2 Taiwanese executives arrested over mainland components in military drones

Two Taiwanese executives have been arrested for allegedly using mainland Chinese-made components in drones supplied to the island’s military.

It is the second time in two months that a Taiwanese drone supplier has been investigated by the island’s authorities over the alleged use of prohibited mainland components.

The case has intensified opposition scrutiny of the government’s efforts to build a “drone team” based on a “non-red” supply chain that excludes components and technology from mainland China.

Prosecutors in the northern city of Taoyuan said on Monday that Jiin Ming Industry and its subsidiary were suspected of installing mainland-made chips and camera lenses in military drones.