TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of National Defense (MND) welcomes any opportunity to build a partnership with the US in drone production, Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said recently.

Due to certain limitations, Taiwan may not use its own branding, Koo said. However, Taiwan’s National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology will seize all opportunities to join global supply chains, as the US seeks to diversify its supply sources away from China, he said, per Liberty Times.

In response to rumors Taiwan drone manufacturers may produce parts for American companies, the MND said NCSIST is eager to join the international supply chain through co-production, joint development, or providing key components. The ministry emphasized that NCSIST’s efforts to collaborate with international companies in drone production and supply chains align with the nation’s goal of building a "democratic drone supply chain." 

The defense ministry said there were other areas of cooperation between Taiwan and the US listed in the US National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS) released in January. The report identified Taiwan as a member of the "friend-shoring" global network, the MND noted. It stressed the importance of Taiwan Strait security to Indo-Pacific and global stability, adding that any efforts contributing to peace in the region are encouraged and supported.

According to Jedidiah Royal, the US principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, the US will soon establish an Indo-Pacific resilience partnership with allies and partners from the region and Europe, with Taiwan playing a key role. 

The Pentagon will host the first meeting in Hawaii soon, with at least 12 Indo-Pacific and European allies participating, Royal said last month. Taiwan, known for its innovation and manufacturing capabilities, will play a significant role in this partnership, he said.