The US government has agreed to sell another US$120 million of weapons to Taiwan. It’s the fourth arms deal of its kind since President Joe Biden assumed office in January 2021.
The latest sale will provide spare parts and technical support for Taiwan’s warships, most of which are made by the United States. But neither Taipei nor Washington has said precisely what equipment the deal includes.
The deal put forward on Wednesday still needs approval from the US Congress before it can go through. Taiwan’s defense ministry says that should take about a month.
Defense officials in Taiwan have welcomed the sale. They say it will help the navy make sure its warships are properly equipped to defend the country.
The foreign ministry says the deal is a sign that Washington is ready to help meet Taiwan’s defensive needs.
Washington is not bound by law to intervene if China attacks. But the United States is legally obligated to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.