Taiwan is setting up a foundation to train drone pilots from its Pacific island allies, a small but pointed move to build defense skills in a region China is courting.

• A new Global UAV Academy will register as a foundation next week, funded entirely with private money.
• Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu send the first trainees, starting as early as the end of this year.
• Up to 30 students at a time will train in Taiwan, with offices in Taipei and Chiayi opening by year-end.
• The plan follows deals signed at the Pacific Islands Forum summit, where Taiwan pledged deeper ties on climate, health, farming, and training.

Outlook: The first pilots should begin training around the turn of the year, with the program likely expanding to more allies if it works.