Taiwan and US Begin Joint Artillery Shell Production Amid China Tensions

Taiwan and the United States have started co-producing key artillery shells. This move aims to secure Taiwan's ammunition supply during a potential conflict with China. Taiwan's defense ministry announced the early-stage joint production on Monday. The project focuses on a new type of 155mm howitzer shell. These are standard ammunition for many modern artillery systems. The decision is a direct response to increasing military pressure from Beijing. Taiwanese officials fear a naval blockade could cut off vital supplies in a war. Producing shells locally with U.S. partnership would strengthen wartime resilience. Lieutenant General Lin Wen-hsiang, head of Taiwan's Armaments Bureau, confirmed the collaboration during a legislative hearing. The joint production is part of broader efforts to enhance Taiwan's self-defense capabilities.