TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene urged Taiwanese legislators to quickly approve the special defense budget in a China Times interview published on Monday.
Greene said that passing it is vital “for ensuring Taiwan acquires the full range of defense capabilities it has requested.” It would also send “a critical signal to the international community,” he said, according to AIT.
The director noted that the US has already announced sales of HIMARS and M109 self-propelled howitzer systems to Taiwan, “which are of great importance.” He also pointed out that Taiwan’s defense ministry aims to purchase “air and missile defense systems, unmanned vehicles, and drones.” These systems have been used in the Middle East and Ukraine and are “critically important,” Greene said.
The director said that many CEOs of several major US defense technology companies he has spoken with are eager to invest in Taiwan and establish supply chain partnerships, according to China Times. However, they are waiting to see whether Taiwan intends to purchase the weapons it requested.
If Taiwan can pass a comprehensive defense special budget act, it signals to the industry that they should begin cooperating with Taiwan and investing in these projects together, Greene said.
In a TVBS interview last month, Greene said the US is working with regional partners such as Taiwan to ensure investments are directed toward the capabilities needed to achieve deterrence.
