The US State Department has approved a $360 million arms sale to Taiwan, including hundreds of armed drones and missile equipment, amid escalating tensions with Beijing. The package consists of 291 Altius-600M armed drones and 720 Switchblade extended-range loitering munitions.
The State Department's announcement emphasized that the sale supports US national, economic, and security interests by aiding Taiwan's military modernization and defensive capabilities. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te expressed gratitude, asserting that the new hardware would enhance regional stability and bolster Taiwan’s national defense through both foreign military purchases and domestic efforts.
This development comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly told European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last year that the US's increased military support for Taiwan and its aggressive regional posture appear to be provocations aimed at inciting a Chinese invasion of the island.
Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of US Indo-Pacific Command, has recently articulated a strategy for a potential conflict with China, describing plans to deploy a massive number of unmanned aerial, sea, and underwater vehicles to create a “hellscape” in the Taiwan Strait if Beijing attacks. Paparo’s remarks highlight the Pentagon's readiness for conflict, following directives from President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
This stance marks a significant shift from the US’s long-standing policy of "strategic ambiguity" concerning Taiwan. Under the Biden administration, the policy has transitioned to "strategic clarity," with high-ranking officials like Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines and former NSC Asia chief Kurt Campbell confirming the change to a more overt war footing.
Since last year, the US has significantly ramped up military aid to Taiwan, angering Beijing and increasing the risk of conflict. The US aims to transform Taiwan into a heavily fortified "giant weapons depot," potentially leading to severe consequences, including the threat of nuclear conflict, should a direct war with China ensue.
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