Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim says the island can catch up fast in drones by teaming up with foreign makers, framing it as good news for Taiwan's defense and its tech industry.

• Taiwan started late in drones but plans to close the gap through technology transfers, joint production, and partnerships with foreign firms.
• Nearly every major international drone company now has a partner in Taiwan, and some are willing to manufacture there.
• Military purchases from the U.S., commercial buying, and contract manufacturing are the three routes being used to fill gaps in drone firepower fast.
• Weak drone defenses risk making Beijing misjudge how determined Taiwan is to defend itself.
• Taiwan is pitching itself as a trusted supplier outside China's supply chain, with AI as the edge that could make its drones globally competitive.

Outlook: Lawmakers are pushing to pass a special drone law by the 28th, which would speed up money and orders flowing into the industry.