Hsiao Bi-khim outlines Taiwan's defense and technology integration

At the 2026 Taipei Security Dialogue, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim outlined Taiwan's strategies to enhance national defense resilience and maritime security. She emphasized the importance of integrating Taiwan's strengths in semiconductors, information technology, and precision manufacturing with national defense requirements.

A key component of this strategy involves the domestic production of coastal reconnaissance, attack drones, and small unmanned surface vessels. To ensure supply chain security, the government has mandated that drone production and procurement must utilize entirely non-red supply chains, aiming to reduce dependency and promote localized manufacturing.

Regarding military reforms, Hsiao noted improvements in the conscription system, including increased pay for conscripts and modernized training. She also highlighted the 'T-Dome' (Taiwan's Shield) project, which seeks to link multi-layered air defense detection and interception capabilities. Additionally, the administration is focusing on civil defense resilience, ensuring the availability of essential resources such as food, fuel, energy, and medicine to counter grey-zone threats.