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U.S. announces US$108 million sale of tank equipment, support to Taiwan

ROC Central News Agency

07/16/2022 10:32 AM

Taipei, July 16 (CNA) The United States government has greenlit a proposed US$108 million sale of technical support and equipment of tanks and combat vehicles to Taiwan, the fourth arms sale to the country approved by Washington this year.

The proposed sale will include unclassified spare and repair parts and assembly for tanks and combat vehicles, logistical technical assistance, U.S. government and contractor representative technical and logistical support, and other related elements of logistical and program support, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a press statement on Friday.

The agency said it notified Congress of the possible sale that day after it was approved by the State Department.

The proposed deal with an estimated cost of US$108 million will enhance Taiwanese armed forces' ability to "meet current and future threats" by contributing to the sustainment of their "vehicles, small arms, combat weapon systems, and logistical support items," DSCA said.

In addition to supporting Taiwan's efforts to "modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability," the proposed sale will further enhance Taiwan's interoperability with the U.S. and other partners, DSCA noted.

The agency said the proposed sale was "consistent with U.S. law and policy as expressed in Public Law 96-8" and served "U.S. national, economic, and security interests."

In a press statement Saturday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said the proposed deal should help Taiwanese Army maintain sufficient equipment and spare parts of its military vehicles and support its training for combat readiness at a time when Taiwan is facing "increased military threats" from China.

MND noted that the proposed sale is expected to take effect one month after the U.S. Congress is notified of it.

In a separate press statement, the Presidential Office thanked the U.S. for approving the new arms deal, noting that it was the fifth arms sale to Taiwan announced by Washington after President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, and the fourth this year.

This served as testament to the U.S. commitment to Taiwan's security, Presidential Office spokesman Xavier Chang (張惇涵) said in the statement.

Chang noted that Taiwan's government would continue to demonstrate its resolve to safeguard the country and preserve its free and democratic way of life by elevating Taiwan's defense capability.

At the same time, Chang went on, Taiwan is committed to working with partners around the world to contribute to peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region and the world.

(By Teng Pei-ju)

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