Asia Pacific | FOCUS Jul 22, 2023
Inspired by Ukraine war, Taiwan launches drone blitz to counter China
Taipei's aim, according to a government planning document, is to build more than 3,200 military drones by mid-2024.
Taipei's aim, according to a government planning document, is to build more than 3,200 military drones by mid-2024.
Since a national security law was imposed in June 2020, Hong Kong lawyers have endured severe harassment, pushing many to leave the city.
The foundries are so valuable to the global economy that some refer to Taiwan's chip sector as a "silicon shield" that deters a Chinese attack and ensures American support.
Taiwan's spy catchers are battling a campaign that has compromised senior officers at the heart of the island's armed forces and government agencies.
Taipei has stealthily sourced technology, components and talent from at least seven nations to help it build a fleet with the potential to exact a heavy toll on any Chinese attack.
Beijing is conducting waves of threatening forays from the air while ratcheting up pressure tactics to erode Taiwan's will to resist, say current and former Taiwan military officers.
The U.S. has been intensifying its challenge to China and its sweeping territorial claims over one of the world's most important strategic waterways.
New ships and specially trained marines will boost Beijing's firepower and political influence far from its shores, according to military analysts.
In the aftermath of last year's protests, Beijing appears determined to stamp out any renewed rebellion against the Communist Party's authority.
A long-term struggle between the Beijing and Washington is at a turning point, with the United States rolling out new weapons and strategy in a bid to close a wide missile gap with China.