In a statement from the Pentagon, it was stated that the State Department authorized two military sales requested by the government on the island.
In the statement, it was stated that it plans to supply Taiwan with 30 millimeter diameter armor-piercing ammunition worth $332.2 million, and military vehicle and hardware spare parts worth $108 million.
In order for the sales to take place, the approval of the US Congress, as well as the permission of the State Department, is required.
It was noted that the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency informed Congress to approve the sales.
Alliant Techsystems (ATK) is expected to be the contractor in ammunition sales, and General Dynamics in logistics support services.
The sales will “strengthen the Island’s resilience against China’s growing military threats and gray area tactics,” Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
REACTION FROM CHINA
The approval of military sales drew the reaction of China, which saw the island as part of its territory.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that Washington is against selling weapons to Taiwan and establishing any military ties with the Island, and said:
“The United States must abide by the one-China principle and its commitments in the Three Joint Declarations that underpin diplomatic relations, stop selling arms to Taiwan, and stop jeopardizing peace and stability by creating tensions in the Taiwan Strait.”
The US State Department last approved a $619 million deal in March for the sale of missiles used in F-16 warplanes to Taiwan.
Taiwan, which China defends as part of its territory, has enjoyed de facto independence since 1949 when the People’s Republic of China was founded. The separation that emerged after the civil war between mainland China and Taiwan still continues.
Beijing, emphasizing the principle of “One China”, opposes Taiwan’s establishing independent diplomatic relations with the countries of the world, its representation in the United Nations and other international organizations, and stipulates that the countries that recognize it should break diplomatic relations with Taiwan. (AA)