Taiwan, U.S. to Cooperate on Drone Industry, Aiming for Next 'Protective Mountain'

Taichung City Mayor Lu Shiow-yen declared that Taiwan and the United States will jointly build the island's next "protective mountain" by fostering the drone industry. Speaking at the "Pioneer 2026 - Taichung Unmanned Vehicle Industry and Overseas Business Opportunities Forum," Lu emphasized the global momentum behind unmanned vehicles.

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The United States, Japan, and Europe are all actively deploying the drone industry. This is not just competition, but a new opportunity for cooperation.

"The United States, Japan, and Europe are all actively deploying the drone industry. This is not just competition, but a new opportunity for cooperation," Lu stated. She highlighted Taiwan's strengths in technology, manufacturing, supply chains, and talent, particularly its foundation of trust with democratic partners. The goal is to consolidate global business opportunities in Taiwan and project Taichung's industrial capabilities internationally.

Lu drew parallels between the current focus on drones and the past two decades' semiconductor boom, which established Taiwan's global significance. "A single chip changed the world and allowed Taiwan to establish itself on the world stage," she said, noting how drones are now reshaping international conflicts, citing examples from Ukraine to Iran, and revolutionizing industries and daily life.

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A single chip changed the world and allowed Taiwan to establish itself on the world stage.

She pointed to Taiwan's central region as the core of this opportunity, boasting five major industrial supply chains: chips, semiconductors, optical materials, aerospace, and precision machinery. Taichung has prepared for this industrial push through four key initiatives: integrating industry, government, academia, and research; assisting businesses with R&D; actively seeking international partnerships abroad and hosting foreign collaborators; and strengthening the five core industrial chains to build competitive advantages in the drone sector.

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Taichung has prepared for this industrial push through four key initiatives: integrating industry, government, academia, and research; assisting businesses with R&D; actively seeking international partnerships abroad and hosting foreign collaborators; and strengthening the five core industrial chains to build competitive advantages in the drone sector.