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Why has Beijing turned down the heat in the Taiwan Strait in the second half of 2025?

China, Russia clash with US at UN, scientists on ‘benefits of lard’: SCMP daily highlights

China vows to retaliate against ‘unreasonable’ US semiconductor tariffs

Chinese military simulated battles near Mexico, Cuba and Taiwan, CCTV report shows

Taiwan

Mainland China’s Taiwan military presence

News

China

Military

Politics

Diplomacy

More aircraft, more ships, more often: how the PLA is pressuring Taiwan’s defences

 Illustration: Brian Wang

The PLA has stepped up its activities since William Lai became Taiwan’s leader. Photo: EPA-EFE

Six months after island’s new leader took over, PLA tracking data shows growing numbers of military exercises and sorties are getting closer to more of Taiwan.


Mainland China piles on the pressure to Taiwan’s east in a twist on old tactics

Data compiled from the Taiwanese defence ministry’s daily briefings shows a rise in drone and helicopter activity on the far side of the island.


Why mainland China’s ‘second navy’ is becoming increasingly active around Taiwan

Illustration: Brian Wang

The China Coast Guard has played a major role in clashes with Philippine ships. Photo: Weibo/ China Coast Guard

As well as stepping up patrols, coastguards are training with the navy triggering speculation about their role in any attack on the island.


This three-part series looks at how Beijing is using its military and coast guard to put pressure on Taipei.


China’s military

China’s military drills

China’s coastguard

Series