Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Taiwan remain high, particularly regarding military developments and diplomatic relations.
• Taiwan is actively seeking military support from the US, particularly in the form of F-16V fighter jets, amidst rising concerns over China’s military posture.
• China continues to assert its stance on Taiwan, emphasizing peaceful reunification while also promoting military readiness in the region.
• Japan’s involvement with Taiwan has drawn strong opposition from China, highlighting regional geopolitical tensions.
• Taiwan’s domestic politics are influenced by external pressures, particularly from China and Japan, affecting public opinion and government actions.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China opposes Japanese lawmakers’ visits to Taiwan, viewing them as a challenge to its sovereignty.
• Recent articles suggest a potential shift in China’s tone regarding Taiwan, emphasizing peaceful reunification while maintaining military readiness.
• Xi Jinping has promoted military commanders overseeing the Taiwan Strait, indicating a focus on military preparedness.
• China’s foreign ministry has firmly opposed any foreign interference in Taiwan-related issues, particularly from Japan.

Taiwan Perspective (Taiwan Sources)

• Taiwan is pressing the US and Lockheed Martin for the delivery of F-16V fighter jets as part of its defense strategy against China.
• There is a strong public and political sentiment in Taiwan against any perceived capitulation to China, as seen in calls for canceling visits to China by Taiwanese officials.
• Taiwan’s support for Japan’s Prime Minister remains firm despite tensions with China, indicating a strategic alignment against Chinese pressure.
• Taiwan’s National Police Agency is considering new rules for purchasing military supplies, reflecting ongoing security concerns.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] F-16V fighter jet tested as Taiwan presses US and Lockheed Martin for delivery - South China Morning Post (12/23/2025)
2. [en-US] ‘Urgent’: has mainland China changed tone for Taiwan peaceful reunification? - South China Morning Post (12/22/2025)
3. [en-US] Xi promotes PLA commanders overseeing Taiwan Strait, Beijing to full general - South China Morning Post (12/22/2025)
4. [en-US] Beijing ‘firmly opposes’ Japanese lawmakers’ trips to Taiwan - South China Morning Post (12/22/2025)
5. [en-US] China-Japan tension hits holiday travel as flights cancelled on 46 routes - South China Morning Post (12/22/2025)
6. [en-US] China opposes Japanese legislators’ visit to Taiwan: foreign ministry - 新华网 (12/22/2025)
7. [en-US] China’s PLA Daily accuses Japan of showing ‘no respect for history’ - South China Morning Post (12/22/2025)
8. [en-US] China opposes Japanese legislators’ visit to Taiwan: foreign ministry - China Daily (12/22/2025)
9. [en-US] China opposes Japanese legislators’ visit to Taiwan: FM spokesperson - 新华网 (12/22/2025)
10. [en-US] Beijing Quju Opera Troupe tours Taiwan - China Daily - Global Edition (12/22/2025)
11. [en-US] Car blast kills Russian general hours after US talks - Taipei Times (12/22/2025)
12. [en-US] NPA mulls new rules to purchase smoke grenades - Taipei Times (12/22/2025)
13. [en-US] Police still tracing finances of Taipei attacker - Taipei Times (12/22/2025)
14. [en-US] Support for Japan PM firm despite China row - Taipei Times (12/22/2025)
15. [en-US] Chiang should cancel China trip - Taipei Times (12/22/2025)
16. [en-US] KMT taking orders to stall bill from Beijing, DPP says - Taipei Times (12/22/2025)
17. [en-US] Man crossing Taiwan in samurai outfit questioned by police over sword - Focus Taiwan (12/22/2025)
18. [en-US] OneRepublic thrills Kaohsiung crowd; lead singer sports temple vest - Focus Taiwan (12/22/2025)
19. [en-US] MRT patrols increased after social media bomb threat - Taipei Times (12/21/2025)
20. [en-US] KMT filing malfeasance against Constitutional Court - Taipei Times (12/21/2025)