US approves $2 billion arms sale to Taiwan, including missile system to enhance defense capabilities

From Investing.com: 2024-10-25 22:51:08

The United States has approved a $2 billion arms sale package to Taiwan, including an advanced air defense missile system to help defend the island against increasing military pressure from China. The sale consists of missile and radar systems, with RTX Corp as the principal contractor, to bolster Taiwan’s armed forces.

The missile system sale includes three NASAMS medium-range air defense solutions with advanced AMRAAM Extended Range surface-to-air missiles, as demand for the system surges. The NASAMS system, battle tested in Ukraine, will significantly enhance Taiwan’s air defense capabilities against potential Chinese military threats in the region.

Taiwan’s defense ministry welcomed the announcement, noting the proven use of NASAMS in Ukraine to strengthen Taiwan’s air defense capabilities amid China’s frequent military maneuvers. The island nation is also building its own submarines to better defend vital maritime supply lines in the face of Chinese aggression.

China’s government continues to denounce Taiwan’s president, Lai, as a “separatist,” rejecting his calls for talks and asserting that Taiwan’s future lies in complete reunification with the motherland. This comes after Lai stated on Friday that no external force can change Taiwan’s future, sparking further condemnation from Beijing.



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