Nikkei: "Biden Administration Considering Joint Weapon Production with Taiwan"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Choi] The Joe Biden administration in the United States is considering a plan to jointly produce American-made weapons with Taiwan.

According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on the 19th, the U.S. government is contemplating the joint production of portable air defense systems, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), ammunition, and more. It is explained that initial-stage consultations regarding joint production between the U.S. and Taiwan have begun. There is talk of U.S. defense companies providing technology for production in Taiwan or using parts made in Taiwan for production in the U.S.

The reason for considering joint weapon production is to supply weapons to Taiwan quickly in preparation for threats from China. It often takes up to 10 years from the U.S. government's approval of weapon sales until delivery is completed. The U.S. military analyzes that China will have the capability to invade Taiwan by 2027, leaving little time to strengthen Taiwan's defense capabilities.

Additionally, the rapid increase in weapon supplies to Ukraine has made it difficult for the U.S. to meet global weapon demand. According to a recent report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the portable air defense system "Stinger" and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System "HIMARS" are in short supply in U.S. stockpiles. The Stinger and HIMARS that Taiwan is pushing to acquire may face delayed delivery, and for this reason, the U.S. is considering joint production with Taiwan.

Nikkei reported, "The Biden administration is preparing to pressure related countries to support Taiwan with weapons in order to accelerate the strengthening of Taiwan's defense capabilities," and "has begun a survey of willingness regarding the provision of weapons and related parts to Taiwan."

However, since providing weapons to Taiwan is likely to provoke strong backlash from China, it is expected that related countries in Europe and Asia will find it difficult to readily support Taiwan.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.