Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Taiwan continue to escalate, with both sides reinforcing their military positions.
• Taiwan is significantly increasing its defense budget, reflecting concerns over China’s military threats.
• China is demanding clarity from Japan regarding its stance on the one-China principle, indicating regional diplomatic tensions.
• Taiwan’s leadership emphasizes a commitment to democracy and independence, rejecting any notion of reunification with China.
• Both sides are engaged in a war of words, with China criticizing Japan’s comments on Taiwan and Taiwan asserting its sovereignty.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China urges Japan to punish those responsible for attacks on Taiwanese nationals, reflecting its protective stance over its citizens.
• Chinese officials are demanding that Japan clarify its position on the one-China principle amid rising tensions.
• China’s foreign minister has criticized Japan for perceived irresponsible comments regarding Taiwan, indicating a diplomatic rift.
• China’s leadership is focused on minimizing losses from domestic incidents, such as a recent building fire in Hong Kong, while maintaining a strong stance on Taiwan.
• Chinese media highlights President Xi’s remarks on Taiwan during a call with Trump, emphasizing the importance of Taiwan to China’s national integrity.

Taiwan Perspective (Taiwan Sources)

• Taiwan’s leader Lai has announced a significant increase in defense spending, amounting to NT$1.25 trillion, to bolster national security.
• Taiwan’s government is actively promoting democracy and independence, with the Premier stating that reunification with China is not an option.
• Taiwanese officials are welcoming international delegations, such as from Panama, despite pressure from China, showcasing Taiwan’s diplomatic efforts.
• Taiwan’s media reports on internal political controversies, such as a KMT member resigning over a pro-unification video, indicating divisions within Taiwan’s political landscape.
• Experts in Taiwan express concerns that the U.S. is downplaying the Taiwan issue, highlighting the need for stronger international support.

Sources

This summary is based on 20 articles from the following sources:

1. [en-US] Update | National Guard soldiers shot near White House, suspect in custody - South China Morning Post (11/26/2025)
2. [en-US] Xi urges all-out rescue efforts to minimize losses in HK building fire - Global Times (11/26/2025)
3. [en-US] Beijing demands clarity from Japan on one-China principle as row escalates - South China Morning Post (11/26/2025)
4. [en-US] China urges Japan to punish perpetrators of attack on Taiwan compatriots - news.cgtn.com (11/26/2025)
5. [en-US] Taiwanese leader Lai pledges US$40 billion rise in defence spending - South China Morning Post (11/26/2025)
6. [en-US] Chinese FM refutes Japan’s Cabinet-approved written reply on Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks, slamming Tokyo for again making irresponsible comments instead of correcting mistakes - Global Times (11/26/2025)
7. [en-US] How a Beijing-Tokyo chill over Taiwan could solidify Takaichi’s power - South China Morning Post (11/26/2025)
8. [en-US] Mainland spokesperson underscores significance of Xi’s remarks on Taiwan in phone call with Trump - 新华网 (11/26/2025)
9. [en-US] Italian eatery owner slammed for insulting 16 Taiwan tourists for sharing 5 pizzas - South China Morning Post (11/26/2025)
10. [en-US] Japan’s fallacious arguments related to Taiwan question rebutted by Chinese side - Global Times (11/25/2025)
11. [en-US] Lai unveils NT$1.25tn defense budget - Taipei Times (11/26/2025)
12. [en-US] President outlines plan to boost democracy, defense - Taipei Times (11/26/2025)
13. [en-US] KMT committee member resigns after ‘unification’ video controversy - Taipei Times (11/26/2025)
14. [en-US] US downplaying Taiwan issue: experts - Taipei Times (11/25/2025)
15. [en-US] Delegation from Panama arrives - Taipei Times (11/25/2025)
16. [en-US] Panama lawmakers arrive in Taiwan despite reported China pressure - Focus Taiwan (11/25/2025)
17. [en-US] Headed north, Huang hoping Taiwan can help ease Japan-China tensions - Focus Taiwan (11/25/2025)
18. [en-US] ‘Taiwan reunification not an option’: Premier - Focus Taiwan (11/25/2025)
19. [en-US] Xi gives attention to Taiwan issue in latest call with Trump: Experts - Focus Taiwan (11/25/2025)
20. [en-US] ‘Return’ to China not an option for Taiwan’s people: premier - Taipei Times (11/24/2025)