Overall Highlights

• China continues military drills around Taiwan as a show of force against perceived separatist movements.
• Taiwanese sources emphasize the need for defense and highlight the impact of Chinese military exercises on civilian life, including flight cancellations.
• China’s narrative frames Taiwan’s government as the source of cross-strait tensions, while Taiwan counters with concerns over Chinese aggression and misinformation.
• International reactions include support for Taiwan’s stance and criticism of China’s military posturing, particularly from the U.S. and its allies.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• PLA drills serve as a stern warning to Taiwan independence forces and external interference, reinforcing China’s claim over Taiwan.
• Chinese officials and media assert that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan destabilize the region and provoke military responses from China.
• China’s military exercises are framed as necessary responses to Taiwan’s perceived provocations and separatist activities.
• Russia’s support for China’s stance on Taiwan independence is highlighted, emphasizing a united front against perceived Western interference.

Taiwan Perspective (Taiwan Sources)

• Taiwanese media report on the disruptive impact of Chinese military drills, including the cancellation of domestic flights and heightened public concern.
• Taiwan’s military conducts its own drills in response to Chinese exercises, emphasizing readiness and defense capabilities.
• Taiwanese sources criticize Chinese disinformation campaigns during military drills, asserting the need for transparency and truth in communications.
• Taiwanese officials and analysts argue that the DPP government is not solely responsible for tensions, pointing to China’s aggressive posture as a primary factor.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] PLA drills a stern warning to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, external interference: spokesperson - 新华网 (12/31/2025)
2. [en-US] Presidents Xi, Putin exchange New Year greetings - news.cgtn.com (12/31/2025)
3. [en-US] Editorial | Powerful PLA drill shows US arms sales don’t help Taiwan Strait stability - South China Morning Post (12/30/2025)
4. [en-US] US envoy hosts Quad meeting in Beijing as PLA’s drills around Taiwan continue - South China Morning Post (12/30/2025)
5. [en-US] Russia reaffirms opposition to any form of “Taiwan independence” - 新华网 (12/30/2025)
6. [en-US] Wherever the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists are, PLA’s firepower package will be delivered there: National Defense University professor - Global Times (12/30/2025)
7. [en-US] U.S.-based Taiwan scholar: DPP authorities caused cross-strait tensions - news.cgtn.com (12/30/2025)
8. [en-US] Opinion | If Trump wants a deal with China, he must rein in US allies in Asia - South China Morning Post (12/30/2025)
9. [en-US] PLA drills around Taiwan are punishment for Taiwan secessionists - news.cgtn.com (12/30/2025)
10. [en-US] Taiwan question is China’s internal affair: Indonesian FM - 新华网 (12/30/2025)
11. [en-US] Saudi Arabia bombs Yemen port over weapons, issues stark warning to UAE - Taipei Times (12/30/2025)
12. [en-US] Taichung explosion defendants indicted - Taipei Times (12/30/2025)
13. [en-US] EDITORIAL CARTOON - Taipei Times (12/30/2025)
14. [en-US] Chinese watch missiles fly from Fujian’s Pingtan - Taipei Times (12/30/2025)
15. [en-US] Exercises force the cancelation of 36 domestic flights - Taipei Times (12/30/2025)
16. [en-US] ‘Not worried’ about China drills: Trump - Taipei Times (12/30/2025)
17. [en-US] Military highlights Chinese disinformation during drill - Taipei Times (12/30/2025)
18. [en-US] Military conducts defense drills in New Taipei amid Chinese exercises - Taipei Times (12/30/2025)
19. [en-US] Changhua tradition - Taipei Times (12/30/2025)
20. [en-US] Japan-China relations next year - Taipei Times (12/30/2025)