Story perspectives

US and Taiwan Join Forces to Boost Artillery Supply

1/14/2026

Center

US-Taiwan Ammunition Cooperation

The United States and Taiwan co-produce 155mm artillery shells to strengthen ammunition resilience amid pressure from China, per Lin Wen-hsiang, Armaments Bureau director-general.
Lin Wen-hsiang cites the Ukraine conflict as a key example underscoring the need for a steady ammunition supply.
The joint production supports Taiwan's plan to boost domestic munitions and deepen cooperation with allies.
A recent crash has intensified scrutiny of Taiwan's aging F-16 fleet, raising defense-readiness concerns.

Right

Taiwan's Defense Vulnerabilities

The crash of a Taiwanese F-16 fighter jet has heightened concerns about Taiwan's air defenses amid rising pressure from Beijing.
Observers say the aging F-16 fleet shows wear from frequent scrambles to monitor Chinese military aircraft.
Frustrations have grown over delays in delivering new fighter jets from the United States.
The combination of incidents and supply gaps underscores Taiwan's defense vulnerabilities as tensions with China escalate.

History

Historical Context

The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) of 1979 established a framework for U.S.-Taiwan relations after the U.S. recognized the People's Republic of China. The TRA allows military support, leading to over $18 billion in arms sales to Taiwan. Today, Taiwan's collaboration with the U.S. on artillery production highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense amid rising tensions with China.

1 of 3

US-Taiwan Ammunition Cooperation

The United States and Taiwan co-produce 155mm artillery shells to strengthen ammunition resilience amid pressure from China, per Lin Wen-hsiang, Armaments Bureau director-general.
Lin Wen-hsiang cites the Ukraine conflict as a key example underscoring the need for a steady ammunition supply.
The joint production supports Taiwan's plan to boost domestic munitions and deepen cooperation with allies.
A recent crash has intensified scrutiny of Taiwan's aging F-16 fleet, raising defense-readiness concerns.

1 / 3