The United States has approved $2 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including the delivery of an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system to the self-ruled island, in a move sure to anger China.
Taiwan’s presidential office on Saturday thanked Washington for giving the green light to potential arms sales. Under the island’s new president, Lai Ching-ti, Taiwan has strengthened its defense measures as China increases its military threats against the territory it claims.
Beijing held last week War maneuvers encircle Taiwan For the second time since Lai took office in May.
The United States is Taiwan’s strongest unofficial ally, and its laws require it to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.
Taiwanese presidential spokeswoman Karen Kuo said, “Strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities is the basis for maintaining regional stability.”
The potential sales package includes three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and related equipment worth up to $1.16 billion, according to the US State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.
It also includes radar systems valued at approximately $828 million.
The Chinese government did not immediately comment on potential arms sales.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense said that the NASAMS system was tested in Ukraine and will help enhance the Taiwanese army’s air defense capabilities.
China’s war games last week were intended to practice “closing key ports and key areas” around Taiwan, according to Chinese officials. Taiwan counted a record single-day total of 153 aircraft, 14 naval vessels and 12 Chinese government ships.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.