The United States has authorized a $2 billion arms package for Taiwan, featuring an advanced air defense missile system that has been utilized in Ukraine according to Reuters.
This represents the first time such technology will be delivered to Taiwan, according to a statement from the Pentagon.
Increased military activity: This arms deal coincides with China's escalating military activities surrounding Taiwan, including a series of war drills last week.
Missile components: The package comprises $1.16 billion worth of missile systems and radar equipment, with RTX Corp as the primary contractor. It includes three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) equipped with AMRAAM Extended Range surface-to-air missiles.
US legal obligations: U.S. legislation requires support for Taiwan's defense capabilities, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations, a position that has consistently provoked Beijing's ire.
Taiwan’s defense strategy: Taiwan’s defense ministry expressed approval of the announcement, emphasizing NASAMS' effectiveness and stating that it will enhance the island's defenses against China's frequent military maneuvers.
Chinese government's stance: China has branded Lai as a "separatist" and dismissed his calls for discussions, insisting that "the future of Taiwan lies in the complete reunification with the motherland."
This handout from China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command released on October 14, 2024 shows a map of locations of the "Joint Sword-2024B" military drills being conducted by China around Taiwan. (Photo by Handout / THE EASTERN THEATRE COMMAND OF CHINA'S PEOPLE'S LIBERATION ARMY / AFP)
U.S. approves $2B arms sale to Taiwan amid rising tensions with China
This photo taken and released by the Taiwan Coast Guard on October 14, 2024 shows a Taiwan Coast Guard personnel using binoculars on a petrol ship off Pengjia Islet (Keelung) while pointing at a Chinese Coast Guard ship sailing in the distance outside Taiwan's territorial waters. - China deployed planes and ships to encircle Taiwan on October 14, in drills Beijing said were aimed at sending a "stern warning" to "separatist" forces on the self-ruled island. Taiwan said four "formations" of China coast guard ships were patrolling around the island, but they had not entered its prohibited or restricted waters. (Photo by Handout / TAIWAN COAST GUARD / AFP) / -----EDITORS NOTE --- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / TAIWAN COAST GUARD " - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
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This arms deal underscores the ongoing tensions in the area as Taiwan continues to strengthen its military capabilities in response to China's assertive stance.
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