A retired US general urges Taiwan to heed lessons from Russia's war in Ukraine and bolster its unmanned drone defences, with the island facing increasing military threats from China. Retired US Marines Lieutenant General Steven Rudder is part of a delegation of American defence contractors in Taipei to discuss the development of military hardware -- including unmanned aerial systems (UASs) -- with Taiwanese companies in a defence industry forum. Dozens of protesters from pro-China and anti-war groups gather outside the forum venue chanting anti-American slogans and accusing the US of wanting to sell arms to Taiwan for its benefit. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES