Taiwan orders dozens of sea drones to counter China's maritime pressure

Taiwan has ordered dozens of new sea drones as it moves to counter China's intensifying maritime pressure around the island, officials confirmed. The step marks one of the clearest examples yet of the island's push to bolster its naval defenses.

Officials say the unmanned vessels will be used to monitor coastal areas and provide early warning against any potential blockade scenario. Such systems offer a lower-cost defense option compared with traditional naval vessels.

The move comes as China has increased its naval and air presence around the Taiwan Strait in recent months. Analysts are watching closely how Taiwan's investment in this kind of asymmetric defense could shift the regional balance of power.