On November 30, 2024, the U.S. President Joe Biden approved the 18th arms sale to Taiwan amounting to $387 million. The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China expressed gratitude for the continuous assistance from the United States in helping Taiwan maintain sufficient self-defense capabilities, which is essential for regional stability.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) issued a press release on the 29th stating that the State Department had approved this arms sale. This marks the 18th arms sale to Taiwan during President Biden’s tenure.
The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China issued a statement today indicating that the U.S. government notified Congress on November 29 Eastern Time about the arms sales to Taiwan, including “key equipment for the F-16 aircraft and logistics support for AESA radar” totaling $320 million, and “tactical area communication system follow-up maintenance” totaling $65 million. The sale is expected to take effect officially after a one-month notification period.
The Taiwan Ministry of National Defense emphasized that the key equipment for the F-16 aircraft and logistics support for AESA radar from the U.S. will help maintain the readiness of Taiwan’s F-16 fighter jets and bolster air defense capabilities. Moreover, the sale of the “tactical area communication system follow-up maintenance” will enhance the effectiveness of the communication system and strengthen field information communication capabilities, establishing reliable defense capabilities.
Stressing the importance of the Taiwan Relations Act and the “Six Assurances,” the Ministry of National Defense reiterated that the U.S. continues to assist Taiwan in maintaining sufficient self-defense capabilities, which are fundamental for regional stability. The Taiwan Relations Act stipulates that both countries will continue to strengthen their security partnership to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. The Ministry expressed gratitude for the U.S. arms sale decision.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China issued a press release today stating that they received official notification from the U.S. government, informing that the executive branch had notified Congress of the sale of approximately $385 million worth of equipment, including “key equipment for the F-16 aircraft and logistics support for AESA radar” and “tactical area communication system follow-up maintenance.” The Ministry warmly welcomed this news and thanked the U.S. government for fulfilling its security commitments to Taiwan based on the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.
This marks the 18th arms sale to Taiwan since the Biden administration took office, demonstrating a consistent policy of normalizing arms sales to Taiwan to ensure its sufficient self-defense capabilities and reliable defense strength in response to Chinese pressure. It showcases the firm support of the U.S. government in enhancing Taiwan’s defense resilience and its high regard for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Facing frequent military pressure and gray-zone provocations from the Chinese Communist Party in the vicinity of Taiwan’s airspace and seas, Taiwan will continue to demonstrate its determination for self-defense, strengthen the defense capabilities of the Republic of China, and enhance the overall defense resilience of society to defend the way of life based on freedom and democracy. Through strength, Taiwan and the U.S. aim to achieve peace and deepen their close security partnership. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also welcomes like-minded partners, including the U.S., to continue taking concrete actions to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.