With Beijing increasing its sabre-rattling towards the island, Taiwan’s key ally the United States in September approved the Taiwan Policy Act — which would see new legislation provide billions in military aid to Taipei.
But there have been reported delays in delivering weapons, and Taiwan’s Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng on Monday confirmed that Washington has been discussing a separate — and fast-tracked — weapons package with Taipei. An anonymous source from within the Biden admin disclosed to Bloomberg a couple days ago that a $500 Million package was being discussed. Defence minister Kuo-Cheng confirmed the story this morning.
“The use of the $500 million package is aimed at prioritising supplying us with spot goods (available for immediate delivery) over any delay or late delivery in our arms procurement,” Chiu told lawmakers when questioned in parliament about the “military aid” package.
“It should be implemented this year,” he said, adding that the $500 million package “is not counted into (previous) arms sales” and that Taiwan would be asking first for its “priorities”.
However, he did not elaborate on what type of equipment would be prioritised in the $500 million weapons package, saying only that the details would be thrashed out by both sides soon.
Source: France24,
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