Key facts
- US diplomat Samantha Power urged Taiwan to invest more in drones and defense capabilities.
- Power made these remarks during her visit to Taipei.
- Previous advice from a US diplomat suggested Taiwan "spend smarter" on defense, focusing on unmanned systems.
- The context involves ongoing military tensions between Taiwan and China.
During a visit to Taipei, US diplomat Samantha Power emphasized the need for Taiwan to increase its investment in drones and broader defense capabilities. This call aligns with previous recommendations from US officials, such as Raymond Greene, who advised Taiwan to "spend smarter" on its military by focusing on unmanned systems and learning from modern warfare tactics observed in conflicts like those in Ukraine and the Middle East. The overarching goal is to enhance Taiwan's deterrence capabilities in the face of ongoing military tensions with China. The US maintains its opposition to any coercive change in Taiwan's status and stresses the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.