Over the past decade, growing tensions between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan have alarmed global leaders about the potential for open conflict. Beijing asserts that the Taiwan question is China’s internal affair, and all countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing acknowledge this position in varying ways. In realpolitik, however, escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait would likely draw in global and regional powers, with profound consequences for regional stability. This study examines the key Pacific Rim and Asian states and issues possibly involved in the rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Through a systematic analysis of news content, it identifies patterns of cross-strait interaction that have fueled these escalating tensions. Utilizing Social Network Analysis in combination with MAXQDA and Gephi, the study processes the data to reveal the influence and interests of various states as reflected in their connections to specific Taiwan Strait–related issues. In doing so, it provides a comprehensive mapping of actors, interests, and strategies involved in the mainland–Taiwan conflict. © 2026 Chinese University of Hong Kong Press. All rights reserved.