The latest US$180 million arms sale to Taiwan, days after China staged a massive show of force near the self-governed island, reflects a growing US willingness to weather angry Chinese reactions and a renewed belief in the importance of asymmetric defence tactics following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, military analysts and former Pentagon officials say.
On Thursday, Taipei received US approval to buy Volcano anti-tank systems mounted on heavy trucks and designed to spread landmines rapidly over a large area, targeting invading infantry and weapon systems. The deal still faces Congressional approval but that is largely a formality.