TAIPEI: Taiwan’s defense minister has confirmed that the country is engaged in discussions with the United States (US) to secure a fast-tracked $500 million weapons package this year.
The move aims to address delays in arms procurements and bolster Taiwan’s defense capabilities in the face of ongoing threats from China.
As a self-ruled and democratic island, Taiwan is constantly under the shadow of a potential invasion by China, which claims the democratic island as part of its territory.
In September of last year, the United States approved the Taiwan Policy Act, which includes provisions for providing substantial military aid to Taipei as a key ally.
However, there have been reported delays in the delivery of weapons, prompting discussions for a separate fast-tracked weapons package. Taiwan’s Defense Minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, confirmed these discussions during parliamentary questioning, emphasizing the aim of prioritizing immediate delivery of spot goods over delayed arms procurement.
The $500 million package is expected to be implemented this year and is separate from previous arms sales. The specific details of the package, including the prioritized equipment, will be further discussed and agreed upon by both sides in the near future.
Chiu mentioned that for the delayed arms sales, the United States has expressed its commitment to provide spot goods, simulators, or training equipment as interim measures. This will allow Taiwan to begin using them immediately while waiting for the full delivery of the arms in the future.
US’s arms sale to Taiwan
The US has a long-standing history of selling weapons to Taiwan to support its defense capabilities. However, the recent decision to provide $4.5 billion in security assistance over four years represents a significant increase in support, which has drawn strong opposition from Beijing.
Taiwan has encountered some roadblocks in arms deliveries, including a shortage of Stinger anti-aircraft missiles due to Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.
Additionally, the delivery of 66 advanced new F-16V fighter jets ordered from the United States has been delayed by almost a year, primarily attributed to pandemic-related supply disruptions.
The fast-tracked $500 million weapons package demonstrates the continued commitment of the US to support Taiwan’s defense needs. As tensions persist in the region, this development aims to enhance Taiwan’s capabilities and readiness to deter potential threats, reinforcing its position as a key ally in the Indo-Pacific region.
