President Tsai Ing-wen has vowed to boost the island's defense capabilities after Beijing stepped up military exercises near Taiwan this year. The new fleet of eight submarines is expected to be ready by 2025.

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People gather in the streets to enjoy Nuit Blanche, an international all-night arts festival in Taipei with a hundred artists creating 20 art installations and holding 50 performances.

In an exclusive interview with DW, Taiwan's foreign minister, Joseph Wu, said Taipei would need to improve self-defense and deepen relationships with like-minded countries as military pressure from Beijing increases.

Taiwan's passport cover has a new look, as Taiwanese travelers have been mistakenly subjected to the same travel restrictions as citizens of mainland China. Taiwan's official name is the "Republic of China."

In an interview with FRANCE 24, Taiwan's Vice President Chen Chien-jen, an epidemiologist by training, discussed his country's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, while criticising the response of China and the World Health Organization. Chen refused to rule out the "possibility" that the coronavirus originated in a Chinese laboratory in Wuhan. He also expressed concern about a second wave of the virus appearing in autumn or winter.

"Protect the earth together," "Bring your own utensils and straws," "Switch off un-needed lights and conserve energy" - some of the slogans lit up on the facade of the Taipei 101 building as Taiwan celebrates the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.

Beijing has claimed Taiwan is using the coronavirus crisis to seek independence. This comes as Taiwan rejects accusations of having directed racist slurs at the head of the WHO, from which it is blocked at China's wish.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, had accused Taiwan of driving a campaign against him. Taiwan demands an apology, and sees itself as the ''true victim of unfair treatment.''

Taiwan's number of COVID-19 infections is currently below 50, despite the island's proximity to the outbreak's epicenter on mainland China. Experts say early intervention has helped stop a public health crisis.

General Shen Yi-ming, the general chief of staff in Taiwan, has been killed along with several other people after a helicopter crash-landed into mountains near Taipei. A rescue mission has been launched.