Taiwan Could Buy Anti-Tank Systems from the U.S. for $180 Million After State Department Approves Sale
Per Reuters
Taiwan can now buy anti-tank systems from the United States while China is ramping up its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure on the country. The Pentagon announced that they approved the possible sale of Volcano anti-tank mine-laying systems.
The U.S. State Department gave the authorization of a possible sale of the systems to Taiwan. This comes as U.S. law requires that the Congress be notified by the executive branch regarding arms sales that extend over a particular amount.
The approval comes just a few weeks after the U.S. Congress released the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act's final version, per Focus Taiwan. The Act provided Taiwan with assistance and terms that would allow them to strengthen its military.
The 2023 NDAA authorizes grants and loans from the U.S. to Taiwan totaling up to $12 billion over the course of the next five years. The main use of these grants and loans is so that weapons can be bought.
The bill is expected to pass the Senate and House of Representatives within the month. After this, the final 2023 NCAA will be sent over to President Joe Biden in the White House for it to be signed and officially take effect.
On top of its grants and loans to Taiwan, the bill also includes an $817 billion authorized budget for the Department of Defense.
Oshkosh Corporation and Northrop Grumman are the main contractors for this potential sale. The defense ministry of Taiwan said that the sale would actualize in about a month.
The ministry gave a statement regarding how they are facing China and how their activities result in threats to Taiwan. They also expressed how continuous military sales are important to help them maintain peace and stability within the region.
"The Chinese Communist Party's frequent military activities near Taiwan have posted severe military threats to us,"
The United States remains Taiwan's main source of arms, which causes even more complications with China. In the span of 24 hours, China sent seven ships and 71 warplanes toward the country, per NBC News.
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