WORLD Space Week 2011 takes place from October 4 to 10 as an international celebration of how space has contributed to the betterment of the human condition while also educating the public about space.

Taiwan today pledged to forge ahead with its campaign for United Nations membership, as China celebrated an expected victory after a Taiwanese application to enter the world body was rejected for the 15th straight year.

Taiwan’s planned referendum on United Nations membership may damage its crucial ties to the United States, but President Chen Shui-bian is likely to defy American pressure and see the proposal through, analysts say.

Taiwan’s President Chen Shui-bian said today he would not shut the door on eventual unification with China if Beijing expressed goodwill.

China today adamantly rejected Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian’s call for peace talks between the island and the mainland, characterising his overture instead as a bid for independence that could lead to disaster.

IRELAND is due to sign an agreement which will make it easier for Chinese tourists to visit Ireland.

CHINA said yesterday that hard-liners in Taiwan were playing a deceitful and dangerous game by seeking independence, and appealed to the United States to oppose those seeking to split the island from the mainland.