The goal is to increase the defense capacity of the island.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry announced Thursday that the United States government has decided to sell $619 million (216.6 billion HUF) worth of military equipment to Taiwan to help increase the island’s defense capabilities.
Washington is legally obligated under the 1979 law to support the development of the island’s defense capabilities.
The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said the military equipment also includes missiles and equipment for F-16 fighter jets.
The military equipment for sale will enhance Taiwan’s airspace defense and regional security, and facilitate mutual cooperation with the United States
DSCA said. The agency said the deal would help improve Taipei’s security and maintain political stability and military balance in the region.
The Taipei Ministry of Defense thanked the decision just announced, noting that the agreement – if approved by the US Congress – could be put into effect within a short period of time.
According to the ministry, the military equipment will enhance the defense capabilities of the Air Force, especially given that Chinese warplanes regularly invade Taiwan’s airspace. He added that Chinese aircraft were spotted over Taiwan more than 40 times in the past 48 hours alone.
China considers Taiwan, which has had an independent government since 1949, as part of its territory. Relations between Beijing and Taipei, after several years of rapprochement, have yet again turned frosty Kai Jingwen The government led by the President of Taiwan rejected the agreement adopted in 1992, including the “One China” principle, which Beijing considers a prerequisite for negotiations. Since then, the Chinese government has been using diplomatic means to limit Taiwan’s room for maneuver on the international stage, exerting economic pressure on Taiwan and conducting regular military exercises in the immediate vicinity of the island.
(MTI)
