Taiwan needs a “hornet’s nest” of drones to help deter conflict and provide security, says the top United States ⁠diplomat to the self-governing island that China claims as part of its territory. Speaking at a forum on drones in the central city of Taichung, Raymond Greene, director of the American Institute in ‌Taiwan and the de facto US ambassador, said on Thursday that drones represented a “game-changing opportunity” to enhance Taiwan’s security and reinforce peace in the broader region. Trending US-Israel war on Iran World Cup 2026 Tracking Israel's ceasefire violations Donald Trump News | Weapons Taiwan needs to become a ‘hornet’s nest’ of drones, US diplomat says The de ​facto US ambassador Raymond Greene says drones represent a ‘game-changing opportunity’ to enhance Taiwan’s security. Listen (3 mins) Save Click here to share on social media Share Add Al Jazeera on Google drone A SeaShark 800 sea drone, developed by Thunder Tiger, is seen at a sea drone event in Yilan, Taiwan [File: Ann Wang/Reuters] By Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters Published On 2 Jul 2026 2 Jul 2026 Taiwan needs a “hornet’s nest” of drones to help deter conflict and provide security, says the top United States ⁠diplomat to the self-governing island that China claims as part of its territory. Speaking at a forum on drones in the central city of Taichung, Raymond Greene, director of the American Institute in ‌Taiwan and the de facto US ambassador, said on Thursday that drones represented a “game-changing opportunity” to enhance Taiwan’s security and reinforce peace in the broader region. Recommended Stories list of 3 items list 1 of 3Taiwan’s President Lai says he would be happy to speak with Donald Trump list 2 of 3Will Trump kill $14bn Taiwan arms deal? list 3 of 3Trump’s mixed messaging on Taiwan – what we know end of list The US, Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms supplier despite their lack of formal diplomatic ties, has strongly supported the government’s military ⁠modernisation plan and increased defence spending. Taiwan has said it needs to bolster its defences in the face of a stepped-up threat from China.