The head of the United States’ unofficial embassy in Taiwan says that the conflict between Israel and Hamas will not impact U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chair Laura Rosenberger made the comments during a press conference at AIT’s Taipei office on Thursday. It marked the final day of her 5-day trip in Taiwan, her third visit since taking office in March.
Rosenberger says that support for Taiwan is a top priority for the Biden administration and that deepening relations has bipartisan support in Congress.
She says maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is an enduring interest of the U.S., and such interests will not be affected by events elsewhere in the world. She adds that the U.S. will continue to provide Taiwan with equipment necessary for Taiwan’s self-defense in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act.
Rosenberger recounted the historic U.S. security assistance to Taiwan including US$50 billion in arms sales, a US$345 million military aid package, and the new arms package recently authorized through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program.
She says that the U.S. also recognizes the recent defense reforms made by Taiwan domestically, which will greatly enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities.