Key Facts
• July 18, 2025: Taiwan concluded its longest-ever 10-day Han Kuang military drill.
• Taiwan Strait identified as a potential flashpoint for World War III.
• Taiwan shifts from ignoring threats to actively bolstering self-defense.
• U.S. policy encourages allies to take greater self-reliance in defense.
• 1990: Taiwan abandoned plans for military invasion of mainland China.
• Taiwan prioritizes asymmetric warfare, focusing on anti-ship missiles over large-scale weapons.
• 2013: Civilian defense minister lasted only six days due to military resistance.
• 2016–2024: President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized China’s threat but avoided over-escalation.
• 2024: President Lai Ching-te adopts a more proactive stance against Chinese threats.
• Taiwan faces internal divisions between pro-independence and pro-China factions.
Summary
Taiwan is accelerating its military preparedness amid rising tensions with China, which has openly signaled intentions to invade. Historically, Taiwan downplayed these threats, but recent years have seen a significant shift in its defense strategy. The U.S. has urged allies like Taiwan to take greater responsibility for their security, prompting a focus on asymmetric warfare, such as anti-ship missiles, rather than large-scale weaponry. Internal political divisions and Chinese disinformation campaigns remain challenges. Under President Lai Ching-te, Taiwan has adopted a more assertive approach to counter China’s growing pressure, marking a critical evolution in its defense posture.
