Drone makers steering clear of China fear Beijing’s wrath

China dominates the world’s supply of components for drones. (Image: Depositphotos)

Sun, 26 Jan 2025

By Joyu Wang in Taipei and Heather Somerville in San FranciscoChina dominates the global market for the small, inexpensive drones that have transformed the world’s battlefields – and Beijing hasn’t been shy about keeping the industry under its thumb.For US companies, dependence on China has become untenable, particularly as Beijing shows it is willing to cut off their access to essential supplies.In Taiwan, that spells opportunity. Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun, who heads a government programme to develop the island’s dron...

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