Taiwan may pay an ‘unthinkable’ price for accepting free US weapons, says former defence minister

Feng Shih-kuan did not elaborate on his warning when asked if he meant war, saying only ‘I believe we would not be that stupid’

Washington has said it will provide extra free weapons to the island under an emergency assistance programme also used to arm Ukraine

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Taiwanese troops fire a Stinger missile during a 2020 training exercise. The island is waiting for futher deliveries. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:00am, 19 May 2023

Former Taiwanese defence minister Feng Shih-kuan has warned that the island will pay a price for accepting free weapons provided by the United States.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed recently that the Pentagon would send “additional security assistance” free of charge to the island amid escalating tensions with mainland China.

“If you suddenly receive such free aid, you need to pay a certain unthinkable price,” Feng told reporters on Thursday when asked to comment on the plan.

Feng, who now heads Taiwan’s Veterans Affairs Council, declined to say what that price would be.

Asked if he meant war, Feng replied: “I believe we would not be that stupid, and that there should be some choices.” He did not elaborate further.

Beijing has warned the US and other countries not to provide military aid or have exchanges with Taiwan, something it views as a breach of its sovereignty.

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