Taipei, Taiwan / Envato Market
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – The United States has approved $11.1 billion in new arms-sales packages for Taiwan, signaling continued security support for the island even as President Donald Trump’s administration emphasizes trade and economic engagement with China, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The Pentagon said the weapons sales are intended to help Taiwan modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defensive capability. The packages include 82 Himars truck-mounted missile launchers, advanced howitzers, missiles, and antitank drones, significantly enhancing Taiwan’s ability to deter a potential Chinese invasion.
Beijing reacted angrily to the announcement. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun warned that the arms sales would backfire, accusing Taiwan of turning itself into a “powder keg” and squandering public funds. China claims Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to seize the island by force if necessary.
Defense analysts in Taiwan said the Himars systems, capable of striking military targets along China’s east coast, would strengthen deterrence. The 60 approved howitzers represent a major upgrade and are the same model currently used by U.S. forces.
The approval comes amid debate in Washington over U.S. resolve toward Taiwan. A bipartisan congressional committee warned this week that Beijing is exploiting doubts about American commitment by increasing military pressure on the island. While the U.S. maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity on direct military intervention, it remains Taiwan’s most important security partner under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry welcomed the decision, expressing “sincere gratitude” to Washington. The arms approvals now enter a 30-day congressional review period, after which the sales process could take several years to complete.
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