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The US has continued to defy the ‘One China’ policy, approving the sale of a military communications system to Taiwan.
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The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has approved the sale of a Field Information Communications System (FICS) and related equipment to Taiwan, worth approximately $280 million.
Specifically, the order includes a FICS consisting of 154 communications nodes (CN) with S-788 Type III shelter, 24 communication relays with S-788 Type III shelter, and eight network management systems (NMS) with S-788 Type III shelter.
“This proposed sale serves US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability,” the DSCA stated.
“The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, economic and progress in the region.”
The DSCA added that the order would contribute to the modernisation of Taiwan’s military communication’s capability in support of its “mission and operational needs”.
The principal contractor for the delivery of the communications system is yet to be determined, with a tender opened for the contract.
This latest sale of military equipment to Taiwan follows the DSCA’s approval of approximately $2.4 billion in arms in November.
The sales have been met with fierce criticism from China, which has repeatedly accused the US of violating its ‘One China’ policy.
China has imposed sanctions against US companies involved in the arms sales, including Lockheed Martin; Boeing Defense, Space & Security; and Raytheon Technologies.
“As China pointed out on multiple occasions, the US arms sales to the Taiwan region severely violate the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, and seriously undermine China’s sovereignty and security interests,” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said in response to the sales.
“China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it.”
The spokesman continued, “Once again, we urge the United States to strictly fulfill its commitment to the one-China principle and observe the three China-US joint communiqués, and stop selling weapons to Taiwan or having any military ties with it.
“We will continue taking necessary measures to safeguard national sovereignty and security interests.”
[Related: US defies China, approves $600m arms sale to Taiwan]
