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Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Boris Johnson: Taiwan has better claim to statehood than Palestine
Taiwan has a 'far more robust' claim to statehood than Palestine, Boris Johnson has said. While an 'analogy' can be drawn between the two places, the former prime minister added, Taiwan's claims for recognition are stronger. Mr Johnson told an audience in Taipei: '[The Taiwanese] actually have a recognised government. They actually have boundaries that they control. 'They actually have a proper democratic system, none of which you could say, with all due respect, about Palestine.' Taiwan's claims are 'far more robust' he said at the Ketagalan Forum, a security conference in Taipei. While Taiwan and Palestine are both seeking international recognition, they differ in many ways given their distinct histories and political systems. Taiwan is an island nation located off the south-east coast of China, with a population of approximately 23 million people. It is recognised as a distinct country with its own democratic government, visa rules, airline and army. It is also largely integrated into the global economic system. The island is under threat from China, which claims the territory as its own. Wu Qian, China's defence ministry spokesman, said earlier this year: 'We will come and get you, sooner or later.' Only 13 countries recognise Taiwanese statehood. Britain supports Taiwan's participation in international organisations where statehood is not a prerequisite, but does not have formal diplomatic relations with the island. Palestine is a state under occupation, which has long sought sovereignty amid internal divisions and external threats from Israel. It is primarily managed by the Palestinian National Authority (PA), which runs the West Bank, but Hamas, the terror group, controls the Gaza Strip. Palestine's borders remain contested, it has no army, no central government and does not recognise the state of Israel. Some 147 of the 193 UN member states recognise Palestine. Britain, France and Canada have all signalled their intention to do so by September, putting pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli president, who is now considering full occupation of the territory. In response to questions from journalists in Taipei, Mr Johnson spoke about the global risk of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, drawing comparisons with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Without naming either China or Taiwan, he seemed to make a veiled threat towards China that the use of 'force in situations like this can lead to utter disaster – not just for the world, but for you'. Mr Johnson noted that neither the UK nor the US 'want to see a change in the balance of power' in the Indo-Pacific or 'a change in the composition of the First Island Chain', the group of islands that stretches from Japan down through Taiwan to the Philippines. While he didn't elaborate on what the UK could do to maintain the status quo, he noted that the UK trade office in Taiwan, which serves as the country's de facto embassy in the absence of formal diplomatic relations, had been 'very busy' and 'things are picking up'. John Healey, the Defence Secretary, told The Telegraph last week that the UK would be 'ready to fight' if a conflict broke out in the Indo-Pacific . Mr Johnson is the third British former prime minister to visit Taiwan, following Liz Truss in 2023 and Margaret Thatcher in the 1990s. It was his first visit, and during his keynote address to the forum earlier in the day, he joked that before today he had 'only seen this country on my 'lockdown' Peloton machine', which had a screen showing one of Taiwan's virtual coastal paths. During his speech, he also accused China of 'trying to bully Taiwan into submission' through its 'grey zone' coercion where it sends 'boats into Taiwanese waters and planes into Taiwanese airspace'. China has increased these methods of intimidation against Taiwan in recent years, which experts say is probably a strategy to demonstrate its capabilities and erode trust in the government in Taipei. Mr Johnson said that these incursions seem to be an effort 'to remind the world' of the 'might of the Chinese armed forces and thereby signalling their intention by 2027' – the year that Chinese president Xi Jinping reportedly told his military to be prepared for an invasion. During her visit to Taiwan in 2023, Ms Truss urged Taiwan to stand up to 'aggressive bullying' by China, and called the government in Beijing 'totalitarian'. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Solve the daily Crossword
Telegraph
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Boris Johnson: Taiwan has better claim to statehood than Palestine
Taiwan has a 'far more robust' claim to statehood than Palestine, Boris Johnson has said. While there is an 'analogy' that can be drawn between the two places, the former prime minister said that Taiwan's claims for recognition are stronger. 'They actually have a recognised government. They actually have boundaries that they control. They actually have a proper democratic system, none of which you could say, with all due respect, about Palestine.' Taiwan's claims are 'far more robust' he said at the Ketagalan Forum, a security conference in Taipei. While there are certain commonalities between Taiwan and Palestine in that both seek international recognition, they also differ in many ways given their distinct histories and political systems. Taiwan is an island nation located off the south-east coast of China, with a population of approximately 23 million people. It is recognised as a distinct country with its own democratic government, visa rules, airline and army. It is also largely integrated into the global economic system. The island is under threat from China, which claims the territory as its own. China's defence ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said earlier this year: 'We will come and get you, sooner or later.' Only 13 countries recognise Taiwanese statehood. Britain supports Taiwan's participation in international organisations where statehood is not a prerequisite, but does not have formal diplomatic relations with the island. Palestine is a state under occupation, which has long sought sovereignty amid internal divisions and external threats from Israel. Palestine is primarily managed by the Palestinian National Authority (PA), which runs the West Bank, but Hamas runs the Gaza enclave. Its borders remain contested, it has no army, no central government and does not recognise the state of Israel. Som 147 countries out of the 193 UN member states recognise Palestine. Britain, France and Canada have all signalled their intentions to by September, putting pressure on Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu, who is now considering full occupation of the territory. In response to journalists in Taiwan, Mr Johnson also spoke about the global risk of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, drawing comparisons with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Without naming either China or Taiwan, he seemed to make a veiled threat towards China that the use of 'force in situations like this can lead to utter disaster – not just for the world, but for you'. The former prime minister then noted that neither the UK or the US 'want to see a change in the balance of power' in the Indo-Pacific or 'a change in the composition of the First Island Chain', referring to the group of islands that stretches from Japan down through Taiwan and to the Philippines. While he didn't elaborate on what the UK can do to maintain the status quo, he noted that the UK trade office in Taiwan, which serves as the country's de facto embassy in the absence of formal diplomatic relations, has been 'very busy' and 'things are picking up'. Last week, Defence Secretary John Healey told The Telegraph that the UK would be 'ready to fight' if a conflict broke out in the Indo-Pacific . Mr Johnson is the third British former prime minister to visit Taiwan, following Liz Truss in 2023 and Margaret Thatcher in the 1990s. It was his first time travelling to Taiwan and during his keynote address to the forum earlier in the day, he joked that before today he had 'only seen this country on my 'lockdown' Peloton machine', which had a screen showing one of Taiwan's virtual coastal paths. During his speech, he also accused China of 'trying to bully Taiwan into submission' through its 'grey zone' coercion where it sends 'boats into Taiwanese waters and planes into Taiwanese airspace'. China has increased these methods of intimidation against Taiwan in recent years, which experts say is likely a strategy to both demonstrate its capabilities as well as to erode trust in the government in Taipei. Mr Johnson said that these incursions seem to be an effort 'to remind the world' of the 'might of the Chinese armed forces and thereby signalling their intention by 2027' – the year that Chinese president Xi Jinping reportedly told his military to be prepared for an invasion. During her visit to Taiwan in 2023, Ms Truss had also urged Taiwan to stand up to the 'aggressive bullying' by China, while also calling the government in Beijing 'totalitarian'.
Miami Herald
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Map Tracks Russian and Chinese Spy Ships Loitering off Coast of US Ally
Russia and China have deployed vessels to waters around Japan, with both ships tracked loitering off the coast of the United States' ally, a Newsweek map shows. Newsweek has contacted the Russian and Chinese defense ministries for comment by email. Under a U.S. containment strategy, Japan forms part of the First Island Chain-along with Taiwan and the Philippines-in the western Pacific Ocean. This defensive line of islands aims to restrict Russian and Chinese naval activities by leveraging U.S.-aligned territories. China-which has the world's largest navy by hull count-and its quasi-ally Russia have frequently used waterways surrounding Japan to reach waters beyond their coastlines for naval deployments, with the most recent case involving a Chinese aircraft carrier. The Russian spy ship Kurily transited off the coast of Honshu-one of Japan's four main islands-in the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea in South Korea, on June 4 as it headed north, according to a map provided by the Joint Staff of Japan's Defense Ministry. The Kurily was spotted passing through the La Pérouse Strait-also known as the Soya Strait in Japan-toward the Sea of Okhotsk to the east on Sunday. The waterway separates Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island, and Sakhalin Island in the Russian Far East. Two days later, a Chinese spy ship-identified by its hull number as CNS Tianlangxing-transited from the East China Sea to the Philippine Sea via the Osumi Strait, according to Japan's Joint Staff. The waterway lies off Kyushu, the southernmost Japanese main island. Both straits are designated by Japan as international waterways, where Japan claims its territorial waters extend less than the standard 13.8 miles from its coastlines. Neither the Russian nor the Chinese spy ship entered Japan's territorial waters during their transits. The presence of the Chinese spy ship off the Japanese coast coincided with the deployment of the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington. The Japan-based, nuclear-powered warship was spotted leaving its home port at the Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo on Tuesday. It remains unclear whether the Tianlangxing was sent to monitor the George Washington or to provide support to two Chinese aircraft carriers operating in the broader western Pacific. Japan's defense white paper 2024 read: "China has been rapidly building up military capabilities while intensifying its activities in the East China well as in the Pacific. Russia has also been observed engaging in joint activities with China involving aircraft and vessels." Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry, said in December of last year: "Japan has been closely tracking, monitoring, and interfering with Chinese vessels and aircraft for a long time, jeopardizing the safety of Chinese vessels and aircraft and easily causing maritime and air security problems." Both Russia and China are likely to continue using waterways around Japan to access the broader western Pacific for naval deployments. It remains to be seen how Japan will enhance its maritime surveillance in surrounding waters. Related Articles Telegram Messenger's Ties to Russia's FSB Revealed in New ReportRussia Expands Military Cooperation with North KoreaIsrael Denies Envoy's Claim of Patriot Defenses Given to UkraineNATO Ally Scraps Purchase of US Black Hawk Helicopters 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Map Tracks Russian and Chinese Spy Ships Loitering off Coast of US Ally
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Russia and China have deployed vessels to waters around Japan, with both ships tracked loitering off the coast of the United States' ally, a Newsweek map shows. Newsweek has contacted the Russian and Chinese defense ministries for comment by email. Why It Matters Under a U.S. containment strategy, Japan forms part of the First Island Chain—along with Taiwan and the Philippines—in the western Pacific Ocean. This defensive line of islands aims to restrict Russian and Chinese naval activities by leveraging U.S.-aligned territories. China—which has the world's largest navy by hull count—and its quasi-ally Russia have frequently used waterways surrounding Japan to reach waters beyond their coastlines for naval deployments, with the most recent case involving a Chinese aircraft carrier. What To Know The Russian spy ship Kurily transited off the coast of Honshu—one of Japan's four main islands—in the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea in South Korea, on June 4 as it headed north, according to a map provided by the Joint Staff of Japan's Defense Ministry. The Kurily was spotted passing through the La Pérouse Strait—also known as the Soya Strait in Japan—toward the Sea of Okhotsk to the east on Sunday. The waterway separates Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island, and Sakhalin Island in the Russian Far East. Two days later, a Chinese spy ship—identified by its hull number as CNS Tianlangxing—transited from the East China Sea to the Philippine Sea via the Osumi Strait, according to Japan's Joint Staff. The waterway lies off Kyushu, the southernmost Japanese main island. Both straits are designated by Japan as international waterways, where Japan claims its territorial waters extend less than the standard 13.8 miles from its coastlines. Neither the Russian nor the Chinese spy ship entered Japan's territorial waters during their transits. The presence of the Chinese spy ship off the Japanese coast coincided with the deployment of the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington. The Japan-based, nuclear-powered warship was spotted leaving its home port at the Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo on Tuesday. It remains unclear whether the Tianlangxing was sent to monitor the George Washington or to provide support to two Chinese aircraft carriers operating in the broader western Pacific. What People Are Saying Japan's defense white paper 2024 read: "China has been rapidly building up military capabilities while intensifying its activities in the East China well as in the Pacific. Russia has also been observed engaging in joint activities with China involving aircraft and vessels." Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry, said in December of last year: "Japan has been closely tracking, monitoring, and interfering with Chinese vessels and aircraft for a long time, jeopardizing the safety of Chinese vessels and aircraft and easily causing maritime and air security problems." What Happens Next Both Russia and China are likely to continue using waterways around Japan to access the broader western Pacific for naval deployments. It remains to be seen how Japan will enhance its maritime surveillance in surrounding waters.
India.com
16-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
After Rafale, MiG-29, F-16, this is world's only country to get Chinese J-10C fighter jets, the name is..., India is its...
Egypt could become only the second foreign country after Pakistan to fly the Chinese J-10C fighter jet. (File) Egypt may soon become the only country in the world to fly a French Rafale, an American F-16, a Russian MiG-29, and a now a Chinese J-10C fighter jet, as the country eyes to purchase a fleet of the 4.5 generation Chinese warplanes. Currently no country in the world operates fighter jets from four different countries. Egypt to acquire J-10C fighter jets According to reports, Egypt, which already operates retired Chinese bombers, is mulling to acquire China's 4.5 generation J-10C fighter jets in an effort to modernize its air force fleet. The speculation was fueled after the Chinese J-10C Vigorous Dragon was on display at the Egyptian International Air Show in September 2024. In February this year, Egyptian media had claimed that Cairo and Beijing had inked a deal for the purchase of J-10C fighter jet, but these claims were later dismissed as 'fake news' by Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian. Later, in April 2025, footage of an Egyptian pilot flying a J-10C during the Eagles of Civilization 2025 joint air exercise, added fuel to the speculations that Egypt was planning to buy the J-10C fighter jet. Egypt also eyeing Korean FA-50 Meanwhile, Egypt is also reportedly considering South Korea's FA-50 fighter jet. According to media report, Egyptian official held talks with South Korean counterparts in this regard last month. The FA-50 is South Korea's indigenously-built fighter jet, which the country claims is equipped with stealth technology, but is priced much lower than any fifth generation warplane. If true, this make the FA-50 an enticing option for budget-conscious nations like Egypt. Egypt to become first country with Rafales and J-10Cs? But if Egypt chooses to acquire the Chinese J-10C instead of the South Korean FA-50, it will become the only country to operate fighter jets from four different countries. The Egyptian Air Force currently comprises American, Russian and French fighter jets. It would also become the first nation too fly both a French Rafale and Chinese J-10C fighter jets, and only the second country after Pakistan to acquire the 4.5th generation Chinese fighter, which was reportedly used by the Pakistan Air Force during the recent India-Pakistan crisis. At present, Egypt has a fleet over 200 F-16s, making it the fourth-largest operator of the F-16 Fighting Falcons.
