Key Takeaways:
– Taiwan confirms receipt of the first batch of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) from United States.
– Of the 29 units purchased, the initial 11 have arrived.
– The move is a part of Taiwan’s efforts to bolster defense against potential Chinese aggression.
– Slowdown in American arm sales due to Covid-19 supply chain disruptions and other US weapons commitments.
– The backlog of US arms sales to Taiwan now crosses $20 billion, as per the Cato Institute.
Boosting Taiwan’s Defense with HIMARS
Taiwan’s defense strategy took a leap forward as they welcomed the first set of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, from the United States. This action comes amid Taiwan’s need to secure itself from any potential military hostility from China.
For those not familiar, HIMARS are mobile rocket launchers mounted on trucks. They can fire plenty of precision-guided rockets at the same time. These units are a part of military arsenals worldwide, including Ukraine’s forces combating Russia.
Taiwan’s defese ministry announced that 11 of the 29 purchased units are now secure on Taiwanese soil. However, details surrounding the cost and exact arrival time of these HIMARS weren’t disclosed by Deputy Defense Minister Po Horng-huei.
Strengthening Ties between USA and Taiwan
United States has long been a bulwark of support and the prime arms provider for Taiwan. This relationship doesn’t sit well with Beijing, which considers Taiwan a part of its territory. But these geopolitical tensions haven’t deterred Washington or Taipei.
Over the past half-century, the U.S has provided Taiwan with military aids worth billions. The list includes potent military gear such as warships and F-16 fighter jets.
The 2023 defense report suggests that over the past couple of years, America agreed to supply more military equipment including HIMARS to Taiwan.
Trying Times for Taiwan
Caught in the midst of power claims, Taiwan has been facing increased military pressure from China. The island nation staunchly opposes these sovereignty claims by Beijing. Despite this, China hasn’t dismissed the idea of using force for gaining control over Taiwan.
Adding to the uncertainty, the USA maintains a “strategic ambiguity” about the position of its troops in Taiwan’s defense, even as weapons supply remains codified in the law.
Furthermore, Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Ko candidly declared to reporters last Tuesday that Taiwan will keep reinforcing its self-defense. He asserted that the commitment remains unwavering, irrespective of the result of the US presidential election.
Facing Troop and Firepower Disparity
In an event of conflict with China, Taiwan recognizes it would be heavily outmatched in terms of troop strength and firepower. Consequently, it has been raising defense budgets in recent years. The record for the spent amount is $19 billion for 2024, and the budget for the next year is set to surpass this figure.
Yet, issues linger. Routine US arms supplies have been impeded due to Covid-19 and other international commitments. These have thus far slowed American arms sales to Taiwan, with a backlog exceeding $20 billion according to Cato Institute, a Washington-based think tank.
This collectively forms a perilous situation for Taiwan as it is caught in international crosshairs, driving the nation to fortify its defense with strategic prowess now more than ever.