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.
The government has welcomed the formal announcement of a new package for Taiwan. 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.
The defense ministry said the deal will help strengthen the military’s self-defense capabilities while at the same time increasing Taiwan’s confidence in conducting cross-strait exchanges. What’s more, it signals the importance the US places on Taiwan’s security as both countries will consolidate their security partnership to contribute to long-term peace and stability of the region.
The foreign ministry said that the arms package highlights the shared interests of the US and Taiwan. It also said that the deal shows Taiwan’s importance to the US as an economic and security partner in the Asia-Pacific region.
Meanwhile, opposition Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen said the arms package has nothing to do with next January’s presidential elections. Tsai, the front runner in the election race, said the US government made its decision based on Taiwan’s defense needs.
On Thursday, China’s foreign ministry said China is strongly opposed to US arms sales to Taiwan and has decided to “take necessary steps, including imposing sanctions on businesses involved with the arms package.”
China also said the arms sales have jeopardized its sovereignty as Taiwan is what it called an “inseparable part of China.