Taiwan Defense Chief: US Making Arms Deliveries Top Priority

Taiwan's Defense Minister says the United States is treating weapons deliveries to the island nation with extreme urgency amid growing military pressure from China. The US has established a special team to address delays in arms shipments, including advanced F-16 fighter jets.

Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo announced Wednesday that America is treating the island’s military needs with extreme priority as tensions with China continue to escalate.

Speaking to lawmakers in parliament, Koo emphasized that Washington recognizes the critical nature of Taiwan’s defense requirements and has taken concrete steps to address shipping delays that have plagued weapons orders.

The island nation has faced ongoing frustrations with postponed deliveries of military equipment from its primary ally and weapons provider, the United States. China’s increasing military aggression has made these delays particularly concerning for Taiwanese officials.

Among the most significant holdups is a 2019 purchase agreement for 66 advanced F-16V aircraft from Lockheed Martin. These upgraded fighters feature cutting-edge electronics, weaponry, and radar technology designed to counter China’s sophisticated military aircraft, including their stealth J-20 jets.

However, Koo reported that many ordered defense systems have already started arriving or are currently being delivered to Taiwan’s military forces.

“As for the portions that have experienced delays, the United States has already set up a special project team to accelerate the relevant weapons programmes and help us catch up to schedule as quickly as possible,” Koo explained to reporters.

“I have also repeatedly explained that the U.S. sense of urgency in helping us strengthen our self-defence capabilities as quickly as possible is in fact quite high,” he added.

Defense officials confirmed over the weekend that F-16V deliveries will commence this year, with manufacturing operating at maximum output levels.

The prioritization effort gained momentum after Michael Miller, who leads the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, revealed last week that he issued a 2023 directive placing Taiwan ahead of other nations seeking American military equipment. Miller stressed that supporting Taiwan’s security remains a paramount concern for Washington.

Federal law requires the United States to supply Taiwan with necessary defensive capabilities, though these arms transactions consistently create diplomatic tensions between Washington and Beijing. Chinese officials have repeatedly demanded an end to all weapons sales to Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory.