Taiwan has reiterated that it is a sovereign and independent state following U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning against formally declaring independence from China. After a two-day summit in Beijing, Trump said he had made no commitments regarding the self-governed island and would soon decide on an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan. He emphasized that he did not want conflict with China and preferred peace in the region.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te previously stated that Taiwan sees itself as a sovereign nation and has no need for a formal independence declaration. Presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo reaffirmed that Taiwan is a democratic and independent country but remains committed to maintaining the current status quo—neither declaring independence nor unifying with China. Washington maintains its long-standing “one China” policy, recognizing only one Chinese government while providing Taiwan with defensive support.

China has continued to criticize Taiwan’s leadership and increased military drills around the island, heightening regional tensions. Taiwan expressed gratitude to Trump for his continued support and pledged to deepen cooperation with the U.S. to ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan has declared China as the only obstacle to regional peace, responding to a warning from Chinese President Xi Jinping to U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the Taiwan issue. In a statement, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Beijing poses the sole risk to current regional stability and peace.

Xi had earlier cautioned that mishandling the Taiwan matter could lead to a major conflict between the two countries. Taiwan’s foreign ministry countered by citing China’s military harassment and so-called “gray-zone” activities around Taiwan and nearby areas as evidence of Beijing’s destabilizing actions. The statement also asserted that Beijing has no right to make claims on behalf of Taiwan in international affairs.

The Taiwan issue has become the focal point of the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing, with China insisting Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory, while Taiwan seeks global support to defend its sovereignty. Observers note that Taiwan’s sharp remarks have added new tension to the ongoing high-level discussions.

Taiwan has expressed optimism about continued support from the United States, stating that Washington has repeatedly reaffirmed its 'clear and firm' backing. The statement was made by Taiwanese cabinet spokesperson Michelle Li during a press briefing, coinciding with the Trump-Xi summit taking place in Beijing.

The position of Taiwan has emerged as one of the most sensitive topics in the discussions between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Beijing continues to claim the self-governed island of 23 million people as an inseparable part of its territory, while Taiwan’s current government considers itself an independent and sovereign state.

Analysts cited in the report note that any comment or policy shift by Trump regarding Taiwan could significantly affect regional stability. In this context, Taiwan’s assertion of US support carries notable international significance, especially as geopolitical tensions remain heightened during the summit.

Taiwan’s legislature has approved a special fund of $25 billion to purchase weapons from the United States. The bill passed after months of debate over defense and security spending. The package includes high mobility artillery rocket systems, self-propelled howitzers, missiles, drones, and Javelin anti-armor missiles. It also contains a provision allowing for additional future spending on U.S. arms purchases.

The approved amount is about $15 billion less than what the ruling Democratic Progressive Party proposed last November. In the 113-seat legislature, the bill passed by a 59-0 vote, with 48 lawmakers from the ruling party abstaining. The decision comes as Taiwan seeks to strengthen its defense capabilities amid growing tensions with China.

China claims Taiwan as its territory and has repeatedly threatened to take control of the island by force if necessary. The United States, Taiwan’s main arms supplier, continues to provide significant military and political support. Last year, the Trump administration approved a record $11 billion in arms sales to Taiwan.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, raising new concerns for Taiwan. The announcement has highlighted the island’s vulnerability, as it relies heavily on imported energy to sustain its population of 23 million and its semiconductor industry, which produces about 90 percent of the world’s most advanced chips. Most of Taiwan’s energy shipments arrive by sea from the Middle East, entering through a few western ports.

China has long prepared strategies to pressure Taiwan, including military exercises simulating port and sea route blockades. The People’s Liberation Army now possesses the world’s largest navy, capable of extended operations. Beijing continues to frame the Taiwan issue as an internal matter while criticizing U.S. actions in Iran and Venezuela, which analysts say could serve as justification for similar Chinese measures.

Facing potential energy shortages, Taiwan may impose restrictions on air conditioning, elevators, street lighting, and business hours. The government is reconsidering nuclear power and reviewing plans to restart inactive reactors, though such steps could take years due to safety and regulatory requirements.

Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo stated that the United States has not contacted Taiwan regarding any transfer of weapons to the Middle East. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Koo clarified that despite the ongoing US-Iran war, Washington has not asked Taiwan to deploy or use any US-made military equipment it possesses.

He added that any potential deployment of US-manufactured weapons from Taiwan to another region would only occur following an official request from the United States. Meanwhile, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said last Friday that discussions are underway between the US and South Korean militaries about relocating some Patriot missile defense systems from South Korea to the Middle East for use in the conflict against Iran.

According to South Korean government sources cited by local media, preparations are being made to send these Patriot systems, with heavy US military transport aircraft already arriving in South Korea to facilitate the transfer.

World-renowned climber Alex Honnold has completed the largest urban free-solo climb in history. On Saturday, January 24, during a live special broadcast on Netflix, he scaled the exterior of Taipei 101, a 508-meter (1,667-foot) skyscraper, without ropes or safety equipment, finishing the ascent in less than 90 minutes.

The climb began at 9:17 a.m. local time in Taiwan and marked the first-ever free-solo ascent of a skyscraper. In a previously aired interview, Honnold said Taipei 101 had fascinated him for years and that he had dreamed of climbing it for about 12 years. The challenge unfolded in three stages: first, a 113-meter sloped steel-and-glass section; second, eight “bamboo box” structures with overhangs; and finally, the spire, which posed the toughest physical test.

Honnold’s heart rate reportedly reached about 165 beats per minute halfway through. He ended the climb by taking a selfie at the summit. The successful, accident-free feat drew widespread global praise.

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.