The United States has approved a USD 2 billion arms sale to Taiwan, marking the first time the self-ruled island will receive an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system—a decision likely to provoke a strong reaction from China.
Taiwan’s presidential office on Saturday expressed gratitude to Washington for approving the potential arms sales. Under its new president, Lai Ching-te, Taiwan has intensified defense measures in response to China’s growing military threats against the territory, which Beijing claims as its own.
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Last week, Beijing conducted war games encircling Taiwan for the second time since Lai took office in May.
The United States, Taiwan’s strongest unofficial ally, is legally bound to supply Taiwan with the means to defend itself.
“Strengthening Taiwan’s self-defence capabilities is the foundation for maintaining regional stability,” Taiwan’s presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo stated.
The proposed arms package, as reported by the US State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, includes three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and related equipment, valued at up to USD 1.16 billion.
The package also includes radar systems valued at approximately USD 828 million.
The Chinese government has not yet commented on the potential arms sale. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry noted that the NASAMS system, having been battle-tested in Ukraine, will bolster the air defense capabilities of the Taiwanese army.
According to Chinese officials, last week’s war games were intended to practice the “sealing off of key ports and key areas” around Taiwan. Taiwan recorded a one-day high of 153 aircraft, 14 navy vessels, and 12 government ships from China.
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