AP — Tuesday 27 October 2020
Taiwan said recently proposed purchases of US missiles and other arms systems will boost its ability to credibly defend itself amid rising threats from China. The comments followed a Trump administration notification to Congress of plans for a $2.37 billion sale of Harpoon missile systems to Taiwan, and a prior proposed sale of $1.8 billion worth of weaponry including missile and rocket systems and upgraded F-16 equipment announced 21st October. China announced it would impose sanctions on US companies including Raytheon, Boeing and Lockheed Martin for supplying weapons to Taiwan. Taiwan defence ministry spokesperson Shih Shun-wen said: “The purchase of these weapons will enhance Taiwan’s credible combat capabilities and asymmetric combat capabilities to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.”