3D Printing Technology Sparks National Security Crisis: Fifth Column Could Easily Acquire "Ghost Guns," Toppling Taiwan with Ease

By: Gao Zhengpu (Ph.D. Candidate, Chinese Military Studies, National Defense University)

The recent surge in ghost gun incidents has become one of the most pressing public safety issues in Taiwan. However, a social news report from January drew my attention to a topic that has yet to be discussed in Taiwan: the impact of 3D-printed firearms on public safety in other countries.

3D printing has been a highly regarded technology in recent years. Driven by advancements in material science, it has enabled the realization of many previously unattainable technologies. Simultaneously, the development of this new technology has inspired many DIY enthusiasts to experiment with 3D printing to create toys and models, including some who attempt to produce model guns and parts.

While it is human nature to explore new technologies, when individuals with malicious intent use 3D printing to manufacture weapons with actual lethality, the resulting issues extend beyond mere public safety concerns. Due to the decentralized production and local assembly advantages of these new technologies, 3D-printed firearms could become the ideal weapons for behind-enemy-lines infiltration and sabotage, posing a significant national security risk.

The Societal Impact of New Technologies

The introduction of 3D printing has sparked widespread societal discussion, prompting many DIY enthusiasts to push the limits of this new technology. Various industries have also adopted this technology to enhance their productivity and improve the quality of their products.

It has been discovered that with different materials, the final products can be applied in various fields. Beyond medical applications, 3D printing can be used in industrial production and food processing and even to manufacture cars and airplanes. With the right design and materials, it seems that creating any object is now possible.

However, this also means that certain manufacturing technologies, which were once strictly controlled, may become trivial with the advent of 3D printing. Beyond raising intellectual property disputes, the use of 3D printing to manufacture weapons has become a new public safety and national security crisis.

The Problem of Making "Ghost Guns" Readily Available

In the past, the manufacture and sale of firearms were typically restricted to the military or government-licensed arms dealers. While some countries allow civilians to own firearms, the types of weapons available to civilians are still limited. Even when criminal organizations obtained firearms through special channels, law enforcement could still trace these factory-made weapons through serial numbers, allowing them to crack down on arms smuggling routes.

One of the most significant threats to Taiwan comes from firearms smuggled from China. Many of the ghost guns recently seized are standard firearms used by the Chinese military and armed police. These firearms, mainly made of plastic, are often disassembled and smuggled into Taiwan under the guise of plastic models. Although these guns pose challenges for law enforcement, they are still traceable.

However, 3D-printed firearms can evade law enforcement. With the appropriate materials, parts design, and a 3D printer, anyone can start producing guns. Although legal restrictions have historically made it difficult to produce barrels that can withstand high pressures, hobbyists have found ways to make them, significantly lowering the cost compared to buying registered firearms. This means that with enough determination, anyone could potentially manufacture their weapons.

The most immediate concern is that tracing the source of ghost guns will become increasingly difficult.

These weapons might not be modified from existing regulated replica or air guns but instead produced by inconspicuous home workshops or studios. Even if these facilities are raided, they can quickly be converted into non-military operations. This issue could become a ticking time bomb for public safety, with the potential to threaten national security.

For instance, China's threat to Taiwan's security is the most severe. They could use 3D printing technology to easily arm Taiwan's fifth column and local collaborators, enabling them to cause significant damage to Taiwan in the event of a conflict.

The world's first 3D-printed handgun, "Liberator." Photo Credit: Vvzvlad

Future Countermeasures

In recent years, Western countries have been uncertain about how to handle 3D-printed firearms but have begun to address the public safety issues caused by their proliferation. Therefore, they have imposed varying degrees of restrictions on the functionality and appearance of these weapons. For example, while the United States allows citizens to own firearms, this is limited to non-automatic rifles. Possession of automatic rifles is a crime under federal law, and printing anything beyond a handgun using 3D printing technology requires a tax stamp.

But beyond public safety concerns, the national security crisis posed by 3D-printed firearms cannot be ignored. These weapons have already been adopted by many anti-government and terrorist organizations worldwide. In Ukraine, guerrilla fighters have used these easily obtainable weapons to arm themselves on the battlefield. This shows that 3D-printed firearms are not only powerful but also easy to conceal, enabling significant damage behind enemy lines during a war, provided there are enough materials and ammunition.

How, then, should we respond to the dual crises of national security and public safety posed by 3D-printed firearms?

Photo Credit : cool3c.com

First, we should trace and control the core component of firearms—the ammunition.

Standardized ammunition still relies on stamping machines in ordnance factories. Because standardized ammunition is produced according to uniform specifications and processes, tracing the source of the ammunition can be done by examining the shell casings, thereby increasing the cost of acquiring standardized ammunition.

Second, we should revise regulations to impose usage restrictions on owners of 3D-printed firearms and include them under surveillance. This would allow authorities to consult these individuals in the future if necessary.

Finally, we must relax regulations for law enforcement and national security agencies when investigating potential suspects, such as individuals who may belong to hostile forces or are deemed high-risk criminal groups.

Some readers may think I am being alarmist, but these issues have already been discussed abroad, while Taiwan remains unaware of this hidden crisis. I hope that those with a sense of mission can help make Taiwan a safer place.

source : https://www.thenewslens.com/