Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger is the first German cabinet member to arrive in Taiwan in decades. The decision comes amid tensions with mainland China, as Beijing issues a diplomatic complaint over the visit.

As Honduras contemplates switching diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China, experts say unofficial ties with remaining allies are stable but it's important to maintain formal relations, amid pressure from Beijing.

US intelligence chief William Burns says there appear to be doubts in Beijing about China's ability to successfully invade Taiwan. However, he said it was still important to take the threat to the island very seriously.

A second parliamentary delegation is in Taipei for what Berlin calls part of a commitment to support democratic countries. Beijing has threatened to use force, which it considers China's territory.

The Czech Republic and Taiwan are keen on deepening ties after an unprecedented call between their leaders. China's ability to retaliate might be stymied by its attempt to improve relations with European nations.

A leading German lawmaker visiting Taiwan says Germany will not provide the island with weapons and has not been asked to do so. China has warned that foreign politicians who visit the island are "playing with fire."

The systems, worth $180 million, "serve US national, economic and security interests," the Pentagon said. The sale comes after China conducted one of its largest incursions into Taiwan-controlled airspace to date.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has offered China help to deal with the recent rise in coronavirus infections. Her offer comes despite persistent intrusions by Chinese warplanes in Taiwan's air defense identification zone.

Citing the threat from an increasingly hostile China, Taiwan said conscripts would serve longer in the military. President Tsai Ing-wen said her country had to meet the "fast and ever-changing situation."

Beijing dispatched the aircraft into Taiwan's air defense identification zone in what it called a response to "provocations" and "collusion" between the US and Taiwan.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said she wants to see progress on a stalled bilateral investment agreement with the European Union. She said the two partners should have a "resilient democratic alliance."

A bipartisan delegation is setting off for a five-day visit to Taiwan. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said he will not attend and reaffirmed Australian support for the "status quo" on Taiwan.