Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Taiwan are escalating, particularly influenced by U.S. defense policies.
• China criticizes Taiwan’s regional authorities for exaggerating military activities and tensions.
• Taiwan is increasing its military readiness in response to perceived threats from China, including monitoring Chinese coast guard activities.
• Both sides are preparing for potential military confrontations, with Taiwan reporting increased PLA activity around its borders.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• The U.S. defense policy act is seen as a provocation that heightens tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
• Chinese officials accuse Taiwan of hyping up military patrols to create unnecessary alarm.
• China’s defense ministry criticizes U.S. media for spreading ‘war anxiety’ that undermines peace in the region.
• Recent shifts in China’s military strategy have led to a decrease in PLA activity, which is interpreted as a tactical adjustment rather than a reduction in capability.

Taiwan Perspective (Taiwan Sources)

• Taiwan’s military is actively monitoring Chinese coast guard activities near its waters, indicating heightened vigilance.
• Taiwanese officials express the need for a new constitution to better define the island’s status and governance.
• Reports indicate that PLA activity around Taiwan has doubled, raising concerns about potential military aggression from China.
• Taiwan is celebrating Christmas publicly for the first time in 25 years, reflecting a cultural assertion amid political tensions.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] US defense policy act fuels Taiwan tensions - China Daily (12/25/2025)
2. [en-US] Japanese policy analyst: Takaichi’s Taiwan strategy is her most dangerous move yet - news.cgtn.com (12/25/2025)
3. [en-US] Xiaomi’s 17 Ultra, backed by Leica, challenges Apple’s iPhone Pro Max in imaging - South China Morning Post (12/25/2025)
4. [en-US] China Coast Guard accuses Taiwan regional authorities of hyping up patrols - China Daily (12/25/2025)
5. [en-US] Crossing the Strait: Explore Taiwan cuisine in Beijing - China Daily (12/25/2025)
6. [en-US] Chinese defense ministry criticizes latest US defense bill - China Daily (12/25/2025)
7. [en-US] Futile attempts made by US media to peddle ‘war anxiety’ will only undermine peace and stability across Taiwan Straits: MND spokesperson - Global Times (12/25/2025)
8. [en-US] Guest house rates hit 5-year high as tourists flock to Hong Kong for Christmas - South China Morning Post (12/25/2025)
9. [en-US] Documents affirm one-China principle - China Daily (12/24/2025)
10. [en-US] How Beijing’s strategy shift explains decreased PLA activity in the Taiwan Strait - South China Morning Post (12/24/2025)
11. [en-US] Taiwan needs new constitution, front says - Taipei Times (12/25/2025)
12. [en-US] From Tibet to Canada: a life standing up against Chinese oppression - Taipei Times (12/25/2025)
13. [en-US] Yuan climbs past seven per dollar as China’s central bank caves in to bulls - Taipei Times (12/25/2025)
14. [en-US] Beijing’s population czar passes away with policies castigated on social media - Taipei Times (12/25/2025)
15. [en-US] China license would not cut excess steel exports: lobby - Taipei Times (12/25/2025)
16. [en-US] Everything in place - Taipei Times (12/25/2025)
17. [en-US] Taiwan patrol vessels monitor Chinese coast guard in Kinmen waters - Focus Taiwan (12/25/2025)
18. [en-US] China may see full attack as best unification option: Pentagon - Focus Taiwan (12/25/2025)
19. [en-US] Taiwan celebrates Christmas, kind of, once again after 25 years - Taipei Times (12/24/2025)
20. [en-US] PLA activity around Taiwan doubles - Taipei Times (12/24/2025)