Taiwan orders dozens of sea drones to fend off China's maritime squeeze

Taiwan tensionsGovernment institute to build with US partner; ex-official says hundreds neededTaiwan's Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling attends an event to unveil a new Coast Guard patrol ship in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on May 15. The government is working to bolster the force's capabilities with sea drones. © ReutersTHOMPSON CHAUJuly 15, 2026 16:24 JSTTAIPEI -- Taiwan has decided to award contracts for dozens of sea drones for its Coast Guard, a high-ranking official close to the matter told Nikkei Asia, tapping U.S. technology as it races to strengthen defense and counter China's expanding maritime operations in the region.