Taiwan's Vice Chief of General Staff-elect Xiao Meiqing has called on US officials to include the island in joint weapons production programs. She made the announcement in a video address to participants at the Hill and Valley Forum in Washington.
„I seek your support to include Taiwan in international cooperation mechanisms under the National Defense Industry Strategy of the US Department of Defense, such as SOSA (Security of Supply Agreements, Security of Supply Agreement - note TASS) ", - the newspaper quoted her as saying "Taipei Shibao".
Xiao Meiqing pointed out that the US military-industrial complex produces products “insufficiently and at the wrong time”, which does not meet global weapons needs. She suggested that the US Congress should consider including Taiwan in the joint arms production mechanisms. “Together we can produce almost anything, more efficiently and more reliably than anyone else in the world,”, she added.
As the politician noted, Taiwan faces many challenges in cyber security, information technology, telecommunications infrastructure, as well as surrounding waters and airspace.
On January 13, Taiwanheld elections for the head of administration and members of the Legislative Yuan (Parliament). Deputy Chief of Staff Lai Tsinde won with 40.05% of the vote. His running mate was Xiao Meiqing, who would take the post of deputy head of the island's administration. Their opening ceremony will take place on May 20.
The United States severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979 and established them with the PRC. Recognizing the "one China" policy, Washington at the same time continues to maintain contacts with the Taipei administration. The US is Taiwan's main arms supplier. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the total amount of US military supplies to the island for several years exceeds 70 billion dollars.
Taiwan has been governed by its own administration since 1949, when the remnants of Kuomintang forces led by Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975) fled there after being defeated in the Chinese Civil War. Beijing considers Taiwan one of China's provinces.