Taiwan is preparing to receive a major arms procurement from the United States in a bid to bolster its defences amid China’s continuing military pressure. The talks with Washington are seen as a strategic move aimed at boosting Taiwan’s defence capacity.
Which Systems Will Be Included in Weapons Procurement?
Taiwan's new arms purchase from the United States is expected to be worth between $7 billion and $10 billion, according to sources familiar with the talks. coastal defense cruise missiles ve HIMARS rocket systems There is also.
HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) is an artillery rocket system that stands out with its high mobility. This system, which has come to the fore especially with Ukraine's use against Russia, can also be a strategic deterrent force for Taiwan.
USA Express Shipping Plan
While the White House has not made a direct statement on the issue, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated that they want to accelerate arms shipments to Taiwan. Taiwan's Ministry of Defense declined to comment on specific purchases, emphasizing that they are focusing on strengthening their defenses in general.
These developments are seen as part of the US strategy to increase its defence support for Taiwan. The Washington administration aims to make the island more resilient to China's military threats by strengthening its defences.
China's Harsh Response
China regards Taiwan as its territory and has said it will not hesitate to use force if necessary to control the island. Beijing has condemned arms sales between the US and Taiwan, arguing that such deals will increase instability in the region.
Taiwan, on the other hand, rejects China's claims of sovereignty and insists that the islanders have the right to determine their own future. China's military exercises and airspace violations around Taiwan in recent years have increased tensions in the region.
Taiwan's Defense Priorities
Taiwan is particularly prioritizing the following systems in its new weapons purchases:
- Precision guided munitions
- Air defense systems
- Command and control systems
- Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) technologies
- Equipment for reserve forces
Especially air defense and UAV technologies, is among the cornerstones of Taiwan's asymmetric defense strategy against China.
The Different Approaches of the Trump and Biden Administrations
Taiwan was supported by large-scale arms sales during the Trump era. Between 2017 and 2021, the US sold billions of dollars worth of arms to Taiwan. One of the most notable of these sales is F-16 fighter jets It was an agreement.
The Biden administration has made lower-budget arms sales to Taiwan, but Taiwanese officials have recently expressed more encouraging cooperation with the Trump administration.
Regional Balance of Power and Future Scenarios
This major arms deal can be seen as part of the US strategy to increase its influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Strengthening Taiwan could counterbalance China’s military pressures and contribute to maintaining the status quo in the region.
In the coming period, US-Taiwan defense cooperation could deepen even further, and China’s response could further escalate tensions in the region. Taiwan’s arms procurement process will be closely monitored as a critical development not only for the island but also for the entire Asia-Pacific region.
