I'm very optimistic," McCaul said in an interview with CNA when asked whether concerns that sourcing key drone components from Taiwan could anger Beijing might hamper Taiwan-U.S. drone cooperation. "Those certifications are important with the United States government," McCaul said. The broader defense pictureThe Texas Republican said the Taiwan-U.S. drone co-production initiative forms part of broader U.S.-led efforts to counter China in the Indo-Pacific. He compared it with the AUKUS security partnership among the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, under which Washington and London are helping Australia acquire nuclear-powered attack submarines and develop advanced defense capabilities. "What is happening with AUKUS helps defend the Indo-Pacific, just as co-producing drones with Taiwan helps defend the Pacific."