Taiwan Boosting its Defence with US tanks and jets

With growing pressure from China, Taiwan has submitted new requests to the United States for M-1 Abrams tanks and F-16B fighter jets. Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen said the US was responding positively to Taipei’s requests for new arms sales to boost its defenses.

Ing-wen said the new arms would greatly enhance their land and air capabilities, strengthen military morale and show the world the US’s commitment to Taiwan’s defence. The United States is bound by law to help provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms. Reports highlight that on Sunday, Washington had sent the Navy and Coast Guard ships through the narrow strait which separates the island from the mainland; part of an increase in the frequency of US movement through the strategic waterway to show its support for Taipei.

The Taiwanese premier said mounting pressure from China for Taiwan to accept a ‘one country, two systems’ model and its attempts to alter the cross-straits status quo underscored the need for Taiwan to ‘increase self defence and deterrence capabilities’. “Fortunately, Taiwan does not stand alone. The United States’ commitment to Taiwan is stronger than ever.” Ing-wen said Taiwan is able to have frank discussions with the US on the right equipment for defence. She explained the defence items would be managed through a special budget and Taiwan’s regular defence budget would increase based on challenges coming across the strait.

Ing-wen had been on a Pacific tour amid heightened tension between Taipei and Beijing. China has been pressuring Taiwan, diplomatically and militarily to assert its sovereignty over it,