Taipei: Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) is intensifying its protective measures for national political leaders by upgrading counter-drone capabilities and enhancing monitoring of political extremists, a report recently submitted to lawmakers reveals. Security threats facing Taiwan's president, vice president, and other top officials are increasing amid a complex and hazardous landscape, compounded by the advancement of sophisticated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology.

According to Focus Taiwan, the NSB's report highlights the rapid technological progress making smaller multifunctional drones more accessible and affordable. These drones pose a significant threat due to their ability to evade detection, potentially targeting top officials and critical infrastructure in Taiwan. The NSB identifies small smart drones as capable tools for launching attacks, gathering intelligence, and disrupting communications.

To address these challenges, the NSB has procured new anti-drone guns and jammers, intending to replace outdated equipment and strengthen its countermeasure capabilities. The report also underscores the ongoing threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which continues efforts to infiltrate, spy on, and influence Taiwanese military personnel and recruit individuals to disrupt public events attended by Taiwan's leaders.

In response, the NSB plans to enhance collaboration with police and local intelligence agencies to counter CCP infiltration, cybercrime, and large-scale protests. The bureau will also establish a database to track political extremists and groups with violent tendencies. By working closely with local police and utilizing online intelligence systems, the NSB aims to regulate and monitor these groups and individuals, ensuring the safety of Taiwan's political leadership.

The NSB's comprehensive report is slated for review by lawmakers during the Legislature's Internal Administration Committee session on Monday.