Image: Reuters Berita 24 English - The United States has approved a possible $120 million sale of parts to assist Taiwan in maintaining its ...
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| Image: Reuters |
Berita 24 English - The United States has approved a possible $120 million sale of parts to assist Taiwan in maintaining its warships, which the island's defense ministry says will assure combat readiness in light of China's "frequent actions" near Taiwan.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated in a statement that it had delivered the appropriate certification notifying Congress following State Department clearance for the sale. Taiwan's de facto embassy in Washington had requested State Department approval for the sale.
It was stated that the transaction included unclassified replacement and maintenance parts for ships and ship systems, logistical technical help, and technical and logistical support from U.S. government and contractor representatives.
The parts would be sourced from "approved U.S. Navy vendors and/or U.S. Navy stock," according to a statement released on Wednesday. "The proposed sale will contribute to the maintenance of the recipient's surface vessel fleet, enhancing its ability to meet current and future threats," the statement said.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense stated that the agreement was expected to go into effect within one month and thanked the United States for its assistance in enhancing Taiwan's defense capabilities.
"In light of the recent frequent activities of Chinese warships in the sea and airspace around our country, the ship parts that the United States has agreed to sell will assist in maintaining the proper equipment and consumption of our naval ships and meeting the actual needs of combat readiness tasks," the document stated.
Neither side specified which components Taiwan would receive.
The majority of Taiwan's primary warships are manufactured or built in the United States.
The democratically ruled island has complained about repeated sorties by China's air force in its air defence zone, which Washington perceives as part of Beijing's effort to exert pressure on Taipei to recognise its authority.
China's navy has also increased the frequency of its missions near Taiwan.
The United States, like the majority of nations, does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but it is legally obligated to give Taiwan with the means to defend itself.
