Key facts
- Taiwan needs to "spend smarter" on defense, according to US diplomat Raymond Greene.
- Greene suggested Taiwan invest in unmanned systems to enhance deterrence.
- He advised Taiwan to learn from drone usage in the Ukraine and Middle East wars.
- Taiwan's parliament recently cut President Lai Ching-te's defense spending request.
- The US opposes any coercive change to Taiwan's status.
Raymond Greene, the de facto U.S. ambassador to Taipei, stated that Taiwan needs to "spend smarter" on its defense. He emphasized that Taiwan should learn from the experiences of the Ukraine and Middle East wars, particularly concerning the effective use of drones, to maintain its military balance with China. Greene highlighted that investing in unmanned systems represents a smart strategy for Taiwan to bolster its deterrence capabilities. This advice comes in the wake of recent cuts made by Taiwan's parliament to President Lai Ching-te's defense spending request. The U.S. has traditionally been Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier. President Donald Trump has expressed consideration regarding a new arms sales package for Taipei worth $14 billion. Greene underscored that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is critical for the economic well-being of the United States, Taiwan, and the entire world, and the U.S. opposes any forced or coercive change to Taiwan's status.