Heightened tensions surround the Taiwan Strait this week as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) commenced military exercises around the Taiwan region on December 29, 2025. The drills follow Washington's recent approval of $11.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from both Beijing and residents of the island.
In interviews with CGTN, multiple Taiwan residents expressed concerns about the escalating situation. "This massive weapons purchase doesn't make us safer – it only pours gasoline on cross-strait relations," said Taipei resident Lin Wei-ying, echoing sentiments shared by several interviewees.
Chinese officials have repeatedly warned that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan violate the One-China principle and undermine regional stability. The PLA exercises, described as routine training, come amid growing international attention to security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.
Analysts note that 2025 has seen increased diplomatic activity across the Taiwan Strait, with multiple business delegations from the Chinese mainland visiting Taiwan this year. However, the latest developments highlight ongoing challenges in cross-strait relations as the year draws to a close.
