Taiwan Ramps Up China Defense After Learning From Iran-Israel War

The recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, though thousands of kilometers away, has served as a critical case study for Taiwan, significantly influencing its defense preparations against a potential Chinese invasion. Taiwan meticulously observed Israel's strategic maneuvers, the crucial role of U.S. support, and Iran's retaliatory actions, and is now actively implementing these lessons.

This week, Taiwan commenced its largest-ever military exercise, the "Han Kuang Drills," involving 22,000 reserve soldiers. These extensive drills are simulating a wide range of scenarios, including cyberattacks, missile strikes, and ground combat, all aimed at bolstering Taiwan's readiness against a larger and more powerful adversary like China.

Key Takeaways from the Iran-Israel Conflict

The Iran-Israel war, which spanned from June 13 to June 24, provided Taiwan with invaluable insights. Israel's initial actions, which significantly damaged Iran's air defense capabilities through precise intelligence-driven airstrikes, highlighted the importance of early information gathering and cyber security. Iran's response, involving hundreds of missiles and over a thousand drones, demonstrated the scale of potential aerial threats. Furthermore, the decisive intervention of the United States from the ninth day, including attacks on Iranian nuclear bases, underscored the critical role of international cooperation. Taiwan concluded that timely intelligence, robust cybersecurity, and strong international partnerships are vital for weakening an enemy.

Asymmetric Defense: Taiwan's Strategy Against a Larger Foe

Recognizing that China's military vastly outnumbers its own, Taiwan is prioritizing an "asymmetric defense" strategy, focusing on smart and agile technologies. This includes developing advanced anti-drone systems, establishing plans to maintain command and control amidst severe cyberattacks, and integrating modern weaponry like the American M1A2T Abrams tanks, which are becoming a cornerstone of Taiwan's defensive capabilities. The ongoing Han Kuang drills are for the first time featuring newly acquired U.S.-made HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems), known for their effectiveness, as well as showcasing the new M1A2T Abrams tanks in live-fire exercises.

Strengthening Ties and Building Resilience

Taiwan has acknowledged the necessity of self-strengthening to gain international backing. Consequently, it has accelerated agreements with the United States on military training, intelligence sharing, and foreign military financing. Taiwanese soldiers are receiving training in the U.S., and American experts are actively providing training in Taiwan.

Beyond military readiness, Taiwan is also intensifying its civil defense preparations. Drawing inspiration from Israel, where citizens are well-versed in missile attack protocols, Taiwan is constructing bomb-proof shelters in new government and public buildings, with plans to reinforce older structures. Safe spaces are also being designated in train stations and metro systems.

Furthermore, Taiwan is investing in the mental resilience and medical preparedness of its citizens. The focus is on equipping the population for medical emergencies, establishing robust rescue systems, and providing trauma therapy. Taiwanese experts are traveling to Israel to learn how civilians can maintain composure and readiness in a wartime scenario, ensuring a comprehensive approach to national defense.