Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Taiwan remain high, with both sides emphasizing the need for dialogue while also preparing for potential military confrontations.
• China’s internal issues, such as military purges, may affect its strategic posture towards Taiwan and regional stability.
• Taiwan is concerned about China’s military aggression and is seeking international support to bolster its defense capabilities.
• The U.S. foreign policy shift towards a softer tone regarding China could impact Taiwan’s security dynamics.
• Taiwan’s political landscape is influenced by its relations with Japan and the U.S., which are seen as crucial allies against Chinese assertiveness.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China emphasizes the importance of internal stability and military readiness, with recent purges in the military raising concerns about command disruptions.
• Chinese media highlight Taiwan’s political turmoil, particularly regarding impeachment hearings and the refusal of Taiwanese leaders to engage with China.
• There is a focus on the need for China to maintain a strong stance against perceived foreign interference, particularly from the U.S. and its allies.

Taiwan Perspective (Taiwan Sources)

• Taiwan advocates for dialogue with China, stressing that communication is essential to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.
• Taiwanese experts warn of increasing military aggression from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and call for enhanced defense measures.
• Taiwan’s political discourse is shaped by its relationships with Japan and the U.S., which are viewed as vital for countering Chinese influence.
• The Taiwanese government is actively seeking international support, particularly from the European Parliament, to strengthen its position against China.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] What next for Taiwan as William Lai refuses to attend impeachment hearings? - South China Morning Post (1/25/2026)
2. [en-US] Trump says US used secret ‘discombobulator’ weapon in Maduro raid - South China Morning Post (1/24/2026)
3. [en-US] Hong Kong travel agency backs out of Taiwan trip over controversial film screening - South China Morning Post (1/24/2026)
4. [en-US] What about Taiwan? Why US foreign policy is now all about the western hemisphere - South China Morning Post (1/24/2026)
5. [en-US] Failures force China to cancel rocket launches – but maybe not for Long March-10A - South China Morning Post (1/24/2026)
6. [en-US] Iran will treat ‘any attack as all-out war’, says senior official - South China Morning Post (1/24/2026)
7. [en-US] Senior military officials under investigation: Defense Ministry - China Daily (1/24/2026)
8. [en-US] US’ National Defense Strategy reportedly adopts softer tone toward China; concrete actions needed to maintain stable ties: expert - Global Times (1/24/2026)
9. [en-US] Hong Kong lawmaker ready to face legal consequences after ‘rash’ driving decision - South China Morning Post (1/24/2026)
10. [en-US] Has Japan’s tourism peaked? Row with China set to slow arrivals from record high - South China Morning Post (1/24/2026)
11. [en-US] Taiwan and China must rather focus on dialogues: SEF - Taipei Times (1/24/2026)
12. [en-US] China purge could disrupt chain of command: source - Taipei Times (1/24/2026)
13. [en-US] KMT-CCP forum likely to be delayed to next month - Taipei Times (1/24/2026)
14. [en-US] Japan vote a ‘high-stakes gamble’ of importance to Taiwan: Experts - Focus Taiwan (1/24/2026)
15. [en-US] Simple Mart to acquire OKmart for NT$125 million - Focus Taiwan (1/24/2026)
16. [en-US] Japanese PM dissolves parliament - Taipei Times (1/23/2026)
17. [en-US] Han Kuang drills to start in spring, may be extended - Taipei Times (1/23/2026)
18. [en-US] Opposition blocks special defense plan for 8th time - Taipei Times (1/23/2026)
19. [en-US] Experts warn on PLA aggression - Taipei Times (1/23/2026)
20. [en-US] Minister thanks European Parliament for its support - Taipei Times (1/23/2026)