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6h ago

U.S. Senators in Taipei Back Taiwan, Float Joint Arms Production as China Protests

The visit spotlighted proposals for deeper defense‑industrial cooperation as Taiwan moves to raise military spending.

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U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) attends a press conference following the U.S. Senate Republicans' weekly policy luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 10, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura/File Photo
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Overview

  • Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker and Sen. Deb Fischer met President Lai Ching‑te and Defense Minister Wellington Koo, reiterating long‑term congressional support for Taiwan.
  • Wicker said joint U.S.–Taiwan weapons manufacturing is feasible and discussed closer military and defense‑industrial cooperation during briefings in Taipei.
  • Wicker affirmed that congressional backing for Taiwan’s freedom and self‑determination remains firm, stating the island “has the right to remain free.”
  • China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the visit as undermining its sovereignty and urged Washington to halt official interactions with Taipei.
  • Taiwan has proposed a 2026 defense budget above 3% of GDP with a goal of 5% by 2030, and reporting has indicated a U.S. Defense Innovation Unit official could be posted in Taiwan later this year; the senators’ stop followed visits to Hawaii, Guam, Palau and the Philippines.