The United States has accepted a potential $100 million sale of apparatus and companies to Taiwan to “sustain, maintain, and improve” the Patriot missile protection system utilized by the self-ruled island claimed by China, the Pentagon mentioned on Monday.
A press release from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency mentioned it had delivered the required certification notifying Congress following State Department approval for the sale, which was requested by Taiwan’s de facto embassy in Washington.
Upgrades to the Patriot Air Defense System would “help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, economic and progress in the region,” the DSCA mentioned in an announcement. “This proposed sale serves US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability,” the company mentioned.
The most important contractors could be Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin, it mentioned.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry mentioned it “highly welcomed” the choice. “In the face of China’s continued military expansion and provocative actions, our country will maintain its national security with a solid defense, and continue to deepen the close security partnership between Taiwan and the United States,” it mentioned in an announcement.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has mentioned the choice to acquire newer Patriot missiles was made throughout a 2019 assembly with US officers within the administration of President Donald Trump. The ministry mentioned the deal was anticipated to “come into effect” inside one month.
The democratically ruled island has complained of repeated missions by China’s air drive in its air protection zone, a part of what Washington sees as Beijing’s effort to strain Taipei into accepting its sovereignty.
The United States, like most nations, doesn’t have official relations with Taiwan, however Washington is its greatest backer and is sure by legislation to offer it with means to defend itself.
US officers have been pushing Taiwan to modernise its army so it might probably turn out to be a “porcupine,” arduous for China to assault, and such arms gross sales all the time anger China. China’s ambassador to the United States mentioned final month that the 2 superpowers may find yourself in a army battle if Washington encourages Taiwan’s independence.
