Taipei: The U.S. government is poised to introduce new guidelines to hasten the transfer of defense technology to its global partners, including Taiwan, as announced by the head of the US-Taiwan Business Council. Rupert Hammond-Chambers shared this development at the U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference held in Ellicott City, Maryland.
According to Focus Taiwan, the updates to the defense and state department guidelines aim to speed up the “consideration and then releasability” of defense technology products. Hammond-Chambers discussed this initiative during the three-day conference, emphasizing the importance of timely order deliveries by defense manufacturers, a concern highlighted by both Taiwanese and U.S. representatives.
Hammond-Chambers cautioned that while co-development and co-production of weapons are being advocated by some, including U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, these initiatives are not immediate solutions for delays in arms sales. He suggested that purchasing ready-made products is a more practical approach for urgent needs, whereas technology transfers can be considered when time permits.
The conference also provided insights into Taiwan’s potential military acquisitions under its 2026 defense budget and an anticipated special defense budget of up to NT$1 trillion (US$32.53 billion). Hammond-Chambers indicated that Taiwan is likely to pursue technologies related to the T-Dome, a proposed multi-layered air defense system, and other asymmetric capabilities.
He further mentioned that the substantial budget allocation would allow Taiwan to address issues such as gray zone and blockade concerns, while also acquiring traditional military platforms like mobile artillery and helicopters.
On the diplomatic front, Hammond-Chambers remarked on the improbability of a shift in U.S. policy if a meeting occurs between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Despite Beijing’s efforts to persuade the U.S. to officially oppose Taiwan independence, Hammond-Chambers noted that the U.S. and China often communicate past each other, focusing instead on negotiable issues like tariffs and trade agreements.
