As Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, Taiwan is on high alert, considering itself the next potential conflict zone if Kyiv falls. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu believes that Russia’s success in Ukraine could embolden Beijing to forcibly “reunite” Taiwan with mainland China. To prevent this, Taiwan is walking a fine line, defending its sovereignty while avoiding provocation. The island nation is preparing for a potential surprise attack from China by stockpiling weapons and building drones to show China that invading Taiwan won’t be easy. Taiwan is closely watching and learning from Russia’s war in Ukraine to strengthen its defenses and be prepared for any aggression from authoritarian regimes.
Despite China’s efforts to subdue Taiwan through “gray zone” activities like military exercises and cyber warfare, Taiwan remains vigilant and firm against Beijing’s pressures. China’s intensified campaigns in 2024 threaten the stability of the Taiwan Strait, and Taiwan is actively patrolling its territory to prevent Chinese incursions. China’s long-standing goal of reunification with Taiwan poses a constant threat to the island’s security, prompting Taiwan to seek partnerships with other nations to enhance its defense capabilities. The United States has warned of China’s plan to invade Taiwan by 2027, further underscoring the need for Taiwan to bolster its defenses.
Taiwan has been closely studying Ukraine’s defense strategies and learning valuable lessons from the war in Ukraine. Taiwan understands the risks it faces, not just for itself but also for neighboring nations like the Philippines. The island nation is also supporting Ukraine through various means, such as imposing sanctions on Moscow and providing humanitarian aid. While military assistance to Ukraine is unlikely for now, Taiwan is open to sharing its drone technology and expertise with Ukraine. Both Taiwan and Ukraine share the belief that democracies must unite to counter the threat of authoritarian regimes expanding their influence.
As Taiwan strengthens its defenses and navigates the complex geopolitical landscape of East Asia, it remains committed to supporting Ukraine and promoting democracy around the world. Taiwan’s unique position as a self-governing island facing constant pressure from China makes it a valuable ally for countries like Ukraine that are fighting against authoritarian aggression. By building strong partnerships with other democracies and sharing resources and expertise, Taiwan and Ukraine can stand together against the forces that threaten their freedom and sovereignty. Despite the challenges they face, both nations are determined to uphold democratic values and resist authoritarian encroachment.
