Taiwan says it has not heard new US arms sales will be carved into smaller chunks
Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo announced on Tuesday that he had not received information about the US planning to divide a potential $14 billion arms sale into smaller portions. Koo emphasized that the United States' commitments to Taiwan's defense have remained unchanged. The postponement of the arms sale by the US President Donald Trump is intended to preserve cordial relations and a fragile trade agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The US had initially approved an $11 billion package in December and put the second package on hold after meeting with Xi in May, deeming it a valuable negotiating tool. China, which considers Taiwan as part of its territory, has consistently demanded the cessation of arms sales. Taipei previously mentioned that the US could distribute the arms sale into smaller batches to mitigate tensions with Beijing.
Koo, in a parliamentary address, reiterated that the US has consistently affirmed its dedication to enhancing Taiwan's self-defense capabilities and continues to engage with the United States. The State Department has not provided any updates regarding the rumored "separate batches" of arms. The US is obligated by law to supply Taiwan with the necessary tools to safeguard itself, and Washington remains Taiwan's principal international ally, notwithstanding the lack of formal diplomatic relations.
Koo confirmed that Taiwan and the US maintain robust military and defense exchanges, which bolster Taiwan's current readiness and armed forces modernization efforts. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and former President Tsai Ing-wen are currently in the US, marking Tsai's first visit since her resignation two years ago. The US State Department highlighted that the US and the global community benefit from dialogue with Taiwan due to its technological proficiency and democratic status.
The Chinese embassy in Washington reaffirmed its firm opposition to any form of official engagement between Taiwan and the US.
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