Taiwan open to drone cooperation with PHL amid regional tensions

TAIWAN sees a “big opportunity” to work with the Philippines on developing drone technologies, a Taiwanese foreign affairs official said, citing its wide military and civilian application as the two nations confront lingering regional tensions.

- By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

There is a possibility that Taipei could explore drone industry collaboration with Manila, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General for International Cooperation and Economic Affairs Yu-Ping Lien said, without sharing more details.

“There is a big opportunity for both sides to cooperate... in the drone industry not only for security reasons, but also for commercial use,” she told Business World in an interview on the sidelines of a port development forum in early December.

Taiwan is seeking to forge deeper ties with the Philippines amid mounting tensions with China, as Taipei pushes for an economic corridor with Manila focused on port development and industry collaboration tied to regional security concerns.

Ms. Lien said Taiwan may opt to hold drone tests in the Philippines due to tight regulations and a lack of space for testing domestically, citing it as a possible first avenue for industry cooperation.

“Because we face regulations and the threat from the Chinese, we don’t have enough space for test runs,” she said. “Maybe we can find more space, even the land or airspace for drone testing.”

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment.