Taiwan thanks US for approving US$750 mln howitzer sale

TAIPEI: Taiwan thanked the United States yesterday for agreeing to sell 40 howitzer artillery systems in a US$750 million deal that will help the island better defend itself from a Chinese invasion.

Taipei’s foreign ministry said yesterday it was the first major arms sale announced since President Joe Biden took office in January and would help the island “maintain a rock-solid selfdefence and regional peace and stability”.

“Faced with China’s continuing military expansion and provocations, our government will boost national defence and security with an unwavering determination to defend people’s lives and our free and democratic way of living,” it added.

The State Department approved the sale of 40 155mm M109A6 medium self-propelled howitzer artillery systems on Wednesday in a deal that will need to be approved by Congress.

Taipei’s foreign ministry said it was the first major arms sale announced since President Joe Biden took office in January and would help the island ‘maintain a rock-solid self-defence and regional peace and stability’.

“Faced with China’s continuing military expansion and provocations, our government will boost national defence and security with an unwavering determination to defend people’s lives and our free and democratic way of living,” it added.

The State Department approved the sale of 40 155mm M109A6 medium self-propelled howitzer artillery systems on Wednesday in a deal that will need to be approved by Congress.