Not seeking arms race, Taiwan says

TAIPEI: Taiwan is not seeking to become involved in an arms race with China but does need a credible combat capability, Defence Minister Yen Defa said yesterday, after the United States approved a potential $US1.8 billion ($NZ 2.7 billion) arms sale to the Chineseclaimed island.

Beijing has applied increasing pressure on democratically ruled Taiwan to accept China’s sovereignty, including by flying fighter jets across the sensitive midline of the Taiwan Strait, which normally serves as an unofficial buffer.

The latest US arms package includes sensors, missiles and artillery. Further congressional notifications are expected for drones made by General Atomics and landbased Harpoon antiship missiles, made by Boeing Co, to serve as coastal defence cruise missiles.

Speaking to reporters, Yen thanked the United States and said the sales were to help Taiwan improve its defensive capabilities to deal with the ‘‘enemy threat and new situation’’.

‘‘This includes a credible combat capability and asymmetric warfare capabilities to strengthen our determination to defend ourselves,’’ he added.

‘‘This shows the importance attached by the United States to security in the Indo Pacific and Taiwan Strait. — Reuters