Overall Highlights

• China is conducting extensive military drills around Taiwan, emphasizing its stance against ‘Taiwan independence’ and external interference.
• Taiwan views these drills as a significant provocation, affecting flights and shipping in the region.
• Political tensions are rising in Taiwan, with both major parties condemning each other’s responses to China’s military actions.
• There are concerns in Taiwan about the implications of these drills for regional security and Taiwan’s sovereignty.
• China’s military exercises are framed as necessary actions to safeguard national unity and sovereignty.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• The PLA is conducting maritime, anti-air, and anti-submarine drills near Taiwan to deter ‘Taiwan independence’ forces and external interference.
• Military exercises are described as legitimate actions to safeguard China’s sovereignty and national unity.
• The PLA Eastern Theater Command released visuals of drills, highlighting their focus on areas near Taiwan, including Kaohsiung and Keelung.
• Chinese state media emphasizes that these drills are a response to perceived threats from Taiwan and foreign nations.

Taiwan Perspective (Taiwan Sources)

• Taiwan’s government condemns China’s military drills as a provocative act that threatens regional stability.
• The drills have disrupted flights and shipping routes, raising concerns about safety and security in the Taiwan Strait.
• Taiwanese political parties are divided on how to respond to China’s actions, with the DPP and KMT blaming each other for the situation.
• Taiwanese media reports on the drills signal a growing concern about China’s military capabilities and intentions in the region.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] PLA maritime, anti-air, anti-submarine drills held near Taiwan Island - news.cgtn.com (12/30/2025)
2. [en-US] PLA Eastern Theater Command releases third poster on drills around Taiwan, showing hammers hitting waters off Kaohsiung, Keelung - Global Times (12/30/2025)
3. [en-US] PLA begins second day of live-fire exercises around Taiwan - South China Morning Post (12/30/2025)
4. [en-US] Breaking | PLA begins second day of exercises around Taiwan - South China Morning Post (12/30/2025)
5. [en-US] ‘No worries’: Trump plays down Beijing’s military drills around Taiwan - South China Morning Post (12/29/2025)
6. [en-US] PLA conducts drills around Taiwan to deter “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, external interference - 新华网 (12/29/2025)
7. [en-US] PLA Eastern Theater Command conducts joint drills around Taiwan; ‘legitimate and necessary action to safeguard sovereignty and natl unity’ - Global Times (12/29/2025)
8. [en-US] Any line crossing on Taiwan question bound to be struck back - news.cgtn.com (12/29/2025)
9. [en-US] Xinhua Commentary: The clear message behind the PLA’s latest drills around Taiwan - 新华网 (12/29/2025)
10. [en-US] PLA Eastern Theater Command releases video with view of Taipei 101 on the day of launching ‘Justice Mission 2025’ Drills - Global Times (12/29/2025)
11. [en-US] Flights and shipping affected by Chinese drills - Taipei Times (12/29/2025)
12. [en-US] Chinese exercise is part of two-pronged approach - Taipei Times (12/29/2025)
13. [en-US] DPP and KMT both condemn the other’s stance on exercise - Taipei Times (12/29/2025)
14. [en-US] Enrollment falls below 60% at 6 colleges - Taipei Times (12/29/2025)
15. [en-US] Kim Keon-hee probe finalized - Taipei Times (12/29/2025)
16. [en-US] China’s BYD Co poised to overtake Tesla in EV sales - Taipei Times (12/29/2025)
17. [en-US] Chinese monument near Panama Canal torn down - Taipei Times (12/29/2025)
18. [en-US] DPP urges support for budget plans - Taipei Times (12/29/2025)
19. [en-US] Drills signaling China-Russia cooperation: academics - Taipei Times (12/29/2025)
20. [en-US] Taiwan slams China’s ‘provocation’ - Taipei Times (12/29/2025)