The United States announced Wednesday (October 21) that it had approved the sale to Taiwan of 135 Slam-ER coastal defense missiles, which have sufficient range to reach China, for an estimated amount of $ 1 billion.
Read also: China shows its muscles against Taiwan
Washington, which considers it a strategic priority to counter the rise of Beijing's influence in the region, has also decided to sell Taiwan tactical rocket launchers for $ 436 million and imaging equipment for aerial reconnaissance. for $ 367 million, bringing the total amount of approved transactions to over $ 1.8 billion.
The sale of 135 of these missiles
"serves the economic and national security interests of the United States by helping
(Taiwan)
to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defense capacity"
, indicated the State Department by announcing this decision.
The Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (Slam-ER) air-to-surface missile has a maximum range of 270 km, greater than the width of the Taiwan Strait that separates the island from China.
However, Beijing considers Taiwan as part of its territory and regularly threatens to use force in the event of a formal proclamation of independence in Taipei or external intervention - especially American.
Read also: Taiwan, this fault line between China and America
Taiwan will also be able to purchase eleven Himars (High mobility artillery rocket system) systems, a truck-mounted multiple rocket launcher, and related weaponry, as well as six MS-110 reconnaissance pods, imaging equipment intended to enhance capabilities. Taiwanese aviation reconnaissance.
Washington severed diplomatic relations with Taipei in 1979 to recognize Beijing, but remains the island's most powerful ally and its number one arms supplier.
President Donald Trump's administration has accelerated arms sales to the island in recent years, which recently finalized a massive purchase contract for 66 next-generation F-16 fighters, which can be upgraded to 90 aircraft.
White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien last week advised Taiwan to
"fortify" itself
to protect itself from invasion by China, while deeming the event unlikely before
"10 or 15 years ”
.
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