US approves $228 mln military sale to Taiwan for equipment repairs
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TECRO has requested the procurement of return, repair, and reshipment services for classified and unclassified aircraft spare parts, as well as engineering, technical, logistical, and program support services.
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A Taiwanese military officer salutes the flag of Taiwan (Undated, AP)
The US State Department has authorized a potential $228 million foreign military sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO), according to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) statement released on Tuesday.
According to a statement from the DSCA, the department approved the sale "to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of Return, Repair, and Reshipment of Spare Parts and related equipment for an estimated cost of $228 million."
TECRO has requested the procurement of return, repair, and reshipment services for classified and unclassified aircraft spare parts, as well as engineering, technical, logistical, and program support services, according to the statement.
The proposed sale benefits US national, economic, and security interests by assisting the recipient's ongoing efforts to upgrade its armed forces and retain a credible defensive capacity, according to the statement.
"It will serve to boost the recipient's security while also contributing to regional political stability, military balance, and economic prosperity," according to the statement.
In addition, the return, repair, and reshipment of replacement parts will be done from US government stock, with no offset agreements or extra US personnel required.
Top Chinese general tells US to stop colluding with Taiwan
Last month, in a rare meeting with a visiting US official, a senior Chinese military officer called on the United States to cease its "collusion" with Taiwan.
Gen. Zhang Youxia, one of the two vice chairs of the Central Military Commission, told White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan that advancing what China terms the reunification of Taiwan with the mainland is “the mission and responsibility” of the military, according to a statement from China’s Defense Ministry.
“China demands that the United States stop military collusion between the US and Taiwan, stop arming Taiwan, and stop spreading false narratives about Taiwan,” the Chinese Defense Ministry statement said.
Sullivan was wrapping up his first visit as national security advisor - a three-day visit to China - which aimed at preserving open communication and avoiding escalation of disagreements over Taiwan and other issues. Both governments are focused on carefully managing relations in anticipation of the US presidential transition in January.
“Your request to meet with me shows the value you attach to military security and the relationship between our militaries,” Zhang said in brief opening remarks.
Sullivan said, “It is rare that we have the opportunity to have this kind of exchange, " underscoring “the need for us to responsibly manage US-China relations.”
