Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng says that Taiwan’s military looks forward to cooperating with the United States and Japan to counter China’s military threat. During talks in Tokyo on Tuesday, US and Japanese defense and foreign affairs leaders agreed that “China's behavior has become more aggressive, and the U.S. and Japan will work together to counter China's destabilizing efforts.”
Chiu said these leaders’ recognition that “Taiwan is under pressure in the face of a powerful enemy country” is a positive one that will help pave the way for future cooperation.
Chiu also said that all procedures have been completed for US approval of an export permit for sensitive submarine equipment that Taiwan needs. Taiwan’s first indigenous submarine is now under construction now. The construction project is expected to be completed in 2024, with a fleet ready by 2025 at the earliest.