US, Taiwan sign trade deal over China’s opposition
June 2, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The United States signed a trade agreement Thursday with Taiwan over opposition from China, which claims the self-ruled island democracy as part of its territory.
The two governments say the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade will strengthen commercial relations by improving customs, investment and other regulation.
China criticizes US plan for trade deal with Taiwan
June 1, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China’s government criticized the United States' plans to sign a trade treaty with Taiwan and called on Washington on Thursday to stop official contact with the self-ruled island democracy claimed by Beijing as part of its territory.
SINGAPORE (AP) — China and Singapore laid the groundwork Thursday for a hotline between the two countries that would establish a high-level communications link between Beijing and a close American partner in Asia at a time when Chinese tensions with Washington are high and dialogue has stalled.
BEIJING (AP) — Prospects for a renewed high-level military dialogue between China and the U.S. remain dim, with Beijing saying their defense chiefs will not hold a bilateral meeting while both are attending a weekend security conference in Singapore.
Offshore Typhoon Mawar lashes eastern Taiwan, northern Philippines as it heads for southern Japan
May 30, 2023 GMTYILAN, Taiwan (AP) — Typhoon Mawar lashed Taiwan's eastern coast with wind, rain and large waves Tuesday but largely skirted the island after giving a glancing blow to the northern Philippines. The storm was moving slowly toward southern Japan.
Microsoft: State-sponsored Chinese hackers could be laying groundwork for disruption
May 25, 2023 GMTBOSTON (AP) — State-backed Chinese hackers have been targeting U.S. critical infrastructure and could be laying the technical groundwork for the potential disruption of critical communications between the U.S.
New Chinese ambassador to US taking office amid disputes over trade, access to technology, Taiwan
May 24, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China’s new ambassador to the U.S. is taking office amid disputes over trade, access to computer chips and Washington’s support for self-governing Taiwan.
Xie Feng arrived in New York on Tuesday and told reporters at JFK Airport that relations between the world’s two largest economies face “serious difficulties and challenges.”
G7 urges China to press Russia to end war in Ukraine, respect Taiwan’s status, fair trade rules
May 21, 2023 GMTHIROSHIMA, Japan (AP) — The Group of Seven wealthy democracies united in urging China to pressure its strategic partner Russia to end its war on Ukraine and resolve territorial disputes peacefully, and China lashed back.
BEIJING (AP) — Echoing the crackdown on freedoms in neighboring Hong Kong, the former Portuguese colony of Macao has revised its legal system to face “new adverse challenges in terms of national security.”
TOKYO (AP) — Leaders of seven of the world’s most powerful democracies are gathering for the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima, the location of the world's first atomic attack at the end of World War II.
US inks modest trade deal with Taiwan in show of support in the face of pressure from China
May 18, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The United States has reached a modest trade agreement with Taiwan, signaling Washington’s support for the island democracy as it comes under increasing pressure from China.
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss warned of economic and political threats to the West posed by China during a visit Wednesday to Beijing's democratic rival Taiwan.
Truss is the first former British prime minister since Margaret Thatcher in the 1990s to visit the self-governing island republic that China claims as its own territory, to be conquered by force if necessary.
Taiwan opposition party picks New Taipei mayor, a former police chief, as its presidential candidate
May 17, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan's opposition Nationalist Party picked the popular mayor of New Taipei City, Hou Yu-ih, on Wednesday as its candidate in next year's presidential election, seen as a referendum on the island's future relations with China.
China says ready to ‘smash’ Taiwan self-rule as US prepares major arms package, sends advisers
May 16, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China’ is prepared to “resolutely smash any form of Taiwan independence,” its military said Tuesday, as the U.S. reportedly prepares to accelerate the sale of defensive weapons and other military assistance to the self-governing island democracy.
Hong Kong leader says China’s sentencing of US citizen exposes national security threats
May 16, 2023 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — The life sentence imposed by China on a 78-year-old U.S. citizen, who was also a Hong Kong permanent resident, on spying charges shows the city should “stay vigilant” to security risks, its leader said Tuesday.
Ambitious agenda for Biden on upcoming three-nation Indo-Pacific trip as debt default looms at home
May 14, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has an ambitious agenda when he sets off this week on an eight-day trip to the Indo-Pacific.
He’s looking to tighten bonds with longtime allies, make history as the first sitting U.S.
WASHINGTON (AP) — White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Wang Yi during talks in Vienna this week that the Biden administration is “looking to move beyond” tensions spurred by the U.S.
China tells US to ‘reflect deeply’ over downturn in ties
May 8, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China’s foreign minister told the U.S. ambassador on Monday that Washington is responsible for the downturn in relations between the two countries and must “reflect deeply” before ties can return to a healthy track, an official said.
Taiwan trade chief warns against ‘unnecessary fear’ of China
May 4, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Taiwan's chief trade representative says his country's semiconductor makers will expand production in the U.S. as much as they can afford to do so, but he insists Taiwan remains an ideal place for that production and other U.S.
Swiss lower house approves closer ties to Taiwan legislature
May 3, 2023 GMTGENEVA (AP) — Switzerland's lower house of parliament has voted to tighten ties with the legislature in Taiwan, a move that could further rankle China after recent visits by Western lawmakers to the island.
US defense contractors want deeper cooperation with Taiwan
May 3, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — A delegation of United States defense contractors and a former senior leader of the U.S. Marine Corps pledged the beginning of deeper cooperation with Taiwan on Wednesday.
Taiwan has faced increasing pressure from China in the years since Tsai Ing-wen was elected president.
Unclear who would aid Taiwan in a war, foreign minister says
May 3, 2023 GMTCANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Taiwan intends to fight for itself in any armed conflict with China and is unclear as to what countries might stand beside it, the self-governing island's foreign minister said.
Taiwan’s president hopes to deepen US security exchanges
May 2, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan's president told visiting ex-U.S. national security adviser John Bolton on Monday that her country is willing to deepen cooperation with the U.S. and "other like-minded partners” to safeguard peace, as the self-governed island faces increasing military threats from China.
Paraguay’s long-ruling Colorado Party has easy election win
May 1, 2023 GMTASUNCIÓN, Paraguay (AP) — Paraguayans voted overwhelmingly to keep the long-ruling Colorado Party in power for five more years, backing its presidential candidate and giving it majorities in both houses of Congress.
Paraguay’s long-ruling party romps to presidential victory
May 1, 2023 GMTASUNCION, Paraguay (AP) — The long-governing Colorado Party remained the dominant force of Paraguayan politics as the vote count from Sunday's election gave an overwhelming lead to its presidential candidate, Santiago Peña, with nearly all votes counted.
US ex-security adviser calls for closer ties with Taiwan
April 29, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — A former U.S. national security adviser called for deeper interaction between his country and Taiwan during a visit Saturday to the self-ruled island, which has seen increasing military threats from China.
Japan ocean policy vows tougher security amid China threat
April 28, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japan adopted a new five-year ocean policy on Friday that calls for stronger maritime security, including bolstering its coast guard's capability and cooperation with the military as China grows increasingly assertive in regional seas.
China flies 38 warplanes near Taiwan, 6 navy vessels in area
April 28, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China’s military flew 38 fighter jets and other warplanes near Taiwan, the Taiwanese defense ministry said Friday, in the biggest such flight display since the large military exercise in which it simulated sealing off the island earlier in April.
China opposes Taiwan-US defense and military exchanges
April 26, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China warned against continued U.S.-Taiwan cooperation Wednesday, responding to reports that the U.S.
Guatemala leader in Taiwan expresses ‘rock-solid friendship’
April 25, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — The president of Guatemala appealed to other governments to respect Taiwan's sovereignty during an official visit Tuesday at a time when China's ruling Communist Party is stepping up efforts to isolate the self-ruled island democracy Beijing claims as its own territory.
Youngkin meets with Taiwan’s leader during trade mission
April 24, 2023 GMTRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin met with the president of Taiwan on Monday to discuss mutual trade and investment initiatives and other business matters, his office said, and he signed an executive order establishing an economic development office in Taipei.
Lawmakers war-game conflict with China, hoping to deter one
April 22, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — It’s April 22, 2027, and 72 hours into a first-strike Chinese attack on Taiwan and the U.S.
China FM: Taiwan, foreign supporters ‘playing with fire’
April 21, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China’s foreign minister warned Taiwan and its supporters on Friday that they are “playing with fire” if they go against Beijing's demand to exert control over the self-governing island democracy.
Taiwan suspects Chinese ships cut islands’ internet cables
April 18, 2023 GMTNANGAN, Taiwan (AP) — In the past month, bed and breakfast owner Chen Yu-lin had to tell his guests he couldn't provide them with the internet.
‘No impunity’: G7 vows tough, unified stance on Russia’s war
April 18, 2023 GMTKARUIZAWA, Japan (AP) — Top diplomats from the Group of Seven wealthy democracies vowed a unified front against Chinese threats to Taiwan and Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, saying at the close of their meetings Tuesday that they were committed to boosting and enforcing tough sanctions against Moscow.
US sails warship through Taiwan Strait after China’s drills
April 17, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — The United States Navy has sailed a warship through the Taiwan Strait in its first known transit since China carried out an encirclement exercise around self-ruled Taiwan.
Speaker McCarthy: 100 days in power and a tough road ahead
April 15, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — When Rep. Kevin McCarthy emerged from a messy 15-ballot election and ascended to House speaker, he was emboldened rather than chastened by the fight, declaring that his father taught him early on in life: “It’s not how you start; it's how you finish.”
China vows not to sell arms to any party in Ukraine war
April 14, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China won't sell weapons to either side in the war in Ukraine, the country's foreign minister said Friday, responding to Western concerns that Beijing could provide military assistance to Russia.
China sanctions US Congress member for Taiwan visit
April 14, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China sanctioned a United States lawmaker Thursday for his visit to Taiwan, saying he violated the “One China” principle that says Beijing has sovereignty over the island.
The mainland’s ruling Communist Party says Taiwan, which split from the mainland in 1949 amid a civil war, must be reunited with China by force if necessary.
US displays firepower in combat drills with Philippines
April 13, 2023 GMTFORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines (AP) — U.S. and Filipino forces on Thursday blasted vehicles with anti-tank missiles in combat-readiness drills in the Philippines that are part of a show of American firepower that has alarmed China.
China warns of rocket debris in area northeast of Taiwan
April 13, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China’s local maritime authorities have issued a warning for possible rocket debris in waters northeast of Taiwan, saying ships would be banned from entering the area on April 16.
Germany appeals for reducing tensions over Taiwan
April 13, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — Germany's government appealed for efforts to reduce tensions over Taiwan as the German foreign minister arrived in China on Thursday for official talks following Chinese military exercises near the self-governed island democracy that Beijing claims is part of its territory.
Emmanuel Macron says his position on Taiwan is unchanged
April 12, 2023 GMTAMSTERDAM (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron commented on his published remarks on China and Taiwan that raised questions after he visited Beijing last week, insisting Wednesday that his views have not changed.
China says Taiwan encirclement drills a ‘serious warning’
April 12, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — Recent Chinese air and sea drills simulating an encirclement of Taiwan were intended as a “serious warning” to pro-independence politicians on the self-governing island and their foreign supporters, China said Wednesday, as signs emerged that Beijing will take further action.
Taiwan’s ruling party taps VP as presidential candidate
April 12, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan’s pro-independence ruling Democratic Progressive Party nominated Vice President Lai Ching-te as its candidate in the 2024 presidential election, two days after China concluded large-scale wargames around the self-governed island.
Domestic unrest interrupts Macron’s European future speech
April 11, 2023 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron laid out his vision of a bold, assertive European future on Tuesday, but not before simmering anger at his domestic pension reforms boiled over once more as he began his speech in the Netherlands.
Tsai condemns China’s military drills in the Taiwan Strait
April 11, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has condemned China’s military drills in the Taiwan Strait, saying Tuesday that China did not demonstrate the “responsible” behavior of a major Asian nation.
China military ‘ready to fight’ after drills near Taiwan
April 11, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China’s military declared Monday it is “ready to fight” after completing three days of large-scale combat exercises around Taiwan that simulated sealing off the island in response to the Taiwanese president’s trip to the U.S.
Macron comments on Taiwan raise questions on EU global ties
April 10, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Comments by French President Emmanuel Macron over Europe's priorities on Taiwan have raised questions over the EU’s relationship with both the U.S. and China, on the eve of his planned speech on the bloc's sovereignty in The Netherlands.
Taiwan threat from China serious, House GOP chairman says
April 8, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of the House Select Committee on China said Saturday the U.S. must take seriously the threat posed to Taiwan, as Beijing launched military drills around the island in the aftermath of the Taiwanese president's meetings with American lawmakers.
China flies fighter jets near Taiwan after leader’s US trip
April 8, 2023 GMTBEIJING (AP) — China sent warships and dozens of fighter jets toward Taiwan on Saturday, the Taiwanese government said, in retaliation for a meeting between the U.S. House of Representatives speaker and the president of the self-ruled island democracy claimed by Beijing as part of its territory.
China sanctions Reagan library, others over Tsai’s US trip
April 7, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China retaliated for the United States House speaker's meeting with the Taiwanese president by announcing sanctions Friday against the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and other organizations, adding to strains over the self-governed island democracy Beijing claims as part of its territory.
China vows ‘forceful’ measures after US-Taiwan meeting
April 6, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China vowed reprisals against Taiwan after a meeting between the United States House speaker and the island's president, saying Thursday that the U.S. was on a “wrong and dangerous road.”
US House leader and Taiwan president meet as China protests
April 6, 2023 GMTSIMI VALLEY, Calif. (AP) — Risking China's anger, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy hosted Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday as a “great friend of America" in a fraught show of U.S.
For McCarthy and Taiwan’s leader, visit marks historic first
April 5, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The moment was historic — a U.S. House speaker meeting Wednesday with the president of Taiwan for a rare visit on American soil, a high-profile encounter designed to boost support for the island government but already drawing blowback from an enraged China.
Belize, Guatemala reaffirm Taiwan ties during Tsai visit
April 5, 2023 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — Belize on Monday reaffirmed its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the second country to do so in a week as Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen travels across Central America in an effort to shore up a dwindling number of allies.
Taiwan defies China pressure before US House speaker meeting
April 5, 2023 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan defied threats of retaliation by China ahead of an expected meeting between the island's president and the U.S. House speaker Wednesday that will underscore her government's claim to sovereignty.
Youngkin to meet with Taiwan’s leader during trade mission
April 4, 2023 GMTRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin will lead his first international trade mission later this month, a trip to Asia that will include a meeting with the president of Taiwan, his office said Tuesday.
Philippines names 4 new camps for US forces amid China fury
April 3, 2023 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine government on Monday identified four new military camps, including some across the sea from Taiwan, where rotating batches of American forces will be allowed to be stationed indefinitely despite strong objections from China.