TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US Senate delegation visited the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology on Monday.

National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) and Deputy Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien (徐斯儉) received the delegation, CNA reported. The senators were shown the Jing Feng 2 and 3 systems, the Albatross II UAV, and other defense technologies. They also attended a closed-door briefing.

Hsu highlighted the rock-solid partnership between Taiwan and the US and thanked the senators for supporting Taiwan by introducing bills and issuing statements. The deputy minister said Taiwanese are determined to defend democracy and sovereignty. This shared commitment to freedom forms the foundation of Taiwan-US security cooperation, he said.

Hsu said that Taiwan is facing intense security challenges and needs to strengthen its resilience and asymmetric capabilities. US arms sales boost Taiwan’s defense capacity and contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

He expressed hope that the US would speed up the congressional notification process for arms sales, which would help Taiwan secure approval for the special budget.

The lawmakers arrived early Monday for a two-day visit to hold talks with top Taiwanese officials on security and trade, according to the American Institute in Taiwan. The trip is part of a broader visit to the Indo-Pacific, it said.