Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Taiwan continue to escalate, with both sides reinforcing their positions.
• China criticizes Taiwan’s political maneuvers and US involvement, while Taiwan emphasizes its sovereignty and resilience against threats.
• Taiwan is increasing measures against perceived infiltration from China, indicating a proactive stance in national security.
• China’s foreign minister dismisses Taiwan’s actions as political stunts, reflecting a lack of recognition of Taiwan’s legitimacy.
• Both regions are navigating complex international relations, with Taiwan seeking support from allies like Japan.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• The US will fail to use Taiwan as a counter to China, as stated in a recent opinion piece.
• China’s foreign minister has labeled Taiwan’s regional authorities’ actions as ‘poor political stunts’ in response to international press releases.
• China is concerned about Taiwan’s push for stricter punishments against Beijing-linked infiltration, viewing it as an escalation of tensions.

Taiwan Perspective (Taiwan Sources)

• Taiwan’s education minister asserts that the government is not intimidated by China’s threats, signaling a strong stance on sovereignty.
• Taiwan is actively addressing the rise in Chinese online manipulation, highlighting concerns over information security.
• Taiwan’s media reports on the increasing illegal accommodations, reflecting domestic issues amid external pressures from China.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Opinion | Why the US will fail to use Taiwan to counter China - South China Morning Post (1/13/2026)
2. [en-US] Taiwan targets Beijing-linked infiltration with push for stricter punishment - South China Morning Post (1/12/2026)
3. [en-US] Chinese FM refutes Taiwan regional authorities’ ‘poor political stunts’ concerning China-AU joint press release - Global Times (1/12/2026)
4. [en-US] Chinese FM spokesperson responds to US president’s threat of potential attack on Iran - Global Times (1/12/2026)
5. [en-US] Japan launches world’s first mission to lift rare earth from deep sea - South China Morning Post (1/12/2026)
6. [en-US] Former Chinese ambassador to US criticizes NATO for overreaching, saying that NATO has never won a war in Asia since WWII - Global Times (1/12/2026)
7. [en-US] FM to wrap up Africa visit; ‘tradition shows commitment’ - Global Times (1/11/2026)
8. [en-US] Could China execute special forces operation like US precision Maduro abduction? - South China Morning Post (1/11/2026)
9. [en-US] China, South Africa call for closer South-South cooperation - 新华网 (1/11/2026)
10. [en-US] China applies to put up 200,000 satellites after calling Starlink a crash risk - South China Morning Post (1/11/2026)
11. [en-US] Education minister not afraid of China’s threats - Taipei Times (1/12/2026)
12. [en-US] Japan can keep calm and carry on decoupling from China - Taipei Times (1/12/2026)
13. [en-US] The patriotic entertainer - Taipei Times (1/12/2026)
14. [en-US] EDITORIAL CARTOON - Taipei Times (1/12/2026)
15. [en-US] Coming up for clean air - Taipei Times (1/12/2026)
16. [en-US] Chinese online manipulation soars: NSB - Taipei Times (1/11/2026)
17. [en-US] Notes from Central Taiwan: PRC pretexts and provocations - Taipei Times (1/11/2026)
18. [en-US] Illegal accommodations increased last year: report - Taipei Times (1/11/2026)
19. [en-US] KMT chairwoman quiet on reported summit with CCP - Taipei Times (1/11/2026)
20. [en-US] Interview: Trumpf expanding its Taiwan facilities - Taipei Times (1/11/2026)