Foreign ministry promotes drone diplomacy at Taiwanese‑German Aerospace Conference

外交部在台德航太衛星暨無人機技術產業會議上推動無人機外交

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign Ministry Department of NGO International Affairs Director Chiang Zhen-wei (江振瑋) promoted Taiwan's drone diplomacy at the Taiwan-Germany Aerospace Conference on Tuesday.

At the invitation of the German Trade Office Taipei, Chiang gave a keynote speech titled “Drone Taiwan” at the conference. He explained Taiwan’s push for drone diplomacy and the country’s plans to work more closely with international partners.

“Taiwan has strong manufacturing capabilities and is well placed to help build drone supply chains that do not rely on China,” Chiang said. He added that drones are becoming increasingly important for national security and industry.

The foreign ministry set up the Drone Diplomacy Task Force to support Taiwan’s drone industry and expand cooperation with allies. Chiang said the ministry hopes to use Taiwan’s experience in chip diplomacy to make drones another key industry for the country.

The ministry also wants Taiwan to become an Asia-Pacific hub for democratic drone supply chains. This means working with partners that share similar values to produce drone parts, systems, and services without relying on China.

Chiang also discussed Taiwan’s position in the First Island Chain and its role in regional security. He introduced Taiwan’s drone policies, the scale of the local drone industry, and plans to establish a drone and AI research center in Asia.

The foreign ministry said the conference helped Taiwan and Germany exchange ideas on technology and build business ties. It said the event also highlighted Taiwan’s role as a reliable partner in global democratic supply chains.

The ministry will send a Drone Diplomacy Task Force delegation to a major international exhibition for uncrewed systems in Detroit in May. Taiwanese drone makers will join business matchmaking events there to connect with global supply chains.

Taiwan’s drone exports reached US$100 million (NT$3.15 billion) in the first quarter of 2026. Complete drone exports totaled US$93.42 million in 2025, but reached US$115.85 million from January to March this year.