Taiwan Taiwan defends US arms purchases that Trump called 'bargaining chip' Trump’s calling of arms sales to Taiwan a “bargaining chip” has raised concerns on the self-governing island of a potential change in US foreign policy towards the territory after the US president’s latest visit to China. 18/05/2026
World News Taiwan responds to Trump's independence warning Taiwan's foreign ministry said in a statement following Trump's comments that "Beijing has no right to claim jurisdiction over Taiwan." 16/05/2026
China Underwhelming summit outcome in China brings Trump back to reality After raising high expectations ahead of his trip to Beijing, the U.S president leaves with little to show for it, disappointing investors. On key flashpoints such as Iran and Taiwan, China didn't give any ground. 15/05/2026
China Trump arrives in Beijing for high-stakes summit with Xi This week's trip, the first since Trump visited Beijing in 2017, will involve highly anticipated talks with Xi on Thursday and Friday. 13/05/2026
China Taiwan opposition leader makes rare China visit in 'journey for peace' Taiwan’s opposition leader makes historic six-day trip to Beijing to “boost dialogue and promote peace” ahead of a heavily anticipated summit between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. 08/04/2026
No Comment More than 1,000 athletes compete in World Indoor Tug-of-War Championships in Taiwan More than 1,000 athletes compete in the World Indoor Tug-of-War Championships at Taipei Arena, marking the first time Taiwan has hosted the international competition. 12/03/2026
Sport US rock climber reaches top of Taiwan skyscraper without ropes Alex Honnold ascended the Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes, using small outcroppings as footholds. The climb, broadcast live on Netflix, took around 90 minutes. 25/01/2026
Japan Japan's PM dissolves parliament after only three months in office The move by Sanae Takaichi is an attempt to capitalise on her popularity to help her governing party regain ground after major losses in recent years. 23/01/2026
Economy Taiwan touts 'best tariff deal' with US amid Beijing's objections Taiwan had secured 15% tariffs with no additional fees for the automotive and wood furniture industries, and no tariffs for some components used in the aerospace industry. 16/01/2026
Business World’s biggest chipmaker TSMC doubles down on AI, sees profit lift A surge in AI-driven demand has pushed TSMC’s profits and investment plans higher, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most advanced semiconductor producers. 15/01/2026
Taiwan Taiwan vows to defend sovereignty after Chinese military drills China has wrapped up two days of live-fire drills around the island featuring rocket launches, aircraft and warships. 01/01/2026
Taiwan China stages drills near Taiwan in warning to 'separatist forces' Taiwan's Defence Ministry said in a post on X that rapid response exercises were under way, with forces on high alert to defend the island in case of escalation. 29/12/2025
China China sanctions 20 US defence companies over arms sales to Taiwan According to the Chinese foreign ministry, the sanctions entail freezing the companies’ assets in China and banning individuals and organisations from accessing them. 27/12/2025
Economy Japan on track to become world’s third-largest defence spender A record defence budget and an expanding missile and drone programme mark a decisive shift for Japan, as it clears path to become the world’s third-largest military spender. 26/12/2025
Tech News FT names Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang as their 2025 Person of the Year AI leaders and executives have dominated lists for most influential people of 2025. The latest, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, was named Person of the Year by the Financial Times. 13/12/2025
China China says Japan 'crossed a red line' with Taiwan intervention remarks China slammed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments suggesting potential Japanese military action over Taiwan as reckless and shocking, calling it a “grave violation” of international law and threatening a military response against any “aggression”. 24/11/2025