Number of civilians attending gun training on the rise in Taiwan

epa10007330 Taiwanese civilians attend a gun handling training session in New Taipei city, Taiwan, 11 June 2022. Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing tension between China and Taiwan, the number of Taiwanese who are getting gun training lessons is increasing, according to training-running company Polar Light. Despite the strict rules of owning a gun in Taiwan, some Taiwanese are trying to acquire gun handling skills by practicing pistol and rifle BB Guns. EPA-EFE/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Olympic Games 2020 Closing Ceremony

epa09405885 Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium during the Closing Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Ja?pan, 08 August 2021. EPA-EFE/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Olympic Games 2020 Wrestling

epa09399248 Lucia Yamileth Yepez Guzman (L) of Ecuador in action against Valentina Islamova of Kazakhstan in the Women's Freestyle 50kg 1/8 Final during the Wrestling events of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Makuhari Messe convention centre in Chiba, Japan, 06 August 2021. EPA-EFE/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Olympic Games 2020 Field Hockey

epa09385985 Jack Waller of Great Britain in action during the Field Hockey Men's quarter final match between India and Great Britain of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Oi Hockey Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, 01 August 2021. EPA-EFE/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Olympic Games 2020 Shooting

epa09375295 Ana Waleska Soto Abril of Guatemala releases empty shogun shell during the Trap Women's Qualification of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Camp Asaka in Nerima, Tokyo, Japan, 29 July 2021. EPA-EFE/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Rally against the police brutality in Hong Kong

epa07745700 Riot police fire tear gas to disperse protesters taking part in a rally against the police brutality in Hong Kong, China, 28 July 2019. Hong Kong has a new mass rally with demonstrators protesting against the police brutality on 27 July in Yuen Long, another mass protest was held and ended up with clashes between protesters and the police when riot police fired rubber bullets, tear gas and pepper spray to disperse the crowd. EPA-EFE/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Anti-extradition bill protesters rally in Yuen Long

epa07743579 Anti-extradition bill protesters attend a mass rally in Yuen Long, New Territories, Hong Kong, China, 27 July 2019. Anti-extradition bill protesters took to the streets to denounce the break out of violence on 21 July when more than 100 white-clad men suspected of being triads members beat up travellers in the Yuen Long MTR station. Some of whose victims had come from a march against the government’s now-suspended extradition bill. EPA-EFE/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Experts warn that the on-going Hong Kong extradition protests could trigger a mental health crisis

epa07693698 A protester defaces the Bauhinia Flower emblem of Hong Kong with spray paint after breaking into the main chamber of the Legislative Council building during the annual 01 July pro-democracy march in Hong Kong, China, 01 July 2019 (issued 04 July 2019). According to news reports, experts warn that the on-going Hong Kong extradition protests could trigger a mental health crisis as the number of calls recorded to Suicide prevention groups are rising. EPA-EFE/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Open House of Taiwan's Air Force base in Hualien

epaselect epa06221061 An aerial performance of Taiwan's Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF) Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team during an Open House event of Taiwan Air Force in Hualien, Eastern Taiwan, 23 September 2017. The Open house event aims to demonstrate the readiness of Taiwan Air Force and improve relationship between civilians and the military. EPA-EFE/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Unique geological rock formations in Taiwan

epa06213733 Fishermen wait to catch fish next to rock formations in Yehliu Geopark in New Taipei, Taiwan, 19 September 2017. The unique geological formations formed through thousands of years of geological movement forced the Datun Mountains to change, resulting to unique rock formations. EPA-EFE/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Plane Spotting in Taipei

epaselect epa06187707 People take photos of an approaching passenger plane in Taipei, Taiwan, 06 September 2017. Plane spotting is a hobby of aircraft enthusiasts who track the movement of aircraft, recording details and taking photographs. EPA-EFE/RITCHIE B. TONGO

World Population Day in Taipei

epaselect epa06080304 Motorists traverse on a busy street during rush hour in Taipei, Taiwan, 11 July 2017. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) celebrates World Population Day on 11 July, which highlights how family planning can empower people and help developing nations. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Cherry blossoms in Taiwan

epa07078154 A visitor takes a photo under cherry blossoms in Taichung, Taiwan, 27 February 2018. Yae-Zakura, or multi-layered cherry blossom, is a double-layer type flower, which is stronger and more firm compared to the one-layer flower. EPA-EFE/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Taiwan's 33rd annual Han Kuang military exercise

epa05988059 Taiwanese soldiers fire with M60A3 battle tanks as they perform maneuvers during the 33rd annual Han Kuang (Chinese Glory) military exercise in Penghu, Taiwan, 25 May 2017. The live-fire drill, simulating an attack by China, is taking place in several areas in Taiwan and will last until 26 May. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Taiwan Ransomware

epaselect epa05960672 A programer shows a sample of decrypting source code in Taipei, Taiwan, 13 May, 2017. According to news reports, a 'WannaCry' ransomware cyber attack hits thousands of computers in 99 countries encrypting files from affected computer units and demanding 300 US dollars through bitcoin to decrypt the files. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Rally to support the legalization of same-sex marriage in Taiwan

epaselect epa05668463 Thousands of supporters from the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) shout slogans as they gather to support the legalizing of same-sex marriage at a major street in Taipei, Taiwan, 10 December 2016. The LGBT community held the rally to voice out their support in legalizing same-sex marriage. Taiwan parliament has begun to review a proposed bill to legalize same-sex union but has met fierce resistance from pro-family value groups which vow to block the passage of the bill at all costs. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Aftermath in the super typhoon devastated Leyte island.

epa03957865 Filipino villagers force open a washed up container containing grocery items in the super typhoon devastated city of Tacloban, Leyte island province, the Philippines, 20 November 2013. The death toll from Haiyan's destruction has reached at least 3,976 with 1,598 missing and more than four million displaced according to the national disaster relief agency. More than 18,000 were injured. Haiyan slammed into the eastern Philippines on 08 November with record winds of more than 300 kilometers per hour. A storm surge of up to four metres destroyed more than a million houses. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Super Typhoon Meranti brings high winds and heavy rains to Taiwan

epa05538763 A motorist holds on to a post as she braves high winds and rain of Super Typhoon Meranti in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan, 14 September 2016. The storm is the strongest recorded since Super Typhoon Haiyan developed in 2013. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Taiwan Elections - DPP party campaign

epa05103327 Supporters of Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate, wave flaglets during the last day of campaign rallying for the 2016 presidential election in Taipei, Taiwan, 15 January 2016. Taiwanese people are expected to elect their first female president on 16 January 2016, with the island's ties to China a deciding factor between her and her main challenger.Tsai Ing-wen of the China-sceptic opposition enjoys a comfortable lead over the ruling party candidate, largely due to widespread discontent over current president Ma Ying-jeou's policies, which have been criticized as too Beijing-leaning. Several polls conducted last week suggest Tsai, who chairs the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), is at least 20 per cent ahead of her main rival, Eric Chu, the candidate for the ruling Nationalists (KMT). EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

2016 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in Taipei

epaselect epa05168736 Maisy Hiu Ching Ma of Hong Kong performs during the Ladies' Short Program of the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in Taipei, Taiwan, 18 February 2016. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Over 100 still missing as death toll reaches 37 in Taiwan earthquake

epaselect epa05149431 Rescuers continue their search for survivors from a collapsed building on the third day following the early 06 February 6.4 magnitude earthquake, in Tainan City, southern Taiwan, 08 February 2016. More than 100 people are still missing two days after a 6.4-magnitude earthquake killed at least 37 in southern Taiwan, while three people were rescued alive, authorities said. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Aftermath in the super typhoon devastated city of Tacloban

epa03947684 A US Air Force C-130 plane loads stranded passengers at a damaged airport in the super typhoon devastated city of Tacloban, Leyte province, Philippines, 13 November 2013. Aid workers and relief supplies were being poured into eastern provinces hit by Typhoon Haiyan, which aid agencies and officials estimated has left thousands dead and staggering destruction in its wake. The official death toll in the Philippines from one of the world’s strongest typhoons rose to 1,833, the national disaster relief agency said with many towns still unaccounted for. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Japan based digital art group exhibition in Taiwan

epaselect epa05810083 Visitors look at digital light effects by Japan based digital art group teamLab during the 'Dance! Art Exhibition, Learn and Play! Future Park' in Taipei, Taiwan, 23 February 2017. The art exhibit will run until 09 April 2017. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

UFC Fight Night in Manila

epa04751972 Urijah 'The California Kid' Faber (R) in action against Frankie 'The Answer' Edgar, both from USA during their UFC featherweight mixed martial arts bout at the Mall of Asia arena in Pasay city, south of Manila, Philippines, 16 May 2015. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

AFC 2019 Asian Cup Qualifier Final Round - Taiwan vs Turkmenistan

epaselect epa05871780 Chen Sheng-Wei of Taiwan reacts during a match between Taiwan and Turkmenistan for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Final Round in Taipei, Taiwan, 26 March 2017. Turkmenistan won against Taiwan, 3-1. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Protest against government retirement pension in Taipei

epaselect epa05521515 Protesters hold placards and shout slogans during a protest in Taipei, Taiwan, 03 September 2016. Thousands of retired public servants took to the street to protest against the government's retirement pension reform plan. The retirees claim that cutting their pension hurts their livelihood and takes away their dignity. Other social groups and industry sectors also plan to hold protest in September, urging President Tsai Ing-wen's government, sworn in on 20 May, to address various issues and to improve Taiwan's economy. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival

epaselect epa05784862 People release sky lanterns during the annual Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, in Pingxi, New Taipei City, Taiwan, 11 February 2017. Taiwan and foreign tourists released thousand of lanterns into the sky to wish for peace and happiness. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Aftermath in the super typhoon devastated Leyte island.

epa03957866 A Filipino typhoon victim (C) salvages timber in the super typhoon devastated town city of Tacloban, Leyte island province, Philippines, 20 November 2013. The death toll from Haiyan's destruction has reached at least 3,976 with 1,598 missing and more than four million displaced according to the national disaster relief agency. More than 18,000 were injured. Haiyan slammed into the eastern Philippines on 08 November with record winds of more than 300 kilometers per hour. A storm surge of up to four metres destroyed more than a million houses. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

State weather forecaster is monitoring Tropical Cyclones affecting Philippines.

epa04337347 A Filipino boy walks across rubbish brought by previous typhoon at a fishing village in Navotas City, east of Manila, the Philippines, 01 August 2014.State weather forecaster Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said heavy rains, enhanced by the southwest monsoon, is hoisted over Luzon island brought by Tropical Cyclone Nakri and warned the public for possible flash floods. Meanwhile, tropical storm Halong is expected to enter Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in few days. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Taiwan vote in presidential elections

epa05104563 A supporter of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) cheers while watching the vote counting process during the 2016 presidential election in Taipei, Taiwan, 16 January 2016. Taiwanese went to the polls on 16 January in an election widely expected to produce the island's first female president. Tsai Ing-wen, 59, enjoyed a comfortable lead in all opinion polls ahead of the voting, largely due to growing discontent with outgoing, two-term President Ma Ying-jeou. Tsai, who chairs the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), is facing off against Eric Chu, the candidate for Ma's Nationalist Party (KMT). EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

The incoming president of the Philippines promises to get tough on crime

epa05309814 Presumptive president-elect Rodrigo Duterte, reacts during a press conference before he meets well-wishers in Davao city, southern Philippines, 16 May 2016. On 15 May 2016, Duterte said that he will urge Congress to restore death penalty and will give security forces ‘Shoot-to-kill’ orders against members of organized crime synidates. He also speaks for government reforms for his administration. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Taiwan Anti Same-Sex Marriage Protest

epaselect epa05629353 Members of the LGBT community shout slogans and display banners in support to the same-sex marriage near the venue where thousands of Taiwanese protesting against the same-sex marriage in Taipei, Taiwan, 13 November 2016. Pro-family value civic groups hold a protest in front of Presidential Office, to protest moves to legalize same-sex marriage. Currently three Taiwan cities allow same-sex couple to register at household registration offices out of respect for gender equality. LTBG groups are campaigning for Taiwan to legalize same-sex marriage. If everything goes smoothly, Taiwan parliament could approve the same-sex marriage bill in March 2017, thus making Taiwan the first Asian nation to legalize gay marriage. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Labor protest outside Parliament building in Taipei

epa05662032 Taiwanese protesters scuffle with police officers after throwing smoke flares outside the Parliament building during a protest in Taipei, Taiwan, 06 December 2016. Labor rights activists clashed with police while protesting parliament's amending labor basic law which will reduce their days off. The protest was one of many protests by various social groups against president Tsai Ing-wen, accusing her of ignoring working class rights and wellbeing. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Over 100 still missing as death toll reaches 37 in Taiwan earthquake

epaselect epa05149427 A female survivor said to be from Vietnam is carried away after being rescued from a collapsed building following the early 06 February 6.4 magnitude earthquake, in Tainan City, southern Taiwan, 08 February 2016. More than 100 people are still missing two days after a 6.4-magnitude earthquake killed at least 37 in southern Taiwan, while three people were rescued alive, authorities said. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Taiwanese rice consumption down year by year

epa05431462 A picture made available on 19 July 2016 shows Taiwanese farmers harvesting rice grain in a traditional way in Taitung, Taiwan, 30 June 2016. Local farmers in Taitung aim to educate young generations on the traditional way of rice farming. According to studies, Taiwanese rice consumption is down year by year from 100 kg for every person per year from the 1990’s, to 50-40 kg every person per year in the year 2000's. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Taiwan Elections - DPP party campaign

epa05103364 Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate, waves to supporters during the last day of campaign rallying for the 2016 presidential election in Taipei, Taiwan, 15 January 2016. Taiwanese people are expected to elect their first female president on 16 January 2016, with the island's ties to China a deciding factor between her and her main challenger. Tsai Ing-wen of the China-sceptic opposition enjoys a comfortable lead over the ruling party candidate, largely due to widespread discontent over current president Ma Ying-jeou's policies, which have been criticized as too Beijing-leaning. Several polls conducted last week suggest Tsai, who chairs the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), is at least 20 per cent ahead of her main rival, Eric Chu, the candidate for the ruling Nationalists (KMT). EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Super Typhoon Meranti aftermathl in Taiwan

epaselect epa05540296 People view sinking fishing vessels caused by super typhoon Meranti in Kaohsiung city, southern Taiwan, 15 September 2016. Typhoon Meranti is moving towards the Chinese provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang after lashing southern part of Taiwan on 14 September, leaving close to a million households without power and water supplies. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Philippine General visits Pag-Asa island amid escalating tensions with China over alleged reclamation and building activities in the disputed South China Sea.

epa04742923 An areal photo taken though a glass window inside a military plane of the alleged on-going reclamation by China into mischief reef in the Spratly group of islands in the South China Sea, west of Palawan, Philippines, 11 May 2015. Armed Forces of the Philippines military chief General Gregorio Catapang Junior visit Pagasa island(Thitu Island) came amid escalating tensions with China over its alleged reclamation and building activities in the disputed South China Sea. The general said his trip aimed to establish that 'Pagasa is a territory of the Republic of the Philippines.' He also assured the residents that the Philippine military are ready to protect the against any aggression from China. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO / POOL

Taiwan tries to contain oil spill from grounded container

epaselect epa05231419 Workers erect spill booms to collect oil on the shore spilled from a Taiwanese container ship owned by the shipping company T.S. Lines off the shore of Shimen, New Taipei City, Taiwan, 26 March 2016. The 15,487-ton ship ran aground in a storm about 300 meters from the shore while it was sailing from Hong Kong to Keelung Port in Taiwan on 10 March. The ship carries about 407 tons of fuel and FW40 tons of kerosene, about half of which has been pumped out. In the past days, pumping has been hampered by stormy weather, and oil has begun to leak and some containers have tumbled into the sea. Pumping oil was stopped on 25 March when the ship broke into two parts and rescue boats could not reach it. As the site it near a fishing port and a nuclear power plant, environmentalists warned that if the spill is not contained in time, its damage on the ecosystem could last for two to three years. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Taiwan Elections - DPP party campaign

epa05103329 Supporters of Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate, shout party slogans during the last day of campaign rallying for the 2016 presidential election in Taipei, Taiwan, 15 January 2016. Taiwanese people are expected to elect their first female president on 16 January 2016, with the island's ties to China a deciding factor between her and her main challenger.Tsai Ing-wen of the China-sceptic opposition enjoys a comfortable lead over the ruling party candidate, largely due to widespread discontent over current president Ma Ying-jeou's policies, which have been criticized as too Beijing-leaning. Several polls conducted last week suggest Tsai, who chairs the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), is at least 20 per cent ahead of her main rival, Eric Chu, the candidate for the ruling Nationalists (KMT). EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Taiwan's Military drill

epa05126514 Two Taiwan Army F-16 fighter jets flyby during a military drill in Chiayi southern Taiwan, 26 January 2016. The defense command showed their skills as part of their drills to provide security in the Taiwan Strait. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Anti government protest in Malaysia

epa04905827 A Malaysian protester waves flag during the BERSIH (The Coalition for Free and Fair Elections) rally in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 30 August 2015. Thousands of anti-government demonstrators on 30 August 2015 pressed on with their peaceful protests in the Malaysian capital demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Razak, who faces accusations of corruption. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

International Tennis Premier League

epa04508654 Gael Monfils of France in action against Andy Murray of Britain during their match at the first leg of International Tennis Premier League (IPTL) at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay city, south of Manila, Philippines, 29 November 2014. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Strong earthquake topples buildings in Taiwan, killing eight

epa05147268 Rescuers search for survivors from a collapsed building following a 6.4 magnitude earthquake in Tainan City, southern Taiwan, 07 February 2016. At least eight people, including an infant, were killed and hundreds injured when a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck southern Taiwan early 06 February 2016, authorities said. A 17-storey apartment building collapsed in Tainan City's Yungkang district. It was said to be home to about 250 people in 96 households, according to the Central Emergency Operation Center. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Fire razes more than 200 houses in Manila on the start of New Year 2015

epaselect epa04543975 Filipino firemen use water hoses to extinguish a fire in a slum area of Quezon city, east of Manila, Philippines, 01 January 2015. The fire, which razed more than 200 houses made from light materials, leaves hundreds of families homeless during the start of the year 2015. According to news reports, the fire started when a fire cracker landed in an unattended house, a fire investigator said. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Soccer - PFF Peace Cup 2014

epa04382481 Weng Wei-Pin (R) and Chiu J-Huan of Chinese Taipei in action with Jason Nicolas Maria De Jong (C) of Philippines during their PFF Peace Cup 2014 soccer match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, Philippines, 03 September 2014. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

At least seven dead in Philippines after storm floods

epa04408546 Filipino flood victims wade through water as they return home in Cainta town, Rizal province, east of Manila, Philippines, 20 September 2014. At least seven people were killed and more than 100,000 displaced in floods triggered by tropical storm Fung-Wong in the Philippines, the national disaster relief agency said. Schools, government offices and the financial markets were shut down in the capital and northern provinces, where the floodwaters reached as high as two metres in some areas. Four of the deaths occurred in Manila, including a two-year-old girl who drowned while her family was preparing to evacuate, and a college student who was electrocuted, the disaster relief agency said. EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO

Taiwan Military Air force drill

epa09667074 A Taiwanese Air Force pilot gestures after he boarded an F-16V fighter jet during a military drill inside the airbase during a military drill in Chiayi, Taiwan, 05 January 2022. The drill simulates the response of Air Force personnel during an enemy attack amidst the rising military tension between China and Taiwan. EPA-EFE/RITCHIE B. TONGO