Taiwan urged to invest smarter in defence, senior U.S. diplomat says

Saturday 06 June 2026 - 08:15

Taiwan should focus not only on increasing defence spending but also on investing more effectively in military capabilities, according to a senior U.S. diplomat in Taipei. The comments come as the island continues efforts to strengthen its security in response to growing pressure from China.

Speaking at a forum in Taipei, Raymond Greene, director of the American Institute in Taiwan, emphasized the importance of modern defence strategies and highlighted unmanned systems as a key component of Taiwan’s military development. He noted that recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated the growing role of drones and other autonomous technologies on the battlefield.

Taiwan has been pursuing a military modernisation programme centered on what defence experts describe as “asymmetric warfare” capabilities. These systems are designed to provide a smaller military force with effective tools to deter or counter a larger opponent. Drones, mobile missile systems and advanced surveillance technologies are among the priorities identified by the government.

However, political debates have complicated some of these efforts. Taiwan’s parliament recently approved only part of an additional defence budget proposed by President Lai Ching-te. The government is now seeking approval for the remaining funds, which are intended to support the development of domestically produced military equipment, including drones and missile systems.

The United States has repeatedly expressed support for Taiwan’s plans to strengthen its defence capabilities. Washington considers enhanced self-defence measures essential for maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait and discouraging potential military coercion.

China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has increased military activities around the island in recent years. Taiwan, meanwhile, maintains that its future should be determined by its people and continues to invest in measures aimed at preserving its security and autonomy.

Analysts note that the debate is no longer focused solely on how much money is allocated to defence, but also on how efficiently those resources are used. The growing importance of unmanned systems, cyber capabilities and precision weapons reflects broader changes in modern warfare and is shaping Taiwan’s long-term defence strategy.