Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Taiwan remain high, with military drills and diplomatic maneuvers influencing regional stability.
• China emphasizes peaceful reunification with Taiwan, while Taiwan views these efforts as coercive and threatening.
• The U.S. involvement in regional security is a point of contention, with both sides interpreting U.S. actions differently.
• China’s diplomatic relations with Japan and South Korea are strained, impacting its stance towards Taiwan.
• Taiwan continues to assert its sovereignty and independence in response to Chinese pressures.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China calls for compatriots across the Taiwan Strait to promote national reunification, emphasizing sincerity in its approach.
• Chinese media report on military readiness and drills near Taiwan, framing them as necessary for national security.
• China criticizes external forces, particularly the U.S., for escalating tensions in the region and undermining peace efforts.
• Chinese public sentiment appears to be warming towards the U.S. while still supporting Beijing’s trade stance, indicating a complex relationship.
• China’s diplomatic efforts focus on fostering cooperation with other nations, contrasting its approach towards Japan.

Taiwan Perspective (Taiwan Sources)

• Taiwan accuses China of aggressive tactics, including doxxing individuals and threatening lawmakers, highlighting concerns over safety and sovereignty.
• Taiwan views military drills by the PLA as simulations of potential aggression, raising alarms about national security.
• Taiwanese officials assert that international visits, such as those from Japanese leaders, reinforce Taiwan’s statehood and independence.
• Taiwan’s government is actively proposing laws to counteract perceived Chinese influence and tactics, indicating a proactive stance against coercion.
• Taiwan denounces threats against its lawmakers and emphasizes the importance of internal and external support for its democratic values.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Why China is turning down the nationalist heat in its row with Japan - South China Morning Post (1/3/2026)
2. [en-US] Japan’s reported Takaichi-Trump call aims to pull US into confrontation with China, but efforts unlikely to succeed: experts - Global Times (1/3/2026)
3. [en-US] Compatriots across Taiwan Strait urged to jointly promote national reunification - Global Times (1/3/2026)
4. [en-US] Cooperation can boost cross-Strait integration - China Daily (1/2/2026)
5. [en-US] Trump to meet US’ China envoy after call with Japanese PM Takaichi - South China Morning Post (1/2/2026)
6. [en-US] Chinese public warms to US while strongly backing Beijing’s trade stance: survey - South China Morning Post (1/2/2026)
7. [en-US] China’s diplomatic divide: red carpet for Seoul, cold shoulder for Tokyo firms - South China Morning Post (1/2/2026)
8. [en-US] Did a PLA stealth fighter approach a key Taiwan airbase? New video sparks debate - South China Morning Post (1/2/2026)
9. [en-US] Beijing’s peaceful Taiwan reunification push to continue ‘with utmost sincerity’ - South China Morning Post (1/2/2026)
10. [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)
11. [en-US] China accused of ‘doxxing’ Puma Shen - Taipei Times (1/3/2026)
12. [en-US] Trump invites Japan’s Takaichi to the US this year - Taipei Times (1/3/2026)
13. [en-US] Japanese councilor says trip will prove Taiwan’s statehood - Taipei Times (1/3/2026)
14. [en-US] PLA simulated cutting off energy, aid: US think tank - Taipei Times (1/3/2026)
15. [en-US] Law proposals target CCP tactics - Taipei Times (1/3/2026)
16. [en-US] Family of man killed in Taipei attack holds private funeral - Focus Taiwan (1/3/2026)
17. [en-US] Taiwan denounces threats against DPP lawmaker - Focus Taiwan (1/3/2026)
18. [en-US] China to host South Korean leader amid tensions with Japan - Taipei Times (1/2/2026)
19. [en-US] Chen Chien-jen to serve as Academia Sinica head - Taipei Times (1/2/2026)
20. [en-US] Taipei MRT, buses begin allowing pay apps - Taipei Times (1/2/2026)