Taiwan Strait tensions rise amid Japan-China rift over Takaichi's remarks

Key developments

1. Aug 24, 2026

   A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers travels to Beijing seeking to mend ties after PM Sanae Takaichi's Taiwan remarks sparked a diplomatic rupture with China.

   11 sources on this →
2. Aug 24, 2026

   Taiwan's Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang leads a delegation to Tokyo for parliamentary diplomacy talks on trade, culture and regional supply-chain resilience.

   11 sources on this →
3. Aug 24, 2026

   Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te marks the 68th anniversary of the 1958 Taiwan Strait crisis, vowing 'peace through strength' and pledging increased defense spending.

   6 sources on this →
4. Aug 27, 2026

   Taiwan's parliament advances a six-year, NT$210 billion ($7.6 billion) plan to rapidly expand its drone fleet to deter China, though opposition parties push for annual budgets and oversight changes.

Coverage across the spectrum

Stories in this storyline

Politics

Taiwan lawmakers approve $7.6B drone budget

Taiwan is pushing a six-year, NT$210 billion plan to rapidly expand its drone fleet and modernize its defense, arguing that drones are essential for deterring China and turning potential conflict zones into a challenging environment for the PLA. Parliament is divided: the government seeks a multiyear special budget with defense ministry oversight, while opposition parties push for annual budgets and alternative oversight, potentially delaying approval of the plan.

9 sources

World

Japan, Taiwan seek to mend ties with China

A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers, including a member of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's party, traveled to Beijing to mend strained China relations after Takaichi's Taiwan remarks, with officials saying communications have been severed and a window for dialogue may be sought, while Takaichi warned that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan and justify the use of force. Separately, Taiwan's Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang led a delegation to Tokyo to attend the Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Union meetings to bolster parliamentary diplomacy with Japan, focusing on trade, culture, and regional supply-chain resilience.