Analysis of Taiwan-China relations, covering cross-strait tensions, military drills, diplomatic developments, and regional security implications.
Japan and the Philippines are increasingly vocal in challenging China's President Xi Jinping on Taiwan, suggesting they would be drawn into any conflict. The two nations elevated their relationship and agreed to defense talks last week, as the Trump administration adopts a quieter public stance on the issue.
This commentary revisits the risk of US-China conflict over Taiwan, arguing that while the Iran war has depleted US munitions and demonstrated missile defense capabilities, Beijing remains committed to a long-term strategy of peaceful unification and is unlikely to alter its approach based on tactical military advantages.
China dispatched a coast guard flotilla led by the 5,000-ton cutter Daishan to waters east of Taiwan on Monday, challenging planned Japan-Philippines maritime boundary talks. Taiwan's coast guard is monitoring with the patrol vessel Changbin and condemned the move as political manipulation.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian criticized the New York Times for providing a platform for Taiwan authorities to disseminate separatist rhetoric, escalating a dispute that led to the expulsion of a journalist from China. The remarks were made at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Monday.
China demanded the Czech government take immediate measures to curb the impact of Senate President Milos Vystrcil's visit to Taiwan. Vystrcil arrived Monday leading a delegation and is scheduled to meet Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te.
Taiwan accused China of using 'crude methods' to silence President Lai Ching-te after China expelled New York Times reporter Vivian Wang in February 2026. The presidential office condemned the move as a threat to media freedom, highlighting China as a 'source of instability'.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told allies at the Shangri-La Dialogue to avoid discussing Taiwan publicly as a show of American strength. He became the first Pentagon chief in over a decade to omit Taiwan from his speech, advocating a 'speak softly, carry a big stick' approach while insisting policy remains unchanged.
Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim will visit Palau from June 6 to 10, her first overseas trip as No. 2 official. The visit aims to counter China's diplomatic isolation campaign. Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo announced the trip on Monday.