U.S. approves $2 billion arms sale to Taiwan
- In Reports
- 08:39 PM, Oct 26, 2024
- Myind Staff
The United States has approved a $2 billion arms sale package to Taiwan, marking a milestone with the inclusion of an advanced air defence missile system, which has been tested in combat situations in Ukraine, the Pentagon reported on Friday. Although the United States and Taiwan do not maintain formal diplomatic ties, U.S. law mandates that Washington provide Taiwan, claimed by China, with the necessary means for self-defence—an ongoing support stance that consistently provokes strong reactions from Beijing.
China has intensified its military pressure on Taiwan, recently conducting a second series of war games around the island since Lai Ching-te assumed the presidency in May. In response, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced that the new U.S. arms package includes $1.16 billion in missile systems and radar systems valued at approximately $828 million. According to the Pentagon, RTX Corp. will be the primary contractor for the missile system.
"This proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability," it said in a statement.
"The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region."
The arms sale package includes three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) medium-range air defence systems equipped with AMRAAM Extended Range surface-to-air missiles, enhancing Taiwan's defence capabilities significantly. Battle-proven in Ukraine, NASAMS has seen growing demand globally, marking a strategic upgrade in U.S. defence support to Taiwan.
According to a U.S. government source, speaking anonymously to Reuters, NASAMS is a new addition to Taiwan's arsenal, with Australia and Indonesia being the only other regional operators of the system. Taiwan’s defence ministry welcomed the sale, highlighting NASAMS’s effectiveness in Ukraine and noting its value in bolstering Taiwan’s air defences amidst increasing military activities by China.
Taiwan’s military is strengthening its defence capabilities to counter potential aggression from China, including developing its own submarines to secure critical maritime supply routes. Beijing, which labels President Lai Ching-te as a "separatist," has dismissed his ongoing appeals for dialogue. Lai firmly rejects China’s claims of sovereignty over Taiwan, asserting that only the people of Taiwan have the right to determine their future. On Saturday, the Chinese government intensified its criticism of Lai, condemning his remarks from the previous day on a strategic frontline island, where he affirmed that no "external force" can dictate Taiwan’s future.
"There can be no future for 'Taiwan independence'. The future of Taiwan lies in the complete reunification of the motherland," China's Taiwan Affairs Office said in a statement.
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