Elon Musk promises to award $1M each day to a signer of his petition

October 20, 2024 | 6:08 pm

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania — Billionaire Elon Musk promised on Saturday to give away $1 million each day until November’s election to someone who signs his online petition supporting the US Constitution.

And he wasted no time, awarding a $1-million check to an attendee of his event in Pennsylvania aimed at rallying supporters behind Republican Donald Trump. The winner was a man named John Dreher, according to event staff.

“By the way, John had no idea. So anyway, you’re welcome,” the Tesla founder said as he handed Mr. Dreher the check.

The money is the latest example of Mr. Musk using his extraordinary wealth to influence the tightly contested presidential race between Mr. Trump and his Democratic rival Kamala Harris.

Mr. Musk started America PAC, a political action organization he founded in support of Trump’s presidential campaign. The group is helping mobilize and register voters in battleground states, but there are signs it is having trouble meeting its goals.

The Harrisburg event is the third in as many days in Pennsylvania, where Mr. Musk is painting November’s election in stark terms and encouraging supporters to vote early and get others to do the same.

He said on Saturday that if Ms. Harris wins, it will be “the last election,” suggesting the US will no longer exist.

He also said the two assassination attempts against Mr. Trump prove he is ruffling feathers and upending the status quo in ways Ms. Harris won’t. He said that’s why no one is trying to kill Harris.

“Assassinating a puppet is worthless,” Mr. Musk said, reiterating an argument he has made in a social media post.

The petition Mr. Musk is asking people to sign reads: “The First and Second Amendments guarantee freedom of speech and the right to bear arms. By signing below, I am pledging my support for the First and Second Amendments.”

Attendees of Saturday’s event had to sign the petition, which allows America PAC to garner contact details for more potential voters that it can work to get to the polls for Trump.

Mr. Musk, ranked by Forbes as the world’s richest person, so far has supplied at least $75 million to America PAC, according to federal disclosures, making the group a crucial part of Mr. Trump’s bid to regain the White House.

The entrepreneur behind carmaker Tesla and rocket and satellite venture SpaceX has increasingly supported Republican causes and this year became an outspoken Trump supporter.

Mr. Trump in turn has said if elected he would appoint Mr. Musk to head a government efficiency commission. — Reuters

’24 PFF Women’s Cup kickstarts with Manila Digger rallying past Stallion

October 20, 2024 | 6:06 pm

THE 2024 edition of the PFF Women’s Cup is generating a lot of buzz with several mainstays of the Filipinas ramping up the competition.

Olivia and Chandler McDaniel and Sofia Harrison are suiting up for Stallion Laguna while fellow FIFA Women’s World Cup veterans Quinley Quezada and Hali Long are playing for Manila Digger and Kaya Iloilo, respectively, in the chase for glory.

“We’re all excited for this long-awaited Cup. It’s really important to have leagues like this to push football here and see the sport grow and to have so many familiar faces to make football more attainable for little girls and little boys here,” Ms. Long said.

Ms. Long joined the McDaniel sisters, Quezada, Harrison, WC alternate goalkeeper Inna Palacios also of Kaya, as well as captains and representatives of Beach Hut FC, Azzurri SC and Tuloy FC in a presscon announcing the partnership between the PFF and Coca-Cola Philippines for the tourney.

They shared the table with Coca-Cola VP for franchise operations Pablo Medina Noriega, PFF national teams director Freddy Gonzalez, PFF general secretary Gelix Mercader, and PFF head of competitions committee Lovely Tababa.

“What’s really exciting about this league now is we have a lot of players who were part of the last World Cup squad coming back to the country and playing for the local clubs,” said Mr. Gonzalez.

“And for me, it’s really important that the women here get regular games week in and week out so that they can be ready when they represent the Filipinas in international competitions. “And it’s going to be really exciting for fans because right away these women lift up the level of play.”

The “PFF Women’s Cup brought to you by Coca-Cola” kicked off last week with Manila Digger rallying past Stallion on Quezada’s 60^th minute winning strike, 2-1, and Beach Hut beating Azzurri, 5-1.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the PFF to help improve and provide these women with the opportunities, resources they need to succeed, both in and out of the pitch,” said Medina Noriega. — Olmin Leyba

CSB smashes JRU to remain clean in NCAA Season 100

October 20, 2024 | 6:05 pm

College of St. Benilde Blazers — COLLEGE OF ST. BENILDE BLAZERS — FACEBOOK.COM/NCAA.ORG.PH

Games on Tuesday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
11 a.m. – Letran vs SSC-R
2:30 p.m. – UPHSD vs Arellano U

COLLEGE of St. Benilde (CSB) used a tornado-like third quarter onslaught to smash Jose Rizal University (JRU) into submission and hammer out an 80-65 win yesterday that kept it untouchable at the NCAA Season 100 helm at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Up by just a single digit at the break, the Blazers detonated a 24-4 bomb early in the third quarter to put the Bombers away, nail the former’s 10^th win in 12 outings and fortified its hold of the solo lead.

Ian Torres dished out his best scoring game in CSB uniform, firing 16 points off the bench while Allen Liwag did his work inside where he pounded in 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Slowly, CSB has started to shape up as a title favorite it initially envisioned itself to be.

If the Blazers continue to play impressively, it will put itself in a position to achieve what it failed to accomplish in more than two decades — snare their first seniors crown since going all the way in 2000.

Mr. Liwag though stressed they’re not rushing it.

“One game at a time, there’s still plenty of work to do,” he said.

The Bombers were actually in striking distance for the most part and even trailed by just seven points, 42-35, early in the second period.

But then the Blazers tightened the defensive screws and unleashed a series of mighty runs connecting the last two quarters that would give them their biggest edge of the match, 73-40. — Joey Villar

St. Benilde 80 – Torres 16, Liwag 12, Sanchez 10, Ancheta 9, Eusebio 9, Oli 6, Cajucom 5, Cometa 4, Ondoa 4, Serrano 2, Turco 2, Morales 1, Sangco 0, Jarque 0, Galas 0

JRU 65 – Guiab 17, Argente 14, Raymundo 13, Pangilinan 8, De Leon 4, Bernardo 4, Mosqueda 3, Lozan 2, Samontanes 0, Panapanaan 0, Sarmiento 0, Ferrer 0

Quarter scores: 21-16; 42-33; 68-40; 80-65

Juan Soto’s 10^th inning HR sends Yankees to World Series

October 20, 2024 | 6:04 pm

CLEVELAND — Juan Soto hit a three-run home run (HR) with two outs in the 10^th inning and the visiting New York Yankees advanced to their first World Series since 2009 with a 5-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday.

Giancarlo Stanton hit a game-tying two-run home run in the sixth inning for the Yankees, who won Game 5 of the American League Championship Series after trailing through the first five innings and never taking the lead until Soto’s heroics. Soto had three hits while teammate Gleyber Torres had two.

In the 10th, Soto hit four consecutive foul balls against Guardians right-hander Hunter Gaddis (1-1) before smashing a 1-2 fastball over the wall in right-center field. It was his second home run in two games and third of the series.

Stanton hit home runs in three consecutive games and had four in the series. Four New York relievers held Cleveland scoreless over the final 5 1/3 innings with Luke Weaver (1-0) pitching the last two innings to earn the win.

Bo Naylor doubled home brother Josh Naylor to give the Guardians a lead in the second inning, and Steven Kwan added an RBI single in the fifth. Cleveland right-hander Tanner Bibee held New York scoreless until Stanton hit his two-run homer with two outs in the sixth. — Reuters

UST blasts Ateneo to keep its unbeaten SSL campaign

October 20, 2024 | 6:04 pm

Games on Friday
(Rizal Memorial Coliseum)
2 p.m. — UST vs FEU
5 p.m. — CSB vs NU

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas (UST) picked up from where it left off by clipping Ateneo de Manila University, 25-11, 25-20, 25-17, to extend its unbeaten campaign in the second round of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Collegiate Pre-Season Championship on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Ace spiker Angeline Poyos fired 17 points on 17 attacks as the Tigresses carried over their perfect start from the first round for a 5-0 slate in the newly formed Pool F.

The UAAP Rookie of the Year drew solid contributions from veterans Jonna Perdido, Regina Jurado and Marga Altea with nine, eight and seven points, respectively, as Cassie Carballo did a great job orchestrating the Tigresses’ attack.

Santo Tomas, runner-up in the UAAP and champion of the V.League, needed only 85 minutes to declaw Ateneo in a bid to make a deep SSL run after sweeping Pool B.

No player scored double figures for the Blue Eagles (3-2) with AC Miner (eight) serving as the lone bright spot. Yvana Sulit had six while Lyann De Guzman and Bea Buena scored five points to no avail.

Aside from Santo Tomas and Ateneo, also in Pool F are Far Eastern University (FEU) and University of the Philippines (UP) as back-to-back champion National University leads Pool E with rival De La Salle University, University of the East and lone NCAA team College of St. Benilde.

All teams will play in a single-round robin format carrying over their records in the first round with the top two teams from each pool earning twice-to-beat incentives in the crossover quarterfinals.

Santo Tomas will try to mover closer to that goal against fellow unbeaten FEU on Friday while Ateneo seeks a rebound against UP the next day. — John Bryan Ulanday

Blackwater keeps 6’6 King for Commissioner’s Cup while Rosario opted for free agency

October 20, 2024 | 6:02 pm

IT MAY FACE a disadvantage against rivals cashing in on the “unlimited height” rule for imports in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup but Blackwater believes George King is the right man for the job.

Mr. King, who stands under 6-foot-6, whipped up a storm when he came in as replacement import in the Governors’ Cup, firing a league-high 40.29 points per game highlighted by a single-game high of 64 markers and 17 four-point baskets, plus 13.14 rebounds and 4.71 assists in seven outings.

In his second gig, the 30-year-old American will seek to settle an unfinished business as he and the Bossing fell a win short of making the Governors’ Cup playoffs with their 5-5 card in Group B.

“We feel like bringing in George (King) is us choosing an import that we’re familiar with, someone that can carry us,” Blackwater coach Jeffrey Cariaso said in the Power and Play program on One PH.

“There’s guaranteed numbers I think we can expect from him so you know that understanding and that conclusion (that) kind of just overlap the worries that we may be smaller as some teams may be bringing in a seven-footer. But we just feel like with him, the team is more confident and we’re just going to build off that,” he added.

Mr. Cariaso also has high expectations from Fil-Am rookie Sedrick Barefield, who was their top local scorer last conference with 18.9 markers.

“He really brings in a unique talent. You need talent to win in this league and you go across the teams that are in the semis, there’s talent across that lineup. And Sed coming over brings us additional talent to our squad that we much needed. What I’ve gotten to learn about him the last few months is he’s a winner and he’s a fighter,” he said.

But one key component of Blackwater’s promising run last conference won’t be around this time. Troy Rosario, who accounted for 13.5 points and 6.0 rebounds, opted for free agency despite getting what Mr. Cariaso described as “a really competitive offer” from the Bossing.

Thus, Mr. Cariaso said the challenge is for the likes of Christian David, Richard Escoto, Justin Chua, Bradwyn Guinto, Jewel Ponferada and youthful Clifford Jopia to rise to the occasion.

“I think everyone is ready to step up. We had a really awesome first week of practice. I see the motivation and the inspiration of a lot of these players who are going to be given more opportunities (in Rosario’s absence),” said Mr. Cariaso.

“I expect more things from our veterans and then I know the work ethic of a Mr. Jopia. I know he hasn’t proved himself too much but I think he’s deserving of consistent playing time and you’re going to see him more. But the idea is when one man goes down (or out), everyone else has to step up and that’s what we’re going to do.” — Olmnin Leyba

Classic rubber match

October 20, 2024 | 6:01 pm

Just when it seemed like the 2024 Women’s National Basketball Association Finals had already run out of twists, Game Four set the stage for yet another one. For the first time in the best-of-five affair, the score was close from opening tip to final buzzer; neither the Lynx nor the Liberty could muster enough momentum to forge an advantage larger than six points. The result was a humdinger that kept the outcome under a cloud of uncertainly until the very end. And only when a desperation heave from Sabrina Ionescu failed to find its mark did a clear winner emerge.

Given how exceptional the Finals has been, perhaps the only regret for fans pertains to its inevitable end. The razor-thin margins separating the Lynx from the Liberty have led to a battle for the ages. Game One went to — and was decided in — overtime under remarkable circumstances. Game Two may have featured a wire-to-wire triumph, but true separation was created only in the last four minutes of the fourth quarter. Game Three closed with a dagger that claims a place among the best in league annals. And Game Four was capped by a foul call that continued to shine the spotlight on the spotty officiating throughout the matches.

Today, everything comes to a head. For all the variables that draw the line between victory and defeat, the players will ultimately wind up being the real deciders of Game Five. Whether or not the Lynx get to overcome their underdog status depends on how well Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, and Bridget Carleton overcome the odds on the road. And whether or not the Liberty are able to finally live up to expectations lies on the capacity of Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, Leonie Fiebich, and Ionescu to translate superior talent to collective success.

If there’s anything the Finals has proven, however, it’s that coaching does make a difference. And, the championship pedigree of the Liberty’s Sandy Brondello notwithstanding, there can be no doubting the masterclass the Lynx’s Cheryl Reeve has conducted. From timely substitutions to precise after-timeout plays to strategic post-match statements that work the officiating, the latter has effectively nudged her charges closer to their goals.

Make no mistake. The Liberty begin today’s do-or-die encounter as favorites — which is to say the hardware is Gotham-bound if all goes according to popular prognoses. However, the operative word is “if,” and it makes proceedings much less predictable. The Lynx are invariably better than the sum of their parts, thereby negating whatever individual deficiencies they may have. In short, another classic awaits.

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

ECPay exec leads 50^th Philippine Business Conference & Expo

October 18, 2024 | 6:00 pm

Raymund-_Jude_-Aguilar-OL — Raymund Jude Aguilar of ECPay

Electronic Commerce Payment, Inc. (ECPay) executive Raymund Jude Aguilar is leading the Philippines’ biggest business conference happening on Oct. 22-23 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Pasay City.

Consul Enunina V. Mangio, the President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), announced the appointment of Mr. Aguilar as Chairman of the 50^th Philippine Business Conference & Expo (PBC&E) following an executive session that unanimously voted him for the position. Mr. Aguilar is also the Vice-President of the PCCI and Director for International Affairs.

“We are glad that Jude accepted the challenge of leading this year’s conference. We know the task ahead is daunting but we trust in his expertise, competence, and commitment to lead and deliver, especially now that we are celebrating the golden year of PBC&E,” Ms. Mangio said.

The 50^th PBC&E banners “Embracing Innovation. Empowering Business. Enriching Lives.” It looks back on the role of PBC&E over the years in promoting a transformative agenda for the country and how it has strategically positioned businesses to take advantage of new and emerging opportunities.

“I am honored for the trust and at the same time excited for the job. I will do everything I can with the support of my colleagues and the hardworking secretariat to make this conference bigger, better, and bolder,” Mr. Aguilar said, who is currently a director of ECPay, Inc., the largest e-payments service provider in the Philippines with over 500,000 touch points and outlets nationwide.

The PBC&E is an annual business event organized by the PCCI that serves as a venue for policymakers, business leaders, international partners, academe, and MSMEs to meet, discuss issues and come up with policy recommendations to help create a business environment that is sustainable and resilient.

It traditionally opens with the Vice-President of the Philippines delivering a keynote address and concludes with the President of the Philippines receiving a set of policy recommendations that emanate from PCCI members, local chambers, and industry partners.

Aside from ECPay, Mr. Aguilar is also a founder and director of several companies including Recycle Plus, Inc. (RPI), a waste management and recycling company; GATE Distribution Enterprise, Inc., an accredited major distributor of telco and online gaming products and services in the Philippines; WERRA Logistics, Inc., AXIOS Ventures, Inc., Genzai Corp. and Pharmaco, Inc.

Mr. Aguilar finished his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of the Philippines and took his Masters in Business Administration from the Asian Institute of Management (AIM).

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Philippine political rift widens as VP Duterte accuses Marcos of incompetence

October 18, 2024 | 5:54 pm

VICE-PRESIDENT Sara Duterte-Carpio — OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

MANILA – Philippine vice-president Sara Duterte accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr of incompetence and a lack of leadership in a scathing attack on Friday that showed the deepening rift between the two powerful families ahead of midterm elections.

Ms. Duterte, the daughter of Mr. Marcos’ predecessor, resigned from cabinet in June, signaling the collapse of a formidable political alliance that helped her and Mr. Marcos, son and namesake of the late strongman, secure their 2022 electoral victories.

“The sitting leader does not know how to become president,” Ms. Duterte said during a two-hour, freewheeling press conference, where she attributed problems such as inflation and food security to what she called a lack of clear government policies.

“It’s not my fault that we are in this road to hell,” added Ms. Duterte, who had served as education secretary in cabinet, saying Marcos ran without a plan for his administration.

“I don’t ever remember him discussing what he would do in government,” she said.

Mr. Marcos would not be responding to Ms. Duterte’s claims, presidential communications secretary Cesar Chavez told reporters.

Ms. Duterte’s accusations come as the country gears up for mid-term elections in May 2025, seen as a litmus test of Mr. Marcos’ popularity and a chance for him to consolidate power and groom a successor before his single six-year term ends in 2028.

Since their falling out, Ms. Duterte and Mr. Marcos’ relationship has turned hostile, driven by policy differences and investigations into former president Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly war on drugs and other scandals involving his associates.

The lower house of congress, led by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, a cousin of Mr. Marcos, has slashed funding for Ms. Duterte’s office by nearly two-thirds in the proposed 2025 budget.

At one point in the press conference, Sara Duterte said she had told a Marcos family member that she would have the body of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr, whom Rodrigo Duterte allowed to be buried in the heroes’ cemetery, exhumed and thrown in the South China Sea if they did not relent in their attacks. – Reuters

Mitsubishi acquires half of Ayala’s stake in fintech unicorn Mynt

October 18, 2024 | 3:55 pm

Source: https://www.mynt.xyz/

Philippine conglomerate Ayala Corp is selling half of its stake in Mynt, the fintech unicorn which operates e-wallet brand GCash, to Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp for a minimum of 18.4 billion pesos ($318.89 million), it said on Friday.

The Japanese conglomerate will acquire the stake by buying 50% of Ayala-owned AC Ventures, the Philippine group said in a statement. Ayala owns a 13% stake in Mynt via AC Ventures.

Mynt, a joint venture of Alibaba affiliate Ant Group, Ayala and communications firm Globe Telecom, has two fintech companies: G-Xchange, the operator of GCash, and Fuse Lending, a tech-based micro-lender.

It was valued $5 billion in a funding round in August that included Mitsubishi UFJ Financial.

“We believe Mitsubishi can add meaningful value to Mynt, which will allow Mynt to deliver significant value to its over 94 million registered users,” Ayala President and CEO Cezar Consing said.

Last week, Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon said Mynt had no definite plans for an initial public offering and that its focus was to grow its business including GCash.

The Philippines is one of the fastest growing fintech markets in Southeast Asia, with a surge in adoption of digital services during the pandemic. – Reuters

SM and DENR partner to save critically endangered Philippine species

October 18, 2024 | 2:10 pm

DSC_5047-OL — L-R: Hubert D’Aboville — President and Executive Director, D’Aboville Foundation and Demo Farm, Inc.; Mary Edwina D. Garchitorena — Country Director, Zoological Society of London-CMRP Philippines, Inc.; Dennis Joseph Ilustre Salvador — Executive Director, The Philippine Eagle Conservation Program Foundation; Steven T. Tan — President, SM Supermalls; Hanna Carinna Sy — Assistant Vice-President for Special Events and Tenant Marketing, SM Supermalls; Hon. Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga — Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Sarah Jessica Navarro — First Vice-President, BDO; Katherine Custodio — Executive Director, World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines; and Indira Dayang Lacerna-Widmann — Program Director, KATALA Foundation

SM Supermalls has teamed up with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and some of the nation’s most respected organizations, each with expertise in wildlife conservation, to protect six critically-endangered animals found in the Philippines. The campaign — launched in partnership with Kultura, Banco De Oro Unibank, Inc. (BDO), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Forest Foundation Philippines (FFP), Zoological Society of London (ZSL), D’Aboville Foundation (DAF), Philippine Eagle Conservation Program Foundation (PEF), and KATALA Foundation — aims to raise both awareness and funds to safeguard these species and the communities that depend on them.

The DENR and SM Supermalls are working with the following organizations for the conservation of these species:

The Dugong, a gentle marine mammal often seen in the waters surrounding the Philippines, and the Philippine Turtle, including several endangered sea turtle species, are supported by Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas Foundation Inc. (KKPFI)/WWF-PH;
The Philippine Cockatoo, also known as the red-vented cockatoo and native to the country’s forests, is protected by the KATALA Foundation;
The Philippine Eagle, the country’s national bird known for its majestic size and critically low population, is conserved by the Philippine Eagle Foundation; and
The Tamaraw, a dwarf buffalo found only on the island of Mindoro, is looked after by the D’Aboville Foundation (DAF), and;
The Pangolin, a critically endangered scaly mammal from Palawan, is championed by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

As part of the “Save From Extinction” campaign, SM Supermalls will provide key platforms to promote awareness through posters, videos, and fund-raising booths in its malls. Participating malls include SM City North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM Makati, SM Aura, and SM Mall of Asia, starting Oct. 18. These booths will feature exclusive merchandise from Kultura, with proceeds supporting conservation efforts.

Exclusive shirts and totes by Kultura at the ‘Save from Extinction’ booth invite shoppers to join the movement to safeguard the Philippines’ most endangered wildlife. A portion of proceeds will go towards supporting this conservation initiative.

Kultura’s merchandise lineup includes t-shirt designs for both adults and children in several colors, with each product highlighting one of the six endangered animals. Canvas tote bags featuring the animals are also available for purchase.

Kultura’s exclusive merchandise collection for Save From Extinction features artwork of the dugong, pangolin, pawikan, tamaraw, cockatoo, and Philippine eagle on t-shirts and tote bags.

During the launch, Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to this vital cause: “At SM Supermalls, we are committed to protecting these remarkable creatures and their habitats. Through our malls and platforms, we are taking concrete steps to raise awareness and drive action that ensures their survival for future generations.”

BDO is leveraging its vast nationwide network to support the campaign, offering donation channels through its ATMs across the country. This integration makes it easier for the public to contribute, extending the reach of the campaign to thousands of communities. Funds raised will go directly to NGOs dedicated to the conservation of each species.

“This collaboration is not just about saving endangered animals; it’s about supporting the communities they belong to,” said Hanna Carinna Sy, SM Supermalls’ Assistant Vice-President for Special Events and Tenant Marketing. “Our goal is to ensure the survival of these animals while creating lasting economic, social, and ecological benefits for future generations.”

Hans Sy and Hanna Carinna Sy with His Excellency Kamal Kishore, Head of the UNDRR; and Hon. Marco Toscano-Rivalta, Chief of UNDRR Regional Office for Asia Pacific, during the ‘Save From Extinction’ MoU signing event

This initiative is a key pillar in SM’s broader sustainability strategy, reinforcing its unwavering commitment to environmental conservation. By mobilizing its resources and partners for this crucial cause, SM is taking concrete action toward a sustainable future, where both people and wildlife can thrive.

To know more about the Save From Extinction campaign, visit smsupermalls.com/save-from-extinction.

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Taiwan president thanks air force for ‘outstanding’ work during China war games

October 18, 2024 | 12:51 pm

TAIPEI – Taiwan President Lai Ching-te thanked the air force on Friday for their “outstanding” work during Chinese war games around the island earlier this week, telling them to keep up the good work.

China’s military said Monday’s day of war games were a warning to “separatist acts”, vowing to take further action against the democratically governed island Beijing claims as its own territory if needed.

Visiting air force headquarters in Taipei, Mr. Lai was connected by radio to what sounded like a fighter pilot who the president identified by their call sign, “Viper One”, in a video released by the presidential office.

“Thank you for your hard work for our country. Please continue to guard the airspace of the Taiwan Strait to ensure national security, and have a safe and smooth flight,” Mr. Lai said, before adding in English “happy landing”.

In subsequent comments made to personnel inside air force command, Mr. Lai praised their performance.

“We were all on full alert during these Chinese exercises and did our best. The performance was outstanding. Thank you very much and please keep up the good work in our duty to protect and defend our country.”

Taiwan’s air force, which is dwarfed by that of China’s, has repeatedly scrambled in to see off almost daily missions by the Chinese military around the island.

During Monday’s drills, Taiwan said it had detected 153 Chinese aircraft, the highest figure for a single day.

Mr. Lai and his government reject Beijing’s sovereignty claims. Mr. Lai has offered talks many times with China, but been rebuffed. – Reuters