Taiwan welcomes notification of US arms sales

2015/12/18

Washington’s commitment to providing Taipei with defensive weapons in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and improving bilateral ties was welcomed Dec. 16 by the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The US$1.83 billion package, notified earlier the same day by the U.S. government to Congress, comprises two Perry-class frigates, AAV7 amphibious assault vehicles, stinger missiles, and anti-aircraft and anti-ship systems.

It is the fourth such deal between the two sides since President Ma Ying-jeou took office in May 2008, taking the total to more than US$20 billion—the highest following the signing into law of the TRA in 1979.

“This positive state of affairs underscores the high level of mutual trust and exchanges between Taipei and Washington,” a MOFA official said. “As a valued economic and security partner of the U.S. in the Asia-Pacific, we look forward to taking this relationship to the next level while upholding our common interests in this region.”

According to the official, the package will help maintain peace and stability across the strait and ensure Taiwan-mainland China ties remain on a healthy development track.

The ROC Ministry of National Defense also welcomed the deal, describing it as key to upgrading essential components of the nation’s military hardware.

“We see the Perry-class frigates filling the gap left by the decommissioning in May of two Chi Yang-class frigates, while the AAV7 can double as disaster relief vehicles,” an MND official said. “The package also keeps Taiwan moving along the path toward greater prosperity.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=240322&ctNode=2194&mp=9)