Taiwan has accelerated defence modernization in recent years as China increases military pressure through near-daily air and naval activity around the island. President Lai Ching-te has made strengthening national defence a priority, backed by a proposed $40 billion supplementary budget. Hsu Szu-chien, a Columbia University–educated security expert and senior advisor to Taiwan’s National Security Council, has long represented Taiwan in high-level dialogues with U.S. defence and political circles. The U.S. remains Taiwan’s most important security partner and arms supplier, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations.
Why It Matters
The appointment underscores Taiwan’s intent to deepen defence cooperation with the United States while speeding up reforms needed to counter Beijing’s growing military capabilities. With a massive supplementary defence budget on the table, Taipei is positioning experienced, internationally connected officials to guide procurement, modernization, and strategic planning.
Taiwan’s defence ministry and armed forces, the U.S. security establishment, China which opposes Taiwan’s defence expansion and U.S. alignment—and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Taiwanese citizens are central stakeholders as these reforms shape the island’s long-term security.
What’s Next
Hsu Szu-chien will work alongside Defence Minister Wellington Koo to implement reform measures and oversee consultations with Washington on requested weapons systems. Details of the $40 billion procurement package are expected to emerge in coming weeks. China may respond with diplomatic criticism and continued military activity around Taiwan.
With information from Reuters.
