The United States on Wednesday requested congressional approval for an $11 billion arms package to Taiwan, including advanced missiles and drones, in a move aimed at bolstering the island’s defenses against potential threats from China.
The proposed sale encompasses anti-tank missiles, loitering suicide drones, anti-armour missiles, howitzers, military software, and spare parts for existing equipment, according to announcements from both Washington and Taipei.
Taiwan has been ramping up its military investments amid longstanding fears of an invasion by Beijing, which views the self-governing democracy as part of its territory.
The Taiwanese defence ministry welcomed the initiative, stating it enhances the island’s self-reliance in security matters.
“The United States… continues to assist Taiwan in maintaining sufficient self-defense capabilities and in rapidly building strong deterrence and leveraging asymmetric warfare advantages, which form the foundation for maintaining regional peace and stability,” the ministry said in a statement.
Beijing swiftly condemned the deal, warning it undermines efforts to curb Taiwanese independence.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun criticized the US support, saying: “The U.S.’ attempt to use force to support Taiwan independence will only backfire, and its attempt to contain China by using Taiwan will absolutely not succeed.”06ac59
The Chinese government further expressed that it “firmly opposes and strongly condemns” the arms transaction.
The package, if approved by Congress, represents a continuation of US policy to arm Taiwan under President Donald Trump’s administration, heightening tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
