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- Overseas conflicts show need for stronger deterrence
TAIPEI, (Taiwan News) — Drones are essential to Taiwan’s defence, and Chiayi County has become a major center for the industry, vice president Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) said Tuesday.
Speaking during a visit to Chiayi, Hsiao said the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East showed that countries need sufficient strength to deter attacks, CNA reported. Taiwan must strengthen its defences to protect its freedom and democracy. Hsiao said drones have become an important part of modern warfare. She added that Chiayi’s growing drone industry therefore plays a key role in Taiwan’s national security.
Hsiao also visited projects that repurposed an old granary and preserved a historic forestry railway station. She also made aiyu jelly and sampled locally produced coffee, avocado seaweed rolls, and other agricultural products.
Hsiao promoted the Lai administration’s broader policy agenda during the visit. She said its three priorities are national security, economic development, and social care.
The government aims to strengthen Taiwan’s economy while easing financial pressure on households, Hsiao said. She cited an International Institute for Management Development ranking that placed Taiwan fourth in global competitiveness.
Hsiao also said Taiwan’s stock market had become one of the world’s five largest by total value. She added that the economy had doubled in size over the past decade.
Citing government figures, Hsiao said the economy grew more than 14 percent in the first quarter of 2026. She said full-year growth was forecast at 9.64 percent.
The government is also supporting families through wage increases, tax cuts, and social welfare programs, Hsiao said. These measures include assistance for children and young people up to age 18 and an annual long-term car budget of about NT$110 billion (US$3.5 billion).
Hsiao called on the legislature to complete its review of the government’s annual budget. She said passing the budget would allow the government to continue funding public programs and provide further support to households.
- Lai Jyun-tang, Taiwan News, Staff Writer