The US Authorizes A $385 Million Arms Deal With Taiwan

A day before Taiwan President Lai Ching-te embarks on a delicate Pacific tour. The Pentagon announced Friday that the U.S. State Department has authorized the possible sale of F-16 aircraft and radar spare parts to Taiwan for an estimated $385 million.

Despite the lack of official diplomatic links between Washington and Taipei. The United States is legally required to give Chinese-claimed Taiwan the tools it needs to defend itself, much to Beijing’s ongoing ire.

Taiwan, a democratic country, rejects China’s claims to sovereignty.

Security sources told Reuters that Beijing may organize additional war drills to coincide with Lai’s Pacific visit. That includes stops in Hawaii and the U.S. territory of Guam. China has been increasing military pressure against Taiwan, including two rounds this year.

The deal included $320 million in maintenance and spare parts for F-16 jets, Active Electronically Scanned Array Radars. That associated equipment, according to the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency. 

According to the Pentagon, the State Department also gave its approval to the possible $65 million sale of upgraded mobile subscriber equipment. Also, support to Taiwan. General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) worked as the principal contractor for the $65 million deal.

Taiwan’s defense ministry expects sales of F-16 equipment to take effect within a month. That aided the F-16 fleet’s readiness and building a credible defense force. The US also announced a potential $2 billion arms sale package to the Taiwan last month. President Lai leaves for Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Palau, and Guam, with China urging caution in relations. The State Department sees no justification for Lai’s private transit as a pretext for provocation.

Taiwan’s defense ministry said in a statement  “take effect” within a month.

 “build up a credible defense force”.

 

“Taiwan and the United States will continue to strengthen their security partnership and work together to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region,” 

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