TAIPEI, Taiwan: Taiwan should use its defense money more wisely and learn from the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, especially how drones are used, to keep a military balance with China, a top U.S. representative in Taipei said on June 6.
Taiwan's government has been focusing on drones and other low-cost, effective weapons to modernize its military. But last month, the opposition-controlled parliament approved only about two-thirds of the additional US$40 billion in the defense budget requested by President Lai Ching-te.
The government is now trying to get the remaining funds approved. These funds are meant for locally made weapons like drones and missiles, which can help better deter China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory.
The United States strongly supports Taiwan's defense spending plans. Speaking at a forum in Taipei, Raymond Greene from the American Institute in Taiwan said the U.S. wants Taiwan to invest more—but also more wisely.
He said the best way for Taiwan to quickly strengthen its defense is to invest in unmanned systems, such as drones. He added that recent wars have shown that drones are changing how wars are fought and could help Taiwan maintain military balance with China.
The U.S. has long been Taiwan's main supporter and weapons supplier, even though they do not have official diplomatic ties.
However, U.S. President Donald Trump raised concerns in Taiwan after meeting China's leader, Xi Jinping, last month, saying he is still deciding whether to approve a new $14 billion arms deal with Taiwan.
The U.S. says its policy toward Taiwan has not changed and remains committed to helping Taiwan defend itself. Greene stressed that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are crucial to the global economy.
He also said the U.S. opposes any attempt to change Taiwan's status by force.
Taiwan's government rejects China's claims, saying only its people can decide their future.
A senior Taiwanese official, Shen Yu-chung, said that peace does not mean doing nothing. He said Taiwan must stay strong to prevent conflict.
He added that Taiwan strongly opposes any forceful change to the current situation, as this is not only about its own security but also about protecting stability in the wider Indo-Pacific region and among democracies worldwide.
