Weekly Roundup: Taiwan Launches "Chip Team" for Drones, NHI Adds 30 Services, US Senate Approves NT$10B Military Aid

This weekly roundup offers a comprehensive look at Taiwan’s progress, covering advancements in technology, healthcare, transportation, finance, and global collaborations.

Tech Spotlight

• Taiwan's registered drones surpass 38,000 as of Nov. 30, with 90% used for aerial photography. New policies focus on inspections, flight safety, and lowering the operator age to 14 under supervision. Authorities aim to address drone airspace, no-fly zones, and pesticide spraying coordination. Taiwan News

• Taiwan considers partnering with Amazon's Project Kuiper to boost emergency communications, testing 773 hotspots under its satellite program. Collaboration with Starlink is also possible, pending security and U.S. approval. Focus Taiwan

• Taiwan unveils "Chip Team Taiwan" initiative to boost domestic drone production by integrating advanced IC design and chip manufacturing. The plan aims to develop local markets for drones, robotics, and satellites while reducing reliance on Chinese suppliers. Focus Taiwan

Politics

Photo: Chiu Chih-jou, Taipei Times

• Taiwan adds 30 new services to National Health Insurance, including advanced genetic cancer screenings, accurate prostate cancer tests, and improved hepatitis B diagnostics, benefiting over 66,000 patients annually with a NT$110 million investment. Taipei Times

• Taiwan boosts 2024 science and technology budget to NT$196.5 billion, focusing on AI, regional development, and talent cultivation. Plans include the Taoyuan-Hsinchu-Miaoli Silicon Valley and strengthening SMEs in the vertical supply chain. Taiwan News

• Taoyuan advances MRT projects with the Brown Line approved, Green Line extensions and Airport MRT expansion starting next year, and underground rail projects underway. The Green Line’s north section aims to open by 2030. Taipei Times

Finance Focus

Photo: CNA

• Taiwan's mortgage rates hit 2.23%, a 15-year high, as lenders tighten credit controls. Applications fell 6.5%, with higher borrowing costs and longer approvals. Developers plan fewer presales and price cuts outside Taipei, where prices may drop 5-10%. Taipei Times

• Foxconn is negotiating to acquire Renault’s 35% stake in Nissan after a direct bid was rejected. Nissan is fast-tracking merger talks with Honda to block the deal, with a board decision set for Dec 23. Focus Taiwan

• Taiwan’s central bank keeps rates at 2%, the highest in 15 years, citing high local service costs and global uncertainties. It will monitor the effects of September’s housing credit controls. Focus Taiwan

Global Focus

US Capitol. (Reuters, Elizabeth Frantz photo)

• The US Senate approves NT$10 billion for Taiwan’s military under the "Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative," including training, equipment, and participation in the 2025 Rim of the Pacific exercise. Taiwan News

• Taiwan’s National Institute of Cyber Security joins the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, enhancing global collaboration with 130 members to address complex cybersecurity challenges. Taiwan News

• Taiwan pledges €250,000 for Mayotte’s Cyclone Chido relief, offers further aid, and reports no Taiwanese casualties. The disaster may have killed up to 1,000. Focus Taiwan

Taiwan in Numbers

• Taiwan lowers gasoline and diesel prices by NT$0.1 per liter for the second week, despite a global crude oil rise due to OPEC+ output delays and EU sanctions on Russian oil. Gasoline prices range from NT$28.5 to NT$32, and premium diesel costs NT$27-27.2 per liter. Taipei Times

• Taiwan’s furloughed workers fell to 4,474, the lowest in four months, as manufacturing and tourism recovered. Hualien’s furloughed workers dropped to 617, with demand expected to rise during Lunar New Year. Focus Taiwan

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