US approves $385m a*ms sale to Tawain despite protest from China
The United States (US) has approved the sale of spare parts for f!ghter jets, radar systems, and tactical communications equipment to Taiwan in deals valued at $385 million, according to a statement released by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Friday.
Although Washington does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taipei, it remains Taiwan’s most crucial ally and largest a*ms supplier.
The first package, worth an estimated $320 million, includes spare parts for Taiwan’s fleet of F-16 f!ghter jets and radar systems. These parts will come from existing US military stockpiles, with deliveries expected to begin in 2025.
“This proposed sale serves US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability,” the DSCA stated.
“The proposed sale will improve the recipient’s ability to meet current and future thr3ats by maintaining the operational readiness of the recipient’s fleet of F-16 aircraft.”
A separate deal valued at $65 million covers follow-on support and equipment for a tactical communications system, further strengthening Taiwan’s defence infrastructure.
The sales were approved by the State Department, with the DSCA notifying Congress on Friday, a procedural requirement for a*ms transfers of this nature.
China, which views self-governed Taiwan as part of its territory, has repeatedly condemned US a*ms sales to the island.
The announcement of these deals coincided with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s plans to depart for a trip to three Pacific Island allies, including stopovers in Hawaii and the US territory of Guam.
Taiwan’s defence ministry expressed gratitude for the a*ms sales, stating that the equipment would help enhance the combat readiness of its Air Force’s F-16 fleet and strengthen air defence capabilities. “Taiwan and the United States will continue to consolidate our security partnership,” the ministry said.
The foreign ministry noted that this marks the 18th a*ms sale announcement to Taiwan under President Joe Biden’s administration. In its statement, the ministry reaffirmed Taiwan’s determination to bolster its defences against China’s “military pressure and grey zone h@rassment,” referencing tactics designed to destabilize the island without triggering a full-scale conflict.
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