U.S. State Department announce military sale to Taiwan valued $228 million

On Monday, the U.S. State Department announced its approval for a potential foreign military sale to Taiwan, involving spare parts valued at approximately $228 million.

This acquisition is expected to enhance Taiwan’s military readiness amid ongoing grey zone activities from China. The spare parts will be sourced from U.S. Government stock, and the State Department indicated that Taiwan’s military will seamlessly integrate this equipment into its forces.

The United States remains Taiwan’s primary ally and arms provider, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations. Taiwan’s defense ministry expressed gratitude for the arms package, anticipating its implementation within a month. In a statement, they noted that “the routine grey zone intrusions by the Chinese Communist Party have limited our training and response capabilities in both air and maritime domains.”

They emphasized that the repair and return of the aircraft parts and accessories from the U.S. will bolster the combat readiness and safety of various air force aircraft. Over the past five years, China has intensified its military and political pressure on Taiwan, which it claims as its territory, a stance that Taipei firmly contests.

Additionally, China has increased its grey-zone tactics, employing strategies that fall short of direct conflict to challenge and pressure Taiwanese forces, including regular coast guard patrols near the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands, which are visible from the Chinese mainland.