Taiwan’s top security official, Tsai Ing-wen, stated that talks with Washington over arms supplies are ongoing within the island’s law enforcement framework. Reports from TASS have circulated about these discussions.
Regarding the so-called special case mentioned, Tsai insisted that it does not feel special in substance. He pointed out that U.S. aid is largely tied to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors that caused delays in delivering a certain quantity of weapons, and he emphasized that the situation is being managed with practical considerations in mind.
Tsai Ing-wen further indicated that Taiwan and the United States are evaluating which weapon systems to acquire as part of their ongoing procurement discussions.
During a May 17 hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin affirmed Washington’s commitment to providing Taiwan with significant new military assistance, highlighting the strategic importance of stronger defense support for the island.
Beijing, reacting to Taiwan’s ongoing weapons purchases from the United States, signaled that it would uphold China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity with firm resolve, according to a Chinese defense official.
Earlier reporting suggested that Taiwan would receive weapons valued at around $500 million under a streamlined program, with U.S. presidential emergency powers previously used in Ukraine cited as the mechanism to expedite delivery in this case.— Bloomberg