Taiwan is expecting a fast-tracked $500 million weapons package from Washington this year to make up for delays in arms procurements, the island’s defence minister said on Monday.
The self-ruled, democratic island lives under constant threat of an invasion by China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory to be seized one day — by force if necessary.
With Beijing increasing its sabre-rattling towards the island, Taiwan’s key ally the United States in September approved the Taiwan Policy Act — which would see new legislation provide billions in military aid to Taipei.
According to him, “The use of the $500 million package is aimed at prioritising supplying us with spot goods (available for immediate delivery) over any delay or late delivery in our arms procurement,” Chiu told lawmakers when questioned in parliament about the “military aid” package.
“It should be implemented this year,” he said, adding that the $500 million package “is not counted into (previous) arms sales” and that Taiwan would be asking first for its “priorities”.
However, he did not elaborate on what type of equipment would be prioritised in the $500 million weapons package, saying only that the details would be thrashed out by both sides soon.
“For the delayed arms sales, they will make up by providing some of their spot goods or simulators or training equipment,” he said. “So when the arms are delivered in the future, we can start using them right away”.
However, he did not elaborate on what type of equipment would be prioritised in the $500 million weapons package, saying only that the details would be thrashed out by both sides soon.
