The United States will release new guidelines to speed up defense technology transfers to Taiwan, officials said. These technology updates aim to strengthen Taiwan’s security amid rising regional tensions.
Rupert Hammond-Chambers, head of the US-Taiwan Business Council, confirmed the changes at the annual US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference in Maryland on Tuesday. He said the guidelines will streamline the review and approval process for defense technology products.
The three-day conference, which began Sunday, brought together US and Taiwanese defense officials and industry representatives. They highlighted that timely delivery of equipment remains a persistent challenge. Hammond-Chambers noted that new defense technology rules could improve delivery efficiency for key systems.
He clarified that co-development or co-production of weapons would not provide immediate solutions. “If you need equipment quickly, buy off-the-shelf. Technology transfers take longer,” he explained.
Taiwan plans to use its next year’s defense budget, plus a special NT$1 trillion allocation, for advanced systems. Defense technology could support the “T-Dome” multilayered air defense system and asymmetric warfare capabilities.
Hammond-Chambers also noted mobile artillery, helicopters, and other platforms as likely acquisitions. These defense technology transfers could help Taiwan address gray zone threats and potential maritime blockades effectively.
On the political front, he downplayed the chance of a US policy change if President Donald Trump meets Chinese President Xi Jinping. Beijing reportedly wants the US to explicitly oppose Taiwanese independence rather than simply not supporting it.
Hammond-Chambers said US-China talks often involve stating demands before focusing on negotiable issues, such as trade or tariffs. Meanwhile, defense technology transfers remain a practical method for Taiwan to strengthen security and readiness.
Experts said these updated guidelines could accelerate Taiwan’s access to critical systems while maintaining regional stability. The new framework may also encourage broader collaboration between US and Taiwanese defense industries.
The defense technology transfer rules are expected in the coming weeks, offering clearer pathways for Taiwan and other partners to acquire advanced military capabilities efficiently.
