IRIA News

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The United States approved a $385 million arms package for Taiwan on November 29, 2024. This move follows a series of U.S. arms deals with Taiwan, as a part of Washington’s commitment to bolstering Taiwan’s defense against China’s growing military pressure.

The latest arms package includes spare parts for fighter jets and radar systems. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated that the sale would enable Taiwan to maintain the operational readiness of its F-16 fleet and address both current and future threats. The package is expected to be delivered in 2025.

“This deal ensures Taiwan can meet current and future threats by maintaining the operational readiness of its F-16 fleet,” the U.S. DSCA emphasized in its announcement.

In response, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense expressed gratitude for the U.S.’s continued support, reaffirming its determination to strengthen its defenses amid escalating tensions with China. “Taiwan and the United States will continue to consolidate our security partnership,” the ministry said in a statement.

Taiwanese President in the US

The announcement of the arms deal coincided with Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te embarking on a Pacific tour, which includes stopovers in the United States. President Lai, on his first foreign trip since assuming office in May, aims to bolster ties with Pacific allies such as the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau.

Before departing, Lai described the trip as “ushering in a new era of values-based democracy” and expressed gratitude to the US government for facilitating the journey.

However, Lai’s stopovers in the U.S. state of Hawaii and the territory of Guam have drawn sharp criticism from China. Beijing has long opposed U.S. arms sales and any engagement between U.S. and Taiwanese officials.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly criticized Lai’s transit through the U.S., calling it a provocation and warning against fostering Taiwan’s independence. “The U.S. should handle the Taiwan issue with utmost caution, unequivocally oppose Taiwan independence, and support the peaceful reunification of China,” stated Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The State Department countered these accusations, asserting that Lai’s stopovers were routine and private. “There is no justification for a private, routine, and unofficial transit to be used as a pretext for provocation,” a U.S. spokesperson said.

Rising tensions

Despite China’s growing opposition to arms sales between Washington and Taiwan, the recent arms deal is the 18th approved by the Biden administration alone. Last month, the U.S. greenlit a $2 billion weapons package for Taiwan, including advanced surface-to-air missile systems and radar equipment.

In the recent few years, Taiwan has faced increasing military pressure from China, which frequently sends fighter jets and warships near the island. Earlier this week, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported detecting 18 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels, and two balloons within 24 hours.

Strategic implications

Washington’s support for Taiwan underscores the growing strategic competition between the U.S. and China. While the U.S. maintains a “One China” policy, it also upholds the Taiwan Relations Act, which commits it to providing Taiwan with defensive capabilities.

The arms deal and President Lai’s U.S. transit signal Washington’s continued support for Taiwan despite China’s objections. Observers note that such moves are intended to deter potential aggression from Beijing while reassuring U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific.

As Taiwan and the U.S. strengthen their military partnership, tensions with China are likely to remain high. Taiwan’s proactive efforts to secure arms and deepen alliances, coupled with China’s increasing military activities, underscore the fragile balance in the region.

This latest arms sale reaffirms Washington’s commitment to Taiwan’s security and highlights the ongoing complexities of U.S.-China-Taiwan relations in an increasingly polarized geopolitical landscape.