Overall Highlights

• Taiwan’s defense budget is facing political hurdles, with a US$37 billion boost blocked by opposition parties.
• China’s recent earthquake in Taiwan raises concerns about disaster preparedness and response.
• Calls for impeachment of Taiwan’s Lai intensify amid political controversies, reflecting internal tensions.
• China’s media highlights Taiwan’s challenges while emphasizing the need for stability in the region.
• Taiwan’s government is tightening regulations on travel to China, reflecting ongoing tensions.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• Taiwan’s Lai faces significant political opposition, hindering defense budget increases.
• China reports a magnitude-6.6 earthquake affecting Taiwan, emphasizing the need for disaster readiness.
• Calls for impeachment of Lai are framed as a response to his controversial actions, highlighting political instability in Taiwan.
• Chinese media suggests that arming Taiwan could lead to its destruction, framing it as a betrayal of the region’s stability.

Taiwan Perspective (Taiwan Sources)

• China is accused of using AI to meddle in Taiwanese elections, raising concerns about foreign influence.
• Taiwan experiences a magnitude 7.0 earthquake, prompting discussions on emergency preparedness.
• The US urges China to cease its pressure on Taiwan and engage in constructive dialogue, indicating international support for Taiwan.
• Taiwan’s government is implementing stricter travel rules for officials visiting China, reflecting rising tensions and security concerns.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] What next for Taiwan’s Lai as US$37 billion defence boost blocked by KMT, allies? - South China Morning Post (12/28/2025)
2. [en-US] Dozens of Chinese EV makers under pressure to fold or trim operations: analysts - South China Morning Post (12/28/2025)
3. [en-US] China’s Taiwan region experiences a magnitude-6.6 earthquake - newsaf.cgtn.com (12/27/2025)
4. [en-US] Hong Kong police arrest off-duty officer after elderly man knocked down by car - South China Morning Post (12/27/2025)
5. [en-US] 6.6-magnitude quake hits waters off Taiwan: CENC - 新华网 (12/27/2025)
6. [en-US] CMG: Top 10 Taiwan Strait news in 2025 - news.cgtn.com (12/27/2025)
7. [en-US] Impeachment calls intensify in Taiwan as Lai’s actions spark outrage - news.cgtn.com (12/27/2025)
8. [en-US] CGTN poll shows arming Taiwan is selling out and destroying Taiwan - news.cgtn.com (12/27/2025)
9. [en-US] More than 200 people have been killed in attacks by militants in several parts of western Sudan. - news.cgtn.com (12/27/2025)
10. [en-US] Taiwan body restoration experts help families of Hong Kong fire victims bid farewell - South China Morning Post (12/27/2025)
11. [en-US] China using AI vote meddling: report - Taipei Times (12/27/2025)
12. [en-US] China revises law to regulate drones, tighten safety rules - Taipei Times (12/27/2025)
13. [en-US] Magnitude 7.0 quake hits Yilan - Taipei Times (12/27/2025)
14. [en-US] US urges Beijing to cease pressure, engage in talks - Taipei Times (12/27/2025)
15. [en-US] Chinese ‘ghost’ ship likely still active: report - Taipei Times (12/27/2025)
16. [en-US] Some choosing Chinese amid tech rivalry - Taipei Times (12/27/2025)
17. [en-US] Xi meeting would hinge on 1992 Consensus, anti-independence: KMT chair - Taipei Times (12/27/2025)
18. [en-US] Cabinet passes stricter China travel rules for officials - Taipei Times (12/26/2025)
19. [en-US] Snow falls on Yushan and Hehuanshan - Taipei Times (12/26/2025)
20. [en-US] Four indicted in classified info leak - Taipei Times (12/26/2025)