Taiwan Ramps Up Anti-Drone Efforts Amid China Tensions

Taipei, Oct 9 (AP) – Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense is intensifying efforts to counter Chinese drone incursions, training soldiers to effectively shoot down drones and exploring new anti-drone technologies.

The report, released on Thursday, outlined a comprehensive strategy to tackle the threat posed by Chinese drones. It emphasizes identifying these unmanned aerial vehicles and neutralizing them as they approach.

This measure is particularly important for Taiwan’s outlying islands, which, due to their proximity to China, frequently encounter drone incursions. Though China asserts claims over Taiwan, the island continues to function as a self-governing entity, resisting Beijing's attempts to exert control.

Defense ministry spokesperson Major General Sun Li-fang reiterated Taiwan's commitment to securing efficient anti-drone systems amidst the dynamic advancements in drone technology.

“The development of drones and counter-drone measures is rapid, and every day brings new developments,” Sun remarked. “Ensuring our military is prepared is critical, emphasizing anti-drone initiatives.”

The report also highlights China’s deployment of grey-zone tactics – actions designed to challenge without provoking a direct conflict. The use of drones features prominently in these tactics. China’s grey-zone operations are supplemented by regular Chinese Coast Guard patrols and instances of boarding Taiwanese fishing vessels. The People’s Liberation Army’s large-scale exercises further compound these instances.

This tension escalated in April when China conducted an unexpected military exercise near Taiwan, escalating to a formal exercise shortly thereafter.

“The activities of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) in enhancing joint combat preparedness, maritime blockades, and strategic joint firepower exercises indicate steps toward establishing a blockade around Taiwan,” the ministry's report notes.

In response, Taiwan is prioritizing anti-drone efforts, ensuring soldiers stationed on the outlying islands are trained, including night shooting exercises. Taiwan is seeking to reinforce its ties with the United States, which remains its key unofficial ally amid elevating tensions with Beijing.

Differing approaches to Taiwan by the US administrations have shaped diplomatic actions, such as the cancellation of President Lai Ching-te's US stopover in July due to opposition likely influenced by the Trump administration, marking a diplomatic triumph for China, according to analysts.

While Trump pushed for Taiwan to deter China by committing up to 10% of its GDP to defense, Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo confirmed plans to raise its defense spending to 5% of GDP from the current 3%.

Major General Liu Wenjing, overseeing Taiwan's Strategic Research and Analysis Division, reaffirmed ongoing US-Taiwan cooperation focused on regional security and peace. "We will continue to strengthen our cooperative relationship through existing mechanisms," Liu stated.

Notably, in February, Taiwan signed a contract, valued at $761 million, with the US to acquire an air defense system aimed at countering drone threats.

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