US experience fighting Iran offers lessons for China, experts say
US Experience Fighting Iran Offers Lessons for China, Experts Say
US experience fighting Iran offers lessons – As the Iran conflict nears its third month, it’s serving as a pivotal opportunity for China to understand how US military systems operate under pressure. The ongoing hostilities in the Persian Gulf have highlighted both the strengths and vulnerabilities of American forces, offering Beijing a chance to refine its own strategies. Analysts from China, Taiwan, and international institutions have weighed in, emphasizing that the adversary’s actions can shape the outcome of any conflict. CNN sought insights from these experts, revealing how the US-Iran standoff might inform China’s preparations for a potential clash with the United States.
Defensive Weaknesses Exposed
Former Colonel Fu Qianshao of China’s Air Force pointed out that the US-Iran conflict has underscored the importance of defensive readiness. He noted that while Iran’s attacks were relatively primitive, they managed to bypass advanced systems like the Patriot and THAAD, demonstrating the need for China to scrutinize its own vulnerabilities. “We need to devote significant efforts to identify weakness in our defensive side to ensure we remain invincible in future wars,” Fu told CNN, stressing the critical role of adaptability in modern warfare.
Offensive Capabilities in Focus
China’s military has been rapidly expanding its offensive firepower, particularly in missile technology. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is now equipped with hypersonic glide vehicles capable of evading traditional interceptors, a development that analysts say could shift the balance in a potential conflict. According to the British think tank RUSI, the PLA Air Force is on track to field approximately 1,000 J-20 stealth fighters, comparable in function to the US F-35s. These aircraft, combined with long-range strike platforms, are part of China’s strategy to project power across contested regions.
Iran’s Tactics as a Blueprint
Iran’s ability to penetrate US air defenses using low-cost drones and ballistic missiles has caught the attention of military strategists. Despite the US’ reliance on sophisticated weaponry like F-35s and B-2 bombers, Iran’s campaign showed that volume and simplicity can still disrupt high-tech systems. Analysts argue that the US unleashed a precision strike campaign with advanced munitions, yet the effectiveness of its attacks was amplified by the use of cheaper, less technologically complex guided weapons. This mix of capabilities, they say, is something Beijing must account for in its planning.
Taiwan as a Potential Flashpoint
While the Iran conflict provides insights into US military operations, Taiwan remains a critical battleground for future US-China tensions. China’s Communist Party has consistently asserted its claim over the island, even though it has never formally controlled it. President Xi Jinping’s administration has not ruled out military action to achieve unification, raising concerns about the island’s preparedness. Chieh Chung, a researcher at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, highlighted that China’s military is now capable of matching the US in high-tech precision strikes and outmaneuvering Iran with drone swarms. “Long-range rockets and drone swarms will definitely play a key role in China’s joint military operations against Taiwan,” he told CNN.
Drone Dominance and Production Capacity
China’s dominance in drone manufacturing is a key factor in its strategic calculus. Analysts note that the nation’s civilian industry can retool within a year to produce up to one billion weaponized drones annually, according to a 2025 report from War on the Rocks. This capacity poses a significant challenge to Taiwan, which currently lacks robust countermeasures. A government watchdog’s recent assessment warned that Taiwan’s existing defenses against drone attacks are “ineffective,” leaving critical infrastructure and military installations vulnerable. Yet, Taiwan is not idle. Gene Su, managing director of Thunder Tiger, the island’s leading drone manufacturer, called for increased investment to bolster mass production capabilities. “We need to produce continuously, day and night, to counter our enemies,” he emphasized, underscoring the urgency of modernization.
Strategic Shift in the Pacific
The US, too, is adjusting its approach, recognizing that a conflict in the Pacific might see it defending rather than attacking. Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, noted at a Senate hearing in April that drones are making warfare more expensive for the offensive side, a shift that could complicate US operations. This evolving dynamic highlights how the Iran conflict has forced a reevaluation of traditional military doctrines. China’s military display, analysts say, demonstrates its ability to back up Xi Jinping’s vision of a new global order, where technological superiority and strategic flexibility are paramount.
Implications for Regional Security
The lessons from the Iran conflict extend beyond immediate tactical adjustments. They signal a broader shift in how China perceives its role in global power dynamics. By studying US vulnerabilities, Beijing aims to refine its own military strategies, ensuring it can withstand prolonged engagements. However, the success of this approach depends on China’s ability to integrate lessons from the battlefield into its long-term planning. The combination of hypersonic missiles, stealth fighters, and drone swarms suggests a formidable arsenal, but the absence of comprehensive defensive measures could leave key assets exposed.
A Balance of Power and Innovation
As the conflict in the Persian Gulf continues, it serves as a microcosm of the larger US-China rivalry. The US has showcased its ability to conduct high-precision strikes with advanced platforms, while Iran’s use of cost-effective technologies highlights the importance of adaptability. This duality is mirrored in Taiwan’s situation, where the island’s military must prepare for both high-tech confrontations and overwhelming drone attacks. The interplay of these factors underscores the complexity of modern warfare, where technological innovation and strategic foresight are equally vital. With both sides continuously refining their capabilities, the coming years will likely see the emergence of new tactics and doctrines that redefine the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region.
