November 18th, Nikkei Asia reported on Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Chia-lung Lin leading a delegation of 20 drone manufacturers on a visit to Lithuania in response to evolving diplomatic dynamics. The primary objectives of the visit are to help Taiwanese manufacturers expand business opportunities, strengthen economic and trade ties with Lithuania, and establish connections with the new Lithuanian government. The report also cited commentary from DSET’s National Security Research Plan, research fellow Chun-Kuei Lai.
The article mentioned that Gintautas Paluckas, leader of Lithuania’s Social Democratic Party and the likely next Prime Minister, recently stated that allowing the establishment of a representative office under the name “Taiwan” was a “major diplomatic mistake.” He expressed a desire to actively mend diplomatic relations with China, raising concerns about the stability of Taiwan-Lithuania informal ties.
In recent years, Lithuania has faced significant pressure from Beijing. In response to Lithuania’s support for Taiwan, China downgraded diplomatic relations and pressured multinational corporations to sever ties with Lithuania as a retaliatory measure.
Despite potential shifts in Lithuania’s foreign policy, Chia-lung Lin stressed that this is not a “zero-sum game” and that Taiwan and Lithuania still have room for cooperation.
The report cited an analysis by DSET research fellow Chun-Kuei Lai, who highlighted the need for both Taiwan and Lithuania to mitigate risks in the drone supply chain. Lai stated, “Minister Lin’s visit aims to promote the ‘de-Sinicization’ of the drone supply chain, especially as U.S. drone manufacturer Skydio and others face setbacks due to Chinese sanctions.”
He further emphasized Taiwan’s advantage in having both major drone manufacturers and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) producing critical components. Lithuania, he noted, is a potential partner in strengthening drone manufacturing and supply chain resilience.
DSET’s National Security Research Group focuses on the dual-use technology supply chains of drones and low-orbit satellites. The institute plans to publish reports analyzing the opportunities and challenges of Taiwan and its allies in building a secure international supply chain.