The decision by the U.S. government to approve an arms sale to Taiwan estimated at US$180 million is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Dec. 29.
Made following requests by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S., the sale includes Volcano anti-tank mine-layer systems and equipment.
According to the MOFA, the deal is the eighth since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021. It highlights the great importance Washington places on Taiwan’s security needs and will expedite the country’s defense readiness, the ministry added.
Facing China’s military expansion and provocation in the Indo-Pacific, the MOFA said the government is fully committed to concrete actions to ready defense capability. The government’s latest announcement on restoring military conscription to a full year’s service has garnered support from the U.S. and other partner countries, it added.
The government is continuing to strengthen Taiwan’s asymmetric defense capability while deepening its security partnership with the U.S. to safeguard rules-based international order and promote peace, security, prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific, the ministry said.
In a press release, the Presidential Office said the systems in the military sale offer highly mobile mine laying that will upgrade Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare capabilities.
The government is grateful to the U.S. for continuing to fulfill its security commitments to Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, the PO said. Taiwan is fully determined to enhance its all-out defense capabilities and safeguard national security and interests, it added. (SFC-E)
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