U.S. to convince Taiwan to purchase over worth $2 billion in weapons a test for China: Sources
New Delhi/Washington, Jun.6(HS): The United States is all set to convince Taiwan for purchase of of more than $2 billion worth of tanks and weapons, a source familiar with the isuue said. But it may irk the China as already the world’s two biggest economies are at crossroad on the front of trade war.
Source, even, also confirms that an informal notification of the proposed sale has been sent to the U.S. Congress but this confirmation is based on the condition of of anonymity because it is not authorized to speak about the possible deal.
As per information, the potential sale included 108 General Dynamics Corp M1A2 Abrams tanks worth around $2 billion as well as anti-tank and anti-aircraft munitions. It is worthwhile to mention that Taiwan has been interested in refreshing its existing U.S.-made battle tank inventory, which includes M60 Patton tanks. The United States is the main arms supplier to Taiwan, which China deems its own and has never renounced the use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.
Earlier, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said in March the United States was responding positively to Taipei’s requests for new arms sales to bolster its defenses in the face of pressure from China. The United States has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide it with the means to defend itself. China and the United States are engaged in a fierce trade war, with clashes over Taiwan and the South China Sea exacerbating tensions.
A spokesman for the State Department, which oversees foreign military sales, said the U.S. government does not comment on or confirm potential or pending arms sales or transfers before they have been formally notified to Congress. The congressional notifications included a variety of anti-tank munitions, including 409 Raytheon Co and Lockheed Martin Corp-made Javelin missiles worth as much as $129 million, the source said.
