TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) appeared in a pre-recorded video at the Hill and Valley Forum 2024 on Wednesday (May 1).

After the security forum’s first session was over, Hsiao’s seven-minute recording was played, per CNA. The vice president-elect talked about the security challenges facing Taiwan and the shared values between Taiwan and the U.S.

Hsiao noted the issues facing Taiwan such as cyber attacks, disinformation, and maritime incursions. She stressed that Taiwan remains steadfast under coercion.

“Over half of global maritime commerce passes through the vicinity of the Taiwan Strait,” Hsiao said, speaking about the importance of Taiwan. “Most reliable tech from iPhones to AI empowering data centers globally, also require advanced chips and components from Taiwan.”

“Taiwan is an irreplaceable and indispensable contributor to global technology advancements,” she stressed.

In regards to weapons tech, Hsiao commented that the asymmetric systems provided by the U.S. might not meet Taiwan’s immediate defense goals. She criticized the U.S.’ slowness in producing and delivering weapons and also warned that Russia and China are watching the war in Ukraine.

However, Hsiao also touted Taiwan’s technological capabilities and spoke positively about future U.S. cooperation. “Together, we can manufacture nearly everything as efficiently and reliably as anyone in the world,” she said.

“So I seek your support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the Department of Defense’s National Defense Industrial Strategy international collaboration mechanism, such as Security of Supply Arrangements,” Hsiao said, calling upon the U.S. for action.