U.S. Approves $2 Billion Arms Sale to Taiwan

By Mike Stone and Ben Blanchard
WASHINGTON/TAIPEI (Reuters) -The United States has approved a potential $2 billion arms sale package to Taiwan, including, for the first time, an advanced air defense missile system that has been battle tested in Ukraine.

The United States is mandated by law to provide Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, with defense capabilities, despite lacking formal diplomatic relations. This has provoked continuous anger from Beijing.

China has intensified military pressure on Taiwan, including conducting military exercises around the island last week, marking the second such occurrence since “Lai Ching-te” became Taiwan's president in May.

According to the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the new sale includes $1.16 billion in missile systems and $828 million in radar systems. RTX Corp will serve as the primary contractor for the missile system.

The Pentagon stated, "This proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defensive capability." It added that the sale would enhance the recipient's security, promoting political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region.

The missile system sale includes three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), which feature the advanced AMRAAM Extended Range surface-to-air missiles. The NASAMS has been tested in real combat situations in Ukraine, signifying a substantial upgrade to Taiwan's air defense systems amidst increased demand.

A U.S. government official, who requested anonymity, revealed that NASAMS is new to Taiwan, with only Australia and Indonesia utilizing it in the region.

Taiwan’s defense ministry welcomed the arms sale, emphasizing NASAMS' proven capabilities in Ukraine and how it strengthens Taiwan's air defense against ongoing military activities from China. Taiwan is enhancing its military arsenal to counter potential Chinese aggressions, which includes building indigenous submarines for protecting vital maritime supply routes.

China regards Lai as a “separatist” leader and has consistently dismissed his attempts for dialogue. Lai has rejected China's sovereignty claims, asserting that only the Taiwanese people should determine their future.

On Saturday, China continued its criticisms of Lai, condemning statements he made regarding the inability of any external force to change Taiwan's future. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office declared, "There can be no future for 'Taiwan independence'. The future of Taiwan lies in the complete reunification of the motherland."