Taiwan has launched its largest-ever arms exhibition, the Taipei Aerospace and Defence Technology Exhibition, showcasing a significant increase in participation from both domestic and international defense firms. The event, held biennially, has attracted 490 exhibitors across 1,500 booths, a substantial rise from the 275 exhibitors and 960 booths in 2023. This surge in interest comes as Taiwan ramps up its defense spending, aiming to allocate 5% of its GDP to military expenditures by 2030, up from the current 3.3% for next year. The heightened focus on defense is driven by escalating military pressure from China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory and has intensified its military drills and incursions into nearby areas. The United States, Taiwan’s primary arms supplier, has notably expanded its presence at the exhibition, with over 40 companies participating, double the number from two years ago. Karin Lang, deputy director of the American Institute in Taiwan, emphasized the importance of U.S.-Taiwan collaboration in addressing supply chain vulnerabilities, technological competition, and evolving security threats. The exhibition also highlighted Taiwan’s growing defense cooperation with the U.S., including the unveiling of its first jointly developed missile with a U.S. company. Additionally, Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology announced plans to sign agreements with U.S. and Canadian firms for advanced weaponry, such as anti-drone rockets and underwater surveillance drones. Major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are also prominent participants, reflecting the island’s strategic push to bolster its military capabilities amidst rising regional tensions.