China has maintained a clear lead over the US in drone-related technology patents since 2016, highlighting a widening technology gap as Taiwan seeks to expand its domestic drone industry and reduce reliance on China-centric supply chains. The divergence underscores the scale of the challenge facing Taiwan at a time when governments worldwide are accelerating procurement of unmanned systems and reassessing supply chain security.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will block the sale of foreign-made drones in the US, a decision believed to target Chinese market leader DJI and could prompt Taiwanese suppliers to accelerate investment in US manufacturing.

Japan's flagship heavy-lift rocket, the H3, suffered another setback on Sunday after its eighth flight failed, dealing a blow to the country's ambitions to strengthen its independent space capabilities.

SpaceX is widely expected to pursue an initial public offering in mid to late 2026. In anticipation, investors have increasingly tied the company's long-term growth story to the idea of orbital—or space-based—data centers, making the concept one of the most closely watched themes in capital markets.

South Korea's privately led rocket program, NURI (KSLV-II), completed its fourth successful launch on November 17, reaching an altitude of 601.3 kilometers and entering orbit—a milestone that has sharpened debate in Taiwan over its own ambitions in space.