Taiwan needs to become a ‘hornet’s nest’ of drones, US diplomat says

The de ​facto US ambassador Raymond Greene says drones represent a ‘game-changing opportunity’ to enhance Taiwan’s security.Taiwan needs a “hornet’s nest” of drones to help deter conflict and provide security, says the top United States ⁠diplomat to the self-governing island that China claims as part of its territory.Speaking at a forum on drones in the central city of Taichung, Raymond Greene, director of the American Institute in ‌Taiwan and the de facto US ambassador, said on Thursday that drones represented a “game-changing opportunity” to enhance Taiwan’s security and reinforce peace in the broader region.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Taiwan’s President Lai says he would be happy to speak with Donald Trumplist 2 of 3Will Trump kill $14bn Taiwan arms deal?list 3 of 3Trump’s mixed messaging on Taiwan – what we knowend of listThe US, Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms supplier despite their lack of formal diplomatic ties, has strongly supported the government’s military ⁠modernisation plan and increased defence spending.Taiwan has said it needs to bolster its defences in the face of a stepped-up threat from China.China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes Washington’s continued, though informal, backing of Taipei.The US and Taiwan can anchor “democratic” drone production and strengthen the collective deterrence posture of the free world, Greene said.“Fortunately for Taiwan, drones have significantly boosted defenders, even when facing overwhelming odds,” he added, referring to the war in Ukraine.“Nothing will deter conflict more effectively than turning Taiwan into a hornet’s nest ⁠of air, surface and subsurface drones.”While Taiwan’s government has prioritised drones ⁠and other asymmetric military systems, in May, the opposition-dominated parliament passed only two-thirds of the $40bn in extra defence spending that President William Lai Ching-te had asked for, earmarking funds only for US arms.