US strike on Iran fuels Taiwan’s air defence debate and energy supply fears

Taiwan has reacted to the US strike on Iran with surprise, strategic calculation and renewed debate over the island’s air defence readiness.While some observers were struck by what they saw as overwhelming US military dominance, others said the conflict underscored the urgency of accelerating plans to build a more integrated, layered air defence network amid mounting pressure from Beijing.On Monday, the island’s cabinet said relevant ministries were “closely monitoring developments in the Middle East” and assessing potential impacts on Taiwan’s economy, financial markets and energy supplies.Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai instructed finance authorities to keep a close watch on stock and currency market volatility, which officials said remained within a controllable range.The economics ministry has activated an energy response mechanism to coordinate supply sources amid concerns that escalating hostilities could disrupt global oil and gas flows.Taiwan has diversified crude imports in recent years, reducing reliance on the Middle East from 45 per cent to 35 per cent, according to officials.