A visiting delegation of 25 U.S. defense contractors seeks to increase partnership with Taiwan. The delegation, led by former U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant general Steven Rudder, arrived earlier this week.
The delegation met with local manufacturers and attended the Taiwan-U.S. Defense Industry Forum on Wednesday. The forum was jointly-held by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and the U.S.-Taiwan Business Council (USTBC).
TAITRA Chairman James Huang says the defense industry is an important component in Taiwan’s national security and economy. He also says the American Institute of Taiwan invited a number of US companies to attend this year’s Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition.
USTBC President Rupert Hammond-Chambers says the forum focused on the partnership and trust between Taiwan and the United States. Hammond-Chambers says the delegation’s goal is to be a part of Taiwan’s national security plans by strengthening the defense industry’s supply chain. He says he hopes regional conflict will not occur, and they hope to help Taiwan build its self-defense capabilities that are sufficient for deterrence.