The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the U.S. State Department has approved the sale of drones and missiles to Taiwan worth an estimated $360 million.
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The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the U.S. State Department has approved the sale of drones and missiles to Taiwan worth an estimated $360 million.
The United States is legally bound to provide self-defense measures to Taiwan, which is claimed by China, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations, to the continued anger of Beijing.
China has been increasing military pressure on Taiwan, including holding military exercises in the island last month after Lai Ching-te became president.
The sale “will help improve the security of the recipient and help maintain political stability, military balance and economic progress in the region,” the Pentagon agency said in a separate U.S. statement on Tuesday.
The sale includes the Switchblade 300 anti-personnel and anti-armor loitering munitions and related equipment, at an estimated cost of $60.2 million, and the ALTIUS 600M-V unmanned aerial vehicle and related equipment, at an estimated cost of $300 million, the agency added. Loitering munitions are small homing missiles that fly around a target area until ordered to attack.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense expressed its gratitude for this, especially for the United States’ efforts to increase arms sales to Taiwan. Taiwan has complained many times Delay in delivery.
The statement said, “In the face of the Chinese Communist Party’s frequent military actions around Taiwan, these arms sales projects agreed by the United States will have real-time detection and strike capabilities, and can respond quickly to enemy threats.”
Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait require China’s goodwill.
It is hoped that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army will stop its military oppressive actions around Taiwan and jointly contribute to regional stability.
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