Category Archives: asia

Taiwan detects presence of 9 Chinese sorties, 6 PLAN vessels around strait

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) of Taiwan reported on ‘X’ that 9 sorties of PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels were detected operating around Taiwan up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. Out of these 9 sorties, 2 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). The ROC Armed Forces have been actively monitoring the situation and have responded accordingly.

Earlier on Saturday, Taiwan recorded similar activity, with 10 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating near the island. The MND noted that 5 out of those 10 aircraft sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern ADIZ. The official ‘X’ post stated: “10 PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 5 out of 10 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

This recent surge in military activity comes amid warnings from defense experts regarding China’s newly unveiled weapon systems. These systems are reportedly designed to counter Taiwan’s long-standing asymmetric warfare strategy.

According to the Defence and Security Biweekly published by the Institute for National Defence and Security Research (INDSR), assistant research fellow Sheu Jyh-shyang highlighted that Taiwan has invested heavily for decades in asymmetric warfare. This defense strategy relies on low-cost, highly effective systems intended to deter Beijing from launching a large-scale invasion.

The frequent incursions and maritime operations exemplify rising tensions between Taiwan and China, a relationship long marked by geopolitical strain. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), governs itself independently with its own distinct political and economic systems. However, China continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory under the “One China” principle, insisting there is only one China with its capital in Beijing.

The roots of this dispute trace back to the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, when the ROC government retreated to Taiwan after the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, took control of mainland China.

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https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/taiwan-detects-presence-of-9-chinese-sorties-6-plan-vessels-around-strait-23597278

Youmin Hwang birdies 5 of final 6 holes to win first LPGA Tour title in Hawaii

HONOLULU (AP) — Youmin Hwang captured her first LPGA Tour victory on Sunday at the LOTTE Championship, making a strong late surge to extend the season-opening streak without a repeat winner to 25 tournaments.

A member of the Korean LPGA, Hwang competed on a sponsor invite and finished with a 5-under 67 at breezy Hoakalei Country Club. She birdied the final four holes and five of the last six to secure a one-shot victory over Hyo Joo Kim.

“Thanks to LOTTE’s support, I can be here and win,” Hwang said.

At just 22 years old and a non-member of the LPGA Tour, Hwang now has the option to accept immediate membership or defer it until next season. This win came in her sixth career LPGA start and fourth event of the season, after having made the weekend cuts in major U.S. tournaments.

Hwang was tied for the lead with Kim and Minami Katsu after birdieing the par-4 17th, then gained an advantage when both Katsu and Kim bogeyed the same hole in the group behind her. On the par-5 18th, Hwang’s second shot went through the green into the rough, but she recovered with a chip to within a foot and tapped in for birdie.

She finished the tournament at 17-under 271.

Hwang started the week strong with a career-best 62 on Thursday, opening a three-stroke lead. However, she shot a 75 on Friday, which dropped her into a tie for second place, just one shot behind Akie Iwai. Kim closed with a 68 after birdieing the 18th hole, while Katsu finished third at 15 under following a 69.

Canada’s Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ontario, finished in a four-way tie for 28th at 7 under, 10 shots behind the winner. Fellow Canadian Alena Sharp of Hamilton tied for 57th at 1 under.

World No. 2 Nelly Korda ended with a 69 to finish three shots back at 17 under, alongside Peiyun Chien (70), Jessica Porvasnik (70), and Akie Iwai (71). Despite coming off a season with seven victories, Korda is yet to win this year.

“Overall, I’m putting myself into contention,” Korda said. “It’s definitely an interesting year for me result-wise, but at the end of the day, I’m giving it 100 percent, controlling what I can control, and I’m happy with that.”

The LPGA Tour now moves to Asia for the next five consecutive weeks, with tournaments scheduled in Shanghai, South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan.

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AP Golf: The Associated Press
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/youmin-hwang-birdies-5-final-025637550.html

Asia Cup 2025: Mohammad Nabi Launches Merciless Assault On Dunith Wellalage’s Bowling In SL vs AFG Match, Clobbers 5 Sixes; Video

Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi launched a merciless assault on Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage in the Asia Cup 2025 game at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, September 18. Nabi clobbered five sixes off the 20th over of the innings, helping Afghanistan finish strongly and set a stiff target for the opposition.

The moment occurred as Charith Asalanka turned to the left-arm spinner Wellalage, taking a massive gamble against the big-hitting Nabi. The veteran smashed the first three sixes off long-off, mid-wicket, and long-on. Wellalage followed it up with a no-ball, and the 40-year-old cleared the boundary two more times. Nabi tried to go again on the final ball but Sri Lanka managed to run him out.

Nabi’s explosive 60 off 22 deliveries, laced with six sixes, ensured that Sri Lanka reached a competitive total of 169/8 despite being 79/6 at one stage. Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Thushara bowled outstandingly with the new ball, finishing with figures of 4-0-18-4. Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, and Dasun Shanaka claimed one wicket each.

Earlier in the match, Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan won the toss and elected to bat first, as both sides chased a crucial win in the last match of Group B.

**Sri Lanka Playing XI:**
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara.

**Afghanistan Playing XI:**
Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

In other tournament news, India and Pakistan have sealed their spots into the Super 4 round from Group A, each with two wins. Team India now has the opportunity to make it three out of three in the tournament.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/asia-cup-2025-mohammad-nabi-launches-merciless-assault-on-dunith-wellalages-bowling-in-sl-vs-afg-match-clobbers-5-sixes-video