Taiwan has moved to fortify itself against possible Chinese agression. And drones are a key part of its plan. The small island Asian country has decided to heavily invest in locally manufactured drones that will one day be a part of its arsenal. Drones like Carbon Voyager 1, Black Tide 1 and the Sea Shark 800 were recently displayed at a Taiwan exhibition. And yes, these are ambhibious drones.
But just drones may not enough to fend off a possible Chinese invasion. Latest figures say China's naval fleet has 754 vessels while Taipei only has 97. China's 2,035,000 active personnel dwarf Taiwan's 215,000. China has a total of 3,309 aircraft and 6,800 combat tanks compared to Taiwan's tally of 761 and 888 respectively.
China has poured billions into modernising and expanding its aviation capabilities as it faces off against Taiwan and other regional adversaries.
In fact, Beijing has become more and more aggressive in its war games against Taiwan. A record number of Chinese warplanes, ships and coast guard vessels have been sent around the self-ruled democratic island, which is separated from its mighty adversary by just a 180-kilometer stretch of water.
What about the US?
The United States and Taiwan share a highly unusual relationship. While Washington does not recognise Taiwan as a state, it regularly holds military drills off the Asian coast. Taiwan and US also shared strong economic ties, until Donald Trump came along with his hefty tariffs.
And with Trump in the White House, US involvement in yet another foreign war is unlikely.
'Silicon shield'
Taiwan is the global hub for chip manufacturing. And this may keep other countries interested in protecting the island nation from a Chinese invasion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC, announced plans to invest a whopping $100 billion in the United States, after the US president threatened to slap tariffs on overseas-made chips.
A Taipei security analyst said TSMC's investment would make Taiwan "safer" and help grow the chip industry.
But that does not mean Taipei can fully depend on Washington, or other western allies, for military support against China.
Though US and Taiwan regularly hold military drills and maintain a strategic relationship, US does not offically recognise the Asian island nation. And with Donald Trump in the White House, US involvement in yet another foreign war is unlikely.
So Taiwan isn't taking any chances. It's betting that low-cost, smart and strategic drones would fend off Chinese aggression, even if allies don't.
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