If China wanted to spy on your iPhone, they would have just installed an extra chip in it at the factory. If you don't daily-drive in lockdown mode, then I wouldn't bother using it in Taiwan either.
If you're genuinely concerned, you should get a separate device for your trip.
For most travelers, basic cyber hygiene is enough.
I was in Taiwan in March just waving my iPhone around with no regard for my own safety like the dimwitted American I am. I guess China doesn’t really concern me - after all, I’m only a grocery store produce stocker.
> but given Taiwan's issues with China, are Taiwan's network users susceptible to Chinese spyware?
You could say this about the US too. The US has issues with China, are American network users susceptible to Chinese spyware? Chinese hardware is everywhere.
Do you enable Lockdown Mode in the US as well?