Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Taiwan remain high, with military activities and political maneuvering dominating the discourse.
• China’s economic growth continues to be a focal point, with reports of GDP expansion despite global challenges.
• Taiwan is increasingly concerned about its semiconductor industry and its relationship with the US, viewing it as a potential threat to its sovereignty.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• Taiwan’s military meetings criticized for lack of transparency, termed as ‘black box’ operations.
• China’s GDP grew by 5% in 2025, reaching 140 trillion yuan, despite facing significant economic challenges.
• China’s Belt and Road Initiative continues to expand, indicating a focus on international trade and infrastructure development.
• Recent military developments include the Type 075 amphibious assault ship, which is seen as crucial for Taiwan strategy.
• China’s military activities near Taiwan, including drone flights, are framed as necessary for national security.

Taiwan Perspective (Taiwan Sources)

• Taiwan is concerned about its semiconductor industry being compromised by US influence, with accusations of ‘selling out’ to the US.
• Reports indicate that China’s population is declining, raising questions about its long-term economic sustainability.
• Taiwan’s government is actively assisting immigrants, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity amidst rising tensions with China.
• Taiwan’s trade team has returned with achievements, highlighting its efforts to strengthen international relations despite external pressures.
• Taiwan’s political landscape is marked by internal challenges, including accusations against political figures for breaches of confidentiality.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Taiwanese military’s closed-door meeting draws ‘black box’ criticism - South China Morning Post (1/20/2026)
2. [en-US] China’s GDP expands 5% to hit 140-trillion-yuan mark in 2025, meeting growth target despite serious headwinds - Global Times (1/19/2026)
3. [en-US] US trade war? China had bigger plans in 2025 as ‘belt and road’ deals surged - South China Morning Post (1/19/2026)
4. [en-US] China suffers unprecedented double rocket launch failures in a single day - South China Morning Post (1/19/2026)
5. [en-US] Global memory chip crunch set to intensify amid Trump’s new industrial policy - South China Morning Post (1/19/2026)
6. [en-US] Type 075, the PLA amphibious ‘light aircraft carrier’ key to Taiwan strategy - South China Morning Post (1/19/2026)
7. [en-US] My Take | Taiwan has just sold out TSMC and half its chips industry to the US - South China Morning Post (1/18/2026)
8. [en-US] Washington’s relentless exploitation of Taiwan squeezes every last drop from its utilization: China Daily editorial - China Daily (1/18/2026)
9. [en-US] Paralysed Hong Kong dancer Mo Li set to undergo ‘intense’ cutting-edge treatment - South China Morning Post (1/18/2026)
10. [en-US] PLA sends drone into airspace near Taiwan-held Pratas Island in South China Sea - South China Morning Post (1/18/2026)
11. [en-US] Taiwan helping immigrants with writing system - Taipei Times (1/19/2026)
12. [en-US] TPP’s Huang accused of confidentiality rule breach - Taipei Times (1/19/2026)
13. [en-US] China’s population falls as fewer babies born - Taipei Times (1/19/2026)
14. [en-US] China need not fear the new US oil order - Taipei Times (1/19/2026)
15. [en-US] Apple phone shipments jump in China after slump - Taipei Times (1/19/2026)
16. [en-US] Reunification Alliance appeal fails - Taipei Times (1/19/2026)
17. [en-US] Chinese economy sees slowest growth in decades - Taipei Times (1/19/2026)
18. [en-US] Chinese social media influencer’s residency revoked - Taipei Times (1/19/2026)
19. [en-US] Cho praises trade team’s achievements upon return - Taipei Times (1/19/2026)
20. [en-US] EU expresses shock at Greenland tariffs - Taipei Times (1/18/2026)