Taiwan is considering a large-scale arms purchase from the United States as part of its efforts to bolster the island's defense capabilities and strengthen ties with Washington, reports "Financial Times". The package, according to sources familiar with the discussions, also includes the Aegis destroyer – a modern warship that will strengthen Taiwan's defense capabilities against a potential threat from China, quoted by News.bg.
With these actions, Taipei aims to show the incoming administration of US President-elect Donald Trump its determination to invest in its defense. In addition to the Lockheed Martin destroyers, Taiwan is also likely to request E-2D Advanced Hawkeye radar surveillance aircraft, additional Patriot missiles and even F-35 fighter jets, sources said.
Taiwanese authorities have already held "informal discussions" with the Trump team about the upcoming arms package that would demonstrate Taiwan's commitment to self-defense. According to national security officials, the island is considering the purchase of up to 60 F-35 fighter jets, four Hawkeye jets, ten warships and 400 Patriot missiles.
While a second Trump administration raises concerns among some observers, Taiwanese officials see those fears as exaggerated. "The United States has strong bipartisan support for Taiwan, as evidenced by regular legislative initiatives and resolutions in our support," said one of the employees. During Trump's first term, the US approved 11 arms packages for Taiwan worth $21 billion, including F-16 fighter jets and Abrams tanks. Joe Biden's administration also approved $7 billion in deals, urging Taiwan to streamline its defense spending by focusing on stockpiling munitions and cheaper mobile systems.
In response to these reports, the Chinese Embassy in Washington called on the US to end arms sales to Taiwan and accused Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party of pushing the island toward conflict and war. According to Beijing, such actions lead to an escalation of tensions in the region and threaten its stability.