Taiwan needs a “hornet’s nest” of drones to bolster its defenses against growing threats from China, according to the top U.S. diplomat on the island.
Related: Venezuela quake survivors rescued after four days
Raymond Greene, director of the American Institute in Taiwan, made the remarks at a drone forum in Taichung. He described drones as a “game-changing opportunity” to enhance security and reinforce regional peace. Greene emphasized that drones have proven their value in modern conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, where they have altered battlefield trends. The U.S. supports Taiwan’s military modernization, though the two lack formal diplomatic ties. Taiwan has increased defense spending in response to China’s escalating claims over the island, which views Taiwan as its own territory and has intensified military pressure in recent years. The U.S. remains Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms supplier, providing critical support for the island’s defense modernization efforts.
Greene cited Ukraine’s use of drones in war as proof of their effectiveness. “Nothing will deter conflict more effectively than turning Taiwan into a hornet’s nest of air, surface, and subsurface drones,” he said. The U.S. and Taiwan can anchor “democratic” drone production, strengthening collective deterrence among democracies. Greene noted that drones have significantly boosted defenders even when facing overwhelming odds, a lesson Taiwan must apply to its own security strategy. The U.S. has strongly backed Taiwan’s military modernization plan, recognizing the need for asymmetric capabilities to counter China’s military advantages.
Related: Important Things To Know About Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride
Taiwan’s government has pushed for more drones and asymmetric warfare tools. In May, lawmakers approved only two-thirds of President Lai Ching-te’s requested $40 billion defense spending, focusing on U.S. arms. The government has now proposed a new T$210 billion ($6.59 billion) package for surveillance, coastal attack, and small unmanned surface drones by 2031. The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) countered with a T$240 billion plan over six years, funded through the main budget rather than a special budget, as the government prefers. The debate over budgeting methods continues between the ruling party and opposition, highlighting differing approaches to defense funding.
President Lai warned that building asymmetric combat capabilities is urgent. “Facing changes in the geopolitical situation and the evolution of modern warfare, this is a national defense project that is a race against time,” he said. Lai rejects China’s sovereignty claims, asserting that only Taiwan’s people can decide their future. His government has prioritized drones and other asymmetric systems, recognizing their role in countering China’s military buildup. The president’s remarks show the urgency of Taiwan’s defense modernization, as geopolitical tensions and technological advancements reshape the security setting.
Related: Advantages of segmental body composition scales
The U.S. has backed Taiwan’s defense plans, viewing drones as a way to strengthen collective deterrence among democracies. Greene emphasized that the U.S. and Taiwan can anchor “democratic” drone production, reinforcing ties between the two. Taiwan’s defense strategy now hinges on securing enough funding and political support for its drone initiatives. The debate over budgeting methods continues, with the ruling party and opposition proposing different approaches to financing Taiwan’s defense modernization. The outcome will shape Taiwan’s ability to develop the asymmetric capabilities needed to deter conflict and safeguard its security.