Overall Highlights

• China is enhancing its military capabilities and addressing internal corruption to strengthen the PLA.
• Taiwan’s leadership is cautious about China’s military readiness and is considering tougher penalties for misinformation.
• Both regions are navigating complex diplomatic relations, particularly with the U.S. and Japan influencing Taiwan’s stance.
• China warns against Taiwan separatist movements, while Taiwan expresses skepticism about China’s military intentions.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China emphasizes the need to strengthen the PLA through anti-corruption measures.
• The Chinese defense ministry warns that provocations by Taiwan separatists will lead to their own downfall.
• China’s military exercises and aircraft carrier movements through the Taiwan Strait are portrayed as routine and necessary for national security.
• China’s media frames Taiwan’s independence efforts as futile and warns against foreign interference.

Taiwan Perspective (Taiwan Sources)

• Taiwan questions China’s military readiness and expresses doubts about its ability to engage in conflict effectively.
• Taiwan is considering stricter laws against deepfake technology, reflecting concerns over misinformation related to China.
• Taiwan’s media highlights the importance of maintaining a strong stance against Chinese aggression while seeking international support.
• Taiwan’s leadership is wary of China’s tactics, viewing them as part of a broader strategy to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Chipmaking expert Xu Zhenpeng leaves OpenAI-funded start-up for Shanghai role - South China Morning Post (1/30/2026)
2. [en-US] War on corruption to strengthen PLA - China Daily (1/30/2026)
3. [en-US] Senate bills give clear message to Trump to back Taiwan as Xi meeting approaches - South China Morning Post (1/29/2026)
4. [en-US] Xi, Starmer envision growth of ties - China Daily (1/29/2026)
5. [en-US] Exclusive: Renowned Japanese group criticizes Takaichi’s dissolution of lower house as against public opinion, expects ‘a stern verdict’ on the administration in election - Global Times (1/29/2026)
6. [en-US] Provocations by Taiwan separatists will usher in their own demise, defense ministry warns - China Daily (1/29/2026)
7. [en-US] Defense Ministry confirms aircraft carrier Fujian’s northward transit through Taiwan Straits, says sea trials progressing smoothly - Global Times (1/29/2026)
8. [en-US] China vows to resolutely contain any resurgence of Japanese militarism - China Daily (1/29/2026)
9. [en-US] Takaichi must step back on Taiwan - news.cgtn.com (1/29/2026)
10. [en-US] ‘An ant trying to shake a giant tree’: Defense ministry spokesperson on ‘Taiwan independence’ armed forces’ deployment targeting PLA - Global Times (1/29/2026)
11. [en-US] Starmer and Xi hail reset, with help from AstraZeneca - Taipei Times (1/29/2026)
12. [en-US] Cabinet eyes tougher penalties for deepfakes - Taipei Times (1/29/2026)
13. [en-US] Academia Sinica unveils 20-qubit quantum computer - Taipei Times (1/29/2026)
14. [en-US] After a year of Trump, pivot to PRC gathers pace - Taipei Times (1/29/2026)
15. [en-US] EDITORIAL: China’s war-readiness doubted - Taipei Times (1/29/2026)
16. [en-US] China executes 11 linked to Myanmar scam center - Taipei Times (1/29/2026)
17. [en-US] Two prosecutors questioned by Chinese state security in Henan: MAC - Taipei Times (1/29/2026)
18. [en-US] Probe of China’s top general most likely a power struggle - Taipei Times (1/29/2026)
19. [en-US] Fall of top general stirs uncertainty regarding China - Taipei Times (1/29/2026)
20. [en-US] China care packages a ‘united front’ tactic: OCAC - Taipei Times (1/29/2026)