US-Taiwan Defense Ties Deepen Amid Regional Security Concerns
The Taiwan-US Defense Industry Forum showcased expanding collaboration between both governments and private sector companies, with participation growing dramatically since the event's launch in 2018.
US-Taiwan Defense Forum Highlights Growing Ties
REPORTER:
The strong connections between Taipei and Washington’s defense sectors are on display here in the capital. The Taiwan-US Defense Industry Forum highlights the growing public and private security collaboration between the two countries, and what we can expect in the future.
REPORTER:
More than 40 companies were present, up from less than 10 when the event launched in 2018, with organizers saying there’s never been so much interest from the private sector.
Gen. Charlie Flynn (US ARMY PACIFIC (RET.)):
41 companies being here from starting from seven, just nine years ago. That right there speaks volumes about the growth, uh, the opportunity,
REPORTER:
The event comes soon after Taiwanese lawmakers approved a $25 billion USD special defense budget for US-made weapons, including air defense missiles and HIMARS rocket artillery units. But arms transfers are only the tip of the iceberg. Private sector experts also spoke on drones and communications technology. Systems that would be vital in defending Taiwan.
REPORTER:
It also follows US President Donald Trump’s meeting with China’s Xi Jinping in Beijing earlier this month. Speaking afterward, Trump called US arms sales to Taiwan a “good negotiating chip” in his own dealings with Beijing, raising concerns in Taipei. But at this forum, experts doubled down on US-Taiwan engagement, highlighting how intertwined and aligned both countries are when it comes to security.
Rupert Hammond-Chambers (PRESIDENT, US-TAIWAN BUSINESS COUNCIL):
America has excellent technology. Taiwan has excellent manufacturing ability and very good partnerships for co-development and then core manufacturing, not just for Taiwan, but for the US too. And the global market.
REPORTER:
While arms sales are government to government agreements, participants in the forum stressed the possibility for private sector innovation and the interconnectedness of both economies.
Philip W. Yu (SENIOR DIRECTOR FOR GLOBAL BUSINESS, IMSAR):
A resilient Taiwan, a prosperous Taiwan means a resilient and prosperous America, and by extension, then the world.
What we can bring in terms of the the defense relationship, the defense sector through the private sector, is to help Taiwan's private sector get involved in a way so that you are ready and and serving as a deterrence message.
REPORTER:
Moving forward, the goal for many here will be to build up bilateral cooperation even more. Taiwanese drone manufacturers already working with US tech companies, but there are more opportunities for co-development and co-production.
REPORTER:
While Taiwan waits to see if Trump approves an expected 14 billion US dollar arms sale, events like this one show the deep connections already in place between Taiwan and the US.
