December 29, 2022
No. 385
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has been officially notified by the United States government that the Biden administration has informed Congress of the US$180 million sale of Volcano anti-tank mine-laying systems to Taiwan. MOFA warmly welcomes this news and thanks the US government for continuing to fulfill its security commitments to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.
This is the Biden administration’s eighth announcement of arms sales to Taiwan, fully demonstrating the US government’s high regard for Taiwan’s defense requirements. It also shows that the United States is assisting Taiwan with the timely acquisition of defense equipment and with upgrading Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities.
In the face of China’s military expansion and provocative actions in the Indo-Pacific region, Taiwan continues to demonstrate a strong determination to defend itself. Such concrete acts as the recent announcement restoring the conscription period to a full year has garnered the support of the United States and other friendly countries. The government will continue to strengthen Taiwan’s national defense and enhance its asymmetric capabilities. At the same time, Taiwan will strive to maintain and further deepen the close Taiwan-US security partnership, jointly safeguard the rules-based international order, and promote security across the Taiwan Strait and the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. (E)