December 1, 2024
2 mins read

US approves $385 million arms sale to Taiwan   

The sale, which includes spare parts for fighter jets and radar systems, is expected to be delivered starting in 2025…..reports Asian Lite News 

The United States approved a USD 385 million arms sale to Taiwan on Friday, continuing its efforts to strengthen military relations with the island nation, a move that has raised concerns in China, Al Jazeera reported. 

According to the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the sale, which includes spare parts for fighter jets and radar systems, is expected to be delivered starting in 2025. 

The US Department of State’s approval is aimed at helping Taiwan maintain the operational readiness of its F-16 fleet, enabling the island to address both current and future threats, the DSCA said, as reported by Al Jazeera. 

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s President William Lai Ching-te departed on a trip to the Pacific, with planned stops in Hawaii and Guam, which have angered China. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has previously opposed U.S. arms sales to the self-ruled democracy, Al Jazeera’s report added. 

Lai’s trip includes visits to Pacific nations such as the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, marking his first foreign tour since assuming office. In his pre-departure speech, Lai expressed his gratitude to the US for “helping to make this trip a smooth one” and described the journey as “ushering in a new era of values-based democracy.” 

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Lai’s travel to the US, urging the US to handle Taiwan-related matters with caution and support China’s goal of peaceful reunification. 

The US should “handle the Taiwan issue with utmost caution, unequivocally oppose Taiwan independence, and support the peaceful reunification of China,” said China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. 

In response, the US State Department stated there was “no justification for a private, routine, and unofficial transit to be used as a pretext for provocation.” 

Al Jazeera, in its report, also cited that this latest arms deal is the 18th announced during U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration, according to Taiwan. 

Taiwan has been actively seeking to expand its military ties with the US amid growing pressure from China, which has increased military activity around the island. Last month, the US approved a USD 2 billion arms package for Taiwan, which included advanced missile systems and radar. 

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence expressed appreciation for the US support, stating that it would continue to strengthen its defences in response to China’s increasing military pressure. Just hours before Lai’s departure on Saturday, Taiwan’s defence ministry reported the detection of 18 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels, and two balloons near the island. (ANI) 

ALSO READ: Trump picks hardliner Greer as US Trade Representative 

Previous Story

Kate sends emotional Christmas message  

Next Story

Imran Khan found guilty in May 9 violence case; bail revoked 

Latest from -Top News

Pak Army Chief Targets India Again

This is not the first time that Munir has indulged in loose talk, exhibiting conduct unbecoming an officer….reports Asian Lite News Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on

Relief for Students: US Visa Cancellations Paused

More than 1,500 student visas have been cancelled so far…reports Asian Lite News The United States on Friday abruptly paused the cancellation of student visas issued to international students, according to reports.

Yunus Must Be Treated Like Hasina, Warn Islamists

Islamist group made these warnings to the interim government, terming the women’s reform body proposals as “anti-Islamic…reports Asian Lite News The radical Islamist group in Bangladesh, Hefazat-e-Islam, has issued a threat, stating

UN: Bring Pahalgam Terrorists to Justice

The members of the Security Council “stressed that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable..reports Asian Lite News The Security Council has “condemned in the strongest terms” the Pahalgam terrorist
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US NSA Heads to Israel

The arrival of Sullivan assumed significance after the US publicly

London solicitor claims China was ready to settle border dispute

He recorded in his book: “When I met Jaswant Singh