US calls Taiwan 'vital partner' after high-level talks

Senior Taiwanese and U.S. officials discussed cooperation in artificial intelligence, tech and drones at a high-level forum begun during the first Trump administration, with the U.S. State Department praising Taipei as a "vital partner."



The U.S. is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier ⁠despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties.



The U.S.-Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue first took place in November 2020.



In a statement on Tuesday, the State Department said the sixth round of talks took place, led by Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and Taiwan Economy Minister Kung Ming-hsin, who is visiting the U.S.



The two sides signed statements on the Pax Silica Declaration - ⁠a U.S.-led initiative to secure AI and semiconductor supply chains - and U.S.-Taiwan cooperation on economic security



The talks also featured exchanges on supply chain security, including how it relates to AI, certification on drone components and cooperation on critical minerals.