A United States-made fourth-generation F-16 fighter jet crashed off Taiwan’s eastern coast during a routine training mission, according to a statement from the Taiwanese Air Force on Wednesday. The single-seat aircraft took off from Hualien Air Base at 6:17 p.m. local time on Tuesday and went down at 7:29 p.m., about 10 nautical miles east of Fengbin Township in Hualien County. Authorities believe the pilot ejected safely, and search operations were launched immediately after the crash.

Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Li said that Prime Minister Cho Jung-tai called on Taiwan’s Coast Guard and nearby fishing vessels to assist in the search and rescue efforts. The Air Force has not yet provided further details about the cause of the crash or the pilot’s condition.

Taiwan maintains close defense ties with the United States amid tensions with China. The island recently ordered 66 new F-16V jets from the U.S. and began upgrading 141 older F-16A/B aircraft to the V standard in 2023.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching vowed to defend his country’s sovereignty in a televised New Year’s address amid escalating tensions with China. The statement came after Beijing launched continuous missile tests around Taiwan’s main island and deployed warplanes, naval vessels, and coast guard ships. Taipei condemned the Chinese military drills as highly provocative.

China maintains that democratic Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the island under its control. In his speech, Lai reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening national defense, ensuring social stability, and building a robust democratic security system. He emphasized that Taiwan’s international support has remained strong.

The United States, Taiwan’s main security partner, recently announced a major arms sale to Taipei, while Japan also expressed support for Taiwan. Japan’s prime minister warned that any Chinese use of force against Taiwan could prompt a military response from Tokyo.

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Taiwan late Saturday night, according to the island’s weather administration. The quake hit at 11:05 p.m. local time near Yilan County, with its epicenter located 73 kilometers beneath the seabed. Buildings in the capital Taipei shook, prompting residents to rush outdoors in fear. No major damage or casualties were immediately reported.

Taipei city authorities said there were no significant losses, though minor incidents such as gas and water pipe leaks and slight structural damage occurred in some buildings. Taiwan Power Company reported temporary power outages affecting tens of thousands of homes in Yilan. Chipmaker TSMC briefly evacuated some staff from its Hsinchu Science Park facilities before resuming normal operations.

The weather administration warned of possible aftershocks measuring between 5.5 and 6.0 within the next 24 hours. President Lai Ching-te stated that the situation was under control and urged citizens to remain alert for aftershocks.

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck about 18 kilometers from Hualien in eastern Taiwan on Thursday, according to the island’s Central Weather Administration. The quake occurred at a depth of approximately 31.6 kilometers. Initial reports from Reuters indicated no immediate casualties or significant property damage. Buildings in Taipei and nearby areas briefly swayed as the tremor was felt across the region.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, though no emergency alerts have been issued. Taiwan, located at the junction of two tectonic plates, experiences frequent seismic activity. The island has a history of powerful earthquakes, including a 2016 quake in southern Taiwan that killed more than 100 people and a devastating 7.3-magnitude quake in 1999 that claimed over 2,000 lives.

Experts note that while Thursday’s quake was moderate, it serves as a reminder of Taiwan’s ongoing vulnerability to seismic hazards and the importance of continued preparedness and infrastructure resilience.

Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister François Wu has reportedly made a secret visit to Israel, according to three sources cited by Reuters. The trip, said to have taken place earlier this month, underscores the discreet nature of Taiwan’s foreign engagements due to Beijing’s pressure on countries to avoid formal ties with Taipei. Israel, like most nations, officially recognizes Beijing rather than Taipei, making such a visit highly unusual.

Sources did not disclose whom Wu met or what was discussed, though speculation surrounds potential talks on Taiwan’s new multi-layered air defense system, the T-Dome, modeled partly on Israel’s Iron Dome. Taiwan’s foreign ministry declined to confirm the visit but emphasized that both sides share democratic values and will continue practical cooperation in trade, technology, and culture. Israel’s foreign ministry did not comment.

The visit, if confirmed, signals Taipei’s effort to deepen ties with democratic partners amid rising cross-strait tensions and ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Taiwan has expressed support for Israel since October 2023.

Taiwan has announced plans to develop a multi-layered air defense system named the “T-Dome,” inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, as tensions rise with China. President Tsai Ing-wen stated that defense spending will increase to protect the island and urged China to abandon the use of force to seize Taiwan. The government aims to propose a special military budget by year-end, reflecting its commitment to enhancing national defense capabilities. The T-Dome will feature advanced detection and interception technologies to safeguard citizens and property. While details remain scarce, Taiwan continues to modernize its military amid facing a vastly larger Chinese military equipped with stealth fighter jets, aircraft carriers, and a significant missile arsenal.

Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim stated that Taiwan does not seek conflict with China nor will it provoke one, emphasizing the island’s commitment to peace. Speaking in Taipei, she said Chinese pressure has increased, but Taiwan remains focused on stability. Hsiao reiterated President Lai’s offer for dialogue with Beijing and highlighted Taiwan’s contributions to China’s growth. She warned that aggressive military actions undermine regional prosperity and said maintaining the status quo is a responsible choice aligned with regional interests.

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan’s east coast near Hualien City on Wednesday evening, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake occurred about 31 kilometers deep and 71 kilometers south of Hualien. No casualties or damage have been reported so far, local fire officials said. Residents described strong shaking, stronger than previous tremors. This comes months after a deadly 7.4 magnitude earthquake in April 2024 caused significant destruction and killed at least 17 people in the region.