Taiwan split from China amid a civil war in 1949, but Beijing has vowed to retake the island by military force if necessary.

"The motherland will surely be reunified," Xi Jinping said in his New Year's speech. He also pledged more investment in new industries to boost China's growth.

Beijing’s narrative pushes Taiwan to rethink its own history

The #MeToo movement has reached Taiwan, where women have been speaking out about their experiences working with predators. Female staff at the ruling Democratic Progressive Party kicked off the first major wave by accusing powerful politicians of sexual harassment or assault. The momentum then spread, with alleged victims accusing celebrities, doctors, professors and more.

Tawainese President Tsai Ing-wen asserted her country's need to maintain sovereignty, but her speech was marked with a reconciliatory tone.

Authorities in southern Taiwan have launched an investigation into the fire and expressed condolences to victims' families. Officials believe that natural gas may have played a role in the deadly event.

The self-governing island says it will bolster its defenses and hopes it will serve as a deterrence against the Chinese navy. It is only expected to be fully operational in two years.

The defense ministry in Taipei reported dozens of Chinese jets and 10 naval ships near Taiwan.

Typhoon Haikui initially appeared to move through Taiwan and out to sea before its surprise second landfall on Monday. It is now heading towards China.

The air and sea drills close to Taiwan are seen as a response to a visit of its Vice President William Lai to the US. China has derided Lai as a "troublemaker" who backs "Taiwanese independence" separatists.

The chipmaking giant has said it approved a $3.8 billion plan to build a factory in the German city of Dresden.

Taiwan held drills at its main international airport in Taipei amid concerns over Chinese aggression towards the island. Taiwan's president said the exercises are necessary in order to protect critical infrastructure.