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Residents and caretakers at Taoyuan Veterans Home wave Taiwanese flags while celebrating National Day
Image: Ann Wang/REUTERSImage: Ann Wang/REUTERS

Taiwan

Taiwan is a self-governed island off China's coast. Beijing sees the territory as a Chinese province, but many Taiwanese want to be recognized as an independent nation.

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All Content on this topic

Taiwanese soldiers looking at nearby tanks

China objects to US military aid to Taiwan

The Chinese government has warned the United States that it is "playing with fire" by providing defense aid to Taiwan.
PoliticsDecember 22, 2024
A Chinese coast guard ship (C) is seen past Taiwan Coast Guard vessels (L and R) in waters east of Taiwan

China breaks silence on large military drills around Taiwan

Beijing said the where and when of its military exercises "is a matter for us to decide."
ConflictsDecember 13, 2024
A Taiwanse fighter jet pictured on December 10

China expands major military drills around Taiwan

Taiwan's military said 53 Chinese aircraft and 19 vessels were detected near the island.
PoliticsDecember 11, 2024
A Taiwanese Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter jet takes off at an air force base in Hsinchu on December 10, 2024

Taiwan says China deploying largest naval fleet in decades

Taiwan has detected 47 Chinese military aircraft and 12 warships around the island in the last 24 hours.
PoliticsDecember 10, 2024
Taiwanese soldiers

Taiwanese soldiers charged with spying for China

Four Taiwanese soldiers have been accused of handing confidential information to China.
Law and JusticeDecember 6, 2024
Lai Ching-te greeted with flags and flowers upon arriving in Honolulu

Taiwan: How is China reacting to Lai's 'transit diplomacy?'

Taiwanese President Lai's first visit to US soil was heavy on symbolism but has not crossed any of China's red lines.
ConflictsDecember 3, 2024
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, center, greets people at the Kahala Hotel and Resort Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in Honolulu.

Taiwan's Lai says 'war has no winners' as he visits Hawaii

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, whose country faces a constant threat from China, has urged peace during a US sojourn.
PoliticsDecember 1, 2024
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te

Taiwan's Lai provokes China's ire with planned US visit

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te is to visit US soil during a trip to enhance ties with allies. Beijing is not amused.
PoliticsNovember 30, 2024
Skyline of Taiwan's capital, Taipei

Taiwan's tech boom triggers property prices surge

Taiwan's successful semiconductor industry is driving up property prices and putting pressure on the housing market.
BusinessNovember 28, 202403:26 min
Taiwan’s Air Force jets fly past in formation during the inauguration ceremony of Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te, in Taipei, Taiwan on May 20, 2024.

Taiwan conducts air drill amid China pressure

Taiwan has conducted an air defense exercise as tension simmers over President Lai Ching-te's upcoming Pacific trip.
ConflictsNovember 28, 2024
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun

China investigates defense minister for corruption — report

Beijing has deepened its crackdown on corruption in its armed forces over the past year.
PoliticsNovember 27, 2024
A symbol photo of a Chinese balloon shortly before it was shot down over Surfside Beach South Carolina. Myrtle Beach USA

China flies balloon close to Taiwan, Taipei says

Taiwan's Defense Ministry said it spotted a Chinese balloon over the waters to the island's north.
ConflictsNovember 25, 2024
Three pagers

Exploding pagers in Lebanon not made in Taiwan — prosecutors

Taiwanese prosecutors say local firms did not make the pagers that exploded in Lebanon in September, killing dozens.
Law and JusticeNovember 11, 2024
A Taiwanese naval officer looks though binoculars at a distant Chinese ship

US's East Asia allies brace for Trump presidency

Trump's "America First" approach could spark a trade war with China and leave allies like Taiwan to fend for themselves.
PoliticsNovember 11, 202402:09 min
Typhoon Kong-rey brought strong winds and flash floods, leaving over 500 people injured two dead.

Cleanup underway after Typhoon Kong-rey hits Taiwan

Typhoon Kong-rey brought strong winds and flash floods, leaving over 500 people injured two dead.
CatastropheNovember 1, 202401:10 min
A man takes a photograph of a car crushed by a fallen tree due to the impact of Typhoon Kong-rey in Taipei, Taiwan on Friday, November 1

Typhoon Kong-rey moves from Taiwan to Chinese coast

Schools, offices, restaurants and markets opened up in Taiwan as Typhoon Kong-rey moved away towards the Chinese coast.
CatastropheNovember 1, 2024
A man struggles with his umbrella against gusts of wind generated by Typhoon Kong-rey in Taipei, Taiwan

Taiwan shuts down as Typhoon Kong-rey hits land

Typhoon Kong-rey has the strength equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane.
CatastropheOctober 31, 2024
Two men pose with a Pride flag on 2023 Pride day in Taiwan

How China-Taiwan same-sex marriages get caught in politics

Taiwan's first cross-strait, same-sex married couple celebrated their vows at the annual Pride event.
SocietyOctober 28, 2024
A soldier holds a Taiwan national flag during the annual Han Kuang military exercises that simulate an attack on an airfield at Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan, Northern Taiwan

China vows countermeasures after US arms sale to Taiwan

China has condemned the $2-billion arms sale to Taiwan announced by the US and has vowed to respond.
PoliticsOctober 27, 2024
Taiwan's Präsident Lai Ching-te toasts to veterans

Taiwan: President Lai defiant on anniversary of China battle

President Lai Ching-te made the comments during an event on the Kinmen islands off China's coast, which Taiwan controls.
PoliticsOctober 25, 2024
Skyline of Pretoria in background with two South African flags visible on lampost in foreground

South Africa asks Taiwan to move embassy out of capital

South Africa asked the Taiwan to move its liaison office out of the administrative capital, Pretoria, within six months.
PoliticsOctober 18, 2024
A Taiwanese Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter jet armed with missiles lands at the Hsinchu Air Base after a mission, following China's announcement of the military exercise Joint Sword-2024B that encircles Taiwan, in Hsinchu, Taiwan on October 14, 2024.

China drill: Taiwan reports record 153 military planes

Taiwan says it detected 153 Chinese military aircraft around the island during China's military exercises on Monday.
PoliticsOctober 15, 2024
View of a Chinese serviceman using binoculars on a Chinese vessel during the "Joint Sword-2024B" military drills conducted by China around Taiwan

China holds new round of war games around Taiwan

China has ended a day of military drills around Taiwan — as a warning to the island's "separatist" forces.
PoliticsOctober 14, 202402:13 min
A Taiwanese Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter jet lands at the Hsinchu Air Base

China military drills ramp up pressure on Taiwan

China has said its latest round of military drills surrounding Taiwan was a warning to "separatists."
ConflictsOctober 14, 2024
An image of where the Chinese military is conducting exercises around Taiwan

China makes major show of force with war games near Taiwan

China is sending planes and ships for military exercises around Taiwan. The self-ruled island condemned the drills.
ConflictsOctober 14, 2024
Two J-15 fighter jets prepare to take off from China's aircraft carrier, The Liaoning, followed by destroyers and frigates during a naval exercise in the western Pacific, on April 18 2018

Chinese aircraft carrier detected near Taiwan waters

The sighting came hours after the Chinese military put out a video saying it was "prepared for battle."
PoliticsOctober 13, 2024
President Lai Ching-te waves to the crowd on national day to mark the 113th birthday of Taiwan

Taiwan celebrates national day amid threat from China

Beijing has no right to represent Taipei, Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te said, vowing to preserve democracy.
ConflictsOctober 10, 202401:50 min
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te waves to the crowd on national day to mark the 113th birthday of the Republic of China, Taiwan's formal name, in Taipei, Taiwan

Taiwan is not 'subordinate' to China, Lai says

President Lai Ching-te, who assumed office in May, made the remarks on Taiwan's National Day.
PoliticsOctober 10, 2024
The Taiwan Marines Special Force during a anti-invasion drill in Kinmen Island

Most Taiwanese would defend island against China, poll finds

More than two-thirds of Taiwanese people would be willing to fight a Chinese invasion of their island, a survey found.
PoliticsOctober 9, 2024
A man looks through binoculars at the horizon, from the deck of a military frigate at sea

German frigate completes passage through South China Sea

The voyage of the military ship has signaled Germany's increased military presence in the Indo-Pacific. DW was on board.
PoliticsOctober 4, 202403:21 min
A man walks across a sidewalk as Typhoon Krathon approaches in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Deadly typhoon in Taiwan tears through Kaohsiung

The deadly typhoon Krathon caused extensive damage in southern Taiwan, with the port of Kaohsiung particularly hit hard.
Nature and EnvironmentOctober 4, 20246 images
A US-made howitzer fires during a 2022 military drill in Taiwan

US-Taiwan aid package a signal to China ahead of election?

Although aiding Taiwan enjoys bipartisan support, there are concerns over changes under a potential Trump presidency.
PoliticsOctober 4, 2024
A security guard inspects a guard house that is being lifted off by powerful winds

Typhoon Krathon makes landfall in Taiwan

Residents are hunkering down for the typhoon's full force as its eye passes over the island.
Nature and EnvironmentOctober 3, 202402:01 min
A security guard inspects an uprooted guard house in Kaohsiung.

Taiwan: 'Weird' Typhoon Krathon lands on west coast

Taiwan remained shut for a second day as deadly Typhoon Krathon made landfall in the port city of Kaohsiung.
Nature and EnvironmentOctober 3, 2024
A man runs from waves in Kaohsiung.

Typhoon Krathon: Taiwan braces for torrential rain

Typhoon Krathon is expected to hit the port city of Kaohsiung before moving towards capital, Taipei.
Nature and EnvironmentOctober 2, 2024
Czclists watch a wave break on a shore in Kaohsiung.

Taiwan mobilizes troops as Typhoon Krathon approaches

Thousands of people have been evacuated and troops mobilized ahead of Krathon's arrival.
Nature and EnvironmentOctober 1, 2024
Taiwan Marines Special Force during a anti-invasion drill in Kinmen island

Biden approves $567 million in defense support for Taiwan

It marks the latest attempt by Washington to boost the island's military in the face of rising tensions with China.
PoliticsSeptember 30, 2024
Major General Yu Zhong, chief of the China Coast Guard, salutes during Pacific Patrol 2024, a joint Russian-Chinese coast guard exercise

Is NATO's Indo-Pacific strategy the right approach?

The Western security alliance's goal to work more closely with its Asian partners still has a long way to go.
PoliticsSeptember 28, 2024
Ships sailing near China on August 16

Japan sends warship into Taiwan Strait for first time

Japan's media said that Tokyo sent a warship to patrol the Taiwan Strait, which China claims to hold jurisdiction over.
ConflictsSeptember 26, 2024
Erklärer im Vorfeld zur US Wahl | China

How would Trump or Harris tackle tensions with China?

Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris see China as the top US challenger. But they differ on trade and Taiwan policy.
PoliticsSeptember 19, 202401:33 min
The frigate Baden-Württemberg sailing

China warns Germany over warships in Taiwan Strait

Beijing has accused Berlin of undermining security in the Taiwan Strait after German warships transited the waterway.
PoliticsSeptember 14, 2024
The German 'Baden-Württemberg' frigate seen in Tokyo

German navy vessels sail through Taiwan Strait

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has insisted that the ships are in international waters, despite Chinese protests.
ConflictsSeptember 13, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., right, hold a Ukrainian flag

Where do Harris, Trump stand on Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan?

As Harris and Trump head into their first TV debate of the 2024 presidential campaign, many abroad are watching tensely.
PoliticsSeptember 10, 202404:17 min
A man prepares to burn a paper house

Taiwan does big business in paper objects for the dead

Burning items to honor the dead is centuries old. Now, technology is making it easier to "sacrifice" a home or car.
ReligionSeptember 6, 202403:20 min
Jake Sullivan, left, meets Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing

China's Xi, US top official discuss Taiwan and Russia

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan met the Chinese president as he wrapped up a three-day visit to Beijing.
PoliticsAugust 29, 2024
Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024

Will German warships pass through the Taiwan Strait?

The German government remains tight-lipped over whether it will send two of its warships into the Taiwan Strait.
PoliticsAugust 24, 2024
With spades in front of a sandbox, left to right: Maarten Dirkzwager of NXP Semiconductors, Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (CDU), European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (CDU), TSMC's C.C. Wei, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), ESMC President Christian Koitzsch, Infineon Chief Jochen Hanebeck and Dresden Mayor Dirk Hilbert (FDP)

Taiwan's TSMC starts building new German computer chip plant

The world's largest chipmaker, Taiwan's TSMC, has broken ground on its new semiconductor plant in Dresden.
BusinessAugust 21, 202403:00 min
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius speaks into a microphone aboard the frigate "Baden-Württemberg"

Germany's Pistorius wraps up Indo-Pacific trip

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the week-long visit was meant to contribute to stability in the region.
PoliticsAugust 5, 202401:46 min
Imane Khelif screams

Paris Olympics: What's behind boxing controversy?

Two boxers are competing at the Olympics despite failing gender tests at the 2023 World Boxing Championships.
SportsAugust 5, 2024
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, shakes hands with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi

Blinken and Wang discuss US-China relations, Taiwan

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised concerns over Chinese actions around Taiwan and in the South China Sea
PoliticsJuly 27, 2024