The sale also includes the delivery of an advanced missile defense system tested in Ukraine.
The United States approved an arms sales package worth US$2 billion (over R$11 billion at current prices) to Taiwan. According to information released by the Pentagon last Friday (October 25, 2024), the sale includes the delivery of an advanced missile defense system tested in Ukraine.
By law the United States is required to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. According to the Pentagon’s Security and Defense Cooperation Agency, the sale includes US$1.16 billion in missile systems and US$828 million in radar systems.
“This sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the beneficiary’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military and maintain a credible defensive capability.”the Pentagon said in a statement.
The US sale consists of 3 advanced surface-to-air missile systems (NASAMS) air defense solutions, including AMRAAM extended range surface-to-air missiles.
Last Sunday (October 20, 2024), 2 military ships, 1 from the United States and the other from Canada, transited the Taiwan Strait. In a statement, the US 7th Marine Fleet said the crossing “Reflects the commitment of the United States and Canada to maintain the principle of freedom of navigation for all nations in the Strait.”
Since current Taiwan President Lai Ching-te took office in May this year, China has stepped up military pressure against the island, which it considers part of its territory, including live-fire exercises in the Taiwan Strait last year. Is included.
For China, Lai is considered a “separatist”, as the president rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying only the people of Taiwan can decide the island’s future. “Taiwan independence” can have no future. “Taiwan’s future lies in the full reunification of the motherland.” China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said in a statement.
