Taiwan Draws Strategic Lessons from Iran War - March 16, 2026
As the Iran war enters its third week, Taiwan’s defense officials are drawing lessons from the conflict as they work to strengthen the country’s air defenses against China’s much larger military. At the Yushan Forum in Taipei, President Lai Ching-te called for higher defense spending and deeper cooperation in tech, supply chains, and Indo-Pacific security. And Taiwan is working to build a fully domestic drone industry, highlighted by a major drone show in the southern county of Chiayi. Plus: - US President Donald Trump could postpone his expected meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month as he urges Beijing to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Financial Times. - Over 300,000 people have signed up for the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage starting April 12, already nearing last year’s record attendance. - Taiwan shines at the 2026 World Indoor Tug of War Championships, winning nine gold medals at the international event hosted in Taipei.
