TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — U.S. Senator J.D. Vance made a case for sending Ukraine-bound Patriot missiles to Taiwan on Friday (April 12).

Vance laid out Ukraine’s arms shortage, per CNA. He added the U.S.’ Patriot missile production is insufficient for Ukraine’s needs.

He said the country could make roughly 650 missiles a year after it ramped up production. However, according to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, it needs thousands of Patriot missiles per year to fend off Russian attacks

Vance said the Patriot missiles would be needed in Taiwan if China tried to seize the nation. He argued Taiwan’s shipment of Patriot missiles should not be delayed by helping Ukraine because Taiwan paid for US$900 million of equipment.

In his interview with Fox News' Shannon Bream, Vance said China focused on “real strength” rather than “people talking tough on TV,” per a press release. He argued the U.S. needs to focus on China because it is “spread too thin.”

Former president and Republican nominee Donald Trump selected Vance to be his running mate for the 2024 presidential election. Vance was originally a critic of Donald Trump before his senatorial election in 2022.