Taiwan's president said Sunday her government will step up security measures to respond to military threats from China. President Tsai Ing-wen gave no details in comments posted online but her government has encouraged development of a domestic arms industry in response to pressure from Beijing, which claims the island as its own territory and has sent fighter planes near its coast. "We will strengthen our work for the whole society's security," Tsai wrote in response to questions from the public. Taiwan and the communist mainland, separated since a civil war in 1949, have extensive trade and investment ties but no official relations. The flybys and aircraft carrier movement have alarmed people in Taiwan, prompting questions about whether Tsai is handling the situation appropriately.

Source: ABC News May 20, 2018 03:53 UTC