Machtkampf mit China: Drohnen, Chips, Lieferketten: Taiwan wird zum Partner von Amerikas Rüstungsindustrie

Taiwans fear of losing US support in talks with China has increased since President Donald Trump's visit to Washington at the end of September. The US president pressured Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss this issue specifically. While Washington's political support for Taiwan remains uncertain, practical cooperation between both countries in economy, technology, and military is growing.

Taiwan is becoming more significant to the US not only as a semiconductor producer but also as a defense and technology partner. Elizabeth Economy, a former US government adviser, notes that US trade with Taiwan is rapidly increasing. A Stanford University political expert predicts that Taiwan could surpass China in trade volume with the US.

The cooperation between the US and Taiwan's defense industries is also growing. Stephan Ebner, a lawyer representing German defense companies' foreign business, believes that the US treats Taiwan almost like the 51st state despite its proximity to China. Taiwan's strategy in the geopolitical struggle aims to make the island so valuable to Trump that he would consider it vital for US interests and defend it if needed.

China has long claimed territorial rights over Taiwan and threatens to invade the democratic island. China's leader Xi Jinping has urged his guest to speak against Taiwan's independence and handle the Taiwan issue cautiously. China's intention is to weaken US support for Taiwan and increase pressure on Taipei to give up its independence.

The US has committed to helping Taiwan against China but has not explicitly stated whether it would send troops in case of a Chinese attack. Trump's ambiguous comments on this issue have increased China's pressure on Taiwan. The US could delay or abandon ongoing arms sales to Taiwan as part of negotiations with China, which would be significant concessions.

Despite these concerns, Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, spoke in favor of Taiwan after Trump's visit. He emphasized Taiwan's importance as a partner, friend, and ally, and the need for Taiwan as a stable and independent partner, particularly in terms of the economy and military. The US and Taiwan are also deepening military cooperation, with the first two F-16 fighter jets ordered from Taiwan arriving in October.

The Pentagon is also considering sending personnel to Taiwan's Defense Ministry to strengthen cooperation. In January 2026, Taiwan will officially be allowed in the US's unmanned aircraft supply chain, and the NDAA for the 2026 fiscal year includes a provision requiring the Pentagon to include Taiwan in drone programs. More and more Taiwanese companies are becoming approved suppliers for high-demand military and commercial drones, further integrating Taiwan into the US defense industry ecosystem.