Tensions Simmer as China Prepares for New Year

Breaking Defense reports that China will likely dominate defense and security headlines in 2026, given ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. Expect standoffs and encounters between Chinese ships and Philippine counterparts, as well as increased PLAN presence in Japan’s waters. China may also test Tokyo’s resolve over Taiwan, with a growing tradition of surprise announcements from Beijing. Meanwhile, the US Air Force plans to deploy 36 F-15EX fighter jets to Kadena airbase in spring 2026, while Taiwan expects to receive its first batch of Lockheed-Martin F-16Vs fighter jets sometime this year.