2026-6-22

On May 5, Chiang Zhen-wei, chief executive director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ drone diplomacy task force, delivered a speech titled “Drone Taiwan” at the Taiwanese-German Aerospace Conference in Taipei. He was invited to speak by the German Trade Office, which hosted the event. Chiang explained the importance of Taiwan’s drone diplomacy, outlined current developments and the status of the industry, and analyzed opportunities and directions for future cooperation with international partners. 

Chiang said that Taiwan had outstanding production capacities and competitive advantages in global non-red supply chains. In a changing geopolitical landscape, drones had become a strategic resource in maintaining national security and industrial resilience, which is why MOFA had established the task force, he explained. Looking ahead, Chiang said that Taiwan would work with its diplomatic allies and like-minded countries to promote related projects, using Taiwan’s advantages and expertise in semiconductor diplomacy to make drones the next “sacred mountain range” of national defense. Chiang added that Taiwan aimed to become a hub for democratic drone supply chains in the Asia-Pacific.

From a global perspective, Chiang analyzed developments in international conflict, alterations in the global situation, and changes in national security. He also discussed Taiwan’s pivotal position in the first island chain and further introduced Taiwan’s drone industry policies and the launch of the Asia UAV AI Innovation Application R&D Center. Chiang outlined the overall scope and strength of Taiwan’s drone industry. Using data on production and exports as well as analysis of industry strengths and weaknesses, Chiang assessed how Taiwan could integrate with the world to play a key role in global non-red drone supply chains. 

The conference was an opportunity for Taiwan and Germany to engage in technological exchanges and business matchmaking. It also demonstrated Taiwan’s status as a reliable partner in international democratic supply chains. The event held an important significance for Taiwan’s promotion of drone diplomacy.