Taiwan welcomes latest US arms deal, says no intention of weapons race with Beijing
- Taipei says its focus is on peace and stability in the region as it consolidates defence ties with Washington
- US$1.8 billion package includes missiles and rocket launchers with striking range of more than 270km
Taiwanese defence minister Yen De-fa said the approval indicated the US had “taken note of security in the Indo-Pacific region and security in the Taiwan Strait”.
“We have no intention to have any arms race with the Chinese Communist forces and our arms purchases are made in line with our combat operation needs and the latest situation, as well as strategic consideration,” Yen said. He added that the sale still needed approval from the Taiwanese legislature.
Yen said the island would do all it could to consolidate its partnership with the US in upholding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region.
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Taiwan’s presidential office also welcomed the weapons sales, saying it was in line with the security commitment stipulated by the US Taiwan Relations Act and Washington’s “Six Assurances” – the semi-formal guidelines which underpin US policy towards the island.
“The deal can help strengthen our defence capability, modernise our combat readiness and promote our asymmetric warfare, which will increase our capability and confidence in safeguarding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” said presidential spokesman Xavier Chang.
The AGM-84H stand-off Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) missiles and related equipment from Boeing are estimated to be worth more than US$1 billion, while the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) rocket launchers made by Lockheed Martin will cost an estimated $436.1 million. The deal also covers six MS-110 Recce external sensor pods made by Collins Aerospace for planes, at an estimated cost of US$367.2 million.
