Defense News

Ministry of National Defense Press Release
November 29, 2020 12:45PM (GMT +8)

In response to media reports that "Taiwan is the largest buyer of US arms sales. This year, each of our nationals will have to shoulder an average payment of NT$14,500." The MND explains today (29^th) as follows:

1. This year, the United States first notified Congress of seven cases of US arms sales to Taiwan, including the MK-48 heavy line-guided torpedo, and the total value has reached more than US$5.5 billion. In accordance with the "Taiwan Relations Act (TRA)" and "Six Assurances", the United States will supply and sell defensive weapons to Taiwan to help strengthen our overall defense capabilities and ensure the peace and stability around the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region. The MND expresses its gratitude for these arms sales.
2. From our major arms purchases from the United States this year, two items still remain to undergo the "notify to Congress" procedure. The MND will explain the deals to our nationals when the United States officially notifies Congress and this procedure is completed. Right now, there is no plan yet in place to purchase any further arms sales from the US that amounts to US$5.2 billion next year.
3. Regarding the improvement of our defense capabilities for the Armed Forces and its acquisition of weapons and equipment, priority is given to defensive arms produced locally. If the Armed Forces cannot obtain needed items in the short term, these arms will be purchased via external sources. All of the procurement budgets for arms from abroad by the Armed Forces are prepared according to many factors, including having a sufficient budget, which is appropriated annually. After review and approval by Legislative Yuan, ROC, relevant operations are then conducted in accordance with the approved budget, and weapons and equipment are obtained according to schedule and of desired quality as stipulated by the budget.