A 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.
Taiwanese President Lai has stressed that Taiwan's future is decided by its people, insisting that external forces cannot decide or threaten the island's status. He has pledged to increase defence spending and maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait, amid ongoing tensions with China and US deliberations on arms sales to Taiwan.
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.