Taiwan’s three main political parties have agreed to authorise the government to sign agreements with the United States for four arms sales packages, clearing the way for the deals after warnings that delays could push Taipei to the back of the production queue.
The decision followed weeks of debate over defence spending in Taiwan’s parliament, where opposition parties hold the majority.
President Lai Ching-te’s government has been seeking approval for an additional $40 billion in defence spending, arguing that stronger military capabilities are essential as tensions with China continue.
Political Debate Over Defence Spending
Opposition parties said they supported strengthening Taiwan’s defence but criticised the government’s spending plans as lacking clarity.
Lawmakers argued they could not approve what they described as “blank cheques” without detailed information about the proposed spending.
Both opposition groups had proposed alternative defence packages that would cost less than the government’s plan.
Deadline Pressure From Washington
Taiwan’s defence ministry warned that delays in signing the agreements could affect the delivery timeline for the weapons.
Officials said Taiwan could lose its position in the production queue if the letters of offer and acceptance for the systems were not signed on time.
Lawmakers therefore agreed to allow the government to sign the agreements even if parliamentary reviews of the spending plans are still ongoing.
Weapons Included In The Deal
The arms packages include several advanced systems supplied by the United States, including TOW anti-tank missiles, M109A7 self-propelled howitzers, Javelin missiles produced by Lockheed Martin, and HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems.
Taiwan’s defence minister said the deadline for signing the HIMARS agreement was March 26, while other weapons packages must be confirmed by Sunday.
US Concern Over Defence Delays
The debate over defence spending has drawn attention in Washington, Taiwan’s most important security partner and arms supplier.
Last month, a bipartisan group of 37 US lawmakers expressed concern to Taiwanese legislators over delays in approving defence plans.
The United States has been encouraging allies to increase defence spending, a policy strongly supported by President Lai’s government.
(with inputs from Reuters)
