As diplomatic tensions may be rising between the United States and Asian superpower China, the American government continues to strengthen its “robust”, but unofficial relationship with Taiwan.
On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced that the US State Department had approved multiple possible arms sales to the East Asian nation’s Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the US (TECRO).
Also read
TECRO, a branch of Taiwan’s de facto embassies, describes itself as representing “the interests of Taiwan’s 23 million people in promoting a closer relationship with the United States, based on our shared values of democracy, freedom, and human rights.”
TECRO has requested to acquire Altius 600M-V Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and related equipment at an approximate cost of $300 million in US dollars as well as Switchblade 300 Anti-Personnel and Anti-Armor Loitering Missile System and related equipment for an estimated $60.2 million USD.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the sale of the equipment does not threaten to change the basic military balance in the region, but it will strengthen Taiwan’s ability to meet current and future threats, while also aiding the nation in maintaining political stability, military balance as well as support economic progress in the entire region.
The agency also believes that the sale will be beneficial to the US, stating,
“This proposed sale serves US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability.”
