The United States has accredited a doable $100 million sale of apparatus and providers to Taiwan to “sustain, maintain, and improve” the Patriot missile protection system utilized by the self-ruled island claimed by Chinathe Pentagon mentioned on Monday.
A press release from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency mentioned it had delivered the required certification notifying Congress following State Department approval for the sale, which was requested by Taiwan’s de facto embassy in Washington.
Upgrades to the Patriot Air Defense System would “help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, economic and progress in the region,” the DSCA mentioned in an announcement. “This proposed sale serves US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability,” the company mentioned.
The foremost contractors could be Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin, it mentioned.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry mentioned it “highly welcomed” the choice. “In the face of China’s continued military expansion and provocative actions, our country will maintain its national security with a solid defense, and continue to deepen the close security partnership between Taiwan and the United States,” it mentioned in an announcement.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has mentioned the choice to acquire newer Patriot missiles was made throughout a 2019 assembly with US officers within the administration of President Donald Trump. The ministry mentioned the deal was anticipated to “come into effect” inside one month.
The democratically ruled island has a number of repeated missions by China’s air power in its air protection zone, a part of what Washington sees as Beijing’s effort to strain Taipei into accepting its sovereignty.
The United States, like most international locations, doesn’t have official relations with Taiwan, however Washington is its largest backer and is sure by regulation to supply it with means to defend itself.
US officers have been pushing Taiwan to modernize its army so it will probably change into a “porcupine,” onerous for China to assault, and such arms gross sales at all times anger China. China’s ambassador to the United States mentioned final month that the 2 superpowers may find yourself in a army battle if Washington encourages Taiwan’s independence.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
