China made a bold statement in the realm of unmanned technology, unveiling its latest breakthrough—the Jiu Tan, dubbed the “Mother of All Drones.” This massive aircraft, boasting a 25-meter wingspan, can deploy up to 100 strike drones simultaneously, carry missiles, and stay airborne for 12 hours while covering a staggering 7,000 kilometers. Its maiden flight is slated for June, and this isn’t just a tech showcase—it’s a signal that has Ukraine and Taiwan on high alert, their hearts pounding with concern.

For Ukrainians, this news rings like an alarm bell. Russia has already been using drone attacks to target Ukraine’s air defenses, and the potential delivery of a platform like Jiu Tan to Moscow could dramatically amplify its capabilities. Imagine this: a Jiu Tan releasing a swarm of 100 combat drones, capable of striking targets across a vast area, could become a new nightmare for Ukraine’s defenders. The Ukrainian Armed Forces face enemy assaults daily, and the addition of such a carrier to the Kremlin’s arsenal could significantly complicate the situation on the front lines. For anyone following the war, the implication is clear: if Beijing shares this technology with Moscow, Ukraine will have to redouble its efforts to protect its cities and villages.

Ukraine isn’t the only one with reasons to worry. Taiwan, long in Beijing’s crosshairs, sees Jiu Tan as a direct threat. China has made no secret of its intentions to “reunify” with the island by force if necessary, and this drone carrier could become a pivotal tool in any potential conflict. Paired with China’s actively developed amphibious assault ships, Jiu Tan can provide aerial support for troop landings, making it a perfect weapon for an aggressive strategy. For Ukrainians, who know all too well what an occupation threat feels like, this serves as a grim reminder: the world is inching closer to a new flashpoint.

The anxiety deepens when you consider China’s economic dominance in this sector. According to Western analysts, nearly 90% of the global commercial drone market is controlled by Beijing, with the company DJI commanding around 80% of that share—a true titan in the industry. Moreover, China holds a monopoly on critical components, from motors to sensors. This means that even if Ukraine or Taiwan try to develop their own drones for defense, they’ll likely remain dependent on Chinese supplies. Picture this: an adversary that simultaneously provides the tools for your defense and the weapons for its own offense. It’s a dependency that feels like a ticking time bomb.

For every Ukrainian, this news isn’t just dry information—it’s a stark reminder of vulnerability. Ukraine’s success in the war against Russia has relied heavily on drones, from reconnaissance “Storks” to strike “Panzers.” But if China becomes a supplier of super-drones to the enemy while also controlling the market for components, the Ukrainian military could find itself trapped. Will Ukraine have time to establish its own production? Can its allies offer an alternative to China’s monopoly? These are questions without answers, but they force us to think about tomorrow with unease.

This new Chinese aircraft isn’t just a technological leap—it’s a geopolitical weapon that could rewrite the rules of the game. Ukraine, which has been fighting for survival for over two years, and Taiwan, living under Beijing’s looming threat, have every reason to feel a chill down their spines. The world is watching June closely—the month when Jiu Tan will take to the skies. And for Ukrainians, there’s a pressing need to prepare for the possibility that this flight could mark the dawn of a new era of threats.