The United States has formally announced an arms package to Taiwan worth US$1.83 billion.
Presidential Office Spokesperson Charles Chen said Thursday that President Ma Ying-jeou has expressed appreciation for the years of US commitment to Taiwan’s defense. This commitment is enshrined in the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, both of which include provisions covering US sales of defensive weapons to Taiwan.
Chen said that Taiwan-US relations are at their best since the end of formal diplomatic ties 36 years ago. He said that US officials have praised the Ma administration for its efforts towards improving Taiwan’s relations with the US and Mainland China.
The latest arms sales package is the fourth to go through since Ma took office in 2008. Chen said that Taiwan’s next president should not take Ma’s efforts for granted.
The arms sales will take effect if the US Congress does not voice any objections within 30 days of receiving formal notification of the deal.