US approved: Large support for Taiwan on the way

The US State Department has approved the sale of $80 million worth of F-16 fighter jet spare parts and repair equipment to Taiwan. The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said the sale will enhance the buyer's security and support political stability, military balance and economic progress in the region.

Taiwan's Ministry of Defense thanked the United States and stressed that the sale will meet the air force's combat and defense needs. The sale will be completed in July, the ministry said. “With its normalized gray zone harassment, the Chinese Communist Party has sought to narrow our naval and air training areas and response times, and restrict our right to defend ourselves,” the statement said.

CHINA SEEKS HALT TO ARMS SALE

China continues to demand that the United States halt arms sales to Taiwan. Beijing considers Taiwan as its territory and continues to make these demands despite Taipei's strong objections. China's Defense Ministry declined to comment on the issue.

Speaking to reporters in parliament on Thursday, Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo said Taiwan needs to boost its defense capabilities to be part of “effective deterrence” in the US Indo-Pacific strategy. “There are many things we need to do for Taiwan-US military cooperation, but we cannot explain them,” Koo said.