Overall Highlights

• China has launched military drills around Taiwan, raising tensions in the region.
• Taiwan is on high alert and has reaffirmed its commitment to democracy amidst these drills.
• The US has expressed concern over China’s military actions, viewing them as aggressive and provocative.
• China claims the drills are a necessary response to US arms sales to Taiwan and separatist movements.
• Both sides are preparing for potential escalations, with Taiwan deploying forces in response.

United States Perspective (United States Sources)

• China’s live-fire drills encircling Taiwan are seen as a direct threat to regional stability.
• The US media emphasizes Taiwan’s commitment to democracy in the face of Chinese aggression.
• US outlets portray China’s military actions as a warning to ‘separatist forces’ in Taiwan, reflecting a narrative of intimidation.
• The US government is likely to respond diplomatically and militarily to support Taiwan’s defense.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China’s military drills are framed as a necessary warning to separatists following US arms deals with Taiwan.
• Chinese sources emphasize the drills as a demonstration of military readiness and national sovereignty.
• The narrative in China focuses on the need to protect territorial integrity against foreign interference.
• China views the US’s support for Taiwan as a provocation that justifies its military actions.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] China launches live-fire drills encircling Taiwan - The Guardian (12/29/2025)
2. [en-US] China Launches Military Drills Around Taiwan as the Island Reaffirms Its Commitment to Democracy - vocal.media (12/29/2025)
3. [en-US] Taiwan on high alert as China launches major military drills - AFR (12/29/2025)
4. [en-US] China Unites with South Korea and Japan in a Relentless Assault of Punishing Winter Storms: December 2025 Sees Explosive Travel Chaos Across Asia! - Travel And Tour World (12/29/2025)
5. [en-US] China to hold military drills around Taiwan as warning to ‘separatist forces’ - BBC (12/29/2025)
6. [en-US] Taiwan says deploying ‘forces’ after China announces ‘major’ military drills near island - WION (12/29/2025)
7. [en-US] China conducts large-scale Taiwan drills amid rising tensions - France 24 (12/29/2025)
8. [en-US] China launches war games around Taiwan as island vows to defend democracy - Reuters (12/29/2025)
9. [en-US] China launches military drills around Taiwan amid tensions with Japan - Red Lake Nation News (12/29/2025)
10. [en-US] China Maritime Safety Administration issues warning on military drills - news.cgtn.com (12/29/2025)
11. [en-US] Developing | PLA holds drills around Taiwan in warning to ‘separatists’ after US arms deal - South China Morning Post (12/29/2025)
12. [en-US] Hong Kong primary home sales to see decade high as small flats perk up market - South China Morning Post (12/28/2025)
13. [en-US] Open Questions | Political scientist Ivan Krastev on European vertigo in a post-American world - South China Morning Post (12/28/2025)
14. [en-US] Opinion | Trump’s pivot puts Pacific Rim at heart of global power shift - South China Morning Post (12/28/2025)
15. [en-US] Brigitte Bardot, French icon and animal rights activist, dies at 91 - South China Morning Post (12/28/2025)
16. [en-US] Why Saudi Arabia might not fulfil its US spending pledge, and the China factor - South China Morning Post (12/28/2025)
17. [en-US] Opinion | Why America can no longer build something like the Manhattan Project - South China Morning Post (12/28/2025)
18. [en-US] China says it’s ready to help Asean monitor Thailand-Cambodia truce - South China Morning Post (12/28/2025)
19. [en-US] Russia’s Putin warns of escalation if Ukraine rejects peace talks - South China Morning Post (12/28/2025)
20. [en-US] Greater Bay Area assets poised to lead surge in China’s expanding C-REIT market - South China Morning Post (12/28/2025)