In a significant escalation of technology tensions between China and Taiwan, Taipei has recently blacklisted several Chinese technology companies, including DJI Technology, following similar security measures taken by the United States. This move highlights growing concerns about potential surveillance and data security risks associated with Chinese-made tech products.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs announced the ban last week, specifically targeting companies that the U.S. has already designated as national security threats. The restrictions primarily affect government agencies and state-owned enterprises, which will no longer be permitted to purchase or use equipment from these blacklisted firms.
“We’ve been closely monitoring how these technologies could potentially compromise sensitive infrastructure and government communications,” explained Dr. Wei Chen, a cybersecurity analyst I spoke with at Taiwan’s Institute for Information Industry. “This isn’t just about following America’s lead—it’s about protecting our own digital sovereignty.”
The timing is particularly notable as it comes amid heightened cross-strait tensions. Beijing has consistently claimed Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan has maintained its democratic self-governance. The technology restrictions represent yet another dimension in this complex relationship.
According to Taiwan’s Digital Affairs Minister Audrey Tang, the ban specifically addresses “information and communication technologies that may pose high security risks.” While the full list of affected companies hasn’t been publicly disclosed, sources confirm it includes major Chinese tech firms previously sanctioned by Washington.
The most prominent among these is DJI Technology, the world’s leading drone manufacturer. The company’s products have faced increasing scrutiny worldwide over concerns that data collected by their drones could potentially be accessed by Chinese authorities. DJI has consistently denied these allegations, stating that users maintain complete control over their data.
During my visit to Taipei’s technology corridor last month, government officials were already discussing the potential implications of such restrictions. One senior advisor to the Digital Affairs Ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, told me: “We’re balancing security imperatives against practical technological needs. Some of these companies provide solutions that aren’t easily replaced.”
The ban reflects a broader trend of technology decoupling between China and Western-aligned nations. Countries including Australia, the UK, and Canada have implemented similar restrictions on Chinese technology in sensitive sectors. The European Union is also considering comparable measures.
For Taiwan, the stakes are particularly high. As a global semiconductor manufacturing hub responsible for producing over 60% of the world’s chips, the island nation’s technology infrastructure represents a critical asset that both supports the global supply chain and requires robust protection.
Industry analysts suggest the ban could accelerate Taiwan’s efforts to develop domestic alternatives to Chinese technology. “This creates both challenges and opportunities for Taiwan’s tech ecosystem,” notes Dr. Sarah Lin from the Taiwan Research Institute. “While there will be short-term disruption, it could strengthen local innovation and partnerships with democratic allies.”
The restrictions arrive as part of Taiwan’s broader strategy to safeguard its critical infrastructure. Last year, the government launched a comprehensive cybersecurity initiative that included increased funding for defensive capabilities and stricter requirements for technology procurement.
Chinese officials have responded with sharp criticism, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin calling the move “politically motivated” and warning it would “harm normal technological exchange and cooperation.”
For Taiwanese businesses not directly covered by the ban, the government has issued advisory guidelines recommending caution when using Chinese technology products in sensitive operations. This creates a challenging environment for many firms that have integrated these technologies into their operations.
“We’re already seeing companies conducting internal audits of their technology supply chains,” explains Michael Chen, technology director at a Taipei-based consulting firm. “The concern isn’t just about government regulation but also about customer perception and business continuity.”
The technology restrictions represent just one aspect of Taiwan’s multi-faceted approach to managing relations with China while protecting its sovereignty. As digital technologies become increasingly central to national security, these measures reflect a growing recognition that technology policy and national security have become inseparable.
As Taiwan navigates these complex waters, the technology sector will continue to be both a point of friction and a strategic asset in the island’s relationship with China and its allies. For Taiwanese citizens and businesses, adapting to this new reality means balancing innovation with security in an increasingly polarized technological landscape.
