LO: (Through interpreter) What the Ukraine war has taught Taiwan is that small- and medium-sized drones can be used en masse and that commercially available drones can be rapidly modified for the battlefield as well.įENG: The U.S. But given the growing threat from China, Geosat is pivoting to dual use drones that can also be mounted with guns, drop bombs or surveil enemy sites. It's a Taiwanese company that once made drones used to spray pesticides on agricultural fields or even deliver packages. So when the need arises, we can quickly rise to meet our own national security needs.įENG: That's Max Lo, the founder of Geosat. MAX LO: Every country aims to be technologically self-reliant and should be building up its own supply chains. So Taiwan's manufacturers are asking, why not make more defense equipment at home? In a real conflict, a blockade would make it impossible for any weapons or reinforcements to be shipped in. companies could support local businesses, some of the benefit would return to Taiwan and ensure we help each other.įENG: China's military has already conducted military exercises twice simulating a blockade of Taiwan.
LIN: (Through interpreter) Every year, Taiwan spends billions of dollars to buy American defense equipment. And it's loosening once strict procurement rules to allow private companies like his to develop dual-use technologies for its military. Today, he's testing Hwameei new line of eye protection for marine or navy use.įENG: Taiwan is looking for creative ways to boost its defense abilities in a short period of time. Lin has his eye on outfitting militaries. It was one of our first products.įENG: Currently, Hwameei makes eyewear - skiing goggles, sunglasses and diving masks. LIN SHUN FU: (Through interpreter) This is a banner for supporting votive offerings. This is the technology that Hwameei once used to make Buddhist temple decorations.
NPR's Emily Feng reports.ĮMILY FENG, BYLINE: Plastic injection molding machines hum here at Hwameei, a company in Taiwan's city of Tainan. On Taiwan, private companies are pivoting to defense and making weapons.
China and its neighbors are in an arms race to deter war or prepare for one.
0 kommentar(er)
