The United States has given the green light for the sale to Taiwan of the Volcano anti-tank anti-mine system for defense, for an estimated price of 180 million dollars.
Developed by the US military in the 1980s, the Volcano system is capable of dispersing anti-tank and anti-personnel mines from a ground vehicle or helicopter, and could be used to defend against amphibious landings on Taiwanese beaches.
The sale also includes M977A4 HEMTT 10-ton cargo trucks, M87A1 anti-tank ammunition, M88 training ammunition canister, M89 training ammunition, and logistics support packages, among other forms of aid. The aim of the sale is to improve Taiwan’s capacity for “asymmetric warfare” amid rising tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to seize the island by force if necessary. Taiwan strongly rejects Beijing’s claim to sovereignty and has declared that it will defend itself in case of attack.
Sales could affect US-China relations
Northrop Grumman and Oshkosh Corporation, makers of the ammunition and trucks respectively, are the main contractors for the sale. The move could further escalate tensions between the United States and China. Why? Because China considers Taiwan part of its territory and strongly opposes any form of support or recognition of its independence by foreign governments. The United States maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan, including strong defense exchanges and sales of military hardware, making it Taiwan’s biggest international supporter and main source of weapons, angering China.
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Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare strategy in the face of the Chinese threat
The frequent military activities of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) near Taiwan have posed serious threats to the self-ruled island and have intensified in recent years. In a 24-hour display of force, the Chinese military sent 71 planes and seven ships toward Taiwan, with 47 of the planes crossing the 160-kilometer (99-mile) median line of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial border.
Developed by the US military in the 1980s, the Volcano system is capable of dispersing anti-tank and anti-personnel mines from a ground vehicle or helicopter previously recognized by both parties.
The US sale of the Volcano anti-tank mine-laying system and other military equipment to Taiwan may increase tensions between the two countries. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and strongly opposes any form of support or recognition of Taiwanese independence by foreign governments. The United States is Taiwan’s biggest international supporter and its main source of weapons, which infuriates China.
Tensions between the United States and China rose earlier this year after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, despite Chinese opposition to the trip. Beijing sees foreign government visits to the island as a de facto recognition of Taiwan’s independence and a challenge to China’s claim to sovereignty.
In its announcement of the military sales, the United States stated that the sale of the Volcano system to Taiwan serves its national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient country’s efforts to modernize its military and maintain a credible defensive capability. The sale is intended to help the island nation bolster its defense capabilities in the face of growing military threats from China.
Analysts are also calling on Taiwan to invest in traditional “big-cost” items, such as advanced fighter jets, to defend its airspace and deter potential Chinese military aggression. Ultimately, the best approach for Taiwan will likely be a mix of traditional and asymmetric defense capabilities tailored to the specific threats it faces and its resources.
Beijing sees foreign government visits to the island as a de facto recognition of Taiwan’s independence and a challenge to China’s claim to sovereignty.
The situation in the Taiwan Strait is complex and tensions between China and Taiwan, as well as between China and the United States, may escalate.
Note: The article was originally published in English in the Financial Express, and its reproduction in Spanish is done with the direct authorization of the author. Link to the original article:https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/taiwan-strengthens-defence-capabilities-with-us-military-sales/2936523/
