Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) assured the public that the Taiwan-U.S. partnership remains robust despite intense geopolitical challenges. In a Thursday, May 21, press release from the Presidential Office, following a meeting with the think tank Center for a New American Security (CNAS), she emphasized that Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities, modernize its military, and build asymmetric warfare capabilities, while developing its domestic defense industry and drone supply chain.

Hsiao welcomed former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner and his delegation and thanked the CNAS for its continued efforts over the years to promote exchanges that have fostered a deeper understanding of Taiwan.

The vice president mentioned that the Taiwanese and U.S. governments share the belief that peace is maintained and built through strength, and that President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has pledged to strengthen self-defense capabilities with the ultimate goal of deterring and preventing conflict. She pointed out several recent transformations, including military modernization, extending the term of compulsory military service, strengthening reserve force training, and promoting decentralized command and control to give rank-and-file units greater autonomy.

In terms of weapons procurement, Hsiao stated that the focus is on defensive and asymmetric warfare systems, with a strong emphasis on building similar capabilities. She emphasized that these efforts are driven by both defense procurement with the United States and the development of the private sector. Hsiao said she hopes to secure more defense funding and cooperation through public communication and international support.