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Taiwanese prosecutors have charged nine people, including an Nvidia employee and two former Super Micro employees, over the alleged illegal export of high-end artificial intelligence servers to mainland China. The case adds to growing tensions surrounding the global AI technology race between the United States and China. Taiwan is a major supplier of advanced semiconductors used in AI systems, making its technology sector a key part of the US-China competition. Washington has imposed restrictions on Nvidia’s sales of advanced AI chips to China since 2022 and has tightened those controls in recent years. According to the Keelung District Prosecutors’ Office, sales of high-end AI servers by Nvidia require strict checks under export rules. Companies must also inspect customers on site when more than eight such servers are purchased. Prosecutors said the servers involved in the case contained B300 graphics processing units (GPUs), which are banned from being sold to China. Nvidia spokesperson Patrick Rutherford said the company would work with Taiwanese authorities to resolve the allegations as quickly as possible. Super Micro said two of its former employees were arrested after the company cooperated with Taiwanese authorities. It added that it would continue strengthening its export compliance measures. Prosecutors said 74 servers were successfully sent to China. Of these, 50 were routed through Indonesia, 16 were shipped directly to China and eight were sent to Japan and then Hong Kong before reaching the mainland. Another shipment involving 56 servers failed, and those machines remain in Taiwan. Prosecutors are seeking maximum five-year prison terms for four of the nine defendants. One of them, an Nvidia manager identified only by his surname Chang, was described as a key figure who authorized the release of the B300 GPUs. Prosecutors also alleged that some defendants set up a company in Japan and created fake websites and documents to bypass export restrictions.

Li Chen-hsiu faced questions about her nationality, identity and loyalty to Taiwan just a day after taking her oath as a member of Taiwan's Legislature. Li, who was born in China and became a Taiwanese citizen through marriage, is known as a “mainland spouse.” She is among around 369,000 Chinese-born people in Taiwan whose status has come under greater scrutiny as tensions with China continue to rise. For two months, Li was the only China-born lawmaker in Taiwan who had moved to the island through marriage before she was forced to leave the legislature. “It’s only because of Taiwan, which has this free and democratic system, and the Taiwan People’s Party, which was willing to give a political newcomer a chance, that I could have this opportunity,” she told The Associated Press in July. But growing fears of a possible Chinese military attack have made life more difficult for mainland spouses. The group includes people from different generations and backgrounds, ranging from women who married former Chinese soldiers to younger and more educated people who married Taiwanese citizens after cross-strait travel restrictions eased. Decades of tensionChina and Taiwan split after a civil war in 1949, when the Nationalist government fled to the island. The two sides cut off most contact for decades until Taiwan allowed residents to visit relatives in China in 1987. Tensions have risen again since 2016, when independence-leaning President Tsai Ing-wen took office and Beijing ended official communication with Taipei. China now regularly sends military aircraft and naval vessels near Taiwan and has increased efforts to isolate the island diplomatically. Beijing has also kept Taiwan out of international organisations and used disinformation campaigns against it. The growing threat has intensified debate over who can be trusted in Taiwan. A New Taipei court on Tuesday sentenced Hsu Chun-ying, head of an organisation that supports mainland spouses, to seven years in prison for allegedly working for Beijing to spy on Taiwan and interfere in its politics. Older generation came to Taiwan after marriageMi Zhengrong, 72, is among the older generation of mainland spouses. She met her first husband through relatives in China's Hubei province. He was a former soldier who had fled to Taiwan during the civil war. After cross-strait visits were allowed, some veterans returned to China and married women there before bringing them to Taiwan. Mi married her husband and lived with him in China before they moved to Taiwan in 2002 because he missed the island. He died after 12 years of marriage. Mi later married a neighbour in Taiwan and cared for him for nearly a decade after he became paralysed. She is now seeking his military pension, but he died 13 days before their marriage reached the 10-year requirement. Although the military initially granted her the pension, it later withdrew it after finding that the couple had been married for less than 10 years. Mi now survives on about 10,000 New Taiwan dollars ($330) a month, with around one-third going toward rent. Despite her difficulties, she said she wants to remain in Taiwan. “How many of us want to go back?” she said. “No one wants to go back.” Taiwan had previously introduced measures to help mainland spouses integrate, including reducing the waiting period for citizenship and allowing them to work. But authorities have recently begun tightening those policies. Last spring, Taiwan deported three Chinese-born women who had used social media to advocate reunification with China by force. The Mainland Affairs Council said they posed repeated threats to Taiwan's national security and social stability. Immigration authorities have also asked around 12,000 mainland spouses who already hold Taiwanese citizenship to prove they had cancelled their household registrations in China. Those who fail to provide the documents could lose their Taiwanese citizenship. Li's case sparks debateLi entered the legislature in February with the Taiwan People's Party but quickly faced strong opposition. Taiwan's interior minister said she could not serve because she had not provided documents showing she had given up her Chinese citizenship. The Mainland Affairs Council also said she failed to provide proof on time that she had held only one nationality for the previous 10 years. Li argued that she had been a Taiwanese citizen since 1999 and had cancelled her Chinese household registration that year, which she said fulfilled the requirements. The dispute remained unresolved until April, when her party expelled her. The government subsequently tightened requirements for Chinese-born lawmakers. A spokesperson for the Mainland Affairs Council said the decision was based on legal requirements, not politics. Some legal experts, however, accused the government of applying the rules selectively. Bruce Liao, a law professor and immigration law expert at National Chengchi University, said some laws were being interpreted in a distorted way. Others defended the government's approach as necessary for national security. Yen-Tu Su, a researcher at Academia Sinica, said the government has a strong interest in protecting the country and should have some authority to determine whether a foreign-born resident poses a threat to public safety. Different rules for Chinese-born spousesEven before the latest controversy, Chinese-born spouses faced different rules from spouses from other countries. Mainland spouses can apply for Taiwanese citizenship after six years, compared with four years for foreign spouses. They must also hold Taiwanese citizenship for 10 years before applying for government jobs, while foreign spouses can apply for most lower-level government positions soon after becoming citizens. The different treatment is largely linked to concerns over loyalty and China's security threats. Shangguanluan, a Chinese writer and activist who moved to Taiwan with her Taiwanese husband in 2021, said she often faces questions about whether she is working for China's Communist Party or could be a spy. She acknowledged that Beijing actively seeks information but said mainland spouses are unlikely to be its most valuable targets. “If they want some core secrets,” she said, they are more likely to target people with direct access to sensitive information, such as defence officials, technology experts, academics or senior business figures. “There’s no room for ‘mainland spouses’” among the most valuable targets for such information, she said.

Taiwan and eastern China remained on high alert as Typhoon Bavi moved closer on Saturday after bringing strong winds and heavy rain to Japan's southern islands. The typhoon, with maximum sustained winds of 144 kilometres per hour (89 mph), is expected to pass north of Taiwan before heading toward China's eastern coast. Taiwan's Central Weather Administration said the storm is forecast to move toward Zhejiang province and make landfall in the early hours of Sunday, according to China's National Meteorological Center. In Japan's Okinawa prefecture, authorities warned residents about high waves, powerful winds and storm surges. More than 200 flights were cancelled across the region, Japan's public broadcaster NHK reported. Islands including Ishigaki were hit by heavy rain and strong winds. In Taiwan, the Central Emergency Operation Center said at least 36 people had been injured by Saturday morning. Many were hurt while riding motorcycles on wet and slippery roads during the storm. Authorities also evacuated 14,210 people from different parts of the island, including Hualien County and the central city of Taichung. Schools and government offices remained closed in most areas on Saturday. In southeastern China, coastal cities stepped up preparations as the storm approached. In Ningde city of Fujian province, more than 3,700 residents had been moved from high-risk coastal areas by Friday evening, according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency. Provincial authorities have also placed more than 17,000 emergency rescue workers on standby. China's National Meteorological Center issued an orange alert for the typhoon, the second-highest level in its four-tier warning system. Many schools and ferry services were suspended, hundreds of flights were cancelled and some high-speed train services were halted. The weather agency also issued its first red alert of the year for heavy rain, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

China on Thursday defended its recent coast guard patrols in waters east of Taiwan, a day after Britain, France and Germany expressed concern over what they called new Chinese activities in the area. The three European countries said the actions could threaten regional stability, freedom of navigation and the safety of international shipping. In response, China said its patrols were aimed at maintaining maritime order and stability in the region. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a regular briefing that the patrols were carried out after Japan and the Philippines announced plans to discuss maritime boundary issues in waters that Beijing claims as its own. According to Guo, the patrols were a necessary response to what China sees as attempts by Japan and the Philippines to interfere in maritime boundary matters and undermine China's maritime rights and interests. In a joint statement, the unofficial embassies of Britain, France and Germany in Taiwan said China's activities posed risks to regional security and international shipping routes. Taiwan's Central News Agency also reported that the United States had raised concerns over the developments. Earlier this month, Taiwan accused Chinese coast guard vessels of harassing commercial ships near the island by asking them to disclose their planned routes. The waters east of Taiwan are a major shipping corridor used for transporting oil, gas and goods between the Middle East, Europe and East Asia. Taiwan governs itself independently, but China considers the island part of its territory and claims authority over the surrounding waters. Guo maintained that the coast guard operations were lawful and represented China's legitimate exercise of jurisdiction. Tensions between Beijing and Tokyo have risen in recent months. Relations became more strained after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested last year that Japan's military could become involved if China took military action against Taiwan. Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues in China-US relations. The United States is Taiwan's main arms supplier and has repeatedly voiced support for the island's self-defense capabilities. This week, China sent its newest and most powerful aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait shortly after Taiwan launched a five-day military exercise aimed at preparing for a possible Chinese attack.

Taiwan’s military on Wednesday launched rockets in the direction of China using US-supplied mobile launchers in a drill designed to simulate how the island would respond to a potential Chinese attack. The exercise featured the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), which was fired for the first time into waters of the Taiwan Strait, the narrow waterway separating Taiwan from mainland China. The system had been tested previously, but not in this specific live-fire setting. A military official said the drills reflect Taiwan’s determination to strengthen its defence capabilities amid rising tensions. “Due to the current enemy threat, we will continue HIMARS training with unwavering determination to protect Taiwan as the nation’s strongest force,” said army Sergeant Wang Ming-hui. The military said it used reduced-range training rockets that fell into the sea shortly after launch. China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, regularly sends military aircraft and naval vessels near the island and has stepped up large-scale drills in recent years. The United States does not recognise Taiwan as an independent state but opposes any attempt to change its status by force and remains its key arms supplier. HIMARS, a truck-mounted mobile rocket system, is designed for rapid deployment, allowing forces to fire from hidden positions and quickly relocate, a tactic known as “shoot-and-scoot.” The system was the centrepiece of the second day of Taiwan’s west coast exercises, which also included 155mm howitzers. The drills simulated a response to a possible Chinese invasion and focused on speed, precision and mobility. During the exercise, the HIMARS units moved into position after receiving firing orders and launched rockets within minutes, demonstrating rapid strike capability. In December, the United States announced plans to sell 82 additional HIMARS units to Taiwan as part of a major arms deal. However, the package has reportedly been put on hold following recent diplomatic talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Taiwan’s government said Friday it has not received any official notice from the United States about a possible delay in a planned $14 billion arms sale, despite comments from a senior U.S. official suggesting some foreign weapons deals are being paused. Taiwanese presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo said authorities in Taipei were aware of the reports but had not been informed of any changes to the proposed arms package. The comments came after acting U.S. Navy Secretary Hung Cao told a U.S. Senate committee on Thursday that some foreign military sales were temporarily being delayed to ensure the U.S. military has enough weapons stockpiles for operations linked to the conflict with Iran. “Right now we're doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need,” Cao said during a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee. He added that foreign military sales would continue when the administration considers it appropriate. The issue gained attention only days after U.S. President Donald Trump questioned whether Washington should continue arms sales to Taiwan, the self-ruled island that China claims as its own territory. Although the United States does not officially recognize Taiwan as a separate country, it remains Taipei’s main security partner and largest arms supplier. The Trump administration approved an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan in December. In January, U.S. lawmakers also approved another proposed $14 billion arms sale, though the deal still requires formal submission to Congress by Trump before it can move ahead. During an interview with Fox News after returning from Beijing last week, Trump described arms sales to Taiwan as “a very good negotiating chip” in dealings with China. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on Wednesday said continued U.S. weapons sales are important for maintaining peace and security in the region. Meanwhile, China again warned Washington against supplying weapons to Taiwan. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing’s opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan remains “clear-cut and resolute.” During Trump’s recent visit to Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly warned that the Taiwan issue is the most sensitive matter in U.S.-China relations and could lead to tensions or conflict if mishandled. Trump later told reporters he wanted to speak with Taiwan’s leader, without directly naming Lai. Any direct talks between Trump and Lai could trigger a strong reaction from Beijing, which considers Lai a separatist figure. Taiwan’s presidential office said Friday there was no further information about any possible conversation between Trump and Lai.

Taiwan’s president on Sunday stressed that arms purchases from the United States are “the most important deterrent” of regional conflict and instability, after President Donald Trump called into question continued U.S. support of Taiwan following his visit to China. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and security cooperation between the two sides are not only governed by law but also a catalyst for regional peace and stability, President Lai Ching-te said in a statement. “We thank President Trump for his continued support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait since his first term, including the continuous increase in the scale and amount of arms sales to Taiwan,” he said. His statement came days after Trump raised doubts over his willingness to continue to sell arms to Taiwan, the island democracy that China claims as its own breakaway province, to be retaken by force if necessary. The U.S., like all countries that have formal ties with China, doesn’t recognize Taiwan as a country but has been the island’s strongest backer and arms supplier. Washington is bound by its own laws to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself and sees all threats to the island as a matter of grave concern. Trump rattles Taiwan with ‘bargaining chip’ comment Trump already approved in December a record-breaking $11 billion arms package to Taiwan including missiles, drones, artillery systems and military software. In an interview aired Friday on Fox News, just as Trump wrapped up a high-stakes visit to China, he said he has yet to greenlight a new $14 billion arms package to Taiwan and that it “depends on China.” “It’s a very good negotiating chip for us frankly,” he said. His comments raised concerns on the island, which the Taiwanese government has sought to disperse, noting that the U.S. official policy on Taiwan has not changed.  

Taiwan’s president has postponed a planned visit to Africa after three countries withdrew permission for his aircraft to use their airspace following reported pressure from China, his office said Tuesday. President Lai Ching-te was scheduled to travel to Eswatini, Taiwan’s only remaining diplomatic ally in Africa, from April 22 to 26. However, authorities in Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar cancelled the overflight permits along his route at short notice. A presidential spokesperson in Taipei said the decision came after “strong pressure” from Beijing, including alleged economic coercion. He accused China of interfering in other countries’ internal affairs and undermining regional stability. China, which considers Taiwan its territory, responded by welcoming the move, saying it supports the “one-China principle” and is consistent with international law. Beijing regularly urges countries with which it has diplomatic ties to avoid official relations with Taipei. In recent years, it has stepped up efforts to reduce Taiwan’s remaining allies through aid and investment offers. Taiwan now has formal diplomatic relations with only 12 countries, mostly small nations in Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Eswatini, however, said it regretted that President Lai could not make the visit but stressed that its ties with Taiwan remain unchanged. The governments of Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar did not immediately comment on the issue. China’s diplomatic push has already led several countries, including Honduras, Nicaragua and Nauru, to switch recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in recent years. The last Taiwanese presidential visit to Eswatini took place in 2023.

The young woman breaks into a broad smile as she gets ready to mount the horse for her weekly ride. She laughs as the animal takes its first steps. “She was happy the first time she rode a horse,” Hector Chen said, recalling their initial visit. His daughter, Chen You-ching, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy more than 16 years ago. He has since been bringing the now 18 year old to horse therapy sessions. At the Therapeutic Riding Center of Taiwan in Taoyuan, a city in the island’s north, children with cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD and other conditions receive companionship and therapy by riding and interacting with horses. Animal-assisted therapy is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, whether for children with intellectual disabilities or veterans coping with trauma. Abigail Liu said her five year old daughter has benefited greatly from the therapy. Her daughter, Ayah, has Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes developmental delays. She said her daughter “has become less afraid of unfamiliar things and is more willing to try new things. All of this began after she started riding horses here.” Read More: ‘Paush Sankranti’ horse race keeps rural tradition alive in Narail The horses require special training to handle a child’s movements and to remain calm when surrounded by several people, said Chan Shu-ya, a horse therapist. At times, children simply want to hug a horse for an extended period or listen to its heartbeat, and the animals will stand quietly with them. “They feel very relaxed, because the horse doesn’t show irritation even if they keep talking to it,” said Alain Chang, a horse riding coach at the Fang Hsing-Chung Social Welfare Foundation for Horses in Education and Health. “For them to come here to touch, observe or even hug the horses is a very special experience.” “Many of the students I work with look forward to coming here every week, rain or shine,” he said.

A strong earthquake shook Taiwan on Wednesday morning, setting off alarms in the capital. The Central Weather Administration measured the quake at 5.8 magnitude. The shaking in Taipei lasted only a few seconds. Tsunami warning lifted for Papua New Guinea after earthquake The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude 5.0 quake was about 21 kilometers (12 miles) south-southeast of Yilan on the northeast coast. It was centered 69 kilometers (43 miles) below the Earth's surface. Deeper quakes can be widely felt while generally causing less damage than shallow quakes. Source: With input from agency