Taiwan recently unveiled the Barracuda-500, its first missile to be jointly developed with a U.S. arms maker, marking a significant advancement in defense collaboration amid rising military tensions with China. The missile, designed for coordinated attacks on warships, emphasizes Taiwan’s intent to bolster its defense capabilities through local production and technology transfer. President Lai Ching-te’s plan to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030 underscores Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing its military independence. This initiative reflects Taiwan’s strategy of deepening ties with international partners, particularly the U.S., as it seeks to fortify its resilience against potential threats.