Taipei: U.S. Representative Michael McCaul expressed his strong optimism regarding the joint production of drones between Taiwan and the United States, emphasizing the increasing demand for systems that exclude Chinese components. McCaul noted that Taiwanese manufacturers are well-positioned to meet U.S. security requirements.
According to Focus Taiwan, McCaul shared his views in an interview, addressing concerns about potential reactions from Beijing over Taiwan-U.S. drone collaboration. He underscored the recent U.S. National Defense Authorization Act, which supports such cooperation, allowing both nations to co-produce UAV systems and counter-drone solutions for their armed forces.
When discussing incentives for U.S. defense companies to partner with Taiwan over China for drone manufacturing, McCaul pointed to intellectual property protection and cybersecurity. He cited examples from his recent visit to Ukraine, where manufacturers are proud of producing drones free from Chinese components. McCaul warned against supply chain vulnerabilities, as China has supplied significant technology to Russia during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
McCaul also highlighted that many Taiwanese manufacturers have either obtained or are close to obtaining U.S. certifications, ensuring their drones are secure and devoid of Chinese components. These certifications are crucial for the U.S. government, as they prevent exported technologies from falling into the wrong hands.
During his visit to a test site in Chiayi County, McCaul noted that two out of seven drone companies had already established partnerships with U.S. defense contractors.
The Taiwan-U.S. drone initiative is part of a broader strategy led by the United States to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. McCaul likened this initiative to the AUKUS security partnership involving the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, which aims to bolster defense capabilities in the region.
McCaul emphasized the interconnected nature of these efforts, stating that collaborations like AUKUS and the Taiwan-U.S. drone initiative help defend the Indo-Pacific region. Support from Japan and the Philippines, both described as "very concerned" by McCaul, contributes to deterring potential aggressive actions by China.
During his visit to Taiwan, which began on August 2, McCaul attended the Ketagalan Forum, delivered a keynote address, and met with President Lai Ching-te. In recognition of his contributions to Taiwan-U.S. relations and regional stability, McCaul was awarded the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon.