Saturday, November 30, 2024 -The United States has approved the sale of spare parts for fighter jets, radar systems, and tactical communications equipment to Taiwan in deals valued at $385 million, according to a statement released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Friday.
Although Washington does not have formal diplomatic relations with
Taipei, it remains Taiwan’s most crucial ally and largest arms supplier. The
latest deals reinforce the US commitment to supporting Taiwan’s defense
capabilities amidst increasing military pressure from China.
The first package, worth an estimated $320 million, includes spare parts
for Taiwan’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets and radar systems. These parts will
come from existing US military stockpiles, with deliveries expected to begin in
2025.
“This proposed sale serves US national, economic, and security interests
by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces
and to maintain a credible defensive capability,” the DSCA stated. “The
proposed sale will improve the recipient’s ability to meet current and future
threats by maintaining the operational readiness of the recipient’s fleet of
F-16 aircraft.”
A separate deal valued at $65 million covers follow-on support and
equipment for a tactical communications system, further strengthening Taiwan’s
defense infrastructure. The sales were approved by the State Department, with
the DSCA notifying Congress on Friday, a procedural requirement for arms
transfers of this nature.
China, which views self-governed Taiwan as part of its territory, has
repeatedly condemned US arms sales to the island. The announcement of these
deals coincided with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s plans to depart for a
trip to three Pacific island allies, including stopovers in Hawaii and the US
territory of Guam.
Taiwan’s defense ministry expressed gratitude for the arms sales,
stating that the equipment would help enhance the combat readiness of its Air
Force’s F-16 fleet and strengthen air defense capabilities. “Taiwan and the
United States will continue to consolidate our security partnership,” the
ministry said.
The foreign ministry noted that this marks the 18th arms sale
announcement to Taiwan under President Joe Biden’s administration. In its
statement, the ministry reaffirmed Taiwan’s determination to bolster its
defenses against China’s “military pressure and grey zone harassment,”
referencing tactics designed to destabilize the island without triggering a
full-scale conflict.
China has intensified military activities around Taiwan in recent years,
with near-daily incursions by fighter jets and warships. On Saturday, Taiwan’s
defense ministry reported detecting 18 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval
vessels, and two balloons near the island in the 24 hours leading up to 6:00 am
local time.
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