Robust International Demand: Taiwan Participates in U.S. Exhibition to Advance 'Drone Diplomacy'
At the XPONENTIAL 2026 exhibition, Chiang Chen-wei, Executive Director of Taiwan's Drone Diplomacy Task Force, stated that Taiwan is transforming its in-demand drone production capabilities into diplomatic benefits. Taiwan and the U.S. will collaborate on talent cultivation and cybersecurity certification, emphasizing the advantage of Taiwan's 'non-red' supply chain.
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- 📰 Published: May 13, 2026 at 09:56
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Taipei, May 13 (CNA) Drone operators traveled to the United States to participate in the 'XPONENTIAL 2026 International Unmanned Systems Exhibition.' Chiang Chen-wei, Executive Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Drone Diplomacy Task Force, pointed out that Taiwan is expanding international business opportunities and simultaneously converting its highly demanded drone production capacity into diplomatic benefits. Taiwan and the United States will collaborate to promote talent cultivation and cybersecurity certification.
Chiang Chen-wei, Executive Director of the Department of NGO International Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Executive Director of the Drone Diplomacy Task Force, stated on May 12 at the XPONENTIAL 2026 Unmanned Systems Exhibition that the Drone Diplomacy Task Force was established in October last year. Similar to chip diplomacy, where the world desires Taiwanese chips, foreign countries equally seek Taiwan's drone manufacturing capabilities, cybersecurity, and related chips, indicating extremely high demand.
Chiang Chen-wei explained that unlike chip diplomacy, where Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is a major player, drone diplomacy primarily involves small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with many electronics manufacturers, who mostly remain low-key. Therefore, the government plays a more significant role in drone diplomacy, combining the domestic supply chain with the Ministry of Economic Affairs to expand international business opportunities while transforming drone capabilities into diplomatic benefits.
He emphasized that participating in exhibitions helps understand the progress of the global drone industry, which iterates rapidly. Taiwan's International Drone Academy is cooperating with the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), and a letter of intent was signed today.
The letter of intent includes future cooperation in talent training and joint activities, with the possibility of hosting the XPONENTIAL International Unmanned Systems Exhibition in Asia. Additionally, Taiwan will collaborate with the United States on 'Green Unmanned Aircraft Systems' (Green UAS, launched by AUVSI) and the 'Blue Unmanned Aircraft Systems' (Blue UAS) certification program led by the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).
ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute) has already signed an authorization agreement with AUVSI. The International Drone Academy will assist in promoting Green UAS and Blue UAS in Taiwan and third countries, including diplomatic allies and friendly nations.
Taiwan's top information and communication technology (ICT) and chip manufacturing capabilities, within a non-red supply chain, are again propelling the drone-related industries to the forefront of the global market due to surging international demand. Beyond military needs, the demand for both military equipment and commercial applications has substantially increased in various countries.
Chiang Chen-wei noted that some countries, aware of Taiwan's specialized drone task force, have actively coordinated cooperation. Taiwan also has cooperation plans with certain nations, rapidly linking the needs of different countries and leading Taiwan's industrial chain. Cutting-edge technology exchange and supply chain needs are progressing simultaneously; for instance, Taiwan is collaborating with a European country to introduce battlefield simulation systems.
He stated, "Manufacturers need to understand that drone manufacturing should adopt a systems concept, starting from product function design, then moving to manufacturing and deployment; understanding their role in the drone system to reposition internationally."
He pointed out that many countries are discussing joint ventures and co-production, desperately needing Taiwan's manufacturing capabilities. Demand comes from the United States, the Middle East, Europe, and countries along the first island chain in the Pacific. Vendor matching and technology integration are all proceeding through multiple channels. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150513
Chiang Chen-wei, Executive Director of the Department of NGO International Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Executive Director of the Drone Diplomacy Task Force, stated on May 12 at the XPONENTIAL 2026 Unmanned Systems Exhibition that the Drone Diplomacy Task Force was established in October last year. Similar to chip diplomacy, where the world desires Taiwanese chips, foreign countries equally seek Taiwan's drone manufacturing capabilities, cybersecurity, and related chips, indicating extremely high demand.
Chiang Chen-wei explained that unlike chip diplomacy, where Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is a major player, drone diplomacy primarily involves small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with many electronics manufacturers, who mostly remain low-key. Therefore, the government plays a more significant role in drone diplomacy, combining the domestic supply chain with the Ministry of Economic Affairs to expand international business opportunities while transforming drone capabilities into diplomatic benefits.
He emphasized that participating in exhibitions helps understand the progress of the global drone industry, which iterates rapidly. Taiwan's International Drone Academy is cooperating with the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), and a letter of intent was signed today.
The letter of intent includes future cooperation in talent training and joint activities, with the possibility of hosting the XPONENTIAL International Unmanned Systems Exhibition in Asia. Additionally, Taiwan will collaborate with the United States on 'Green Unmanned Aircraft Systems' (Green UAS, launched by AUVSI) and the 'Blue Unmanned Aircraft Systems' (Blue UAS) certification program led by the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).
ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute) has already signed an authorization agreement with AUVSI. The International Drone Academy will assist in promoting Green UAS and Blue UAS in Taiwan and third countries, including diplomatic allies and friendly nations.
Taiwan's top information and communication technology (ICT) and chip manufacturing capabilities, within a non-red supply chain, are again propelling the drone-related industries to the forefront of the global market due to surging international demand. Beyond military needs, the demand for both military equipment and commercial applications has substantially increased in various countries.
Chiang Chen-wei noted that some countries, aware of Taiwan's specialized drone task force, have actively coordinated cooperation. Taiwan also has cooperation plans with certain nations, rapidly linking the needs of different countries and leading Taiwan's industrial chain. Cutting-edge technology exchange and supply chain needs are progressing simultaneously; for instance, Taiwan is collaborating with a European country to introduce battlefield simulation systems.
He stated, "Manufacturers need to understand that drone manufacturing should adopt a systems concept, starting from product function design, then moving to manufacturing and deployment; understanding their role in the drone system to reposition internationally."
He pointed out that many countries are discussing joint ventures and co-production, desperately needing Taiwan's manufacturing capabilities. Demand comes from the United States, the Middle East, Europe, and countries along the first island chain in the Pacific. Vendor matching and technology integration are all proceeding through multiple channels. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150513