The US government has approved a proposed US$108 million sale of technical support and equipment for tanks and combat vehicles to Taiwan, the fourth arms sale to the nation that Washington has authorized this year.
The sale would include unclassified spare and repair parts, assembly for tanks and combat vehicles, logistical technical assistance, and technical and logistical support by the US government and contractors, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a news release on Friday.
The agency said it notified the US Congress of the possible sale that day, after it was approved by the US Department of State.
Photo: Reuters
The deal would enhance the Taiwanese armed forces’ ability to “meet current and future threats” by contributing to the maintenance of their “vehicles, small arms, combat weapon systems and logistical support items,” the agency said.
In addition to supporting Taiwan’s efforts to “modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability,” the sale would also enhance the nation’s interoperability with the US and other partners, it said.
The agency said the sale would be “consistent with US law and policy,” and serve “US national, economic and security interests.”
In Taipei, the Ministry of National Defense said the deal would help the military maintain sufficient equipment and spare parts of its military vehicles, and support its training for combat readiness at a time when Taiwan is facing “increased military threats” from China.
The ministry said the deal is expected to take effect one month after Congress is notified of it.
In a separate statement, the Presidential Office thanked the US for approving the arms deal, saying it was the fifth such sale to Taiwan that Washington has announced since US President Joe Biden took office in January last year, and the fourth this year.
This demonstrated the US’ commitment to Taiwan’s security, Presidential Office spokesman Xavier Chang (張惇涵) said in the statement.
The government would continue to demonstrate its resolve to safeguard Taiwan, and preserve the nation’s free and democratic way of life by elevating it defense capability, Chang said.
Taiwan is committed to working with partners around the world to contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and the world, he added.
FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION: The UK would continue to reinforce ties with Taiwan ‘in a wide range of areas’ as a part of a ‘strong unofficial relationship,’ a paper said The UK plans to conduct more freedom of navigation operations in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy told the British House of Commons on Tuesday. British Member of Parliament Desmond Swayne said that the Royal Navy’s HMS Spey had passed through the Taiwan Strait “in pursuit of vital international freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.” Swayne asked Lammy whether he agreed that it was “proper and lawful” to do so, and if the UK would continue to carry out similar operations. Lammy replied “yes” to both questions. The
‘OF COURSE A COUNTRY’: The president outlined that Taiwan has all the necessary features of a nation, including citizens, land, government and sovereignty President William Lai (賴清德) discussed the meaning of “nation” during a speech in New Taipei City last night, emphasizing that Taiwan is a country as he condemned China’s misinterpretation of UN Resolution 2758. The speech was the first in a series of 10 that Lai is scheduled to give across Taiwan. It is the responsibility of Taiwanese citizens to stand united to defend their national sovereignty, democracy, liberty, way of life and the future of the next generation, Lai said. This is the most important legacy the people of this era could pass on to future generations, he said. Lai went on to discuss
AMENDMENT: Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of high-temperature days, affecting economic productivity and public health, experts said The Central Weather Administration (CWA) is considering amending the Meteorological Act (氣象法) to classify “high temperatures” as “hazardous weather,” providing a legal basis for work or school closures due to extreme heat. CWA Administrator Lu Kuo-chen (呂國臣) yesterday said the agency plans to submit the proposed amendments to the Executive Yuan for review in the fourth quarter this year. The CWA has been monitoring high-temperature trends for an extended period, and the agency contributes scientific data to the recently established High Temperature Response Alliance led by the Ministry of Environment, Lu said. The data include temperature, humidity, radiation intensity and ambient wind,
SECOND SPEECH: All political parties should work together to defend democracy, protect Taiwan and resist the CCP, despite their differences, the president said President William Lai (賴清德) yesterday discussed how pro-Taiwan and pro-Republic of China (ROC) groups can agree to maintain solidarity on the issue of protecting Taiwan and resisting the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The talk, delivered last night at Taoyuan’s Hakka Youth Association, was the second in a series of 10 that Lai is scheduled to give across Taiwan. Citing Taiwanese democracy pioneer Chiang Wei-shui’s (蔣渭水) slogan that solidarity brings strength, Lai said it was a call for political parties to find consensus amid disagreements on behalf of bettering the nation. All political parties should work together to defend democracy, protect Taiwan and resist
RSS