The Deputy Minister of National Defense of the Republic of China, Xu Yanpu, pointed out that the delayed delivery of military equipment to Taiwan by the United States will be implemented according to the agreed schedule. If there are any delays in delivery, it is hoped that the U.S. will consult with other allied countries to assist. The issue of Taiwan’s desire to join the U.S. defense industry supply chain has also been placed on the agenda.
The 23rd U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference officially commenced on the 23rd, with Xu Yanpu delivering a speech at the opening ceremony. He expressed the hope that the United States would proactively consult with its allies and provide similar equipment to Taiwan if there are delays in delivery.
Regarding the issue of delayed military supplies, Xu Yanpu, in an interview with the media, stated that the U.S. is facing issues such as disruptions in the supply chain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, both the U.S. executive branch and defense contractors have a deep understanding that the subsequent delivery of weapons “will be implemented according to the mutually agreed schedule”.
A recent report by the Cato Institute in the United States stated that the U.S. owes Taiwan approximately $20.53 billion worth of arms sales.
Xu Yanpu mentioned discussions with the U.S. executive branch and Lockheed Martin regarding the F-16V fighter jets, assuring that they will make every effort to deliver as per Taiwan’s needs before 2026.
As for why there is a call for the U.S. to consult with allied nations to provide military equipment to Taiwan if unable to deliver on time, Xu Yanpu told the media that he raised this issue with the hope of letting the U.S. understand that “any country that can assist Taiwan’s security is welcomed,” and he hopes the U.S. can provide more assistance and support in this regard.
Regarding the proposal for joint production of weapons between Taiwan and the U.S., Xu Yanpu mentioned issues such as U.S. technology export control procedures during his speech. He stated to the media that these related issues have been included in the agenda and are entering a phase of close cooperation, already “in progress”.
Representing the Democratic Progressive Party at the U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference, Taipei City Councilor Zhao Yixiang participated in a forum. He emphasized the need for the international community to focus on issues such as arms sales, technology transfer, and joint development to ensure Taiwan’s military equipment is sufficient, stating that “Taiwan should cooperate with the U.S. to gradually improve restrictions on arms sales to Taiwan by other democratic countries”.
Zhao Yixiang pointed out in an interview that only the U.S. is willing to sell arms to Taiwan worldwide, but many new types of weapons involve cross-border joint research, production, or cooperation. For example, the new generation of the Harpoon missile or Coastal Defense Cruise Missile system (CDCM) is a case of cooperation between the U.S. and Europe, particularly Norway.
Zhao Yixiang warned that if Taiwan cannot overcome restrictions on arms sales or technology transfer from other countries, its defense capabilities will face challenges. He reminded U.S. friends to cooperate with Taiwan and overcome these limitations, emphasizing the need to make the international community understand that “Taiwan’s introduction of new weapons, rapidly strengthening its defense capabilities, contributes to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait”.
Additionally, Zhao Yixiang mentioned that his participation in the U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference this time also shared President Lai Ching-te’s efforts to enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities since taking office, demonstrating “the world’s determination to defend its homeland”.
The Director of the DPP’s Representative Office in the U.S., Hsiao Shun-wen, stated that the U.S. executive branch fully understands President Lai’s efforts to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait over the past eight years of the DPP government, which has also been recognized internationally.
Representing the Kuomintang at the conference, Legislator Xu Qiaoxin made a statement during one of the forums, explaining the party’s position. She told the media that the Kuomintang’s attitude towards arms procurement has been “stigmatized”. The Kuomintang supports Taiwan having self-defense capability to deal with potential risks across the strait, hoping that the budget can be used most efficiently. Therefore, they will “review the budget with a stricter attitude, but that does not mean opposition”.
Xu Qiaoxin mentioned that the upcoming national defense budget for the next year will account for 2.45% of the GDP, reaching a record high. Increasing the budget in the future is “not impossible,” but she hopes to first address the issue of delayed deliveries of U.S. military equipment to Taiwan, stating that “having the items purchased delivered on time is very important to us”. She stated that the Kuomintang has always advocated for reducing the defense budget when tensions across the strait are low, allocating the budget to other livelihood issues. When tensions rise, the defense budget must also increase.
Legislator Huang Shanshan, representing the People’s Party, stated that the party attended the U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference for the first time last year and also participated this year, highlighting the significance of party diplomacy. The People’s Party advocates for Taiwan’s autonomy, cross-strait peace, and being an integral part of the U.S. democratic alliance, emphasizing long-standing good communication with the U.S.
Huang Shanshan emphasized that the People’s Party will rigorously supervise the national defense budget, supporting an increase in defense spending and enhancing self-defense capabilities, but emphasizing the need for clarity and efficiency in budget allocation to provide actual safeguards for Taiwan.