Taiwan watches Vatican-China ties, says China violated deal on bishops
Taipei, Taiwan Reuters Taiwan is paying close attention to interactions between the Vatican and China, the island’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday, adding that China had “repeatedly violated” a 2018 agreement on the appointment of bishops. The Vatican, which only has formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, would like to establish a permanent office in China, […]
Thousands protest against contentious Taiwan parliament reforms
Taipei, Taiwan Reuters Thousands of people thronged the streets around Taiwan’s parliament on Tuesday, protesting against measures to give lawmakers more oversight over the government, pushed by opposition parties over the ruling party’s objections. The protests outside parliament, and a raucous session inside, demonstrated the febrile political atmosphere facing new President Lai Ching-te a day […]
New Taiwan President takes office facing angry China
Taipei, Taiwan Reuters Lai Ching-te took office as Taiwan’s new president on Monday, facing an angry and deeply suspicious China that believes he is a “separatist”, and a fractious parliament with an opposition champing at the bit to challenge him. Lai was sworn in at the Japanese-colonial-era presidential office in central Taipei, taking over from […]
China should have confidence to talk to us, Taiwan’s President-elect says
Taipei, Taiwan Reuters China should have the confidence to talk to Taiwan’s legally elected government, President-elect Lai Ching-te said on Thursday as he appointed his new national security and diplomacy team amid what he called unprecedented challenges. China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, over the island’s strong objections, has ramped up […]
Taiwan loses first ally post-election as Nauru goes over to China
Sydney, Australia/Taipei, Taiwan Reuters Nauru will sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan and recognise China, the government of the small Pacific Islands nation said on Monday, marking Taipei’s first diplomatic ally to switch to Beijing following a presidential election. The Nauru Government said that “in the best interests” of the country and its people it was […]
Taiwan’s voters rebuff China and give ruling party third presidential term
Taipei, Taiwan Reuters Taiwanese voters swept the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s presidential candidate Lai Ching-te into power on Saturday, strongly rejecting Chinese pressure to spurn him, as China said it would not give up on achieving “reunification”. Lai’s party, which champions Taiwan’s separate identity and rejects China’s territorial claims, was seeking a third successive four […]