Business

US greenlights $95 million-worth arms deal with Taiwan — Analysis

Washington will likely provide training and equipment for Taiwan to help support the Patriot air defense system.

The US State Department has greenlit a potential deal that would see the US providing Taiwan with equipment and relevant training to support its Patriot air defense systems, the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency told the media on Wednesday.

The Pentagon estimates that the agreement could be worth up to $95million. “This proposed sale serves US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability,”The Pentagon sent a notice to Congress.

Taiwan would benefit from the deal. “sustain its missile density and ensure readiness for air operations,”Also, to deter others. “regional threats,”The Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated that. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has said it expects the deal to “become effective”In less than a month

US offers view on chances of China attacking Taiwan

The US officials’ statements, however, did not indicate the signing of the contract and that negotiations had ended. Reuters reports. The Pentagon claims that Raytheon, an American aerospace and defense company, will become the prime contractor in the event the agreement is signed.

This is only the third US arm sale to Taiwan since President Joe Biden’s election. This deal is possible amid rising tensions in the Pacific. The US and its regional allies are concerned that China might see Taiwan as an inalienable territory and take steps to unify Taiwan with mainland China. “by force.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet commander, Admiral Samuel Paparo, warned that “the window of a potential unification by force”It is “highly unpredictable.”Beijing has repeatedly said that peaceful reunification is better for China than the alternative of China ignoring its willingness to use force against an island that would cut all ties.

Major conflict between great powers more likely – General Milley

Taiwan used news reports about the agreement to warn Beijing. “In the face of China’s continuing military expansion and provocation, Taiwan must fully demonstrate its strong determination to defend itself,” Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

In Taiwan, the Republic of China was founded in 1949 after a civil conflict on the mainland. Since then the island has been autonomous, although it never declared its independence from China. The island now has 25 million inhabitants.

In 1979, the US recognised Beijing as China’s only valid authority. Washington has maintained informal relationships with Taiwan but is also one of the major arms suppliers.

Share this story via social media

[ad_2]

Tags

Related Articles

Back to top button