Taiwan in talks with Washington about potential weapons stockpiles on or near island, premier confirms
- Chen Chien-jen says Taiwan and the US have been in talks over potential plan since US National Defence Authorisation Act was approved by US Congress in December
- Regional contingency stockpile necessary to help island hold out during enemy attack but ‘would be risky to build it in Taiwan’, according to analyst
“The proposal of regional contingency stockpiles is still in the negotiation process,” Taiwanese Premier Chen Chien-jen said on Monday.
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The premier was responding to reporters’ queries about whether the ammunition depot would be built in Taiwan or elsewhere near the island following concerns from local military experts that building a large warehouse on the island would further stoke cross-strait tensions.
In addition to a proposal for the two sides to have joint military exercises, strengthen security partnerships and modernise Taiwan’s security capabilities, it also calls for an increase in annual regional contingency stockpiles to include and support Taiwan.
“The [US] President may establish a regional contingency stockpile for Taiwan that consists of munitions and other appropriate defence articles” or “inclusion of Taiwan among other allies eligible for defence articles” one of the provisions says.