might attend as Taiwan's representative, likely transiting the United States to meet U.S. officials.

Persons: Santiago Pena, Cesar Olmedo, Tsai Ing, shoring, Pena, Tsai, William Lai, Wang Mei, Lai, Ben Blanchard, William Mallard Organizations: REUTERS, Democratic Progressive, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Asuncion , Paraguay, TAIPEI, Taiwan, China, Paraguay, American, Honduras, Beijing, Central America, Caribbean, U.S, America, Washington, Abu Dhabi, United States

☆ China aims to sap Taiwan morale with 'escape plan' misinformation - sources
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-07 | by ( Yimou Lee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

TAIPEI, July 7 (Reuters) - China has launched a misinformation campaign that includes news reports Taiwan's president has an "escape plan" in the event of a Chinese invasion, aiming to sap morale as Beijing presses the island to accept its sovereignty, Taiwan officials said. China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to a request for comment. Some of the media reports were first published by online news sites run by China's Taiwan Affairs Office before appearing in media outlets in Taiwan and Hong Kong, according to the officials and a Reuters review of the reports. The officials said the Chinese campaign was overseen by Beijing's Central Leading Group for Taiwan Affairs, which is chaired by President Xi Jinping, and carried out by various government units including the Taiwan Affairs Office in Beijing. "They want to sell fear," said one of the sources, a senior official familiar with Taiwan's security planning.

Persons: Han Kuang, Tsai Ing, Xi Jinping, Yimou Lee, Ben Blanchard, Rob Birsel Organizations: Reuters, Taiwan Affairs Office, Taiwan, U.S, China's Taiwan Affairs Office, Beijing's Central, Group, Taiwan Affairs, Affairs Office, People's Liberation Army, Thomson Locations: TAIPEI, China, Beijing, Taiwan, United States, Taipei, Hong Kong, U.S, Pacific

☆ China aims to sap Taiwan morale with 'escape plan' misinformation, sources say
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-07 | by ( Yimou Lee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

TAIPEI, July 7 (Reuters) - China has launched a misinformation campaign that includes news reports Taiwan's president has an "escape plan" in the event of a Chinese invasion, aiming to sap morale as Beijing presses the island to accept its sovereignty, Taiwan officials said. China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to a request for comment. The officials said the Chinese campaign was overseen by Beijing's Central Leading Group for Taiwan Affairs, which is chaired by President Xi Jinping, and carried out by various government units including the Taiwan Affairs Office in Beijing. "They want to sell fear," said one of the sources, a senior official familiar with Taiwan's security planning. Reporting By Yimou Lee; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Rob BirselOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Taiwan presidential front-runner says he can keep peace with China
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Lai, Taiwan's vice president and the candidate for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has consistently led the majority of opinion polls ahead of the January election. "I will support the cross-strait status quo - which is in the best interests of both the Republic of China, as Taiwan is formally known, and the international community. Lai is expected to visit the United States next month, according to diplomatic sources, as presidential candidates traditionally do, to discuss their policy agenda. Beijing views her as a separatist for refusing to accept the Chinese position that Taiwan and China are part of "one China". Both Tsai and Lai say that the Republic of China, Taiwan's formal name, is already an independent state, despite only 13 countries formally recognising it.

Persons: William Lai, Tsai Ing, Lai, Tsai, Mao Zedong's, Ben Blanchard, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Democratic Progressive Party, Beijing, Thomson Locations: TAIPEI, Taiwan, China, Republic of China, United States, Beijing, People's Republic of China

☆ Taiwan says 8 Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwan Strait median line
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

TAIPEI, July 4 (Reuters) - Eight Chinese aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday morning, Taiwan's defence ministry said, as China ramps up military pressure on the democratic island. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory despite the island's strong objections, has faced in recent years almost daily missions by Chinese military aircraft, often in the southwestern part of the island's air defence identification zone. A total of 24 Chinese warplanes, including fighter jets and bombers, were spotted near Taiwan on Tuesday morning starting at about 8 a.m. (0000 GMT), the defence ministry said, adding four Chinese warships also joined a "joint combat readiness patrol". Taiwan sent aircraft and ships to warn away the Chinese, while missile systems monitored them, the ministry said, using standard wording for its response. In a statement, the ministry said it is the joint responsibility for all parties in the region to maintain safety and stability.

Persons: Tsai Ing, Taiwan's, Yimou Lee, Christopher Cushing, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Tuesday, U.S . House, Representatives, Thomson Locations: TAIPEI, Taiwan Strait, China, Taiwan

☆ Taiwan celebrates linguistic diversity at annual music awards
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/10] Julia Peng poses for pictures at the 34th Golden Melody Awards ceremony in Taipei, Taiwan July 1, 2023. REUTERS/Ann WangTAIPEI, July 2 (Reuters) - Taiwan celebrated linguistic diversity at the Golden Melody Awards late Saturday with big wins for singers who primarily sing in Mandarin, at one of the most prestigious entertainment events in the Chinese-speaking world. Cheng, speaking in Mandarin, thanked the Taiwanese language for "teaching me how to bow my head and slow down". In the indigenous language category, the Paiwan singers Kasiwa and Matzka rapped and sang in their native tongue, with Kasiwa getting the prestigious jury award. "Here, no matter what language everyone uses - Taiwanese, Hakka, indigenous languages, Mandarin, English and Japanese, - they can all sing freely, which also brings us together."

Persons: Julia Peng, Ann Wang, Enno Cheng, Peng, Cheng, Kasiwa, Matzka, Tsai Ing, Ouyang Fei Fei, Ouyang, Ben Blanchard, William Mallard Organizations: REUTERS, Facebook, Thomson Locations: Taipei, Taiwan, Ann Wang TAIPEI, China, Japan

☆ Taiwan says 11 Chinese aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

TAIPEI, June 30 (Reuters) - Eleven Chinese aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait on Friday morning, an unofficial barrier between the two sides, Taiwan's defence ministry said, as China ramps up military pressure on the democratic island. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory despite the island's objections, has complained in recent years of almost daily missions by the Chinese air force, often in the southwestern part of its air defence identification zone. A total of 24 Chinese war planes including fighter jets and bombers were spotted near Taiwan on Friday morning from around 8 a.m. (00:00 GMT), the defence ministry said, adding five Chinese battleships also joined a "joint war readiness patrol." Taiwan sent aircraft and ships to warn away the Chinese activities, while missile systems monitored them, the ministry said, using standard wording for its response. Taiwan's government strongly objects to China's sovereignty claims and vows to defend itself if China attacks the island.

Persons: Mike Rogers, Tsai Ing, Taiwan's, Yimou Lee, Ben Blanchard, Shri Navaratnam Organizations: Reuters, U.S, Armed, U.S . House, Representatives, The U.S . State Department, Thomson Locations: TAIPEI, Taiwan Strait, China, Taiwan, Taipei, The, Lincoln

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