The US State Department has approved the sale of three weapons systems to Taiwan and has already notified Congress of its decision. That’s according to an announcement by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
The three systems in question are Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and MS110 sensors. Together, the three weapons systems are worth over US$1.8 billion. They will be President Trump’s eighth arms sale to Taiwan since he took office in January 2017.
In a press release, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said that the arms sales will help Taiwan boost its defense capabilities and maintain regional security. It also said the arms sales are in line with the national, economic, and security interests of the United States.
On Thursday, Presidential Office spokesman Xavier Chang welcomed the news of the sales. He said the defensive weapons will give Taiwan more capabilities and confidence in maintaining regional peace and stability. Chang also said the government will continue pushing for self-sustaining defense while also continuing to enhance the quality of Taiwan’s military forces.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Yen De-fa told lawmakers that Taiwan has no plans to enter an arms race with China. Yen said the government’s arms procurement policy is built on Taiwan’s defense needs and strategic planning.