U.S.–Taiwan Economic Talks Advance Supply-Chain Security and Drone Certification

The United States and Taiwan held the latest round of their Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue (EPPD) on Thursday, advancing initiatives on supply-chain security, drone system certification, and the removal of tax barriers to investment. Both sides also signed a joint statement endorsing the “Pax Silica" initiatives, underscoring a shared approach to economic security.

The EPPD, launched in 2020, has become the main platform for bilateral economic co-operation, and this year marked its sixth iteration. The meeting, held in Washington, was led by Minister Ming-Hsin Kung and Jacob Helberg, the United States Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment.

Jacob said the dialogue aimed to translate shared values into “shared capabilities,” with a focus on practical steps to secure the entire artificial-intelligence technology stack, from critical minerals and semiconductors to digital infrastructure. Beyond strengthening supply chains, the two sides are moving from a narrow focus on “de-risking” towards the active construction of trusted technology ecosystems, in which Taiwanese firms play an indispensable role.

By aligning supply chains in semiconductors and AI, Jacob argued, both economies are not only protecting their own interests but also ensuring that next-generation technologies are developed and deployed by open, democratic societies.

He welcomed the joint statement signed by the American Institute in Taiwan and Taiwan’s representative office in Washington as a milestone in supporting the Pax Silica initiative, which seeks to safeguard the mineral and semiconductor supply chains underpinning the AI revolution.

The EPPD was renewed last year for a further five years. Jacob said its continuation sends a clear message: economic security is national security, and deeper co-operation will help anchor transparent and resilient supply chains in the global economy.