Overview
- Taiwan’s defense ministry said Washington has begun the statutory notification process, describing the step as support for Taipei as Beijing increases military and diplomatic pressure.
- The proposed package spans eight categories, including HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, anti-tank missiles, drones and parts for other equipment.
- U.S. officials have encouraged Taipei’s shift toward asymmetric defenses that emphasize mobile, smaller and cost-effective systems such as drones.
- Channel NewsAsia described the US$11.1 billion proposal as the largest U.S. weapons package for Taiwan to date, a characterization not independently confirmed in the statements cited.
- Two sources told Reuters the announcement followed an unannounced Washington-area visit by Taiwan’s foreign minister, Lin Chia-lung, to meet U.S. officials.