TAIPEI (TVBS News) — U.S. arms sales to Taiwan will reach record highs in 2026, officials announced Sunday (Oct. 19) at the U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference in Ellicott City, Maryland. Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the U.S.-Taiwan Business Council, emphasized the discussions' significance amid global conflicts.
Hammond-Chambers explained the absence of new arms sales announcements since President Trump's return as normal administrative procedure. New administrations typically require one year before issuing first arms sale notifications, he said. He denied Trump withheld military aid during China negotiations, stating this remains separate from tariff discussions.
Despite the federal government shutdown, Defense and State Department officials attended, demonstrating Trump administration commitment to U.S.-Taiwan defense relations, Hammond-Chambers said. Conference discussions include Gaza and Russia-Ukraine war implications for Taiwan, plus joint weapon production challenges. Taiwan holds advantages in unmanned vehicle development for U.S.-Europe collaboration.
The conference concludes Tuesday (Oct. 21) with speeches from Taiwan's deputy armaments minister Chung Shu-ming (鍾樹明) and State Department officials. Topics include Taiwan's security challenges and alliance-building strategies. Since 2002, this annual conference has gathered approximately 200 defense officials and industry representatives from both nations. ◼
