Taiwan's Deputy Chief of General Staff for Intelligence, Hsieh Jih-Sheng, emphasized the significant impact of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine on the island's defense strategies. Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum, Hsieh highlighted that a Ukrainian defeat could embolden China's aggressive stance towards Taiwan, drawing parallels between the two geopolitical situations.
The Warsaw Security Forum, held in Warsaw from September 29-30, 2025, served as a critical venue for international discussions on security matters. Hsieh articulated that Taiwan is learning valuable defense lessons from Ukraine's resilience and strategic responses to Russian aggression. This perspective aligns with many analysts who observe that the conflict has accelerated Taiwan's military reforms and enhancements.
Taiwan has already initiated its largest-ever Han Kuang military exercises in July 2025, mobilizing a record 22,000 reservists, signaling an elevated state of readiness. Concerns are growing over the deepening military cooperation between China and Russia, with reports suggesting Russia is training a Chinese airborne battalion and sharing expertise in airdropping armored vehicles. This collaboration is viewed by some as a move that could bolster China's power projection capabilities and its potential threat to Taiwan. In August 2025, Russia and China conducted joint naval exercises "Maritime Interaction-2025" in the Sea of Japan, demonstrating deepening military cooperation. These exercises, including anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and naval combat, are seen as a signal of increasing military power and a challenge to Western influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Warsaw Security Forum has become an increasingly vital platform for addressing escalating threats, particularly for Central and Eastern Europe, which is at the forefront of evolving security challenges. Taiwan's active participation in such forums, coupled with its robust defense exercises, underscores a strategic commitment to enhancing its security and raising global awareness of its situation.
Lessons learned from Ukraine's defense efforts emphasize the need for adaptable military forces, strong territorial defense, and crucial international support. Taiwan is also integrating insights on hybrid warfare, the importance of satellite communications, and the necessity of countering cognitive warfare operations. The interconnectedness of global security is evident, as events in one region can significantly influence strategic calculations in another. Taiwan's leadership, by drawing parallels with the Ukrainian experience, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to safeguarding its future.