# China-Taiwan cross-strait tensions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/china-taiwan-cross-strait-tensions > Updated: 2026-08-25T01:48:26.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. China has engaged in a large-scale information campaign and military buildup to legitimize potential annexation of Taiwan. This includes a navy and coast guard that significantly outsize Taiwanese forces. In response, Taiwan has moved to increase defense spending to approximately 5% of GDP by 2030, extended mandatory military service, and modernized its arsenal with drones and portable missiles. Pressure from China has evolved into a multi-pronged campaign involving diplomatic, military, espionage, and psychological warfare. This strategy utilizes grey-zone tactics intended to undermine Taiwanese morale. Taiwan’s National Security Council (NSC) has responded by increasing its role in preparing for potential conflict, focusing on bolstering asymmetric warfare capabilities and enhancing whole-of-society resilience. NSC Secretary-General Joseph Wu has asserted that Taiwan’s future should be decided by its own people, characterizing the threat of invasion as expansionism that requires deterrence. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: China intensifies multi-pronged pressure on Taiwan China is employing military, diplomatic, and psychological pressures against Taiwan. In response, Taiwan’s National Security Council is strengthening asymmetric warfare capabilities and seeking international支持. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-intensifies-multi-pronged-pressure-on-taiwan ### 2026-07-30: Taiwan confronts Chinese annexation push and aggressive narrative campaign China’s aggressive narrative and military buildup seeks to annex Taiwan, while Taipei ramps up defence spending and training under President Lai Ching‑te, though it remains outmatched. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/taiwan-confronts-chinese-annexation-push-and-aggressive-narrative-campaign --- Cite as: China-Taiwan cross-strait tensions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/china-taiwan-cross-strait-tensions