Taiwan

Taiwan has demonstrated swift support for Operation Roaring Lion. The goal is clear: Taiwan wants to learn from Israel’s national security policy and to align itself with the United States.

"This is a moment for China to exercise influence," said a senior Taiwan security official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence matters.

Taiwan, which faces a rising military threat from China, has complained of repeated delays to weapons ordered from the US, the most important international backer and arms supplier to the island.

Deliveries of Taiwan’s delayed F-16V fighter jets are set to begin this year, as production reaches full capacity following earlier setbacks.

With a price tag of about $14 billion, the arms deal would be the largest ever for the democratically governed island, which faces steadily rising military pressure from China.

The war with Iran is is a direct strike at China’s energy lifeline - and a pivotal move in the defining power struggle of the 21st century.

Military attaches and security analysts scrutinizing the operations say the flights represent a step-change in China's grey-zone tactics in the contested South China Sea.

US warships traverse the strait every few months, enraging Beijing, and some US allies, such as France, Australia, Britain, and Canada, have also made occasional transits.

China reaffirms the one-China principle, highlights cross-strait ties, and stresses the need for peaceful reunification.

A month where diplomacy, conflict, and culture reveal how power now blends identity and symbolism.