US experience fighting Iran offers lessons for China, experts say

US Experience in Persian Gulf Conflict Offers Strategic Insights for China

US experience fighting Iran offers lessons – As the Iran-US military engagement enters its third month, the ongoing conflict is serving as a critical lens for China to evaluate how the United States operates under pressure. Experts from China, Taiwan, and other regions highlight the importance of this real-time observation, emphasizing that adversaries often dictate the outcome of any battle. CNN interviewed several analysts to explore how the recent fighting in the Persian Gulf might shape future strategies in a potential confrontation between Beijing and Washington.

Defensive Vulnerabilities Exposed

Fu Qianshao, a former colonel in China’s air force, noted that the conflict has underscored the need for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to scrutinize its defensive capabilities. “Iran’s ability to bypass US anti-missile systems such as the Patriot and THAAD demonstrates that even advanced defenses can be outmaneuvered,” he explained to CNN. This insight suggests that China must identify gaps in its own protective measures to ensure invincibility in future wars.

“We need to devote significant efforts to identify weakness in our defensive side to ensure we remain invincible in future wars,” Fu said.

While the PLA has bolstered its offensive arsenal—particularly with hypersonic glide vehicles and fifth-generation stealth fighters—their defensive systems appear less refined. According to the British think tank RUSI, the PLA Air Force is rapidly expanding its fleet of J-20 stealth jets, which are comparable to US F-35s in terms of stealth and firepower. However, analysts argue that China’s current defensive posture remains a key area for improvement. The ability of Iran to infiltrate US air defenses with relatively basic technology, such as Shahed drones and cost-effective ballistic missiles, highlights how even sophisticated adversaries can be vulnerable.

Offensive Firepower and Tactical Adaptability

China’s military modernization has focused heavily on offensive capabilities, with a growing emphasis on precision strikes. The PLA’s expansion of missile systems and launch platforms has raised concerns among experts about its readiness for prolonged engagements. “The PLA’s rapid development of hypersonic weapons and stealth technology shows a clear focus on overwhelming the enemy through speed and stealth,” one analyst remarked. This trend is mirrored in the US’s own approach, where advanced platforms like the F-35 and B-2 bombers have been paired with lower-cost guided munitions from older aircraft such as the B-1 and B-52.

Despite the US’s technological edge, the conflict has revealed the importance of adapting tactics. The combination of high-tech weapons and simpler systems has allowed the US to target a range of assets, from missile silos to naval vessels and bridges. This hybrid strategy is a lesson for China, which must prepare for similar threats in any potential confrontation with the United States.

Taiwan as a Strategic Flashpoint

Taiwan remains a focal point in potential US-China military engagements, with analysts pointing to its role as a testing ground for China’s growing military might. The island’s status as a self-governing democracy adds complexity to the scenario, as Beijing seeks to reunify it under its rule. President Xi Jinping has not excluded the possibility of using force to achieve this goal, a stance that underscores the region’s strategic importance.

China’s military has demonstrated the ability to counter both high-tech US weaponry and Iran’s low-cost drone swarms. Chieh Chung, a researcher at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, noted that Beijing’s forces are now equipped to handle advanced systems while maintaining the capacity for large-scale drone operations. “Long-range rockets and drone swarms will definitely play a key role in China’s joint military operations against Taiwan,” Chung stated.

“Long-range rockets and drone swarms will definitely play a key role in China’s joint military operations against Taiwan,” Chieh Chung told CNN.

However, the question remains: can this approach secure a decisive victory? China’s dominance in drone manufacturing, coupled with the potential for mass production, poses a significant challenge to Taiwan’s defenses. A 2025 report by War on the Rocks highlighted that Chinese civilian manufacturers could retool within a year to produce one billion weaponized drones annually. This capacity threatens to overwhelm Taiwan’s current countermeasures, which a government watchdog recently labeled as “ineffective” and a “major security risk” to critical infrastructure.

Improving Taiwan’s Defenses

Despite these challenges, Taiwan is actively working to enhance its military readiness. Gene Su, managing director of Thunder Tiger, the island’s leading drone manufacturer, called for increased investment in mass production capabilities. “We need to produce continuously, day and night, to counter our enemies,” Su emphasized. This push for self-sufficiency reflects Taiwan’s awareness of the evolving threat landscape and its determination to stay prepared.

Analysts agree that Taiwan’s efforts are crucial. While the island’s current drone countermeasures may not be robust enough, the rapid development of its defense industry signals a growing capacity to respond to China’s ambitions. The recent conflict in the Persian Gulf has shown that even nations with advanced technology can be caught off guard by innovative, cost-effective tactics.

Adapting to a New Strategic Reality

The US, too, is reassessing its role in potential Pacific conflicts. Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of the Indo-Pacific Command, testified before a US Senate hearing in April, stating that drones have the potential to increase the cost of offensive operations. “In a conflict in the Pacific, the US may find itself defending rather than attacking,” he warned.

China’s recent military displays suggest it is confident in its ability to support Xi Jinping’s vision of a global order shaped by its influence. The question now is whether this confidence is justified. The combination of hypersonic missiles, stealth bombers, and drone swarms has created a multifaceted threat, one that could redefine the balance of power in the region. As the conflict in the Persian Gulf continues, it offers a glimpse into how China might approach a confrontation with the United States, blending technological sophistication with tactical ingenuity.

Experts caution that China’s success will depend on its ability to adapt to evolving challenges. While the PLA has made strides in offensive capabilities, its defenses must evolve to keep pace with adversaries’ innovations. The lessons from the Iran-US conflict highlight the importance of anticipating weaknesses and preparing for scenarios that combine high-tech precision with cost-effective, scalable attacks. For Taiwan, the stakes are equally high, as its survival hinges on its capacity to counter China’s growing military advantage while maintaining regional stability.

As both sides refine their strategies, the outcome of any future conflict may hinge on how well each side learns from the present. The ability to integrate new technologies, adapt to changing battlefield dynamics, and address logistical challenges will determine the trajectory of this evolving rivalry. For now, the Persian Gulf remains a proving ground, offering a glimpse into the broader strategic implications of the US-China military standoff.