China increases maritime pressure around Taiwan
China deployed a record number of government vessels around Taiwan in July. Taiwan’s coast guard detected 244 Chinese ships during the month. That figure averaged nearly eight vessels each day. The number was far higher than 55 ships recorded in June. It also exceeded the 30 vessels detected in May and 58 in July last […]
Taiwan's lawmakers have approved a US$7.6 billion budget for the production of locally made drones, as the island aims to enhance its defenses against potential threats from China. The decision, backed by both the KMT and the TPP parties, comes after President Lai Ching-te's government's proposal was rejected. The new budget, spread over six years, will be included in the annual budget and overseen by the defense ministry.
The KMT, which supports closer ties with China, and the TPP emphasized the need for local production, cybersecurity, and stable growth in the drone industry. Taiwan's defense spending has increased in recent years, with a particular focus on drones and other counter-drone capabilities to counter China's grey-zone activities and potential military threats.
The opposition parties noted that Taiwan remains heavily reliant on US arms sales for deterrence, but stresses the importance of developing its own defense industry for asymmetric warfare.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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