Taiwan is contemplating a substantial military procurement package from the United States, signalling its commitment to bolstering defences against China as Donald Trump potentially returns to office. The proposed acquisitions include the Aegis destroyer, advanced radar systems, and potentially controversial F-35 fighter jets.
Sources close to the matter indicate Taipei’s interest in Lockheed Martin vessels and Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne radar system. The package might comprise up to 60 F-35 fighters, four Advanced Hawkeyes, 10 retired warships, and 400 Patriot missiles, with estimated costs exceeding £12 billion.
The strategic move comes as nations worldwide reassess their defence spending to align with Trump’s emphasis on allies increasing military expenditure. Elbridge Colby, a former Pentagon official and potential appointee, has strongly advocated for Taiwan to enhance its defence budget, stating the island’s fate hangs in the balance.
During Trump’s previous administration, the US approved 11 defence packages to Taiwan worth £16.8 billion, including F-16 fighter jets and Abrams tanks. The current Biden administration has authorised deals valued at £5.6 billion, focusing on smaller, mobile weaponry suitable for countering invasion attempts.
Senior Taiwanese officials maintain that concerns regarding a second Trump administration are excessive, citing strong bipartisan support for Taiwan in Washington. The procurement initiative is being orchestrated by vice-president Hsiao Bi-khim and national security adviser Joseph Wu, demonstrating Taiwan’s serious commitment to self-defence.
Chinese officials have responded by urging the US to cease arms sales to Taiwan, while calling on Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive party to abandon what they term “attempts at secession through external forces and military capability building.”
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