Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Taiwan continue to escalate, with military drills and airspace disruptions being key points of contention.
• China emphasizes its desire for peaceful reunification with Taiwan, while Taiwan views China’s actions as aggressive and provocative.
• Both sides are engaged in a war of narratives, with China portraying its military activities as necessary for national security, while Taiwan sees them as intimidation tactics.
• The U.S. has criticized China’s actions, labeling them as unnecessary provocations, indicating international concern over the situation.
• Taiwan’s government is focusing on strengthening national defense and seeking support from allies to counter China’s military threats.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China advocates for cross-Strait integration and cooperation, suggesting that collaboration can benefit both sides.
• Chinese media reports a warming public sentiment towards the U.S. while maintaining strong support for Beijing’s trade policies.
• China’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) asserts that it will not allow external forces to hinder its efforts against ‘Taiwan independence’ movements.
• China’s military drills are framed as necessary responses to perceived threats from Taiwan and external influences, particularly from the U.S.
• Official statements emphasize a commitment to peaceful reunification with Taiwan, despite military posturing.

Taiwan Perspective (Taiwan Sources)

• Taiwanese sources accuse China of deliberately raising tensions through military drills that disrupt air travel and threaten regional stability.
• Taiwan’s government condemns China’s military actions as aggressive and a form of intimidation against Taiwan.
• Experts in Taiwan argue that China’s military disruptions are strategic moves to assert dominance and create fear among Taiwanese citizens.
• The Taiwanese legislature is actively responding to the situation, with motions to censure government officials for their handling of cross-Strait relations.
• Taiwan’s leadership is calling for unity in national defense and strengthening ties with international allies to counter China’s threats.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Cooperation can boost cross-Strait integration - China Daily (1/2/2026)
2. [en-US] Trump to meet US’ China envoy after call with Japanese PM Takaichi - South China Morning Post (1/2/2026)
3. [en-US] Chinese public warms to US while strongly backing Beijing’s trade stance: survey - South China Morning Post (1/2/2026)
4. [en-US] China’s diplomatic divide: red carpet for Seoul, cold shoulder for Tokyo firms - South China Morning Post (1/2/2026)
5. [en-US] Did a PLA stealth fighter approach a key Taiwan airbase? New video sparks debate - South China Morning Post (1/2/2026)
6. [en-US] Beijing’s peaceful Taiwan reunification push to continue ‘with utmost sincerity’ - South China Morning Post (1/2/2026)
7. [en-US] MND spokesperson slams external forces’ hype over military drills around Taiwan island; expert says State Department’s cliché response fails to address root causes of tensions - Global Times (1/2/2026)
8. [en-US] Defense ministry rebuffs criticism over drills around Taiwan - China Daily (1/2/2026)
9. [en-US] China will never allow any force to tie its hands in curbing ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist acts in name of safeguarding cross-Straits peace: MND spokesperson - Global Times (1/2/2026)
10. [en-US] China’s record hypergravity machine, Nepal’s ‘bride buying’ probe: 7 highlights - South China Morning Post (1/2/2026)
11. [en-US] China to host South Korean leader amid tensions with Japan - Taipei Times (1/2/2026)
12. [en-US] Flight disruption was deliberate ploy, experts say - Taipei Times (1/2/2026)
13. [en-US] China raised ‘unnecessary’ tensions: US - Taipei Times (1/2/2026)
14. [en-US] Legislators approve, block two Executive Yuan bills - Taipei Times (1/2/2026)
15. [en-US] Bullying with the use of tourism has failed - Taipei Times (1/2/2026)
16. [en-US] Opposition-controlled Legislature passes motion censuring Premier Cho - Focus Taiwan (1/2/2026)
17. [en-US] China military drills’ disruption of air travel had a purpose: Expert - Focus Taiwan (1/2/2026)
18. [en-US] Lai urges unity on national defense - Taipei Times (1/1/2026)
19. [en-US] Lockheed gets US$328.5 million Taiwan contract - Taipei Times (1/1/2026)
20. [en-US] Chicken chain hit by soup-tainting vigilante attacks - Taipei Times (1/1/2026)