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US lawmakers in Taiwan for bilateral talks

The delegation’s visit comes as Taiwan and the US seek to deepen defence cooperation to counter the Chinese threat…reports Asian Lite News

US Representative Debbie Lesko along with fellow representatives Andy Biggs and Carol Miller arrived in Taiwan on Sunday for bilateral talks with government officials, Taiwan News reported.

According to Taiwan News, Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the delegation’s arrival, demonstrating the steadfast support of the US Congress for Taiwan and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

The delegation’s visit comes as Taiwan and the US seek to deepen defence cooperation to counter the Chinese threat, as per Taiwan News.

During the visit, he will meet with President Lai Ching-te and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung to discuss US-Taiwan relations, the security situation in the Taiwan Strait, and economic and energy policies.

The US representative also attends the National Day celebration in Taiwan, Taiwan News reported.

According to MOFA, Lesko’s previous visit to Taiwan was in the year 2016 as part of a US Southwest state legislative delegation, while the other members were visiting for the first time.

All three lawmakers have been long-time advocates of Indo-Pacific stability and Taiwan Strait security.

“Taiwan will continue to work closely with its friends in the US to deepen the bilateral partnership based on shared values and promote regional peace and prosperity,” the foreign ministry said.

According to Taiwan News, the US plans to send a team to Taiwan next year to evaluate the feasibility of allowing Taiwan’s National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) to assemble and produce 1,985 Stinger missiles it previously ordered.

The team will assess NCSIST’s technical capacity, production capabilities, and cybersecurity measures.

During the Taiwan-US Defense Industry Conference last month, both sides agreed that Taiwan could become a valuable partner for the US defence industry, leading to mutually beneficial development, the Taiwan News reported.

The conference allowed Taiwanese officials to discuss issues with US defence contractors, solidifying bilateral cooperation mechanisms and communication platforms.

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China ups activity around Taiwan

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) said that 27 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels were detected operating around Taiwan from 6 am (local time) on Sunday to 6 am (local time) on Monday.

According to Taiwan’s MND, 19 of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in the country’s northern, central, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

In a post on X, Taiwan MND stated, “27 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 19 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

This latest Chinese military activity adds to a series of similar provocations by Beijing in recent months. (ANI)

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‘Disrupts regional stability’: Taiwan condemns China’s ICBM test

Taiwan’s Presidential Office criticised China’s efforts to disrupt regional peace and stability, urging Beijing to practice self-restraint and act responsibly…reports Asian Lite News

Taiwan’s government on Thursday criticised China’s test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, calling it “an effort to disrupt regional peace and stability.”

According to the Chinese Defence Ministry’s statement shared on social media, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile at 8:44 a.m. on Wednesday, Taiwan focus reported. The missile carried a simulated warhead and landed in international waters, the statement said.

Taiwan’s Presidential Office criticised China’s efforts to disrupt regional peace and stability, urging Beijing to practice self-restraint and act responsibly.

The Cabinet emphasised that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, would collaborate closely with the United States and other like-minded nations to uphold regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Additionally, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that numerous countries in the Indo-Pacific region have voiced concerns about China’s “irresponsible actions,” Taiwan Focus reported.

The ministry stated that Taiwan will persist in collaborating with like-minded nations to limit the spread of authoritarianism and collectively protect peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) accused Beijing of “sabre-rattling” over the test and live-fire drills by the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command in the Yellow and Bohai seas.

Taiwan’s MND accused China of generating a “false sense of peaceful dialogue” by allowing the head of the PLA’s Southern Theatre Command to engage in overseas exchanges while the military drills were taking place.

Starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday, the Ministry of National Defence reported that 29 Chinese aircraft were spotted near Taiwan, with 21 of them crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait or extending into Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the northern, central, and southwestern regions of the island. (ANI)

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‘Disrupts regional stability’: Taiwan condemns China’s ICBM test

Taiwan’s Presidential Office criticised China’s efforts to disrupt regional peace and stability…reports Asian Lite News

Taiwan’s government on Thursday criticised China’s test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, calling it “an effort to disrupt regional peace and stability.”

According to the Chinese Defence Ministry’s statement shared on social media, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile at 8:44 a.m. on Wednesday, Taiwan focus reported. The missile carried a simulated warhead and landed in international waters, the statement said.

Taiwan’s Presidential Office criticised China’s efforts to disrupt regional peace and stability, urging Beijing to practice self-restraint and act responsibly.

The Cabinet emphasised that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, would collaborate closely with the United States and other like-minded nations to uphold regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Additionally, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that numerous countries in the Indo-Pacific region have voiced concerns about China’s “irresponsible actions,” Taiwan Focus reported.

The ministry stated that Taiwan will persist in collaborating with like-minded nations to limit the spread of authoritarianism and collectively protect peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) accused Beijing of “sabre-rattling” over the test and live-fire drills by the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command in the Yellow and Bohai seas.

Taiwan’s MND accused China of generating a “false sense of peaceful dialogue” by allowing the head of the PLA’s Southern Theatre Command to engage in overseas exchanges while the military drills were taking place.

Starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday, the Ministry of National Defence reported that 29 Chinese aircraft were spotted near Taiwan, with 21 of them crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait or extending into Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the northern, central, and southwestern regions of the island. (ANI)

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Taiwan on high alert amid China’s military buildup around island

Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity…reports Asian Lite News

Taiwan’s military has been placed on high alert after China intensified its military presence around the island, sparking concerns of a potential escalation. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence, six Chinese naval vessels and two military aircraft were detected around Taiwan within a 24-hour period, Taiwan News reported.

According to the MND, the two People’s Liberation Army (PLA) helicopters crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in the nation’s central and eastern air defence identification zone (ADIZ),

In response to this provocation, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity, as per Taiwan News.

“2 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly,” Taiwan MND said on X.

This latest incident is part of a series of escalating military manoeuvres by China around Taiwan, sparking concerns about potential invasion or encirclement.

Last week, while addressing a press event on September 19, Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo cautioned against the possibility of China launching an attack on Taiwan under the guise of military exercises, noting that Beijing has increasingly diversified its military manoeuvres, making it more difficult to predict China’s assaults, Focus Taiwan reported.

China has been employing a combination of “conventional” military practices, such as joint air and sea training exercises and drills, with “unconventional” means, such as “gray zone” incursions into air and waters around Taiwan, Koo said.

This has become the norm and will persist regardless of the results of the United States presidential election in November, he said.

In addition, these military actions have increased in scale, making it more difficult to predict when military exercises could suddenly turn into an attack on Taiwan, Koo noted.

Notably, so far this month, Taiwan has tracked 323 Chinese military aircraft and 192 ships. Since September 2020, China has increased its use of gray zone tactics by incrementally increasing the number of military aircraft and naval vessels operating around Taiwan. Gray zone tactics are defined as “an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one’s security objectives without resort to direct and sizable use of force.”

Meanwhile, earlier today, China announced that it has test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean.

The ICBM, carrying a dummy warhead, was launched by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force at 00:55 GMT on Wednesday and “fell into expected sea areas,” the Chinese Ministry of Defence said in a statement. (ANI)

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4 countries calls for Taiwan’s inclusion in UN during ‘Summit of Future’

Whipps Jr noted that Taiwan’s absence from the international organization and its specialized agencies was “ironic,” given that this year’s UN General Assembly theme is “Leaving no one behind….reports Asian Lite News

Four of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies have called for the inclusion of the country in the United Nations system during the recent UN Summit of the Future, which took place alongside the annual UN General Assembly.

According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), President Hilda Heine of the Marshall Islands, President Surangel S Whipps Jr of Palau, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini of Eswatini, and President Santiago Pena of Paraguay all advocated for Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN system during the inaugural Summit of the Future, held on September 22-23, as reported by Taiwan Focus.

In her address, Heine highlighted Taiwan’s role as a “key partner” to the Marshall Islands, stating, “Taiwan’s important partnership deserves appropriate recognition. If we are to truly ‘leave no one behind,’ then Taiwan deserves meaningful and enhanced participation in the UN system.”

Whipps Jr noted that Taiwan’s absence from the international organization and its specialized agencies was “ironic,” given that this year’s UN General Assembly theme is “Leaving no one behind.” He further stated that Taiwan’s exclusion from the UN resulted from a “misinterpretation” of UN Resolution 2758, adopted by the 26th UN General Assembly in 1971 to address China’s representation at the world body. As a result, Taiwan, officially named the Republic of China (ROC), lost its seat to the People’s Republic of China, which has led to its exclusion from participating in the international organization and its affiliates.

In his speech at the Summit of the Future, PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini of Eswatini emphasized that Taiwan “contributes significantly to global public health, economic development, and technological innovation,” and called for Taiwan’s “meaningful participation in international organizations.”

Pena, meanwhile, expressed Paraguay’s conviction that the future should be one of peace, moving us further from violence and conquest. He stated, “In a phrase, ‘might does not make right.’ For this reason, we defend countries like Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, which have a right to be respected and treated with dignity.”

The inaugural summit occurred at the start of the UN General Assembly’s “High-level Week” in New York. The summit endorsed a so-called Pact for the Future, a comprehensive document aimed at making the UN system suitable for the needs of the 21st century.

Among other ambitions, the pact includes commitments to reform the global financial architecture, adapt the UN to new security threats, advance sustainable development, harness digital technologies, and address the needs of youth and future generations. The 79th session of the UN General Assembly commenced at UN Headquarters in New York on September 10, with the General Debate scheduled for September 24-28 and September 30. (ANI)

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US renews commitment to Taiwan’s self-defence

The US State Department emphasised that ensuring Taiwan’s defence is crucial for maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait…reports Asian Lite News

The US has reiterated its commitment to Taiwan’s defence, pledging to continue supplying the island with essential military equipment and services to bolster its self-defence capabilities.

This assurance was reaffirmed at the annual US-Taiwan Defence Industry Conference, which commenced in Philadelphia on Sunday, showcasing the depth of defence cooperation between the two democracies, VOA News reported.

The conference, organised by the US-Taiwan Business Council (USTBC), comes at a critical time as Taiwan faces increasing threats from China, which views the self-governing island as a breakaway province.

The US State Department, citing the Taiwan Relations Act, emphasised that ensuring Taiwan’s defence is crucial for maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Despite China’s repeated objections, the United States has maintained that its arms sales to Taiwan are guided by the Taiwan Relations Act and other US laws, not by Beijing’s pressure.

“We will continue to work with industry to support Taiwan’s self-defence in line with our long-standing policies,” a US State Department spokesperson said, underscoring that Washington’s “One China” policy has not changed but is based on peaceful resolution.

Adding to the tensions, China recently announced sanctions against nine US firms in retaliation for Washington’s defence support to Taiwan, including a USD 228 million package of spare parts for Taiwan’s air force.

China has stressed that US military sales undermine China’s sovereignty, issuing a warning of “strong measures” to defend its territorial integrity, according to VOA News report.

However, Taiwan has continued to resist China’s aggressive posture. Its democratic government, supported by defence ties with the US, has been preparing to deter a Chinese invasion, a scenario that USTBC President Rupert Hammond-Chambers highlighted at the conference, according to VOA News report.

“This is the most important annual gathering on US-Taiwan defence relations,” Hammond-Chambers said, underscoring the significance of continued US support.

The recent phishing cyberattack targeting the USTBC underscores the lengths to which malicious actors, possibly aligned with China, are willing to go to disrupt ties between the US and China.

While China has never ruled Taiwan, it continues to place military and economic pressure, sending warplanes near Taiwan’s airspace in an attempt to intimidate the island into submission.

Despite these provocations, Taiwan’s resolve remains firm, backed by US support that ensures Sri Lanka can continue defending its autonomy against an increasingly hostile neighbour. (ANI)

Chinese rocket carrying satellite passes over Taiwan

A Chinese rocket carrying a satellite passed through the eastern part of Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Tuesday morning, Taiwan News reported.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) said the rocket was launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre in Shanxi at 10:33 am (local time).

The satellite flew south towards the Yellow Sea, flying over eastern Taiwan, and then headed towards the waters east of the Philippines, according to Taiwan’s MND.

It further said that the altitude of the rocket was outside the atmosphere and posed no threat to Taiwan. Taiwan’s MND said it monitored the rocket’s launch and took appropriate precautionary steps, according to Taiwan News report.

Earlier in the day, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) said that six Chinese naval vessels were detected around Taiwan between 6 am (local time) on Monday and 6 am (local time) on Tuesday.

According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND), Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) activity. No PLA aircraft were tracked in Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

In a post on X, Taiwan’s MND stated, “6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly. Today’s illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operation around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe.”

Earlier in January, China launched the Einstein Probe satellite from Sichuan province. The Chinese satellite flew over Taiwan’s southern airspace, Taiwan News report.

China said the Einstein Probe was a small satellite made for high-energy astrophysics and astronomy research. The satellite was a joint project between the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the European Space Agency, and Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, according to Taiwan News report.

At the time, Taiwan Space Agency Deputy Director Chu Chung-hui said that the satellite launch did not appear to prioritise safety. Chu said that due to multiple segments detaching during the launch of the satellite, they could potentially fall anywhere, posing a safety concern. He added that China does not appear to pay attention to these kinds of issues. (ANI)

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9 countries demand Taiwan’s inclusion in UN

The representatives of the nine nations in the letter urged the UN to take proactive measures against the “malicious distortions” of UN Resolution 2758…reports Asian Lite News

Permanent representatives from nine of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, in a joint letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, advocated for Taiwan’s inclusion in the United Nations, Central News Agency (CNA) reported.

The joint letter was signed by representatives from Belize, Eswatini, Guatemala, the Marshall Islands, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), and Tuvalu.

The representatives of the nine nations in the letter urged the UN to take proactive measures against the “malicious distortions” of UN Resolution 2758, which the allies believe threaten the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and jeopardise peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, according to CNA reported.

China claims that the UN resolution “confirmed” its “one China” principle, asserting that there is only one China in the world and that Taiwan is an “inalienable part of China.”

In contrast, Taiwan has argued that the resolution only addressed China’s representation at the UN and did not mention Taiwan or define its political status or establish China’s sovereignty over it.

The letter also called on the UN to uphold its principle of neutrality and “cease the incorrect interpretation of UN Resolution 2758 that unjustly prevents the people of Taiwan and the media from accessing the United Nations to visit, attend, or cover meetings and events.”

The letter was delivered to Guterres’ office in advance of the UN’s Summit for the Future and the General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly scheduled for next week, Central News Agency (CNA) reported.

After submitting the letter, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Permanent Representative to the UN, Inga Rhonda King, remarked that it is hard to imagine Taiwan being excluded from the upcoming summit.

She emphasised Taiwan’s significant role in advanced semiconductor production and artificial intelligence technology, questioning how such a technological powerhouse could be left out of the negotiations.

Guatemalan Permanent Representative to the UN, Carla Maria Rodriguez Mancia, expressed hope that more countries would support Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN. She noted that the topics discussed at the summit make Taiwan’s participation especially relevant, highlighting its status as a thriving democracy and a hub of technology.

Carlos Fuller, Belize’s Permanent Representative to the UN, stated that Taiwan is one of the island nations most threatened by rising sea levels, making its exclusion from UN climate conferences a significant issue.

In a separate statement, Lee Chih-chiang, head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, expressed gratitude to Taiwan’s allies for their strong support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN system.

He emphasised that a key priority for Taiwan’s UN campaign this year is to help the international community correctly interpret UN Resolution 2758 and to encourage the UN to find appropriate ways to include Taiwan. (ANI)

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GOP senators bring new bill to back Taiwan and counter China

This legislative package, according to Young, “contains several critical initiatives to counter the CCP, strengthen American supply chains and bolster American support for Taiwan.”…reports Asian Lite News

US Republican senators introduced a bill on Thursday designed to position the US for success in its competition against China, with provisions that include enhanced support for Taiwan.

“The STRATEGIC Act comes at an important time as the Chinese Communist Party [CCP] continues its efforts to undermine security and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” said Senator Todd Young in the report by Taipei Times.

This legislative package, according to Young, “contains several critical initiatives to counter the CCP, strengthen American supply chains and bolster American support for Taiwan.”

The bill aims to protect the interests of the US and its allies in the Indo-Pacific region while pushing back against China’s increasing global influence, Senator Dan Sullivan said. The act features measures such as antitrust reform to target China’s predatory economic behavior, along with a provision to enhance US backing for Taiwan.

A significant aspect of the bill includes the formation of a “Tiger Team” within the State and Treasury departments. This team would be responsible for identifying “targets for sanctions, export controls and other economic measures well before China takes military action” against Taiwan, Taipei Times reported.

The bill also includes a provision on the “Treatment of the government of Taiwan,” which states that the US should “treat the democratically elected government of Taiwan as the legitimate representative of the people of Taiwan” and end the outdated practice of referring to Taiwan’s government as the “authorities.”

Additionally, the bill calls for the removal of any restrictions on interactions between US officials and their Taiwanese counterparts. This would include allowing official visits and permitting the display of Taiwan’s national symbols

The act also proposes that the US transfer “obsolete or surplus items” to Taiwan, including equipment that could be used as reserve stock.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) said that it detected seven Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels operating around Taiwan from 6 am (local time) on Friday to 6 am (local time) on Saturday. According to the MND, five of the seven People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering the northern and central areas of the country’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ). In response, Taiwan dispatched aircraft and naval vessels, along with coastal-based missile systems, to monitor PLA activities. (ANI)

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US calls for expanding engagement with Taiwan

During his visit from August 27-29, Sullivan will discuss issues ranging from Taiwan to bilateral military talks and the US fentanyl crisis…reports Aasian Lite News

A State Department official has stated that America encourages all nations to deepen their engagement with Taiwan after Palau’s President recently revealed that the Micronesian nation has experienced economic coercion from China due to its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan.

“Taiwan is a reliable, like-minded, and democratic partner, and its partnerships — official and unofficial — around the world provide significant and sustainable benefits to the citizens of those countries,” the US State Department spokesperson told CNA on Saturday.

“We encourage all countries to expand engagement with Taiwan,” the spokesperson added.

Notably, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (TMOFA) criticised Beijing on August 16 for pressuring Palau to sever its diplomatic ties with the island nation and for its recent coercive tactics that threaten regional peace, Taiwan Focus reported.

TMOFA noted that this is not the first instance that China warned Palau President Surangel Whipps pressuring Pacific nations into breaking ties with Taiwan. Similar concerns have been highlighted in various foreign media reports.

“We have a relationship with Taiwan … China has openly told us (that) it is illegal and we should not recognize Taiwan. We need economic development, but at the same time we have values, we have partnerships, and the relationship we have with Taiwan, we treasure,” Whipps told reporters during an official visit by New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, the same news report had claimed.

Meanwhile, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will be travelling to China next week to hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the White House said in a statement.

During his visit from August 27-29, Sullivan will discuss issues ranging from Taiwan to bilateral military talks and the US fentanyl crisis, as well as China’s support for Russia’s defence industry and tensions in the South China Sea, North Korea, the Middle East and Myanmar, a senior US administration official told reporters via teleconference.

Sullivan, during his visit, would push for a resumption of theatre-level military-to-military talks with China, and is also likely to raise the US’s concerns about China’s “increased military, diplomatic and economic pressure against Taiwan.” (ANI)

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Taiwan Deputy FM to attend Pacific Islands Forum

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang would hold a summit with its three Pacific allies to strengthen its partnership…reports Asian Lite News

A Deputy Taiwan Foreign Minister will attend this week’s meeting of Pacific Islands leaders in Tonga, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday, as China and the US jostle for influence in the region.

The Pacific is also an area of competition between Taipei and Beijing, as China whittles away at the number of countries which maintain formal diplomatic relations with Chinese-claimed Taiwan.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang would hold a summit with its three Pacific allies to strengthen its partnership with them and other “like-minded countries”, a reference to Western democracies such as the US and Australia.

In January, shortly after Lai Ching-te won the election as Taiwan’s new President, Nauru switched ties from Taipei to Beijing, in what Taiwan’s government said was part of a sustained Chinese pressure campaign.

Three countries – Palau, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands – have stuck with Taiwan.

In 2018, Nauru, then still an ally of Taiwan’s, blasted an “insolent” China for speaking out of turn at the Pacific Islands Forum. Nauru had recognised China before, between 2002 and 2005.

Taiwan has taken part in the forum since 1993 as a development partner under the name of “Taiwan/Republic of China”.

China says democratically governed Taiwan is one of its provinces with no right to state-to-state ties, a position hotly disputed by the government in Taipei.

Climate change and security are expected to dominate discussions at this week’s meeting of the 18 Pacific Islands leaders. US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell will also be going.

Taiwan and Tonga had diplomatic ties from 1972 until 1998 when the country switched recognition to Beijing and broke off relations with Taipei. Only 12 countries now maintain official diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

Taiwan reports increased military activity

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) said that that it detected 12 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels from 6 am (local time) on Sunday.

Six of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southeastern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), Taiwan’s MND said.

In a post on X, Taiwan’s MND said, “12 PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 5 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 6 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

This adds to a series of similar provocations by China in recent months. Reportedly, China has increased its military activities around Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan’s ADIZ and military exercises near the island.

Earlier on Sunday, the Taiwanese MND detected 12 PLA (People’s Liberation Army) aircraft and eight PLAN (People’s Liberation Army Navy) vessels around its territory.

The MND stated that seven aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s Eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

“12 PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 7 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly,” the Defence Ministry stated.

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