Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo told parliament that Washington had established a dedicated project team to accelerate stalled programmes and bring deliveries back on schedule.

He said several systems had already begun arriving, while delayed components were being prioritised.A key delay has involved a 2019 order for 66 F-16V fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin, equipped with upgraded avionics and radar to counter advanced aircraft such as China’s Chengdu J-20.

Taiwan’s defence ministry said at the weekend that deliveries of the F-16V jets would begin this year, with production running at full capacity.Washington prioritises TaipeiThe United States has increased its focus on Taiwan within its defence export system.

Michael Miller, director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, said last week he had signed a directive in 2023 placing Taiwan at the top of the priority list for arms transfers.

Koo said Washington’s urgency reflects a shared goal of rapidly enhancing Taiwan’s self-defence capabilities, amid what Taipei views as an escalating military threat from Beijing.

The United States is legally bound to provide Taiwan with defensive means under longstanding legislation, though it maintains no formal diplomatic ties with the island. Arms sales remain a consistent point of friction with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory and has repeatedly demanded that such transfers cease.

Taiwan has in recent years voiced concern over repeated delays in U.S. weapons deliveries, even as it relies on Washington as its principal security partner and supplier of advanced military systems.

Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, leveraged heightened public concern over territorial security in the wake of last year’s tensions with Cambodia, framing his campaign around sovereignty and stability. His messaging resonated with voters and key political stakeholders, helping him regain power after triggering snap polls less than 100 days into his previous tenure.

At a pre-election rally in Bangkok, Anutin cast his party as the defender of national integrity, urging voters to back Bhumjaithai as a patriotic choice.

His campaign emphasized safeguarding Thailand’s land and security, aligning closely with broader nationalist currents that gained traction after the border dispute.

Analysts say the strategy proved effective in consolidating a fragmented electorate and appealing to establishment forces wary of instability. The political climate, shaped by external tensions, created conditions favorable to candidates projecting strong national leadership.

Establishment support consolidates powerPolitical observers noted that Thailand’s conservative-royalist establishment rallied behind Anutin, providing crucial backing in both the electoral process and parliamentary vote.

This alignment helped secure his return to office despite the short-lived nature of his previous administration.The support underscores the continued influence of traditional power centers in Thai politics, particularly during periods of geopolitical strain. Anutin’s positioning as a stabilizing figure appears to have reassured key stakeholders amid uncertainty.

Anutin’s decision to call snap elections shortly after assuming office initially drew scrutiny, but the timing coincided with rising nationalist sentiment that ultimately worked in his favor.

The February polls became a referendum not only on governance but also on national security priorities.

His swift return to power reflects both the effectiveness of his campaign messaging and the broader political recalibration driven by regional tensions.