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Taiwan would receive 30mm high explosive ammunition and logistics supply support in two separate possible foreign military sales approved by the US State Department.
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The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the US Congress of the two potential sales worth around US$440 million in total on 29 June.
Under the first deal, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office would receive 30mm High Explosive Incendiary-Tracer rounds, 30mm multi-purpose rounds and 30 mm training rounds, technical and testing support services for use on CM-34 Clouded Leopard infantry fighting vehicles at a cost of US$332.2 million.
“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,” according to a statement from the DSCA.
“The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region.
“The proposed sale will contribute to the sustainment of the recipient’s CM34 armoured vehicles, enhancing its ability to meet current and future threats.
“This ammunition will contribute to the recipient’s goal of maintaining its military capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States.”
Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems have been selected as principal contractors for the ammunition.
The US State Department has also approved the possible foreign military sale of a Blanket Order Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement Foreign Military Sales Order II and related equipment for US$108 million.
The CLSSA FMSO II supports the purchase of spare and repair parts for wheeled vehicles, weapons, and other program support to help improve security and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region.
“The proposed sale will contribute to the sustainment of the recipient’s vehicles, small arms, combat weapon systems, and logistical support items, enhancing its ability to meet current and future threats,” the DSCA statement said on 29 June.
“The proposed sale will contribute to the recipient’s goal of maintaining its military capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States.”
Principal contractors will be determined from approved vendors determined by the Defense Logistics Agency.
People’s Republic of China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the country is firmly opposed to arms sales to Taiwan, during a regular press conference on 30 June.
“China is firmly opposed to US’ military ties with and arms sales to Taiwan. This position is consistent and unequivocal,” she said.
“The US should abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, stop selling arms to Taiwan, stop creating new factors that could lead to tensions in the Taiwan Strait, and stop posing risks to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
The Republic of China Ministry of National Defense also issued a statement in May confirming it had sought an additional 18 sets of High Mobility Advanced Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and other equipment from the US with a delivery date before 2027.
