The United States has sanctioned a $360 million arms deal to supply Taiwan with over 1,000 armed drones. This move aims to bolster Taiwan's asymmetrical warfare capabilities, drawing lessons from the conflict in Ukraine.
According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Taiwan will acquire 720 Switchblade missiles and associated fire control systems valued at $60.2 million. Additionally, the deal includes up to 291 Altius 600M loitering munitions and supporting components worth $300 million.
This significant arms sale comes as China ramps up military pressure on Taiwan, conducting extensive exercises and nearly daily warplane sorties near the island. Beijing's Communist Party claims Taiwan as part of its territory, despite having never governed it, and has pledged to "reunify" with the island, using force if necessary.
Under the Taiwan Relations Act, the US is legally obligated to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, which includes supplying defensive weaponry to Taipei. However, these arms sales have elicited strong condemnation from Beijing.
Earlier this month, Chinese Defense Minister Adm. Dong Jun, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue defense summit in Singapore, criticized "external interfering forces" for selling arms and engaging in "illegal official contacts" with Taiwan, clearly alluding to the US.
