According to Taiwanese media, the United States and Taiwan are planning to jointly manufacture the Chien Feng I combat drone. In addition, the island’s authorities intend to purchase dozens of unmanned surface and underwater vehicles developed with U.S. technology to strengthen Taiwan’s defense capabilities.
Beijing has sharply criticized these moves, describing them as part of Washington’s broader strategy to expand its military presence in the region. Chinese experts argue that the United States is seeking to build a network of intelligence-gathering and unmanned systems around China, while most of the financial burden will fall on Taiwan. At the same time, they say, the strategic benefits will primarily be enjoyed by the United States.
Military expert Song Zhongping stated that the infrastructure required to support such a network could become one of the primary targets in the event of a conflict. According to him, Taiwan’s limited geographical size makes this strategy difficult to implement effectively, while the development of so-called “asymmetric capabilities” is unlikely to significantly alter the regional balance of power.
The latest debate was sparked by reports that the Chien Feng I combat drone had successfully completed live-fire tests, including launches from high-speed patrol boats. At the same time, it was revealed that Taiwan’s Coast Guard plans to procure unmanned maritime systems developed in cooperation with the U.S.-based company Maritime Tactical Systems.
According to Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of China’s State Council, initiatives of this kind undermine stability in the Taiwan Strait and further increase the risk of escalation around the island.
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