President Tsai Ing-wen has held a phone call with Petr Pavel, the president-elect of the Czech Republic, in a diplomatic breakthrough for Taipei. Taiwan's new premier, Chen Chien-jen, has named his first Cabinet. The ministers of defense, foreign affairs and cross-Strait relations were retained and a number of female ministers appointed. And the former head of the U.S. Navy's Indo-Pacific Command is set to arrive in Taiwan for a meeting with President Tsai. Admiral Philip Davidson has previously warned of a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan in or before 2027. Also:
- China has lifted its import ban on Taiwan's Kaoliang Liquor.
- Taiwan's justice ministry plans tougher sentences for human trafficking following a spate of high-profile kidnapping cases involving Taiwanese nationals at home and overseas.
- Taiwan's national team has started training for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.