The US State Department has approved the potential sale of $108 million worth of military and technical assistance to Taiwan, the Pentagon says.
As reported by the Pentagon last Friday, July 15, the potential sale of military and technical assistance to Taiwan has been approved by the US State Department. It is said that this aid has an estimated value of 108 million dollars (106 .3 million euros), according to Reuters.
Although the United States has no official relationship with Taipei, US law requires Washington to help defend the democratically governed island. The Joe Biden administration has assured that it will do everything possible to protect Taiwan from the constant threat that China represents.
A statement from the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency said: “The proposed sale will contribute to the sustainment of the recipient’s vehicles, small arms, combat weapon systems, and logistical support items, enhancing its ability to meet current threats and future”.
Taipei had requested this assistance with spare parts for its tanks and military combat vehicles, along with logistical and technical support from the US government. As noted by Reuters however, no indication is given in the statement that any contract has actually been concluded or signed.
In a later statement issued by the Defense Ministry in Taipei, he said: “In the face of the expanding military threat from the Chinese Communists, proper maintenance of equipment is just as important as newly purchased weapons and equipment.” He added that he expected the agreement to “go into effect” within a month.
However, the Biden administration has come under fire from various business groups in the US who argue that its arms sales policy does not really address the threats posed by China’s military and is too restrictive.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s announcement was welcomed by Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the US-Taiwan Business Council. However, in a statement he commented that it appeared the administration was no longer prioritizing the modernization of Taiwan’s military, focusing instead on maintenance and ammunition support.