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Taiwanese Trips to China Surge, Tensions Persist

2/15/2026

30 3 Full Breakdown

Center

Lai Intensifies Travel Warnings

In 2025, Taiwanese visits to China rose 16.86% to 3.23 million, but remained 19.94% below pre-COVID 2019 levels.
Recovery is hindered by tensions, a ban on tour groups, and preference for Japan and South Korea.
In June 2024, Taiwan raised travel alerts for China, Hong Kong, and Macau to orange after 296 Taiwanese were missing or detained since January 2024.
William Lai, Taiwan's leader, has intensified rhetoric against Beijing.

Right

Commander Warns Conflict

In February 2026, a former commander of the U.S. Air Force's Air Mobility Command warned of preparations for a possible conflict with China.
He warned the U.S. military is lagging behind China's advances as tensions rise with Taiwan and U.S. elections.
In January 2023, he ordered measures to boost readiness, citing a possible war in 2025.
The directive was leaked and misrepresented, prompting the Department of Defense to distance itself.

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Lai Intensifies Travel Warnings

In 2025, Taiwanese visits to China rose 16.86% to 3.23 million, but remained 19.94% below pre-COVID 2019 levels.
Recovery is hindered by tensions, a ban on tour groups, and preference for Japan and South Korea.
In June 2024, Taiwan raised travel alerts for China, Hong Kong, and Macau to orange after 296 Taiwanese were missing or detained since January 2024.
William Lai, Taiwan's leader, has intensified rhetoric against Beijing.

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