US Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a staunch advocate for Taiwan, has expressed optimism that the United States and Taiwan will move toward joint weapons production in the near future.

Speaking at a news conference in Taipei on Saturday, Wicker said cooperation could extend to areas such as drone development. “I think there’s going to be joint production and joint efforts, and that will depend on the skills present both on this side of the Pacific Ocean and ours. We’re open to suggestion and innovation in that regard,” he noted.

The senator’s remarks capped a two-day visit during which he met Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te. A Taiwan official, speaking anonymously, told reporters that weapons co-production with Washington is “very important” for the island’s defence posture.

Wicker’s visit drew sharp criticism from Beijing, which opposes any official contact between Taipei and Washington. China claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control.

His trip comes against the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s new trade policies, which have imposed a 20% tariff on Taiwanese exports to the US Wicker insisted that such economic frictions do not undermine security ties. “That in no way affects the defence alliance and friendship and determination that the United States has to be a friend to the sovereign rights of the Taiwanese people to enjoy their democracy,” he said.

Some US lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns that Trump’s focus on trade talks with China risks de-emphasising security issues. But administration officials maintain that the White House remains committed to Asia-Pacific security while pursuing a closer economic relationship with Beijing.

Erizia Rubyjeana 

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