The US government under President Donald Trump has officially approved an arms sale to Taiwan valued at $11.1 billion USD (approximately 349 billion baht), marking the largest military aid package the US has ever provided, aimed at countering China's expanding influence and military pressure.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense stated that the purchase includes eight main items focused on enhancing deterrence and asymmetric warfare capabilities, including the HIMARS multiple rocket launcher system, proven effective in the Ukraine battlefield, self-propelled artillery, and missile systems.The anti-tank Javelin missile,Altius model kamikaze drones, along with spare parts and support equipment for existing military hardware.
The Pentagon said in a statement that the arms sale serves US economic and security interests by helping Taiwan modernize its military and build a "credible self-defense capability."
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Taiwan's Presidential Office expressed gratitude to the US, emphasizing Taiwan's commitment to military reform and strengthening society's resilience to defend peace through strength.
This announcement came after Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu made a secret visit to the US last week, aligning with President Tsai Ing-wen's recently announced additional national defense budget of $40 billion, affirming that "national security allows no room for compromise."
Although President Trump plans to visit Chinese President Xi Jinping next year, raising concerns about US-Taiwan relations, this large arms approval indicates that a second Trump administration aims to maintain regional power balance and pressure allies to be more self-reliant, consistent with his prior policies.
Currently, the arms sale plan is being notified to the US Congress, where it is expected to receive smooth approval due to overwhelming bipartisan support for Taiwan.
. SourceReuters