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The Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated today (22nd) that the US government was at the "notifying Congress" stage of the process on October 21st, Eastern Time, regarding the arm sales of the "HIMARS System" and other three items amounting to US$1,811.3 million to Taiwan. The sale is likely to take effect in one month’s time.
The MND pointed out that the US government follows the "Taiwan Relations Act" and "Six Assurances" so that it provides our country with defense weapons as a basis for maintaining regional stability. As for the arms and equipment sold by the United States to Taiwan, they should help Taiwan build on its combat capabilities for self-defense, and strengthen the development of our asymmetric combat capabilities. The MND would, therefore, like to express its sincerest gratitude for support in this matter.
The MND emphasized that all foreign military purchases must be approved by Legislative Yuan with budget appropriation before signing a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA). Only following this procedure may any purchases be carried out. As such, the required weapons and equipment can then be obtained of the desired level of quality, and according to budget and scheduling needs.
The MND further stated that arms sales show that the US has attached great importance to the strategic position of the Taiwan Strait in the Indo-Pacific region, and is actively assisting our country to enhance its overall defense capabilities. In this context, Taiwan and the United States can consolidate their security partnership, and jointly uphold peace and stability around the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.
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