Washington Approves Taiwan F-16 Parts and Radar Deal Ahead of Presidential Pacific Tour
WASHINGTON – The US State Department has greenlit the potential sale of spare parts for F-16 fighter jets and radar systems to Taiwan, valued at an estimated US$385 million (S$515 million), the Pentagon announced on Nov 29. The approval comes a day before Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te embarks on a sensitive Pacific tour, including stops in Hawaii and Guam, US territories with significant military presence.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency confirmed the deal includes US$320 million in support for F-16 fighters and advanced radar systems, with an additional US$65 million in mobile communication equipment provided by General Dynamics. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry welcomed the sale, emphasizing its importance for maintaining the island’s F-16 fleet and bolstering its defense capabilities.
“Taiwan and the United States will continue to strengthen their security partnership to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region,” the ministry stated.
China Condemns US-Taiwan Arms Sale as Provocative
China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, expressed strong opposition to the arms sale, urging the US to exercise “utmost caution” in its dealings with Taipei. Beijing has intensified military pressure on the democratically governed island, conducting two rounds of war games in 2024 and reportedly planning additional exercises during President Lai’s Pacific tour.
The United States, bound by law to provide Taiwan with defensive arms despite no formal diplomatic ties, reiterated that Lai’s stopovers in Hawaii and Guam were routine and should not be seen as provocation.
This latest arms package follows an October announcement of a US$2 billion deal that includes advanced air defense systems. Observers note these moves highlight Washington’s commitment to Taiwan’s defense amid rising regional tensions.