The U.S. State Department approved a deal of USD 30 crore for the sale of F-16 fighter jet spare and repair parts to Taiwan on Thursday.
Since President Joe Biden assumed office in 2021, the U.S. has agreed to sell arms to Taiwan thirteen times. The Pentagon’s Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has stated that the latest package of arms sales aims to support regional economic growth, political stability, military balance, and enhanced Taiwanese security.
This package will include standard (USD 22 crore) and non-standard (USD 8 crore) spare and repair parts, components, consumables, and accessories for F-16 aircraft, as reported by Taiwan.
The announcement of the sales package comes at a crucial time as the Chinese Communist Party continues to limit Taiwan’s airspace and response time through grey-zone tactics, impeding Taiwan’s right to self-defence.
Taiwan’s defence ministry expressed gratitude to the United States and stated that the sale would enhance the combat and defence capabilities of its air force. The ministry also mentioned that the sale is expected to be finalized in July.
Lai Ching-te, the newly sworn President of Taiwan, recently issued a stern warning to China, urging Beijing to cease intimidating the island nation.
However, China has repeatedly raised objections to the sale of weapons to the island by the US, which Beijing claims as its own despite Taipei’s objections. China has also escalated military exercises since Lai took office, contributing to heightened tensions in the region.
