 "Trump administration approves $11.1 billion weapon sale to Taiwan")
The United States of America has given its approval for $11.1 billion to Taiwan, which is considered as the largest ever US weapons sale since US President Donald Trump returned to office, Taipei said Thursday.
The Taiwan arms sale announcement is the second under the Trump administration. The package includes HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, anti-tank missiles, drones and parts for other equipment, according to Taiwan’s foreign ministry.
“The United States continues to assist Taiwan in maintaining sufficient self‑defence capabilities and in rapidly building strong deterrent power and leveraging asymmetric warfare advantages, which form the foundation for maintaining regional peace and stability,” it added.
The ministry said the package is at the Congressional notification stage, which is where Congress has a chance to block or alter the sale should it wish, though Taiwan has widespread cross-party support.
The United States does not recognise Taiwan as a country but is the self-ruled island’s biggest security backer.
“This is the second arms sale to Taiwan announced during the Trump administration’s second term, once again demonstrating the US’ firm commitment to Taiwan’s security,” Taipei’s foreign ministry said.
Its arms supplies are a key deterrent against a potential attack from China, which claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring it under its control.
Its defence ministry said the sale is expected to officially take effect in about one month.
In a series of separate statements announcing details of the weapons deal, the Pentagon said the arms sales serve U.S. national, economic and security interests by supporting Taiwan’s continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and to maintain a “credible defensive capability”.
Quick Reads
View AllTaiwan has its own defence industry but the island’s military would be massively outgunned in a conflict with China, and so remains heavily reliant on US arms.
Taiwan has been the current issue as the rift between Tokyo and Beijing. Since, Japan’s PM Takaichi’s remark against China over their territorial claim on Taiwan.
“Our country will continue to promote defence reforms, strengthen the whole‑of‑society defence resilience, demonstrate our determination to defend ourselves, and safeguard peace through strength,” Taiwan presidential office spokesperson Karen Kuo said in a statement, thanking the United States for the sales.
The announcement followed an unannounced trip by Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung to the Washington-area last week to meet US officials, according to two sources who spoke to news agency Reuters on condition of anonymity.
(With inputs from agencies)
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