Ten Taiwanese military officers, including two in a video pledging to “surrender” to Beijing, are indicted for alleged espionage. Prosecutors claim recruitment of servicemen for military information and exchanging secrets for money.
The charges underscore rising tensions amid heightened cross-strait pressures.
Taiwan’s opposition alliance collapsed as KMT and TPP failed to agree on a presidential candidate. The breakdown, aired live, adds uncertainty to the upcoming election and raises implications for Taiwan-China relations amid DPP’s stance.
Taiwan’s VP and presidential frontrunner, Lai Ching-te, chooses former U.S. envoy Hsiao Bi-khim as running mate. Hsiao, skilled in handling U.S.-China tensions, resigns as envoy. China, labeling her an “independence diehard,” previously sanctioned her. Tensions persist over Taiwan’s status.
Taiwan’s opposition parties KMT and TPP agreed to cooperate in the presidential election. Hou Yu-ih (KMT) and Ko Wen-je (TPP) await poll results on Saturday to decide the lead candidate. The agreement aims for mutual assistance in future elections. Current polls show Vice President Lai Ching-te (DPP) leading, followed by Ko and Hou.
China’s tax probe into Foxconn, tied to founder Terry Gou’s presidential bid, is labeled political. Concerns arise over its impact on Taiwan’s election and Foxconn’s shift away from China in its supply chain, potentially affecting China significantly.
Taiwan monitors Chinese naval formation with the Shandong aircraft carrier in the Taiwan Strait. The carrier sailed from the south to the north. Tensions rise amid recent US and Canadian warship transits.
Reports from Taiwan have highlighted concerns over a former DBS Bank Taiwan financial advisor’s purported links to criminal gang members and fraud syndicates.
Allegedly, the collaboration resulted in illicit real estate investments and illegal fundraising, leading to a significant loss of over NT$ 48 million (roughly equivalent to US$1.48 million) among four victims.
China said its troops are on high alert after US and Canadian warships passed through the Taiwan Strait for the second time in two months. The passage has raised tensions due to China’s claims on Taiwan, which it sees as its territory.
Taiwan’s defense ministry detected over 40 Chinese warplanes and 7 naval vessels near the island. China has increased military pressure on Taiwan, raising regional security concerns. The situation has escalated due to Taiwan’s plans to acquire military drones, according to China’s defense ministry.
Thailand is launching a six-month trial, offering visa-free entry to Indian and Taiwanese tourists for up to 30 days. This move aims to revitalize the struggling tourism sector, which contributes significantly to the country’s GDP. The government hopes to attract 1.4 million additional visitors, generating US$1.5 billion in income.