Taiwan is using homegrown drug-testing technology as a diplomatic tool, a small but useful win for its shrinking circle of allies.

• Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung handed Palau 300 rapid drug test kits during a trip for the Pacific Islands Forum summit.
• The kits were developed by Taiwan's Investigation Bureau and can detect heroin, cocaine, meth, cannabis, and newer synthetic drugs.
• Palau's justice ministry praised an earlier batch delivered in 2024, which led to this larger handover.
• Palau is one of the few countries that still formally recognizes Taiwan, making these gestures part of a wider contest with China for influence in the Pacific.

Outlook: Expect Taiwan to keep leaning on practical aid like this to hold onto its remaining Pacific allies as Beijing courts the region.