Former U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant general Steven Rudder will lead a delegation of U.S. defense contractors to visit Taiwan in early May. The delegation will be meeting with Taiwan’s defense industry to discuss joint production of unmanned weapons systems and ammunition. That’s according to Nikkei Asia’s interview with the U.S. Taiwan Business Council President Rupert Hammond-Chambers.
Hammond-Chambers said that the delegation is hoping to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) while in Taiwan. Legislator Wang Ding-yu (王定宇) said the delegation is the largest of its kind since 2019. Wang added that the delegation’s visit is a reflection of Taiwan having the capability to purchase advanced weapons within a reasonable price range. Wang said the gradual change shows that Taiwan’s status in the international community has improved.
The upcoming meeting between the U.S. defense contractors and Taiwan’s weapons manufacturers presents a rare opportunity for both Taiwan’s economy and weapons technology, as well as diplomatic exchanges.
According to the Nikkei report, the Biden administration is also urging some European countries to help arm Taiwan.