Taiwan, U.S. announce $2 billion arms deal, bolstering island’s missile defenses
The Associated Press
The United States has approved $2 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including the first delivery of an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system to the self-governed island.
The package includes three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and related equipment valued at up to $1.16 billion, according to the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. It also includes radar systems worth an estimated $828 million.
The NASAMS has been battle-tested in Ukraine and will strengthen the Taiwan Army’s air-defense capabilities, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said in October 2024.
Taiwan is bolstering its defenses as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) increases its military threats against the island, which it claims as its territory and threatens to annex by force. The CCP earlier in October held war games encircling Taiwan after a speech by the island’s new president, Lai Ching-te.
After the arms deal announcement, the CCP deployed warships and 19 military aircraft, including Su-30 fighter jets, for a combat readiness patrol around Taiwan, according to the island’s Defense Ministry. Taiwan forces were dispatched to monitor the drills, the Reuters news agency reported.
The U.S. does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself.
Taipei welcomed the arms sale, the 17th since U.S. President Joe Biden took office in 2021. “In the face of China’s threats, Taiwan … will continue to demonstrate its determination to defend itself,” the island’s Foreign Ministry said.
