Taiwan has sent a delegation to Lithuania to explore potential partnerships in drone technology, a move likely to provoke tensions with China.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, along with representatives from 20 Taiwanese drone companies, is currently in Vilnius to meet with Lithuanian government officials and participate in a forum on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).
Among the Taiwanese companies attending are Aerospace Industrial Development Corp., Thunder Tiger Corp., GEOSAT Aerospace & Technology Inc., and Mitac Holdings Corp.
In addition to potential drone tech transfer, the Taiwanese delegation will reportedly seek to build business ties with European companies to strengthen Taiwan’s position in the global UAV supply chain.
The delegation is expected to stay in the Baltic state until November 24.
Lithuania, a key player in the UAV sector, has already supplied thousands of one-way attack drones to Ukraine to support its defense against Russia’s invasion.
Provoking China?
Lin’s visit is expected to provoke strong disapproval from China, which pressures countries with diplomatic ties to avoid engaging with Taiwan.
Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to reunite it with the mainland.
The trip could also further complicate Lithuania’s diplomatic relations with China, following a rift triggered by Vilnius’ decision to open a Taiwanese representative office in the country.
Taiwan’s Growing Investments in UAVs
Since the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te in May, Taiwan has ramped up its investment in UAVs and counter-drone technologies, responding to growing security concerns over China’s military threats.
Earlier this month, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense finalized an agreement with the US to purchase nearly 1,000 attack drones.
Additionally, the island nation has collaborated with an American company to explore the use of 3D printing in rapidly producing UAVs.