Next government has signalled it will continue current policy of diversifying trade links and developing core industries, including cybersecurity and defence

Island’s former leader also calls on William Lai to ‘confirm the one-China framework’.

Analysts say former Taiwanese leader’s VIP visit to mainland could help Beijing amplify appeals for ‘peaceful reunification’ with the island and send well-timed message to Taiwan’s president-elect William Lai Ching-te.

Lai visited Hualien, the worst affected area, and urged rescue teams to ‘make the most of every minute’ as hundreds of people remain trapped in collapsed buildings.

The dead include three hikers and a truck driver killed by falling rocks in Hualien on the east coast of the island.

Kinmen Defence Command was scheduled to start exercises on Tuesday but postponed citing bad weather.

He will reportedly meet President Xi Jinping next week, but neither side has confirmed the meeting.

As the island’s defence ministry lays out ambitious plans for local and US-made drones, observers warn it is at least five years behind.

Taiwan launched its newly renovated pier on Taiping islet in the disputed South China Sea on Tuesday but Tsai Ing-wen’s absence was noted by the opposition.

Ex-leader will be accompanied by 20 students who will ‘seek out their roots’ in bid to boost cross-strait relations at a time of heightened tensions.

New survey finds half of Taiwanese do not think war with the mainland is imminent despite escalating cross-strait tensions, threats.

Artillery exercises scheduled through April at Taiwan’s offshore islets, including Quemoy, where 2 fishermen died during coastguard pursuit last month.

Beijing warns Prague to stick by its promise to recognise Taiwan as an ‘inseparable part of China’ and ‘severely restrain’ Czech politicians.

Taiwanese authorities have warned off several mainland coastguard vessels amid worries an incident could spark stand-off.

Island’s former de facto ambassador to Washington said to be travelling in private capacity. Beijing has urged Washington not to arrange ‘any form’ of official contact.

Request for 2025 budget is ‘historic investment in Taiwan’s security’, US State Department says, as Pentagon seeks US$500 million in arms support for island.

Peaceful reunification still preferred but Beijing will ramp up efforts aimed to intimidate, Taiwan’s intelligence chief tells lawmakers.

While Taiwan says it does not want an ‘arms race’ with Beijing, it is taking steps to prepare its troops for a potential war.

During a meeting with lawmakers, island authorities defend coastguard actions in an incident that led to the deaths of two mainland fishermen last month.

The small South Pacific state says it will uphold its relationship with Taipei and look at options to make it more durable.

The move adds to the pressure on Taiwan’s air defences and could limit its scope to respond in the event of coming under attack.

The Island’s defence chief made the comments as concerns grow that rising cross-strait tensions could escalate.

Hsia says he has no plans to meet mainland officials but is open to the possibility and would express condolences over the death of two mainland fishermen near Quemoy

Deaths of two mainland Chinese fishermen show the need for opening up lines of communication with Taiwan, observers say.

Mainland Chinese delegation to Quemoy will ‘find out the truth’ in latest incident to fuel cross-strait tensions.

Long overdue upgrade is part of Taiwanese navy’s efforts to modernise in the face of growing military pressure from Beijing, ministry source tells the Post.

It calls for an investigation into ‘malicious incident’ and accuses the island’s coastguard of using ‘violent and dangerous methods’. Coastguard says the fishermen drowned after their speedboat capsized while it was pursuing them for trespassing near Quemoy.

While the trip is certain to rile Beijing, analysts do not expect the PLA to respond with large-scale drills around the island.

Flip-flop slammed as ‘surprise raid’ by operators, as travel agents’ association questions legal basis and warns of protest during May 20 presidential inauguration.