Taiwan is an island nation, a very small island nation. And thus, their defense challenge is quite unique. I think what Taiwan needs, if it wants to become a bit more assertive, is following:Absolutely, one more idea whose time has come. Not to mention, Taiwan is a very valuable partner as far as technology, cyberwarfare and intelligence (they're essentially the same people as China) domains are concerned. In fact, even though some of the countries in the region including Taiwan are nominally under the US missile & nuclear shield - I still think India should propose sharing cruise missile, ballistic missile, and nuclear weapons technology with them and proliferate such weapons in the region, in response to China giving Pakistan ballistic missile and nuclear weapons technology decades ago. Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam would be a solid start.
And while on the topic - some people, who rake up that super-old map with ROC territorial claims also need to realize that it's pretty much irrelevant and meaningless now in this day and age for all practical purposes. That's not a reason to slow down or mess up relations with Taiwan.
a. A coastal radar network that can monitor against potential Chinese amphibious assault
b. An Indian style hi-tech air defense system capable of thwarting aerial assault from Chinese air force
c. A variety of field guns, howitzers, and rockets to engage in high intensity shelling
d. Helicopter gunships and fixed-wing aircrafts to carry out raids against amphibious assault
e. Destroyers, frigates, corvettes, submarines, and missile boats
I do not think they would need nuclear weapons.