TAIPEI, TAIWAN: The Pentagon’s Defense and Security Cooperation Agency said that the US State Department has approved the possible sale of drones and missiles to Taiwan for an estimated $360 million.
The United States is required by law to provide China-claimed Taiwan with self-defence means despite lacking formal diplomatic relations, something that angers Beijing.
China increased its military pressure on Taiwan and held war games around the island last month after Lai Ching-te became president.
The sale “will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region,” the Pentagon agency said in separate statements on Tuesday in the U.S.
The sale includes Switchblade 300 anti-personnel and anti-armor loitering munitions and associated equipment with an estimated value of $60.2 million, as well as ALTIUS 600M-V drones and associated equipment with an estimated cost of $300 million, the agency added. Loitering munitions are small guided missiles that can go around a target area until instructed to attack.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry particularly thanked the United States for its efforts to increase arms sales to the island. Taiwan has repeatedly complained about delivery delays.
“In the face of the Chinese communists’ frequent military operations around Taiwan, these US-agreed-to arms sales items will have the ability to detect and strike in real-time, and can respond quickly to enemy threats,” it said in a statement.
Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait require China’s goodwill, the ministry added.
“It is hoped that the People’s Liberation Army will stop its oppressive military operations around Taiwan and jointly contribute to regional stability.”
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