Deputy Minister of Defense Hsu Yan-pu (徐衍璞) urged the U.S. to assist Taiwan to strengthen its weapons self-reliance at the U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference in Virginia, U.S. on Monday. Hsu called on the U.S. to expedite the delivery of arms that Taiwan has already ordered.
Hsu says the promotion of autonomous defense creates win-win scenarios for Taiwan and the U.S. He notes Taiwan has emphasized the development of autonomous defense systems in the last year.
The defense official also calls for supporting localized production and integrating the U.S.-Taiwan defense industry supply chain to enhance Taiwan's defense autonomy and resilience.
Hsu says Taiwan will continue to increase its defense budget to demonstrate a resolute commitment to defending sovereignty and safeguarding democratic freedoms. He also thanked the U.S. for its support and for assisting Taiwan in obtaining equipment to enhance national defense capabilities.
U.S. President Joe Biden approved Taiwan with nearly US$345 million in a military aid package authorized through a Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) last year.