The 180-km waterway between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland
Taiwan has monitored and responded to Chinese military activity around the island, following a Beijing summit between Xi and Trump. The United States has signalled continued support for Taiwan’s defence under the Taiwan Relations Act, while Taipei cautions against independence. Washington is weighing a new arms package as relations with China remain tense.
At the Shangri‑La Dialogue in Singapore this week, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Indo‑Pacific partners to build their own militaries while affirming continued U.S. commitment. The administration has paused a congressionally approved up‑to‑$14bn arms package for Taiwan while reviewing munitions used in Operation Epic Fury; Taipei says it has not been formally notified.
The Philippines is reinforcing its defense partnerships and upgrading infrastructure as regional tensions in the South China Sea and around Taiwan intensify. Manila says it remains resilient amid Chinese pressure while expanding alliances with the United States and other partners. Vietnam hosts a state visit signaling deeper security cooperation.
Taiwan is expanding its anti-ship missile stockpile and modernising its forces to deter a potential Chinese invasion. The plan includes Harpoon and Hsiung Feng missiles, greater mobility, and longer-range options to create a defendable sea corridor and threaten invading fleets.
Taiwan and the United States continue to push for stronger defense cooperation as Washington’s arms-sale process remains under review. Taiwan is increasing defense spending and seeking timely deliveries while urging readiness for potential cross-strait tensions. Beijing maintains pressure but the United States signals ongoing support within its legal framework.
Taiwan has started five days of Immediate Combat Readiness Exercises to test rapid deployment and wartime transition, while China conducts drills nearby. The exercises involve live-fire, real-time responses, and larger regional tensions with frequent Chinese air and sea activity around Taiwan.
The Fujian, China’s latest carrier, has passed through the Taiwan Strait in a first, fully commissioned transit. Taiwan warns of intensified pressure while the U.S. and allies monitor the situation.
The Guardian, The Japan Times, AP News, and others report Beijing’s export controls on dual-use items target Japanese firms as Tokyo expands its defense posture. Detentions of Japanese nationals in China over alleged rare-earths-related export violations are intensifying the diplomatic row. The moves come after Japanese comments on Taiwan and potential military action raised Beijing’s alarm.
Taiwan faces intensified pressure as China expands coast guard patrols and maritime activities near its east coast. Western capitals warn that regional stability is at risk, while Taiwan conducts drills to test rapid deployment amid ongoing defence modernization and new drone capabilities being debated in Taipei.
Tropical Storm Maysak has strengthened and moved inland, triggering floods across Guangxi and neighbouring provinces. Authorities report deaths and widespread evacuations as reservoirs and river embankments exceed warning levels. Rescue operations are ongoing as the region braces for more heavy rain and potential further flooding.
Typhoon Bavi has struck Zhejiang province after skirting northern Taiwan and Japans southern islands, forcing the evacuation of more than two million people and cancelling hundreds of flights and trains. Bavi has weakened to a severe tropical storm but is carrying large volumes of moisture that will produce prolonged heavy rain and flood risk across eastern and northern China over coming days.
Trump is rallying defense leaders and investors in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to spotlight a robust defense budget and U.S. industrial ties amid concerns over war funding, inflation, and a volatile security landscape. The event features top defense officials and corporate leaders as Republicans push for greater investment while critics warn of deficits.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told the Senate Appropriations Committee the US-Israel war on Iran has cost $37.5bn so far and that the Pentagon needs an $87bn supplemental request, including about $67bn for the Iran campaign. Lawmakers have challenged the figures, criticised shifting rationales for the conflict and warned funding gaps will force cuts to training and readiness.
China has again skipped a ministerial-level presence at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, sending a lower-level delegation. Western officials say dialogue is still occurring at other levels, while allies push for stronger defense spending amid a shifting security landscape.
China’s coast guard activities and disputed claims in the South China Sea continue to heighten regional tensions. The United States and Philippines reaffirm support for freedom of navigation as ASEAN accelerates talks on a binding code of conduct. New rules around Scarborough Shoal and demonstrations of maritime enforcement are intensifying the arguments over sovereignty and security in the region.
Taiwan’s Han Kuang exercises are extending to 10 days, testing 24-hour defense operations, urban resilience, and new US-inspired tactics. Civilians are mobilized, internet slowdowns simulate disruption, and reservists are being expanded to strengthen civil defense amid heightened tensions with China.
A typhoon named Dolphin has struck Okinawa, injuring several and causing power outages. It threatens Kyushu and China, with authorities warning of heavy rain, winds, and flight disruptions across East Asia.
Typhoon Dolphin has weakened inland but continues to cause extreme rainfall and floods across Zhejiang, Shanghai and Fujian. Authorities have evacuated hundreds of thousands, canceled thousands of flights, and closed major attractions as the storm moves westward.
The USS George Washington has left Da Nang and is relocating toward the Indian Ocean as the Lincoln remains in the Middle East, underscoring a sustained, high-pressure naval posture amid Iran-related operations and logistic strains aboard deployed carriers.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has arrived in the Middle East region after a record-at-sea deployment of more than 250 days. Officials say the journey back to the United States will take about a month, with no confirmed port stops. Family members report stress, food and water shortages, and mounting mental-health concerns aboard the ship as lawmakers demand accountability.