Overall Highlights

• Both China and Taiwan are engaged in a complex dialogue regarding trade and military tensions.
• China emphasizes the importance of strengthening trade ties across the Taiwan Strait, while criticizing Taiwan’s DPP government for perceived alignment with U.S. interests.
• Taiwan’s media highlights issues related to domestic governance and security concerns regarding China’s influence and military actions.
• Recent events indicate a growing skepticism in Taiwan regarding U.S. capabilities to deter China, reflecting concerns over regional security.
• Both regions are navigating a landscape of heightened tensions, with Taiwan focusing on internal issues and China’s emphasis on external trade relations.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• Strengthening trade bonds is portrayed as beneficial for people across the Taiwan Strait, according to Chinese officials.
• The Chinese government accuses Taiwan’s DPP of selling out Taiwan’s interests through a trade deal with the U.S.
• China’s media emphasizes the need for unity and cooperation across the Strait, framing it as a positive development for both sides.

Taiwan Perspective (Taiwan Sources)

• Taiwan’s CDC warns of a potential new flu epidemic, indicating ongoing public health concerns amid political tensions.
• Taiwanese media expresses skepticism about U.S. capabilities to effectively deter China, reflecting a cautious approach to external alliances.
• Reports highlight domestic issues, such as a man jailed for attempted bribery related to Chinese espionage, showcasing security concerns regarding Chinese influence.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Strengthening trade bonds benefits people across Taiwan Strait: spokesperson - China Daily (1/21/2026)
2. [en-US] Mainland says DPP’s so-called trade deal with US sells out Taiwan’s interests - China Daily (1/21/2026)
3. [en-US] Mainland says DPP’s so-called trade deal with U.S. sells out Taiwan’s interests - 新华网 (1/21/2026)
4. [en-US] Strengthening trade bonds benefits people across Taiwan Strait: spokesperson - 新华网 (1/21/2026)
5. [en-US] HKU ranks seventh globally for education as East Asia ‘makes strides’ - South China Morning Post (1/21/2026)
6. [en-US] China has tools to step up trade curbs on Japan amid tensions: Morgan Stanley - South China Morning Post (1/21/2026)
7. [en-US] Finding belonging across Strait - China Daily (1/20/2026)
8. [en-US] Chinese military expels intruding Philippine aircraft from territorial airspace over Huangyan Dao: spokesperson - 新华网 (1/20/2026)
9. [en-US] China’s zero-tariff gambit: why Beijing is slashing duties as Trump raises them - South China Morning Post (1/20/2026)
10. [en-US] Chinese EV makers’ outlook overseas improves as Europe levels the playing field - South China Morning Post (1/20/2026)
11. [en-US] New flu epidemic period may begin this week: CDC - taipeitimes.com (1/20/2026)
12. [en-US] US faces skepticism over deterring China as Trump eyes Greenland - taipeitimes.com (1/20/2026)
13. [en-US] China’s birth-rate struggles underscore its millennia-long effort to manage ‘the masses’ - taipeitimes.com (1/20/2026)
14. [en-US] Chinese spouse Zhou sentenced to jail for ‘united front’ work - taipeitimes.com (1/20/2026)
15. [en-US] Number of tourists hits new record in Japan, despite plunge from China - taipeitimes.com (1/20/2026)
16. [en-US] Man jailed for attempted bribery to get information for China - taipeitimes.com (1/20/2026)
17. [en-US] Inside China’s buzzing AI scene year after DeepSeek shock - taipeitimes.com (1/20/2026)
18. [en-US] Impact of Japan’s snap poll on Taiwan - taipeitimes.com (1/20/2026)
19. [en-US] Man jailed for attempted bribery in bid to get information for China - Focus Taiwan (1/20/2026)
20. [en-US] Chinese spouse sentenced to 8 years for forming ‘united front’ groups - taipeitimes.com (1/19/2026)