Jakarta, hitclubapk3 Indonesia
—
United States
reportedly approved arms sales worth US$11 billion or around Rp. 184 trillion to
Taiwan
.
This is the largest arms sale the US has ever made to the island.
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“This is the second arms sale to Taiwan announced during the second term of (US President Donald) Trump’s administration, which once again shows the US’s strong commitment to Taiwan’s security,” Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) said in a statement on Thursday (18/12), as quoted
AFP
.
This arms sale and purchase was carried out amidst Taiwan’s efforts to prevent a potential invasion from China.
Since the last 10 years, Taiwan has increased its defense budget due to Chinese military pressure.Even though it produces its own weapons, Taiwan still needs weapons support from other countries considering China’s enormous military strength.
China has always claimed Taiwan as part of its territory.Meanwhile, Taipei wants independence from Beijing and has formed its own government.
This US arms sale to Taiwan will be the second after the sale of spare parts and components made last November which was worth US$330 million or around IDR 5.5 trillion.This weapons package still needs to be approved by Congress before Taiwan can actually purchase it.
This latest package itself includes the HIMARS rocket system, howitzers, anti-tank missiles, drones and other weapons.
Taiwan President Lai Ching Te’s government has pledged to increase defense spending to more than three percent of gross domestic product next year and five percent by 2030.
Taiwan also plans to request special funds of up to 1 trillion Taiwan dollars (around Rp. 530 trillion) to improve the island’s air defense system and increase production and storage capacity for ammunition.
Almost every day China is reported to be deploying military aircraft and warships around Taiwan.Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense stated that 40 Chinese military aircraft and eight Navy ships were detected around Taiwan from Wednesday (17/12) to early Thursday morning.
On Tuesday (16/12), Taiwan also reported that China’s newest aircraft carrier, Fujian, sailed in the Taiwan Strait, marking its first transit since it officially entered service last month.
(blq/rds)
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