Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Taiwan are escalating, particularly with military activities near Taiwan’s airspace.
• Taiwan is concerned about Chinese infiltration and espionage, as highlighted by recent cases involving reporters and military personnel.
• China views Taiwan’s cooperation with the US as detrimental, accusing it of compromising its semiconductor industry.
• Both sides are ramping up military readiness, with Taiwan enhancing its defenses against perceived threats from China.
• There is a call for dialogue from Taiwanese social media influencers, contrasting with China’s aggressive stance.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China criticizes Taiwan for allegedly selling out its semiconductor industry to the US, claiming it undermines its sovereignty.
• Chinese state media highlights the US’s exploitation of Taiwan, suggesting that it is using Taiwan as a pawn in its geopolitical strategy.
• Military maneuvers, including drone flights near Taiwan-held islands, are framed as necessary for national security and regional stability.

Taiwan Perspective (Taiwan Sources)

• Taiwan accuses China of using oil rigs near Pratas Island to enhance its military capabilities against Taiwan.
• Concerns about Chinese espionage are rising in Taiwan, with recent cases of detained reporters and military personnel linked to alleged leaks.
• Taiwan is bolstering its military defenses, including the formation of new military police units equipped with advanced weaponry.
• Taiwanese social media influencers are advocating for cross-Strait dialogue, emphasizing the need for peaceful communication despite rising tensions.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] World leaders show caution on Trump’s broader ‘Board of Peace’ amid fears for UN - South China Morning Post (1/18/2026)
2. [en-US] Taiwan has just sold out TSMC and half its chips industry to the US - South China Morning Post (1/18/2026)
3. [en-US] Washington’s relentless exploitation of Taiwan squeezes every last drop from its utilization: China Daily editorial - China Daily (1/18/2026)
4. [en-US] Paralysed Hong Kong dancer Mo Li set to undergo ‘intense’ cutting-edge treatment - South China Morning Post (1/18/2026)
5. [en-US] Chinese electric vehicle makers eye Western markets as trade barriers fall - South China Morning Post (1/18/2026)
6. [en-US] PLA sends drone into airspace near Taiwan-held Pratas Island in South China Sea - South China Morning Post (1/18/2026)
7. [en-US] US blows past another deadline to field its first hypersonic missile - South China Morning Post (1/18/2026)
8. [en-US] Interview: PM Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks amount to encouraging people to “run a red light” together, says Japanese scholar - 新华网 (1/18/2026)
9. [en-US] Taiwan social media influencers call for cross-Strait dialogue - news.cgtn.com (1/18/2026)
10. [en-US] Trump wants nations to pay US$1 billion to stay on his Board of Peace - South China Morning Post (1/17/2026)
11. [en-US] China using oil rigs near Pratas to boost kill chain - Taipei Times (1/18/2026)
12. [en-US] Reporter spy case highlights Taiwan’s Chinese infiltration problem: academic - Taipei Times (1/18/2026)
13. [en-US] TVGH suspends 3 doctors after video shows vendor taking part in surgery - Focus Taiwan (1/18/2026)
14. [en-US] Taiwan’s new military police unit equipped with Stingers and Javelins - Focus Taiwan (1/18/2026)
15. [en-US] Warm Sunday to give way to chilly weather next week: CWA - Focus Taiwan (1/18/2026)
16. [en-US] Chinese drone enters Pratas airspace - Taipei Times (1/17/2026)
17. [en-US] CTi News reporter detained for alleged military espionage - Taipei Times (1/17/2026)
18. [en-US] EDITORIAL: And then there was Taiwan - Taipei Times (1/17/2026)
19. [en-US] CTi News reporter, 5 military personnel detained over alleged leaks to China - Focus Taiwan (1/17/2026)
20. [en-US] PLA drone enters airspace over Taiwan-controlled Dongsha Island - Focus Taiwan (1/17/2026)