The US approved the sale of the NASAMS missile defense system to Taiwan
The United States has approved a $2 billion arms sale to Taiwan, including the transfer of an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system to the self-governing island, a move that is sure to anger China. Quoc was angry.
Taiwan’s presidential office on Saturday thanked Washington for giving the green light to the potential arms sale. Under the island’s new president, Lai Ching-te, Taiwan has stepped up its defense measures as China increases military threats against territory it claims as its own.
Beijing last week was held Taiwan siege war game the second since Lai took office in May.
The United States is Taiwan’s strongest informal ally, and its laws oblige it to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.
“Strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities is the foundation for maintaining stability in the region,” said Taiwanese Presidential Spokesperson Karen Kuo.
According to the US State Department’s Political-Military Bureau, the potential sales package includes three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and related equipment worth up to 1.16 billion USD.
It also includes radar systems worth an estimated $828 million.
The Chinese government did not immediately comment on the potential arms sale.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said the NASAMS system has been tested on the battlefield in Ukraine and will help strengthen the Taiwanese military’s air defense capabilities.
According to Chinese officials, China’s exercises last week were aimed at practicing “blockade of key ports and areas” around Taiwan. Taiwan counted a total of 153 aircraft, 14 navy ships and 12 Chinese government ships per day.
