The United States has given the green light for the sale of F-16 fighter jet spare and repair parts worth an estimated $80 million to Taiwan, announced the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency on Wednesday. This move comes amidst escalating tensions in the region and Taiwan’s efforts to bolster its defense capabilities.
The sale, approved by the U.S. State Department, aims to enhance Taiwan’s air force combat readiness and defense needs. The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) emphasized that the sale would contribute to “improving the security of the recipient and assisting in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region.”
Taiwan’s defense ministry expressed gratitude to the United States for the approval, highlighting that the sale would significantly strengthen its air force capabilities. The ministry noted that the finalization of the sale is expected in July.
In response to China’s increasing gray-zone harassments and efforts to limit Taiwan’s naval and air training space, Taiwan’s defense ministry underscored the importance of enhancing self-defense capabilities.
China, which considers Taiwan its territory, has strongly opposed arms sales to Taiwan by the United States. However, Beijing’s defense ministry has not provided an immediate comment on this latest development.
Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo emphasized the necessity for Taiwan to enhance its self-defense capabilities, aligning with the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy for effective deterrence. Koo mentioned that while there are limitations to what can be publicly disclosed about Taiwan-U.S. military cooperation, strengthening defense remains a top priority.
Sources By Agencies
