A man hailed as a hero is facing a trial for the murder of five unarmed civilians during the war in Afghanistan.
Advertisement
Ben Roberts-Smith, 47, a former Australian Defence Force member, was arrested at Sydney Airport and charged with five counts of war crimes.
He was deployed in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012, and faces five counts of murder and war crimes for the killing of five people.
Roberts-Smith served six tours in Afghanistan between 2006 and 2012, before being lauded with several top military honours.
Australian Federal Police commissioner Krissy Barrett said: ‘It will be alleged the victims were not taking part in hostilities at the time of their alleged murder in Afghanistan.’
Advertisement
She added that the victims were initially detained, while unarmed, and were under the charge of Australian soldiers when they were murdered.
Roberts-Smith previously faced trial in a civil court (Picture: EPA)
Roberts-Smith has denied all of the allegations, which first surfaced after an investigation in 2018.
In 2023, he quit his job after a civil court blamed him for unlawfully killing four people while he served in Afghanistan.
Advertisement
Now, the Australian Federal Police investigation into Roberts-Smith, which began in 2021, has led to his arrest.
Ross Barnett, director of investigations at the Office of the Special Investigator, which is assisting in the case, said the process has been complex.
‘We don’t have access to the crime scenes, we don’t have photographs, site plans, measurements, the recovery of projectiles, blood spatter analysis, all of those things we would normally get at a crime scene,’ he said.
Roberts-Smith is facing mounting calls to be stripped of his numerous awards during service, including the prestigious Victoria Cross.
Advertisement
He’s set to appear before a court for a bail hearing on Wednesday in New South Wales.
What is Roberts-Smith accused of?
Roberts-Smith served in Afghanistan between 2006 and 2012 (Picture: AFP)
Roberts-Smith is facing charges of war crimes and murder in Afghanistan while serving as an Australian soldier.
Anthony Besanko, a federal judge in the court of Australia, previously found on the balance of probabilities that he had taken part in at least four murders.
The court at the time heard that Roberts-Smith had ordered unarmed men in Afghanistan to be shot dead to ‘blood’ rookie soldiers on two occasions.
He was also found to have been involved in the deaths of a handcuffed farmer, whom he kicked off a cliff.
Advertisement
In another instance, he captured a Taliban fighter and used his prosthetic leg as a trophy and ‘drinking vessel’.
Wireless organisers have confirmed that this year’s festival will no longer be going ahead in light of the news that Ye will no longer be permitted entry to the UK.
Last week, it was announced that Ye – formerly known as Kanye West – had been booked to headline all three nights of the event, which was due to take place at London’s Finsbury Park in July.
This news was met with a near-immediate backlash because of a variety of antisemitic comments made by the Grammy-winning musician last year.
Wireless subsequently said in a statement to the press: “The Home Office has withdrawn Ye’s ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom. As a result, Wireless Festival is cancelled and refunds will be issued to all ticket holders.
“As with every Wireless Festival, multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking Ye and no concerns were highlighted at the time.”
They added: “Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had. As Ye said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and in spite of this still hopes to be given the opportunity to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the UK.”
Advertisement
In January 2026, the Touch The Sky rapper – who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder a decade ago – issued a public apology for his behaviour in a full-page magazine ad addressed to “those I’ve hurt”.
Ye claimed in his public statement that his antisemitic comments had come during a months-long manic episode where he said he had “lost touch with reality”.
Earlier on Tuesday, Ye had issued a fresh statement, saying: “I’ve been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly. My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music.
“I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen. I know words aren’t enough – I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here.”
Advertisement
Ye previously dismissed the suggestion that his apology was a “PR move” intended to help him “release music” and “operate [his] businesses” as he had before the backlash he sparked controversies 2025.
“This isn’t about reviving my commerciality,” he told Vanity Fair. “This is because these remorseful feelings were so heavy on my heart and weighing on my spirit.
“I owe a huge apology once again for everything that I said that hurt the Jewish and Black communities in particular. All of it went too far. I look at wreckage of my episode and realise that this isn’t who I am.
“As a public figure, so many people follow and listen to my every word. It’s important that they realise and understand what side of history that I want to stand on.”
The 43-year-old, wearing a grey zip-up fleece and with glasses on, appeared via videolink from HMP Liverpool for the plea hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday.
He pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Kevin Lynch, 51, at Fairway, Huyton, on March 8.
Barton’s co-defendant Gary O’Grady, 50, of Huyton, Merseyside, was not asked to enter a plea to the charge on Tuesday.
Advertisement
An earlier court hearing was told the defendants had been drinking with Mr Lynch at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club before the alleged attack.
Mr Lynch, a former non-league football manager and founder of special education school NexGen Academy, was said to have suffered serious injuries to his eye.
Honorary recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC set a trial date for September 1, with the case expected to last seven days.
The 15-minute hearing also dealt with administrative matters.
Advertisement
Barton, of Widnes, Cheshire, was remanded in custody, while the judge renewed conditional bail for O’Grady, who was supported in court by several family members.
Former Manchester City and QPR midfielder Barton has one England cap and also played for Newcastle, Rangers, Burnley and Marseille.
He now hosts podcast Common Sense With Joey Barton, which is described as an “unfiltered” look at issues in sport, society, politics and more.
A staff member told The Bolton News they “hadn’t seen anything,” in contrast to previous occasions when resident doctors had gathered at the top of the road, where Redgate Way meets Plodder Lane.
Bolton resident doctors in 2023 (Image: NQ)
A spokesperson for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust confirmed they had not been made aware of any picket lines during the six-day strike action.
In recent action, resident doctors have reportedly operated at the MRI unit as part of a ‘hubbed’ response.
Advertisement
Dr Rauf Munshi, Medical Director at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our Emergency Department is always here to help in a life or limb-threatening emergency, and our teams will make sure the sickest patients get the help they need first.
“We have robust plans in place to manage any increase in demand over the Easter weekend and during industrial action, but it’s important people choose the most appropriate service for their needs so that our urgent care services are ready to help those who need it most.
“Even once industrial action is over, we’ll continue to face pressure as our services resume to full levels of activity so please do make sure you know the best way to access services for your health needs during this challenging time.
“If you are ever unsure about where to go, NHS 111 online can provide advice for your symptoms.”
Advertisement
The British Medical Association (BMA) has been contacted for comment.
Gold Digger singer Kanye West has been blocked from travelling to the UK by the Westminster Government
American rapper and record producer Kanye West has been denied permission to travel to the UK by the Westminster Government.
Advertisement
The Gold Digger singer had recently come under fire following his controversial planned headline set at the Wireless Festival later this year.
According to the BBC, the Home Office has decided to refuse permission for West to enter the country as his “presence would not be conducive to the public good”.
Yesterday, the singer who legally changed his name to Ye in October 2021, applied to come to the UK via an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
West has previously caused outrage for a string of antisemitic, racist and pro-Nazi comments.
Barcelona signing Marcus Rashford from Manchester United for just £26m this summer would be an ‘absolute robbery’ and ‘a steal’, according to Rio Ferdinand
Rashford, 28, is only on loan at the Catalan club for this season, but they do have an option to make that move permanent for £26million this summer. The England international equalised for them against Atletico Madrid in their 2-1 comeback win last weekend.
That goal is his 11th of this loan spell, and Rashford has also assisted another 10 for his teammates. The latest strike left Ferdinand impressed and led to a discussion about his future at United.
Advertisement
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE, and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
On the YouTube channel Rio Ferdinand Presents, he said: “Oh, what a goal, what a good goal, man.” Asked if he would have Rashford back at United, Ferdinand replied: “Absolutely if Marcus Rashford is playing like that.
“That goal there is Marcus Rashford, right? That isn’t a surprise. We’re not sitting here going, ‘Oh my God, did you see Marcus Rashford, what he did the other day? Never knew he could do that.’
“No, no, that’s what we expect. That’s what Marcus Rashford has made us feel is the norm with him, because he’s that good, potentially, he’s that good, right? It’s just that we hadn’t seen it for a while at Manchester United, and there are obviously reasons behind that, but let’s forget that now, that page has turned, right?
Advertisement
“He’s now at Barcelona, 10 goals, 10 assists this season. What a loan signing he has been for Barcelona, if you look at it like that, and, so, would you have that Marcus Rashford back? 100%, right? But I think that ship has sailed and I think Marcus Rashford is looking forwards.
“I think deep down, he’ll want to go to Barcelona, and I just hope that actually materialises for him, because I think when you look at it like that, is he playing consistently like the Marcus Rashford that we knew before? I’d argue probably not.”
Rashford has made 40 appearances across all competitions this season for Barcelona, but just over half, 22, have been starts. He also featured in just one of their last three matches before the international break.
Ferdinand, however, believes they should still sign him permanently from United this summer. He explained: “We’re seeing more glimpses of it that would be making me go, ‘I’ll bet on that’, and if I’m at Barcelona, I’ll take him.”
Advertisement
Factoring in the set price they have to do that deal for. Ferdinand believes it would be a bargain and hopes it happens for the player’s sake, too.
He added: “If Barcelona get him for the reported £26million that we’re talking about, and they get that version of Marcus Rashford, that is an absolute robbery, it’s a steal.
“So, as I said, I’ll just say good luck to him, I want him to do well, you know what I mean? Because I’ve seen him grow as a young player at Man Utd, and good luck to him in that sense.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Pearl Abyss adds additional storage options in Crimson Desert with the latest update.
Crimson Desert might be a few weeks old, but it’s still receiving regular updates from developer Pearl Abyss to further improve on the already impressive open world game.
Advertisement
While previous updates have added new mount options and offered improvements to the crime system, the latest update promises to further expand on storage options. There’s also a feature that’s often used in RPGs coming to Crimson Desert that’s almost hard to believe wasn’t included in the first place.
For the full Crimson Desert 1.02.00 patch notes and a rundown of the big changes to know, read below:
The headline update for Crimson Desert this time is the ability to toggle headgear visibility. This means you can benefit from a helm’s armour stats, but it will appear invisible during gameplay and conversations.
This is a popular option to enable in a lot of RPGs where players are keen to see their custom character’s face. Of course, Kliff isn’t customisable in the same way, but it’s nice to have the option to see his grizzled complexion during gameplay.
Elsewhere, Pearl Abyss has added new storage expansion slots depending on how much the Greymane camp is levelled up. The higher the level, the more things you’ll be able to keep in the storage chest.
The new storage cap is 1,000 items, which should be plenty for even the most dedicated of players.
Crimson Desert enjoyers might have noticed that the last update changed the way Kliff controls slightly. While this was intended to make the game more responsive, not everyone was a fan of the new system.
With update 1.02.00, there’s now an option to toggle back to the old movement mechanics.
For more granular updates on what’s changed in Crimson Desert with this patch, here are the full notes:
Crimson Desert update 1.02.00 full patch notes
Content
Advertisement
Depending on your progress with the Greymane camp expansion, the capacity of your private storage can now be increased from 240 slots up to a maximum of 1000 slots. Through the expansion of your camp, which consists of 5 stages in total, you can expand your private storage as follows: Start with 240 slots First camp expansion +100 slots Second camp expansion +100 slots Third camp expansion +100 slots Fourth camp expansion +100 slots Final camp expansion +360 slots
Added an Abyss Nexus in Pailune.
Improved the visibility of explosive barrels when using the “Light Reflection” skill or when shining the lantern on them.
Fixed an issue with combat missions, where comrades would not return until the mission timer expired if the mission was completed before the time limit.
Fixed an issue where the Abyss puzzle state would reset when viewing detailed information of nodes via the map “Details” menu while in the Abyss.
Fixed an issue where the character would become invisible if an Abyss Artifact was obtained before the Abyss completion cutscene played.
Fixed an issue where the skills Healing Force Palm and Aerial Force Palm were also reset when resetting all skills.
Changed the designs of certain gimmick monsters.
Added 1 new armor set and helmet for cats.
Improved Abyss Skybridge Gates so that restored Gates can be teleported to. (This change was applied in Patch 1.01.00)
Fixed an issue where the bank investment refresh time would remain stuck in the “Refreshing” state and not update. (Added: 2026/04/04 05:00 UTC)
Controls & Combat
Added a “Movement Controls” option. The option can be selected via Main Menu > Others > Settings > Input > Movement Controls, and offers two options: Basic and Classic. Detailed descriptions can be found in the in-game options menu. Basic movement controls: Hold the sprint key to accelerate. Classic movement controls: Repeatedly press the sprint key to accelerate.
The stamina consumption for mounts has been adjusted. With Basic movement controls, holding the sprint key consumes stamina at set intervals. With Classic movement controls, stamina is consumed each time the sprint key is pressed.
Improved the conditions for using the Abyss Nexus, allowing them to be used even while moving slightly except in certain situations such as while mounted or while using Flight. We plan to improve this further in the near future so that the player character can fast travel even while on certain mounts.
Improved so that the Flight skill can be activated even when holding the jump key in mid-air.
Improved responsiveness when inputting a jump after an attack.
Added an Escape key guide when affected by elemental status effects.
Fixed an issue where the Focus state would not be canceled when using Aerial Roll during flight.
Fixed an issue where weapons could not be drawn inside Demeniss Castle under certain conditions.
Fixed an issue where some bosses would teleport too far away during combat.
Fixed an issue where the ‘Double Boost’ horse ability would not activate properly.
Fixed an issue where parry would not activate properly during ‘Focus’ when a two-handed sword was equipped.
Fixed an issue where the camera would turn toward nearby enemies when aiming with a tool.
Fixed an issue where certain interactions were unavailable while specific tools were equipped.
Fixed an issue where repeatedly pressing the sprint key would allow a horse to run at maximum speed regardless of its stats.
Quests
Fixed an issue in Chapter 6 where quest progression became unavailable after defeating a boss following a save/load under certain conditions.
Fixed an issue where quest progression became unavailable if a related item was sold before starting the ‘A Rumor Fueled by Greed’ quest.
Fixed an issue in Chapter 11 where the Inserted Key could disappear from the bag, preventing related quest progression.
NPC & NPC Dialogue
Fixed an issue where certain quest-related NPCs would not appear.
UI Fixes & Improvements
Improved the item use notification in the bottom-right corner so that using it will select the item directly.
Improved the shop UI so that sellable items are prioritized on display.
Reorganized certain positions and content of the key guide displayed in the bottom-right corner to improve visibility.
Improved the UI so that the Save Game and Load Game menus are separated, and added save slot number labels.
Fixed an issue where the minimap scale would reset while riding a mount at maximum speed.
[Keyboard/Mouse] Fixed an issue where the mouse cursor would disappear in the storage menu.
Fixed an issue where item movement would not work properly when entering the horse inventory menu in certain circumstances.
Fixed an issue where certain menus would occasionally not respond to interaction or appear visually awkward.
Fixed an issue where crashes occured when entering or using some UI/menus in certain circumstances.
Improved the game so that the “Stow Weapon” key guide is displayed while in combat when mounted.
Graphics & Settings
Added a “Headgear Visibility” option in Settings > Language & Gameplay. The following options are available to choose from: Always Show / Show in Combat / Hide in Cutscenes / Always Hide. Additionally, a feature to hide weapons shown on the character’s back, which many players have requested, is also planned to be added in the near future.
[PC] Fixed an issue where GPU memory usage would increase when the DLSS RR option was configured.
[PC] Improved GPU load and shimmering in certain circumstances when FSR-RR / DLSS-RR was enabled.
[PC] Fixed an issue where foliage and certain other elements were not rendered properly in ray-traced reflections when FSR-RR / DLSS-RR was enabled.
[PC] Fixed an issue where the top of the screen would flicker when DLAA and HDR options were enabled.
[PC] Fixed a rendering issue affecting the character’s face indoors when the graphics preset was set to Low.
[PlayStation 5] Applied the Upgraded PSSR Sharpen feature on PlayStation 5 Pro, improving image sharpness.
[PlayStation 5] Applied Upgraded PSSR Native AA to Quality Mode on PlayStation 5 Pro.
[Xbox] Fixed an issue where V-Sync behavior would change when pressing the Home button.
[Xbox] Added a 4K upscaling option to Performance Mode on Xbox Series X.
Performance, Stability, Gameplay
Fixed several stability, performance optimization, and crash issues across PC, console, and Mac.
Localization
Fixed various localization errors and improved localization quality (game advice, etc.) across all languages.
Others
Fixed an issue where certain walls in Corridors of the Void were missing.
Improved the sound so that the sound position changes together with the camera perspective.
Fixed various other in-game issues.
Other Fixes
Fixed an issue where the weapon would not be visible when using the ‘Stab’ ability while ‘Unarmed’ was equipped as a secondary weapon.
Improved the UI so that license information can now be viewed in the Credits.
Fixed an issue the audio volume would become low when an NPC won in minigames such as Duo.
Fixed an issue where the background audio would become distorted in certain locations and situations.
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.Click here to activateor add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Joe – who penned the script of the original Basic Instinct, as well as the likes of Flashdance and Showgirls – explained he’s almost done with writing a new spin on the original 1992 erotic romance.
He claimed: “The producers are negotiating with a really interesting director – a Brit, Emerald Fennell – who did Promising Young Woman and Wuthering Heights.”
Advertisement
“Her sensibility is exactly right,” Joe continued. “She’s someone who is not afraid of controversy and sexuality. So I’m thrilled by that. I hope it works out.”
After working both behind and in front of the camera on screen, Emerald made her feature-length directing debut in 2020 with Promising Young Woman, which was nominated for five Oscars and won one in the Best Original Screenplay category.
She followed this with Saltburn, a dark comedy thriller set in the mid-2000s, which got everyone talking thanks to its many twists and rather graphic sex scenes upon its release in late 2023.
Barry Keoghan in Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn
The original Basic Instinct was a box office smash upon its release, with Sharon Stone and Michael Douglas in its lead roles.
Advertisement
A much-panned sequel eventually followed in 2006, winning Worst Picture and Worst Actress at that year’s Razzies.
Thai food has been rising in popularity over recent years with great spots popping up all over Cambridgeshire.
Celebrations for Thai New Year or Songkran are taking place from Monday, April 13, to Wednesday, April 15. Many people who celebrate will be getting involved in huge water fights, family gatherings, and cleansing rituals to mark a fresh start.
Advertisement
You might also want to celebrate the occasion by enjoying some traditional Thai food. From piles of noodles topped with a range of vegetables and meats to fragrant curries packed with herbs and spices, Thai cuisine is versatile and growing in popularity.
Luckily, Cambridgeshire has plenty of food spots to try out with Thai dishes available. You can find Thai food in traditional British pub settings or in a cosy restaurant for more special occasions.
If you are looking for somewhere for a quick lunch or want to enjoy a relaxing dinner with friends, you should be able to find a food spot that suits you.
CambridgeshireLive wants to know where we can find the best Thai food in the county. Whether you love a restaurant because of its wonderful staff or love the affordable prices, there are many reasons why you keep returning to a Thai restaurant.
Advertisement
You can tell us where your favourite Thai spot in Cambridgeshire is by using our survey below. If the survey does not appear for you, you can open it in a new tab here.
The leader of Taiwan’s largest opposition party arrived in China at the invitation of Xi Jinping on Tuesday for a “peace mission” at a time of increased military tensions between the self-governed island and the mainland.
Cheng Li-wun’s trip marks the first visit by a Kuomintang (KMT) leader to China in a decade, although Beijing is yet to confirm whether the Chinese president will definitely meet her.
Cheng said at her party headquarters in Taipei she had embarked on a “historic journey for peace”, but added that some people feel uneasy about the visit. “If you truly love Taiwan, you will seize even the slightest chance, every possible opportunity, to keep Taiwan from being ravaged by war,” the KMT chief said in defence of her visit. China sees Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out reunification by force, if necessary.
The trip, which comes just weeks ahead of US president Donald Trump’s May visit to Beijing, has sparked concerns among the Taiwanese people who anticipate a territorial conquest by China sometime in the near future. The threat of invasion has been a major concern for Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te’s administration as well.
Advertisement
Kuomintang chairperson Cheng Li-wun shakes hands with Song Tao (R), Director of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council in Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (Central News Agency (CNA)/AFP)
Lai, viewed as a separatist figure by Beijing, has called for ramping up Taiwan’s defence capabilities and bolstering the self-governed island’s defence budget, drawing lessons from multiple conflicts around the world, including the Russia-Ukraine war.
The Cheng-led opposition bloc, which dominates parliament, has also been accused of blocking a $40bn special defence budget since November 2025, which Lai has been pushing for to bolster Taiwan’s military muscle against China’s People’s Liberation Army.
Before leaving for China, Cheung said: “So I would rather believe that all Taiwanese people hope this trip will succeed, because we can transform the most dangerous place in the world into the safest place in the world.
“I believe that through this journey for peace, everyone is even more eager to see the sincerity and determination of the CPC (Communist Party of China) Central Committee to use peaceful dialogue and exchange to resolve all possible differences between the two sides,” she added.
A protester delivers a speech as Taiwan’s main opposition Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang (KMT) chairperson Cheng Li-wun leaves for China (AP)
The Taiwanese official took a train to Nanjing, which hosts the mausoleum of Chinese revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen. Sun, the father of the revolution that toppled China’s last emperor in 1911, died in 1925, and is a hero in China despite being the former leader of the Kuomintang, or Nationalist Party, defeated by the Communists in 1949.
The head of China’s Taiwan Affairs office, Song Tao, and Cheng “chatted cordially like friends” on the train, with the KMT leader calling her trip “especially rare and precious”, the party said.
Advertisement
Cheng did not address the increasing military escalation from across the Taiwan Strait where China has been sending warplanes and naval vessels around the smaller island on a near-daily basis. China’s PLA forces have also recently staged two major military exercises around the island, with the most recent one in December, after the US announced arms sales to Taiwan and involved the deployment of air, naval and missile units for a joint live-fire drill.
The US State Department said PLA’s exercises “increase tensions unnecessarily” and called on Beijing to cease military pressure against Taiwan.
Late on Monday, Kuan Bi-ling, head of Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council, which runs the coast guard, posted a picture on her Facebook account of current Chinese warship deployments around the island – two off the east coast, and one each to the north, northwest and southwest.
“When you depart, you are doing so from within what they see as the ‘Taiwan cage’,” Kuan told reporters at parliament on Tuesday, referring to how China’s military has termed Taiwan’s planned T-Dome air defence system and talking about Cheng’s trip.
Advertisement
Lawmakers in Taiwan slammed the visit, saying that the opposition leader is following the steps China wants her to. “From the fact that the accompanying journalists were chosen by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, to the use of a Chinese aircraft, and even the uncertainty before departure over whether she would be able to meet president Xi, KMT chairwoman Cheng Li-wen’s visit to China was, from the moment she boarded the plane, locked into the ‘One China’ framework,” said Fan Yun, a lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Cheng, she said, could very well be a model figure for Xi’s propaganda on “One China” policy.
The opposition, according to the lawmaker, is ignoring the obvious ground reality as public opinion polls in Taiwan show that support for unification has fallen below 10 per cent.
“The mainstream view in Taiwan is that Taiwan (Republic of China) and China (People’s Republic of China) are not subordinate to each other,” she tells The Independent, adding that while peace is “something all Taiwanese people support, but we learn from history that peace must be backed by strength”.
Advertisement
Chinese flags fly on fishing boats in Tailu village, on the Chinese coast opposite Taiwan’s Matsu islands, in China’s southeast Fujian province on in 2024 (AFP/Getty)
Regional experts say the trip serves Cheng little but benefits China more.
“Cheng’s visit won’t fundamentally change China’s calculation and preparation for a potential reunification with Taiwan. For Beijing, her trip primarily serves propaganda and diplomatic signalling purposes,” says William Yang, the International Crisis Group’s senior analyst.
For Xi’s domestic audience, the visit will display the government’s progress on the mission of reunification with Taiwan, he says.
“Cheng’s remarks during the trip, which will focus on calling for peace and reiterating her opposition to Taiwan independence, will be amplified by Chinese state media to try to exacerbate division within Taiwan,” he says.
Some leading figures in her own party are also worried that her rhetoric during the trip could damage the party’s prospects in the local election in November. “Despite these criticisms and diverging views within her party, there are also some in Taiwan who view her trip as a necessary step to help reduce the level of tension across the Taiwan Strait,” Yang says.
Advertisement
China will use the trip to demonstrate to the US “that there are still political leaders in Taiwan who are willing to conduct cross-strait exchange and pursue peace across the Taiwan Strait”, he says.
![CORRECTION / (FILES) A file photo taken on May 1, 2025 shows former member of Australia's elite Special Air Service regiment Ben Roberts-Smith leaving the Federal Court in Sydney. Police arrested on April 7, 2026, one of Australia's most-decorated soldiers for alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, local media reported, following a sweeping investigation into the conduct of the nation's elite commandos. The Australian Federal Police said they arrested a 47-year-old former Australian soldier, who was widely named in local media as Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP via Getty Images) / "The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Saeed KHAN has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: removing on April 7, 2025 from the second sentence. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require."](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SEI_292265131-8b14.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
You must be logged in to post a comment Login