Taiwan considers UAV cooperation with Lithuania despite Chinese pressure

Taiwan has sent a delegation to Lithuania to explore a possible partnership in drone technology, which could provoke tensions with China.

Here's What We Know

Foreign Minister Lin Jia-loong, along with representatives of 20 Taiwanese drone companies, is currently in Vilnius to meet with Lithuanian officials and take part in a forum on unmanned systems.

The Taiwanese companies include Aerospace Industrial Development Corp., Thunder Tiger Corp., GEOSAT Aerospace & Technology Inc. and Mitac Holdings Corp.

In addition to potential drone technology transfers, the Taiwanese delegation is reportedly seeking to establish 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 24 November.

Lithuania, which is a key player in the UAV sector, has already supplied thousands of unilateral attack drones to Ukraine to support its defence against Russian invasion.

It is worth noting that Lin's visit could draw strong disapproval from China, which has been pressuring countries with diplomatic relations to avoid engaging with Taiwan.

Communist China considers the Republic of China (i.e. Taiwan) to be a separatist province and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve its so-called "reunification" with the mainland.

The trip could also complicate Lithuania's diplomatic relations with China after a rift caused by Vilnius's decision to open a Taiwanese mission in the country.

Source: Bloomberg