Taiwan signs $US1.8bn missile deal with the United States

The island nation insists it isn’t provoking an arms race with China after buying 135 precision land attack missiles from the US.

Taiwan has signed a deal for 135 precision land attack missiles manufactured by Boeing.

Taiwan has insisted that it is not provoking an arms race with China after sealing a US1.8 billion missile deal with the US.

The island nation said that the package, which includes 135 precision land attack missiles manufactured by Boeing, 11 lorry-based rocket launchers with a striking range of more than 270km and associated equipment and training, would enable it to modernise its defence capacity.

The Trump administration has increased support for Taiwan through arms sales and visits by senior US officials, adding to tensions between Beijing and Washington that have already been heightened by disagreements over the South China Sea, Hong Kong, human rights and trade.

Beijing has ratcheted up military drills off Taiwan in recent months, including flying fighter jets across the sensitive mid-line of the Taiwan Strait, which serves as an unofficial buffer.

Like most countries, the US has no formal diplomatic ties with Taipei but is its strongest global backer.

Taiwan’s defence minister Yen Teh-fa said at a press conference that the sales would help Taiwan improve its ability to deal with the “enemy threat and new situation”.

He said: “This includes a credible combat capability and asymmetric warfare capabilities to strengthen our determination to defend ourselves.”

Mr Yen said the sale indicated that the US had “taken note of security in the Indo-Pacific region and security in the Taiwan Strait”.

Three anti-submarine S-70C helicopters fly in formation during an annual drill at the Tsoying navy base in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan.

He added: “We have no intention to have any arms race with the Chinese communist forces and our arms purchases are made in line with our combat operation needs and the latest situation, as well as strategic consideration.”

While the sale still needs approval from the Taiwanese legislature, Mr Yen said the island would consolidate its partnership with the US in upholding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region.

China regards Taiwan as a renegade province and has been displeased with previous American arms sales to the country.

China’s foreign ministry said at a daily briefing today (Friday) that America’s approval of the proposed sale would have a significant impact on Sino-US ties.

Zhao Lijian, spokesman for the ministry, said: “China will make a legitimate and necessary response according to how the situation develops.”

He did not give details, but China has sanctioned US companies in the past for selling weapons to Taiwan, though it is unclear what form they have taken.

THE TIMES