The top U.S. diplomat to Taiwan urged the island to enhance its defense capabilities by focusing on drone technology as a means of deterring potential aggression from China. Raymond Greene, director of the American Institute in Taiwan—which serves as the de facto U.S. embassy—outlined this strategy during a drone industry forum held Thursday in Taichung.

Greene emphasized that deploying a dense network of air, surface, and underwater drones could serve as a powerful deterrent, making Taiwan more difficult to attack. “Nothing will deter conflict more effectively than turning Taiwan into a hornet’s nest of air, surface, and subsurface drones,” Greene said.

In addition to highlighting the strategic benefits of drone deployment, Greene also discussed prospects for expanded cooperation between the United States and Taiwan in the drone sector. He suggested that Taiwanese investment in the U.S. drone industry could foster closer defense ties and technological development.

Taiwan’s government has recently taken steps to strengthen its drone capabilities, proposing a special budget plan in mid-June aimed at bolstering the industry over a five-year period from August 2026 through December 2031. The proposed funding ceiling is set at 210 billion Taiwan dollars (approximately $6.6 billion), signaling a significant commitment to advancing indigenous drone technology.

The push for enhanced drone capabilities comes amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait, as Beijing has increased military maneuvers near the island, which it claims as its own territory. Taiwan has repeatedly sought to upgrade its defense systems in response to these pressures, balancing deterrence with efforts to avoid direct confrontation.

While the United States maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan’s defense, officials like Greene’s remarks reflect Washington’s ongoing support for Taiwan’s security and efforts to strengthen its self-defense technologies. The focus on unmanned systems aligns with broader trends in modern military strategy, where drones are seen as force multipliers that can enhance surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities without risking personnel.

As Taiwan moves forward with its drone industry expansion and explores deeper ties with the U.S. defense sector, the approach underscores a shift toward innovative, technology-driven deterrence aimed at maintaining stability in the face of increasing regional challenges.