51吃瓜

US President Donald Trump via Instagram the February 28 US鈥揑sraeli attack on Iran. Though Israel and Iran were in the midst of negotiations, the bombing reflected Trump鈥檚 concern that Iran was developing nuclear missiles. He that Operation Epic Fury, the mission that initiated the attack, aimed to defend the American people from the Iranian regime and protect the US鈥檚 military bases in Europe.

To the world鈥檚 shock, Iran鈥檚 Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, perished. Iran鈥檚 future is now plunged into a state of uncertainty. The country has countered with on strategic locations across the Middle East, including some US facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

As a tiny country, Taiwan鈥檚 government worries about these tensions. Meanwhile, the Taiwanese people find themselves in a tight situation as the Chinese navy the island. US intelligence and several think tanks that China will invade Taiwan by 2027 by multiple military units from any spot. After the delayed special defense budget meeting, Taiwan鈥檚 Legislative Yuan approved the $40 billion purchase of armed units 鈥� mostly from the United States 鈥� to upgrade the country鈥檚 readiness to face China.

In his speech, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te to allocate 3% of GDP to military expenditure and to reach 5% of GDP in 2030.

The new turbulence in the Middle East has significantly impacted Taiwan鈥檚 position as a global player. Although Taiwan is far away from that region geographically, Lai ensures that Taiwan鈥檚 interests are protected, at least for its citizens, economy and political awareness. In response to the catastrophe, he expressed in closely monitoring the situation and taking precautionary measures.

People first

Taiwan should not be recognized as a sovereign country by all members of the United Nations. As of early 2026, only 12 countries, primarily located in the Pacific, formally it. In terms of political influence, Taiwan lacks the capacity to act as a 鈥減eacemaker鈥� like Qatar or Norway, which have established experience in mediation.

The rising tensions are a clear indication for Taiwan to enter a state of heightened alert, necessitating an awareness of its precarious position. Taiwan must confront the stark reality of its situation. Compared to the key players involved in the current turmoil, including the US, Israel, Iran and others, Taiwan has significantly limited offensive capabilities. This creates an asymmetrical power dynamic.

Taiwan must urgently prioritize protecting its citizens. This requires effective coordination and communication among Taiwan鈥檚 non-diplomatic offices in the Middle East. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has that 3,000 Taiwanese individuals in the region are safe. Additionally, the Taiwanese government has no immediate plans to its nationals from the Middle East, as Iran鈥檚 retaliatory actions have primarily targeted US sites. However, given the volatility, the Taiwanese government should take further steps to ensure its citizens鈥� safety.

Global economic fallout

The Iranian government is now shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway serves as a vital maritime route for international trade, connecting the Middle East to Europe. The blockade would significantly disrupt the maritime route, as vessels bound for Europe would need to around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of South Africa. That takes longer and incurs higher operating costs.

This change of trade routes will likely affect the Taiwanese economy. of its oil is sourced from the Middle East, primarily due to its high sulfur content. Trade relations between Taiwan and Middle Eastern countries have been on the rise, with oil imports representing of Taiwan鈥檚 total imports. Therefore, the significant dependence on that oil hurts Taiwan鈥檚 energy needs.

State-owned oil suppliers CPC Corporation, Taiwan, and Formosa Petrochemical Corporation have announced an increase in fuel prices. Gasoline prices will soon by $0.20 New Taiwan dollar (less than $0.01) per liter, while diesel prices will increase by $0.40 ($0.01) per liter.

The situation also poses a risk to Taiwan鈥檚 investment landscape. While Taiwan may carry less political clout, it experienced an 鈥溾�� from the 1950s to the 1980s. The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company stands as the world鈥檚 leading producer of advanced technology, responsible for 90% of global production.

In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, countries worldwide are compelled to embrace technology to foster progress across all sectors. In the Middle East, Taiwan has technological defense, such as drones, naval systems and surveillance equipment, to countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

What Taiwan needs

As a country under pressure from multiple sides, Taiwan needs to be ready to face global complexity. It requires a 鈥渨atching and preparing鈥� approach, pursuing adaptive policies aligned with national measures to ensure that Taiwan remains responsive to the evolving geopolitical landscape.

In response to these tensions, Taiwan鈥檚 national interest lies in safeguarding its people and upholding economic resilience. The country needs to implement decisive strategies that bolster economic stability and growth. Doing so would reinforce its position amidst geopolitical uncertainties.

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The views expressed in this article are the author鈥檚 own and do not necessarily reflect 51吃瓜鈥檚 editorial policy.