TAIPEI (March 25): Taiwan fears China will exploit the distraction of the US by its war in the Middle East, with state media citing examples from the conflict to cast doubt on ​the efficiency of US weapons the island would use to repel any invasion. "What China is trying to create is a sense that ​when the US shifts forces away and Indo-Pacific strength is redirected to the Middle East, tension and instability should be manufactured." Driver Joseph Orinion says gas prices have doubled in recent months due to the crisis in the Middle East. "They want people to think that one day, when Taiwan is again encircled by the Chinese military, the public will lose confidence in energy issues," another Taiwan ‌security official ⁠said. Chinese state media view the Iran war as having implications for future conflict with Taiwan, its weapons mainly supplied by the US, despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties.

Source: The Edge Markets March 25, 2026 09:41 UTC