The U.S. government announcement of the potential sale of eight arms packages totaling US$11.15 billion to Taiwan is sincerely welcomed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Dec. 18.
According to the MOFA, the U.S. administration has notified Congress of the sales, which includes M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzers, AH-1W Helicopter Spare and Repair Parts and related equipment and anti-armor UAV missile systems for the army, among others.
It is the second announcement of arms sales to Taiwan by the current administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the MOFA said, adding that it highlights U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s security and a policy of normalizing arms sales to Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expressed appreciation to the U.S. for its longstanding support for enhancing Taiwan’s defense capabilities and safeguarding regional security. He added that the decision demonstrates concrete U.S. action to implement the latest version of the National Security Strategy, which attaches great importance to Taiwan’s strategic position and aims to strengthen military capability to deter cross-strait conflicts.
In the face of China’s escalating military provocations and gray zone tactics, Taiwan is firm in determination to defend itself, the MOFA said, adding that the country will continue to work with the U.S. and other security partners to advance its defense capabilities and resilience, the MOFA said.
The Presidential Office also issued a statement expressing gratitude to the U.S. government for commitment to the close Taiwan-U.S. partnership. Taiwan will raise defense spending to over 3 percent of gross domestic product next year and aims for this figure to reach 5 percent by 2030, the PO said, noting that the government has proposed a special budget for enhancing defense, resilience and asymmetric capabilities.
Taiwan will continue to reform national defense, strengthen whole-of-society resilience and maintain peace through strength, while deepening its partnerships with the U.S. and other like-minded countries to safeguard the universal values of freedom and democracy and uphold regional peace, stability and prosperity, the PO added. (YCH-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw