Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo told parliament that Washington had established a dedicated project team to accelerate stalled programmes and bring deliveries back on schedule.

He said several systems had already begun arriving, while delayed components were being prioritised.A key delay has involved a 2019 order for 66 F-16V fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin, equipped with upgraded avionics and radar to counter advanced aircraft such as China’s Chengdu J-20.

Taiwan’s defence ministry said at the weekend that deliveries of the F-16V jets would begin this year, with production running at full capacity.Washington prioritises TaipeiThe United States has increased its focus on Taiwan within its defence export system.

Michael Miller, director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, said last week he had signed a directive in 2023 placing Taiwan at the top of the priority list for arms transfers.

Koo said Washington’s urgency reflects a shared goal of rapidly enhancing Taiwan’s self-defence capabilities, amid what Taipei views as an escalating military threat from Beijing.

The United States is legally bound to provide Taiwan with defensive means under longstanding legislation, though it maintains no formal diplomatic ties with the island. Arms sales remain a consistent point of friction with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory and has repeatedly demanded that such transfers cease.

Taiwan has in recent years voiced concern over repeated delays in U.S. weapons deliveries, even as it relies on Washington as its principal security partner and supplier of advanced military systems.

Speaking at the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Taipei, Cheng said her party’s long-standing ties with the United States would remain intact even as it seeks closer engagement with mainland China. “There is no contradiction between the two, and there is no need to choose one over the other,” she said, rejecting criticism that outreach to Beijing would weaken relations with Washington.

Cheng, a former lawmaker who became KMT chair in October, has signalled a stronger push for engagement with Beijing compared to her predecessor Eric Chu, who did not visit China during his tenure starting in 2021. She has expressed interest in meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, though she did not provide details on any potential timeline.

China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, has refused to engage with the government of President Lai Ching-te, whom it labels a separatist. However, Beijing has maintained contacts with senior KMT figures, underscoring the party’s role as an alternative channel for cross-strait communication.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has criticised the KMT’s approach, accusing it of undermining Taiwan’s democracy and aligning too closely with Beijing. Cheng rejected those claims, saying her party supports arms purchases from the United States, though she emphasised that such spending must be carefully evaluated.

The KMT, alongside the smaller Taiwan People’s Party, holds a parliamentary majority, allowing it to influence defence budgets and legislative priorities, including measures related to security cooperation with Washington.

Taiwan’s political parties are preparing for mayoral and county chief elections in November, seen as a key indicator of public sentiment ahead of the 2028 presidential race. Analysts say cross-strait policy and defence spending are likely to remain central campaign issues.

China has intensified military pressure on Taiwan and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control, keeping geopolitical risks elevated in the region.

Taiwan has repeatedly flagged delays in U.S. arms shipments, as it faces mounting military pressure from China, which claims the island as its territory. The United States remains Taiwan’s primary security partner and arms supplier despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.

The United States approved an $8 billion sale in 2019 involving Lockheed Martin, aimed at expanding Taiwan’s fleet to more than 200 F-16 aircraft. The programme has encountered setbacks, including software-related issues that slowed delivery timelines.

Deputy Defence Minister Hsu Szu-chien, accompanied by Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff Tien Chung-yi, visited the F-16V assembly line in South Carolina earlier this week to inspect the first completed aircraft, the ministry said.

Lockheed Martin has assigned several hundred personnel to the programme, and production is proceeding at full capacity on a two-shift schedule, with no reported bottlenecks in parts supply or manpower, according to Taiwan’s statement.

The F-16V fighter jets represent a new configuration tailored for Taiwan, requiring ongoing test flights to refine avionics and systems performance. The defence ministry said these tests must be conducted carefully before full delivery proceeds.

Taiwan has already upgraded 141 older F-16A/B aircraft to the F-16V standard and has ordered 66 new jets equipped with enhanced radar, weapons systems and avionics designed to counter advanced aircraft such as J-20 fighter jet deployed by China.

Lockheed Martin said it was working closely with the U.S. government to accelerate deliveries and remained committed to supporting Taiwan’s defence requirements.

The development drew global attention as both major powers emphasized the importance of avoiding conflict and maintaining regional balance.

China highlighted that safeguarding territorial integrity remains a central priority, particularly regarding Taiwan, which Beijing considers a key element of its national interests.

Officials stressed that external actors should act with prudence and avoid actions that may raise tensions or destabilize long-established diplomatic frameworks.

At the same time, China expressed willingness to work constructively with Washington to promote stable, predictable ties.

This message reflected a broader desire to manage differences responsibly while pursuing cooperation on issues of shared significance.

The U.S. security strategy outlined plans to strengthen alliances and build deterrence mechanisms across the Indo-Pacific.

It underscored the importance of maintaining peace in one of the world’s most strategic and economically vital regions.

China reiterated its long-held stance that Taiwan represents its core red line in relations with the United States.

Officials urged caution, noting that miscalculations could disrupt diplomatic progress and affect regional confidence.

Despite the firm language, China emphasized that communication channels with the United States remain open and active.

Both sides have continued working-level dialogues aimed at reducing misunderstandings and advancing stability.

The release of the U.S. strategy coincided with China’s increased maritime activity across East Asian waters.

Observers noted that such movements, while assertive, were accompanied by statements promoting de-escalation and responsible management of maritime issues.

Taiwan responded positively to the U.S. document, highlighting its focus on preventing conflict and preserving peace.

Leaders in Taipei expressed appreciation for efforts that promote cooperation among Indo-Pacific partners.

Officials in Taiwan reiterated that safeguarding peace and strengthening defensive readiness remain essential components of their policy.

They emphasized the need for regional cooperation to ensure long-term stability and economic prosperity.

Taiwanese defence leaders noted that the United States continues to prioritize the Indo-Pacific as a central strategic region.

They welcomed collaborative efforts that encourage unity among regional nations in maintaining a peaceful environment.

Analysts believe the current moment presents an important opportunity for diplomacy to shape the future of China-U.S. relations.

Both sides have repeatedly acknowledged the importance of preventing confrontation and supporting global economic stability.

China’s call for balanced engagement and the United States’ emphasis on deterrence highlight the complexity of the geopolitical landscape.

Yet both countries recognize that cooperation in areas such as trade, climate policy, and global governance remains essential.

Regional observers argue that sustained dialogue can help transform tensions into constructive negotiation.

They also point out that transparent communication reduces the risk of miscalculation in sensitive areas like the Taiwan Strait.

Efforts by China, the United States, and regional partners to maintain open channels are seen as positive steps forward.

Such measures contribute to building confidence, addressing shared challenges, and reinforcing the foundations of long-term peace.

As global attention intensifies around developments in the Indo-Pacific, diplomatic engagement remains more important than ever.

The latest statements from Beijing and Taipei reflect a shared desire for stability despite the competitive backdrop.

The coming months will test the ability of major powers to balance national interests with international responsibility.

However, the reaffirmed willingness to maintain dialogue suggests that peace and cooperation remain achievable goals.