U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, signaled strong support for future joint weapons production with Taiwan—including drones—during his visit to Taipei this weekend. His remarks underline deepening defense collaboration between the U.S. and Taiwan amid rising pressure from Beijing.
Wicker conveyed confidence in Washington and Taipei’s ability to co-develop military systems, noting, “I think there’s going to be joint production and joint efforts … we’re open to suggestion and innovation in that regard.” This was expressed at the close of a two-day trip that included a meeting with President Lai Ching-te, further cementing the message of U.S. readiness to bolster Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities.
As the U.S.’s most reliable arms supplier to Taiwan, Wicker’s comments represent a bold strategic step, even as formal diplomatic ties remain absent.
The visit unfolds against a backdrop of heightened regional tension, exacerbated by President Trump’s new trade tariffs and ongoing security concerns prompted by intensified Chinese military pressure.
