Overall Highlights

• Tensions between China and Taiwan are escalating, with China criticizing Japan’s PM for remarks on Taiwan, while Taiwan is enhancing its military capabilities with US support.
• China is actively pushing back against perceived foreign interference in Taiwan’s affairs, particularly from Japan and the US.
• Taiwan is facing internal challenges, including espionage cases and delays in defense budget approvals, which may affect its military readiness.
• Both sides are engaged in a war of narratives, with China ridiculing Taiwan’s military claims while Taiwan emphasizes its defense efforts against Chinese pressure.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China urges Japan to correct PM Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan, viewing them as erroneous and provocative.
• Chinese media ridicule a retired Taiwan officer’s claims about the PLA, framing them as unfounded and indicative of Taiwan’s military struggles.
• China issues travel warnings to Japan amid ongoing tensions over Taiwan comments, indicating a diplomatic rift.
• China promotes cross-Strait integration through cultural and infrastructure initiatives, emphasizing its intent to strengthen ties with Taiwan despite tensions.

Taiwan Perspective (Taiwan Sources)

• Taiwan’s defense budget delays could hinder military upgrades, raising concerns about readiness against Chinese threats.
• Two Taiwanese individuals have been indicted for alleged espionage for China, highlighting ongoing security concerns.
• Taiwan is launching a new communication device plan to enhance military coordination amid rising tensions with China.
• Taiwan’s military is establishing a joint firepower coordination center, which Chinese experts dismiss as ineffective against reunification efforts.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] China urges Japan to correct PM Takaichi’s erroneous remarks on Taiwan at UN - news.cgtn.com (1/27/2026)
2. [en-US] Retired Taiwan regional officer’s ‘seasick PLA’ claim draws ridicule across Straits - Global Times (1/26/2026)
3. [en-US] Xi holds phone talks with Vietnam’s To Lam - 新华网 (1/26/2026)
4. [en-US] Taiwan launches firepower hub with US as PLA pressure intensifies - South China Morning Post (1/26/2026)
5. [en-US] Beijing issues new Japan travel warning as row over PM’s Taiwan comments drags on - South China Morning Post (1/26/2026)
6. [en-US] 43 months’ jail for vocal instructor who molested 7 male students - South China Morning Post (1/26/2026)
7. [en-US] Fujian deepens cross-Strait integration with Taiwan through infrastructure and cultural initiatives - China Daily - Global Edition (1/26/2026)
8. [en-US] Taiwan military’s reported ‘joint firepower coordination center’ futile attempt to resist reunification: Chinese mainland expert - Global Times (1/26/2026)
9. [en-US] Happy Laba Festival! - China Daily (1/25/2026)
10. [en-US] What Chinese navy’s first Uruguay port call reveals about Beijing’s ambitions - South China Morning Post (1/25/2026)
11. [en-US] Defense budget delay could stall upgrades: Koo - Taipei Times (1/26/2026)
12. [en-US] Dying alone is China’s latest tech obsession - Taipei Times (1/26/2026)
13. [en-US] Two Taiwanese indicted over alleged espionage for China - Focus Taiwan (1/26/2026)
14. [en-US] Former Cabinet official, businessman indicted over ‘united front’ work - Taipei Times (1/26/2026)
15. [en-US] Pandas leaving Japan as China ties strained - Taipei Times (1/25/2026)
16. [en-US] US climber Alex Honnold free soloes Taipei 101 - Taipei Times (1/25/2026)
17. [en-US] Rock climbing? Warm up - Taipei Times (1/25/2026)
18. [en-US] Communication device plan unveiled - Taipei Times (1/25/2026)
19. [en-US] MAC reacts to founding of new communist group - Taipei Times (1/25/2026)
20. [en-US] China looms over Japan’s elections - Taipei Times (1/25/2026)