Delays in contracting for arms promised to Taiwan worry US: State Dept

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 Sep 2023 21:41

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Regional Security says they will need to improve contracting times to be able to address any delays in the process.

Soldiers participate in the annual Han Kuang military exercises that simulate anti-landing operations near the coast in New Taipei City, northern Taiwan, Thursday, July 27, 2023 (AP)

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Regional Security Mira Resnick stated during a congressional hearing on Tuesday that delays in contracts for weapons committed to Taiwan worry the United States.

"The delays that we have seen in contracting are of concern...we will need to improve contracting times to be able to address any delays in the process," Resnick told the House Armed Services Committee.

The Biden administration has been collaborating with the US defense industry to increase the manufacturing of weapons for Taiwan, Resnick added.

The US defense sector, according to Resnick, is seeking predictability. According to Ely Ratner, the US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, the majority of existential delays are related to production issues in the industrial base, many of which might be resolved by increasing investment in manufacturing lines to boost speed and capacity.

Earlier this month, Ratner said the US was finding innovative methods to bolster Taiwan's security.

For the first time, foreign military finance for Taiwan was permitted by the National Defense Authorization Act of last year. Recently, the State Department used that authority, and efforts are being made on Capitol Hill to base appropriations on it as well, according to Ratner.

In July, the United States unveiled a weapons logistics package for Taiwan valued at up to $345 million. It should be highlighted that while approval from the State Department has been received, the notification doesn't confirm the signing of a contract or the conclusion of negotiations.

Read: Taiwan to receive $345 million military package from US through PDA

Relations between the world's two largest economies have deteriorated rapidly in the past years. The trade war on China, which was launched during former US President Donald Trump's term, was stretched by Biden's administration to include a military escalation against Beijing in the South China Sea, including violating the One China policy and deepening relations with Taiwan.

The conflict between the two countries also raised concerns over a possible military clash that might lead to an all-out world war.

In August, the US Department of State granted approval for a potential sale of infrared search and track systems for F-16 fighter jets, along with other equipment, to Taiwan. This move, with a maximum potential value of $500 million, was confirmed by the Pentagon.

The statement claimed that this proposed sale would not disrupt the fundamental military equilibrium in the region. However, this decision could potentially cause tensions with Beijing, as China has persistently urged the US, Taiwan's primary arms provider, to cease weapon sales to the island nation.

The contract's principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Corp, the manufacturer of the F-16 fighter jets. President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan recently announced an anticipated 3.5% year-on-year increase in military expenditure, aiming to enhance defense capabilities.