China Wants to Block Drone Bill: Source

Beijing is reportedly employing tactics through its United Front Work Department and Taiwan Affairs Office to pressure Taiwanese politicians friendly toward the Chinese Communist Party. The goal is to block a special bill proposed by the Executive Yuan, which aims to fund the procurement of military drones and uncrewed vessels. This legislative push comes as the Legislative Yuan prepares for cross-caucus negotiations on 14 versions of a draft uncrewed vehicle act.

The proposed legislation seeks to allocate up to NT$210 billion (US$6.55 billion) between August 2025 and December 2031. The funds are intended for acquiring coastal surveillance and reconnaissance drones, coastal attack drones, and small uncrewed surface vessels designed for attack missions. Staff units of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) have reportedly conducted wargame simulations of Taiwan's drone buildup plans, coordinated with the U.S.

Chinese military assessments suggest that Taiwan's drone development could significantly undermine the PLA's strategic advantage in the Taiwan Strait and weaken its strategic deterrence against Japan and the Philippines. Consequently, the PLA has recommended to the Chinese Central Military Commission that Taiwan's drone buildup be blocked. Beijing might accept a version of the legislation focused on "demilitarization" but insists that the budget be subject to annual, item-by-item review and approval. Blocking the Executive Yuan's special budget could also pressure President William Lai's administration to find alternative funding, potentially giving the Chinese military more time to develop countermeasures.

Lawmakers have been discussing the legislation, including its responsible authority, spending cap, and implementation period. While the bills passed the committee stage, they require cross-party negotiations before a full legislative vote. In a separate development, the Legislative Yuan recently approved NT$63.4 billion in uncrewed vehicle spending, encompassing a six-year NT$44.2 billion industrial development program and NT$19.2 billion in drone procurement budgets.