U.S. Approves Support for Taiwan’s Information Systems
The United States in December 2023 approved a $300 million sale of equipment to help maintain Taiwan’s tactical information systems.
Under its 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, the U.S. has agreed to provide the self-governed island with defense articles and services necessary to maintain self-defense capabilities. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) claims the island and threatens to annex it by force.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the sale will maintain Taiwan’s command, control, communications and computer capabilities.
The agency said the support will improve Taiwan’s capability to “meet current and future threats by enhancing operational readiness” and maintain existing capabilities that provide the secure flow of tactical information.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said the equipment will help maintain the effectiveness of its joint combat command-and-control systems and improve battlefield awareness. It was the 12th defense equipment sale to Taipei under U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration, including a $500 million deal for infrared search tracking systems and equipment for F-16 fighter jets in 2023. Other sales include Harpoon anti-ship missiles, F-16s, shoulder-fired Javelin and Stinger missiles, and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.
“The Chinese communists’ frequent military operations around Taiwan presents a serious threat to us,” the Defense Ministry said.
Taiwan’s presidential office said the late 2023 deal demonstrates the U.S. commitment to the democratically governed island’s defense.
Reuters and The Associated Press
