The decision by the U.S. government to approve arms sales to Taiwan estimated at a value of US$1.106 billion is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Sept. 3.
Made following requests by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S., the sales encompass contract logistics support and related equipment for the Surveillance Radar Program, AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II Missiles and AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Missiles.
According to the MOFA, the sales are the fifth of the year and sixth since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021. They underscore U.S. government commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and Six Assurances, the ministry said.
The deals further highlight the importance the U.S. places on Taiwan’s security needs, the ministry said, adding that they will help modernize the armed forces and enhance the country’s defense readiness.
Due to China’s ongoing military provocation and campaign of coercion to unilaterally change the cross-strait status quo, the government is determined to enhance self-defense capabilities, the MOFA said
Strategic partnership with the U.S. and asymmetric combat capabilities are being deepened to safeguard rules-based international order as well as peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, it added.
In a press release issued the same day, the Presidential Office thanked Washington for its continued acknowledgement of the critical importance of Taiwan’s national defense requirements.
The PO said Taiwan will not increase tensions or act provocatively, but will demonstrate its resolution and ability to act in self-defense to safeguard sovereignty and national security. (SFC-E)
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