U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, a leading figure in the Senate Armed Services Committee and a strong supporter of Taiwan, expressed optimism about future joint weapons production with Taiwan during his recent visit to the island. Wicker, a Republican, made these remarks at a news conference in Taipei, highlighting the potential for collaboration in defense manufacturing, particularly in areas like drone technology.
Taiwan has long sought to enhance its defense capabilities, and Wicker’s comments come at a crucial time. The United States remains Taiwan’s most significant ally and supplier of military equipment, despite not having formal diplomatic relations. However, since President Donald Trump took office earlier this year, there have been no new arms sales announced.
During his two-day visit, Wicker met with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te and discussed the importance of co-producing weapons. A Taiwanese official, who spoke anonymously, echoed this sentiment, stating that joint production is vital for the island’s defense.
Wicker’s visit is particularly noteworthy given the increased military and political pressure Taiwan faces from China, which claims the island as its own and has not ruled out the use of force to assert control. Beijing has criticized Wicker’s visit, opposing official interactions between the U.S. and Taiwan.
Despite the challenges, Wicker emphasized that the U.S. is committed to supporting Taiwan’s sovereignty and democratic rights. He reassured that ongoing trade discussions would not undermine the strong defense alliance between the two nations.
As Taiwan grapples with a 20% tariff on exports to the U.S. as part of Trump’s broader trade policy, Wicker’s statements reflect a continued dedication to U.S.-Taiwan relations, especially in the realm of defense. The senator’s visit signals a strong message of support for Taiwan amid rising tensions in the region.
