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Taiwan
Latest news, in-depth features and opinion on Taiwan, covering politics, economy, society and the island's relationship with mainland China.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepares to welcome Central Asian leaders during a summit in Tokyo on December 20. Photo: Reuters
Japan

Takaichi is shaping up as Japan’s Thatcher. How long can she last?

The prime minister has defied the odds by winning back LDP voters with sweeping immigration, economic policies and a tough stance on Beijing.

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China’s military drills

Editorial | Powerful PLA drill shows US arms sales don’t help Taiwan Strait stability

US-China relations

US envoy hosts Quad meeting in Beijing as PLA’s drills around Taiwan continue

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War and conflict

Opinion | If Trump wants a deal with China, he must rein in US allies in Asia

From Manila to Tokyo, domestic political dynamics are increasing the risks of a dangerous confrontation between Washington and Beijing.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
US-China relations

China and US need new ways to engage for stable ties: Wang Yi

Speaking at a symposium in Beijing, the foreign minister also criticised remarks Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made about Taiwan.

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Mainland China

Video | PLA conducts second day of drills around Taiwan

Troops simulate attacks on maritime targets and conduct anti-air and anti-submarine operations to the north and south of the island.

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China’s military

PLA fires rockets near Taiwan on second day of Beijing’s drills around island

Coastguard releases poster depicting blockade as Eastern Theatre Command conducts live-fire exercises to north and south of island.

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The PLA targeted waters north of Taiwan in live-fire drills on Tuesday. Photo: Handout via Reuters
US-China relations

‘No worries’: Trump plays down Beijing’s military drills around Taiwan

Trump dismisses ‘routine’ drills in Taiwan Strait even as US arms sales hit record high and Pentagon repeats 2027 timeline.

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China-Japan relations

How Takaichi’s Taiwan comments fuelled Beijing-Tokyo row with no end in sight

Dispute over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan could ultimately hinge on the US-China-Japan triangle, analysts say.

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China-Latin America relations

Venezuela condemns US arms sale to Taiwan, echoing Beijing’s position

Caracas says Washington’s move violates one-China principle and threatens regional stability as tensions over the island intensify.

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The US arms package includes US$4 billion for 82 High Mobility Rocket Systems, or Himars, such as this. Photo: Handout
SCMP Highlights

PLA’s Taiwan drills, China powers up record ‘air battery’: SCMP daily highlights

From the yuan rate set to a 15-month high to Cambodia and Thailand’s meeting with China, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

In the Gobi Desert outside Golmud, Qinghai, a facility is using compressed air to store energy. Photo: Handout
Mainland China

Taiwan’s leader seeks T-Dome ‘connectivity’ to fend off Beijing attack

William Lai Ching-te outlines ‘layered defence’ fusion of satellite, radar and drone data to create backbone for security shield.

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China-Africa relations

China hits out at ‘support for separatists’ after Israel recognises Somaliland

Eritrea asks Beijing to raise issue at the UN, saying it should ‘shoulder its moral responsibilities’ while drawing parallels with Taiwan.

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China’s military

PLA deploys fighters in live-fire drill around Taiwan in wake of US arms deal

Military says it is conducting exercise across five areas near the self-governed island.

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The large-scale drills are being conducted by the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command. Photo: CCTV
US-China relations

Opinion | Trump’s pivot puts Pacific Rim at heart of global power shift

America’s strategy is hastening the geopolitical change of influence from the Atlantic to the Pacific, with US-China competition the primary driver.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Hong Kong society

650 Hongkongers on Taiwan group tours confirmed safe after ‘terrifying’ quake

Earthquake occurred at 11.05pm in Taiwan, with epicentre located about 70km southeast of Taipei and at focal depth of 60km, Observatory says.

China-Japan relations

Why Chinese victims of Japan’s WWII bio-warfare are still waiting for justice

Dark chapter’s telling complicated by Tokyo’s official denials, Washington’s immunity deals and Beijing’s shifting diplomatic priorities.

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William Lai

What next for Taiwan’s Lai as US$37 billion defence boost blocked by KMT, allies?

Procedural blockade for eight-year military spending package has also stalled 2026 general budget review, piling up pressure on ruling DPP.

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Taiwanese leader William Lai’s proposed extra defence spending has been described by his administration as “critical to deterring intensifying military pressure” from mainland China. Photo: EPA
US-China relations

Deal breaker? Record Taiwan arms deal complicates Trump’s 2026 Beijing visit

The US defends new arms sales and urges ‘meaningful’ dialogue, but analysts warn the deepening rift risks hollowing out the agenda for the Trump-Xi summit next year.

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China's military weapons

Is China quietly preparing cargo ships to transform into military vessels?

Containers bear the words ‘plan for the maritime revival of the Chinese nation and the community of shared future for mankind in the ocean’.

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William Lai

Taiwan’s lawmakers vote to start impeachment process against William Lai

Opposition-controlled legislature will hold a series of hearings before a formal vote in May.

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Taiwan’s legislature will need a two-thirds majority to impeach William Lai. Photo: EPA-EFE
US-China relations

Beijing sanctions 20 US defence firms over Taiwan arms sales package

10 industry executives also face punitive measures following Washington’s unveiling of a record US$11 billion weapons package.

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Taiwanese conscripts carry rocket launchers during a drill inside a military base in Tainan City, Taiwan in November 2024. Washington’s latest weapons package to Taiwan includes medium-range missiles, howitzers and drones. Photo: EPA-EFE
Made in China 2025

China’s rising biotech clout on show in flurry of billion-dollar licensing deals

A burst of overseas licensing pacts is spotlighting China’s biotech sector, as Jacobio, Coherent Biopharma and Harbour BioMed land deals.

China-Japan relations

China sharpens criticism of Japan ‘neo-militarism’, warns of ‘dangerous signal’

Amid heightened tensions, commentator says Beijing has sufficient policy tools in reserve should Tokyo endanger China’s core interests.

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Mainland China

How Beijing’s strategy shift explains decreased PLA activity in the Taiwan Strait

PLA warplanes and ships have been less active around the island in the second half of the year, Taiwanese data shows.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
SCMP Highlights

China, Russia clash with US at UN; Taipei mayor visit: SCMP daily highlights

From Beijing accusing Washington of violating international law to a study on animal fats, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

Sun Lei, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, speaks during a Security Council briefing on threats to international peace and security in New York on Tuesday. Venezuela requested a Security Council meeting, citing escalating tensions resulting from “US aggression” against the country. Photo: EPA
US-China relations

China vows to retaliate against ‘unreasonable’ US semiconductor tariffs

Beijing has pledged to ‘take corresponding measures’ in response to the levy, which Washington says is designed to counter economic threat.

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China’s military drills

China’s PLA simulated battles near Mexico, Cuba and Taiwan, CCTV report shows

Rare insight revealed on state television in footage from a PLA wargaming event in central China where dozens of systems were demonstrated.

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