The US Department of Defense, aka the Pentagon, on Tuesday (5/4) approved the potential sale of equipment, training, and other items to Taiwan to support the Patriot Air Defense System. The Pentagon explained that the value of support could reach US $ 95 million.
Taiwan, which is getting closer to the US, has increasingly complained about China's increasing military pressure. Taiwan is also still worried that a situation like Ukraine will happen to him.
The US-prepared package will include training, planning, deployment, deployment, operation, maintenance and upkeep of the Patriot Air Defense System and related equipment. The proposal has also been submitted to Congress for approval.
The Pentagon explained that this major aid to Taiwan is also part of safeguarding US national interests and security.
"This proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient's (Taiwan) ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defense capability," the Pentagon said in a statement.
Furthermore, the Pentagon said that in the future Taiwan could use the Patriot system as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense.
Although approved by the State Department, the notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded. The Pentagon said Raytheon was the prime contractor for the possible sale.
The US is legally bound to assist Taiwan in strengthening its defenses. In fact, legally the US and Taiwan do not have formal diplomatic relations.
A spokesman for Taiwan's presidential office, Xavier Chang, said that the third arms sale during the Joe Biden era showed the strong relationship between the two countries.
"Taiwan will continue to demonstrate its determination to defend itself, and will continue to deepen partnerships with the United States and other like-minded countries," Chang said.
For now Taiwan's Defense Ministry estimates the deal will start working effectively within a month.
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