The government and people of Taiwan sincerely appreciate the U.S. Department of State’s decision to approve the sale of a defensive weapons package worth US$2.37 billion Oct. 26, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 
It is the ninth such sale to Taiwan made under the administration of President Donald J. Trump and the fourth this year, reflecting the U.S. commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and Six Assurances, the MOFA said. The weapons will help the armed forces remain technologically up to date while enhancing the country’s ability to deter any aggressive actions, the ministry added.
 
In its official release, the Presidential Office thanked the U.S. for recognizing the importance of a strong defensive capacity. Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with its like-minded partners across the region to ensure peaceful and prosperous development in the Indo-Pacific, the PO said.
 
According to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the latest package comprises up to 100 Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems (HCDS) and related equipment.
 
In the face of further military expansion and escalating provocation from China, Taiwan is determined to modernize its armed forces while developing asymmetric combat capabilities to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and way of life, the MOFA said. (SFC-E)
 
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