US commits to defense support for Taiwan as defense industry conference begins

FILE - In this photo released by the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense, Taiwan guided missile destroyer Ma Kong DDG1805, left, monitors Chinese guided missile destroyer Xi'an DDG15, right, near Taiwan on May 23, 2024. FILE - Taiwan Coast Guard ships and a helicopter take part in a drill at a harbor in New Taipei City, Taiwan, May 4, 2019.

The United States has pledged to continue providing Taiwan with equipment and services essential for maintaining a self-defense capability in line with the threats it faces. This statement came as an annual U.S.-Taiwan defense industry conference kicked off Sunday in Philadelphia.