US approves $360 million drone, missile sale to Taiwan
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The Pentagon claims the sale "will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region."
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Taiwan President Lai Ching-te delivers a speech during his visit to inspect Taiwanese air force in Hualien County, Eastern Taiwan, Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (AP)
The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency has confirmed the State Department's possible sale of $360 million worth of drones and missiles to Taiwan.
The agency claimed the sale "will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region."
It added that Switchblade 300 anti-personnel and anti-armor loitering munitions are included in the sale for an estimated cost of $60.2 million, and ALTIUS 600M-V drones and related equipment for an estimated cost of $300 million.
On its part, Taiwan's Defense Ministry said, "In the face of the Chinese communists' frequent military operations around Taiwan, these US-agreed-to arms sales items will have the ability to detect and strike in real-time, and can respond quickly to enemy threats."
It added that peace and stability require goodwill from China.
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"It is hoped that the People's Liberation Army will stop its oppressive military operations around Taiwan and jointly contribute to regional stability," it concluded.
Militarizing Taiwan
Just two weeks ago, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency confirmed that the State Department sold F-16 fighter jet spare and repair parts to Taiwan for an estimated $80 million.
The DSCA argued in a statement that this would "improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region."
On its end, Taiwan's Defense Ministry claimed this would boost the combat and defense needs of its air force, adding that the sale will be complete next month in July.
"With normalized gray-zone harassments, the Chinese Communist Party attempted to squeeze our naval and air training space and response time, as well as limiting our rights of self-defense," it said in a statement.
This comes as Taiwan's defense minister announced yesterday that they have a "grasp" of the situation following the appearance of online images showing a Chinese nuclear submarine surfacing in the Taiwan Strait near Taiwanese fishermen.
The narrow strait separating Taiwan from China is a frequent source of friction. Taiwan reports daily drills of Chinese warplanes and warships in the area, as Beijing continues asserting its sovereignty over the island, which is being increasingly militarized by Washington.
