Taiwan president urges parliament to back drone spending for 'collective defence'

President Lai Ching-te has called on Taiwan's parliament to approve new defense spending, particularly for drones, stating the island must "share the responsibility for collective defence" in the face of increasing pressure from China. Lai emphasized the need to demonstrate Taiwan's determination to safeguard its sovereignty, maintain cross-strait stability, and uphold peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

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To demonstrate our determination to safeguard the nation, maintain stability across the Taiwan Strait, and uphold peace in the Indo-Pacific, we must respond to the international call to share the responsibility of collective defence

While Taiwan's government has prioritized asymmetric warfare capabilities, including drones, the opposition-dominated parliament previously approved only a portion of Lai's requested defense budget increase. The government has now put forth a new proposal totaling T$210 billion (approximately $6.5 billion) dedicated to surveillance, coastal attack, and small surface drones, intended for deployment through 2031. Opposition parties are also advancing their own drone spending initiatives.

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drones have become the "most important assets on the battlefield"

Speaking during a visit to the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, a government arms contractor, Lai drew parallels to recent global conflicts, noting that drones have become "the most important assets on the battlefield." He expressed hope for bipartisan support for the drone spending plan, urging both ruling and opposition parties to unite in bolstering national security and industrial development.

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I also call on both the ruling and opposition parties to jointly support national security and industrial development, in order to respond to the international community's expectations regarding Taiwan's determination to safeguard its security

The United States, Taiwan's primary arms supplier and key international ally, has strongly endorsed Taiwan's efforts to enhance its defense capabilities. Earlier this month, a senior U.S. diplomat in Taiwan suggested the island needs a "hornet's nest" of drones to deter potential conflict. President Lai has embraced calls from the U.S. administration for allies to increase their military expenditures.

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hornet's nest