The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) has urged the US government to increase its cooperation with Taiwan. In its annual report for 2014, released Thursday, the commission, which operates under the aegis of the US Congress, said that the US must conduct more frequent military exchanges with Taiwan.
The report’s chapter on Taiwan recommended sending higher ranking military officials – at the rank of colonel or above – on military missions to Taiwan. The chapter also recommended sending the secretaries of various cabinet agencies to Taiwan in order to encourage closer business, technological, civilian and military ties between the US and Taiwan.
The USCC report also pointed out China’s growing military threat to the US and its allies in the Asia Pacific region. The report suggested that the US continue to provide Taiwan with defensive weapons.
Although the report did not mention specific weapons, USCC committee member Larry Wortzel said that US and Taiwanese officials have discussed a proposal for Taiwan to produce submarines domestically. Wortzel said that if Taiwan’s legislature approves the proposed budget, the US could help Taiwan manufacture four conventional submarines in the next five to seven years.