U.S. announces US$330 million arms sale to Taiwan

ROC Central News Agency

2018/09/25 10:42:52

Washington, Sept. 24 (CNA) The U.S. State Department has approved a proposal to sell arms worth US$330 million to Taiwan to upgrade Taipei's defensive capabilities, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said Monday.

In a statement, the DSCA said the arms sale will cover standard spare parts and the repair or replacement of spare parts in support of such aircraft as the F-16, C-130, F-5, and Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF).

The DSCA said the Pentagon has notified the U.S. Congress about the approved arms sale proposal to Taiwan. The sale will be concluded once the United States and Taiwan sign a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) covering the deal.

"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security and defensive capability of the recipient, which has been and continues to be an important force for political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region," the DSCA said in the statement.

"The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region," the DSCA said.

(By Rita Cheng and Frances Huang)
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