Taiwan has already begun talks with the US regarding an expedited US$500 million arms package, Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) confirmed on Monday, adding that it would not change current orders.
Chiu made the comments to lawmakers in response to questions about a Bloomberg report last week that the White House is preparing to use its Presidential Drawdown Authority to send stockpiles of US weapons or support equipment to Taiwan — the same authority it has used to speed up arms deliveries to Ukraine.
According to Bloomberg, using a drawdown would enable the US to sidestep the often lengthy process of contracting and producing weapons. It has never been used before to send weapons to Taiwan.
Photo: Chu Pei-hsiung, Taipei Times
The plan would draw from existing US stockpiles to supply Taiwan with emergency equipment, mainly to make up for delays in deliveries, Chiu told a legislative committee meeting.
Taiwan has since January been discussing a priority list of arms under the potential grant, he said.
Upgraded Patriot missiles would not be a part of the package, Chiu added when asked.
Regarding calls to bring back military courts to try soldiers facing espionage charges, Chiu said the matter is still being discussed and cannot be changed overnight.
Trying soldiers in civilian court is more fair, but far slower, he said.
In a report submitted to the legislature last week, the Ministry of National Defense said it would work on an amendment “if society reaches a consensus” on restoring military courts.
Additional reporting by CNA
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