US Will Do Everything To Defend Taiwan: Taiwanese Minister

The US is willing to do everything in its capacity to help Taiwan improve its defensive capabilities, Deputy Defence Minister Wang Hsin-lung said during the 21st annual US-Taiwan Defence Industry Conference.

According to Wang, the US briefed the Taiwan delegation on the status, challenges and potential risks of the arms sales process in a meeting on Monday.

Concerning whether there is agreement on arms sales or military development in Taiwan, Wang emphasised that the main priority over the previous two years has been improving Taiwan's asymmetric warfare.

Wang said funds must be allocated, which is most required given Taiwan's small national budget. “The most important thing is to make Taiwan more strong militarily,” he added.

He expressed his optimism that the US Congress will approve the Taiwan Policy Act. The legislation proposed an allocation of USD 6.5 billion over five-year to Taiwan that would help increase its military training, arms acquisitions and equipment maintenance. 

According to him, drones have become a significant part of Taiwan's military construction and many nations know the degree of the Chinese threat, so they are ready to support Taiwan and work with us in the technological sector. Additionally, he also showed Taiwan's desire to take part in the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise.

The US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference was held at the Omni Richmond Hotel in Richmond, Virginia on Sunday to talk about Taiwan's defence and security requirements as well as the future of American defence collaboration with Taiwan.