Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Taiwan are escalating, particularly regarding Taiwan’s policies and its relationship with Japan.
• China is critical of Japan’s stance on Taiwan, urging clarity and correction of perceived inaccuracies.
• Taiwan is taking measures to block Chinese apps like Xiaohongshu, citing security concerns and backlash from users.
• The U.S. continues to express commitment to Taiwan, reinforcing its support amid rising tensions with China.
• Both regions are navigating complex international relations, with Taiwan seeking to assert its autonomy and China reinforcing its claims.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China demands Japan clarify its Taiwan-related policies, criticizing any perceived concessions.
• Chinese Foreign Minister labels Taiwan independence movements as ‘doomed to fail’, emphasizing China’s stance on sovereignty.
• China reacts strongly against Taiwan’s blocking of Xiaohongshu, viewing it as an infringement on free expression and commerce.
• Beijing expresses dissatisfaction with Japan’s recent statements on Taiwan, labeling them as unacceptable and misleading.
• China warns against crossing its ‘red line’ regarding Taiwan, indicating a firm stance on territorial integrity.

Taiwan Perspective (Taiwan Sources)

• Taiwan has ordered ISPs to block the Chinese app Xiaohongshu due to security and fraud concerns.
• Taiwan’s government expresses dissatisfaction with China’s handling of the repatriation of prisoners, highlighting ongoing tensions.
• Taiwan is urged to reduce reliance on China’s rare earths, reflecting a push for economic independence.
• The U.S. reiterates its commitment to Taiwan under a new engagement law, signaling continued support against Chinese pressure.
• Taiwan celebrates the signing of a new U.S. law supporting its international ties, indicating a strengthening of its global position.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Japanese leader should explain Taiwan-related policy honestly, accurately, completely - Global Times (12/4/2025)
2. [en-US] Taiwan regional authorities’ block announcement of Xiaohongshu face backlash from island users - Global Times (12/4/2025)
3. [en-US] Beijing ‘absolutely does not accept’ Takaichi’s apparent Taiwan climbdown - South China Morning Post (12/4/2025)
4. [en-US] FM says Takaichi’s latest Taiwan remarks ‘certainly unacceptable’; experts warn PM’s move a ‘strategic deception’ - Global Times (12/4/2025)
5. [en-US] Chinese FM says reports on Takaichi’s latest statement over Taiwan inaccurate, urges Japan to correct mistakes and retract erroneous remarks - Global Times (12/4/2025)
6. [en-US] Xinhua News | “Taiwan independence” separatist moves doomed to fail: FM spokesperson - 新华网 (12/4/2025)
7. [en-US] Enough of Japan’s empty talk: It’s time for action on promises - China Daily (12/4/2025)
8. [en-US] China warns ‘red line’ of Taiwan not to be crossed - China Daily (12/4/2025)
9. [en-US] Opinion | Why peeling back layers of strategic ambiguity will only hurt Japan - South China Morning Post (12/3/2025)
10. [en-US] Bessent calls Beijing an ‘ally’ after Trump signs bill on ties with Taiwan - South China Morning Post (12/3/2025)
11. [en-US] ISPs ordered to block China’s Xiaohongshu - Taipei Times (12/4/2025)
12. [en-US] Macron urges China’s Xi to push for peace - Taipei Times (12/4/2025)
13. [en-US] Birthday travel voucher draws begin soon - Taipei Times (12/4/2025)
14. [en-US] HK races to take down nets blamed for fueling blaze - Taipei Times (12/4/2025)
15. [en-US] Taiwan chip sector urged to reduce reliance on China’s rare earths - Focus Taiwan (12/4/2025)
16. [en-US] MAC ‘dissatisfied’ with China’s handling of 10 released prisoners’ repatriation - Focus Taiwan (12/4/2025)
17. [en-US] Taiwan blocks Xiaohongshu amid fraud, security concerns - Focus Taiwan (12/4/2025)
18. [en-US] U.S. reiterates commitment to Taiwan under new engagement law - Focus Taiwan (12/4/2025)
19. [en-US] Trump signs bill on Taiwan into law - Taipei Times (12/3/2025)
20. [en-US] EDITORIAL: Taiwan’s show of support - Taipei Times (12/3/2025)