Taiwan in March 2026: the most important developments in security
Taiwan in March 2026 saw a shift in the US assessment of China. A US intelligence report published around 19 March said China does not currently plan to invade Taiwan in 2027, a softening of the previous outlook. On 20 March Taiwan said China poses a pressing threat and that deterrence is needed to avert an invasion. On 16 March China halted fighter jet patrols near Taiwan for two weeks, and a former Taiwanese military official was accused of spying for China on 15 March.
Arms and defence spending were the second theme. Taiwan's parliament approved a major arms deal with the United States on 13 March, and the president said on 14 March that Taiwan can afford more military spending. Earlier in the month, the opposition said it was open to passing a special defence budget if the United States approved a new arms package. Taiwan's navy completed trials of the Sea Sword II air-defence missile, and a delegation oversaw the delivery of SkyGuardian drones and the F-16 programme in the United States.
The war involving Iran raised concern over deliveries. US officials said on 17 March that the war was not delaying weapons shipments to Taiwan, while Taiwan voiced concern over the depletion of US missile stocks. On 25 March Taiwan said the United States places high urgency on speeding up deliveries.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
Click a day in the chart above for that day's brief.