Just 5 km from China's coastline, the sheer scale of the threat Beijing poses to the self-ruling island can be sensed. DW reports from the region amid rising tensions and military maneuvers

In the wake of China's intense military exercises this month, the self-ruling island has been testing missiles. Could it defend itself in an attack from Beijing? DW's Zach Lee and Cherie Chan report.

Hundreds were trapped on mountain roads in Taiwan after an earthquake destroyed bridges, derailed trains, and topples buildings.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met on the sidelines of the UN summit in New York.

Taiwan is a democracy with a strong human rights record and a high standard of living. But despite the country's economic strength and elected government, the island state struggles to receive international recognition.

Former top Taiwanese defense official Admiral Lee Hsi-ming told DW he is concerned that forces are not ready to fight off China, and that a new defense concept is needed.

Paraguay is one of only a few countries that still officially recognize Taiwan. However, concerns are growing after Paraguay's president recently urged Taipei to invest $1 billion in his country.

At the Chinese Communist Party Congress, President Xi Jinping said "resolving the Taiwan issue is the Chinese people's own business." Taipei responded saying it will not back down on its sovereignty.

The visit is the second by a German delegation to Taiwan in a month. It comes after China’s Communist Party Congress unprecedently voted to include resistance to Taiwan’s independence in the party constitution.

China's leader holds more power than ever before. Beijing denies having an accelerated timeline on Taiwan "reunification," but defense analysts say military preparation has been ongoing for years.

Taiwan's parliament has the highest ratio of female to male lawmakers in Asia. Upcoming local elections are set to continue this trend, but many female politicians still have to contend with sexism and harassment.

After decades of threats from mainland China, tensions over Taiwan are arguably higher than at any time since 1949. As Chinese President Xi Jinping considers the use of force to invade the island and steps up military preparations, the threat of war hangs over 23 million Taiwanese citizens.