Taiwan May Miss US Arms Deals Due to Legislative Deadlock

Taiwan May Miss US Arms Deals Due to Legislative Deadlock

Taiwan is at risk of missing out on three US-approved weapons packages for the first time due to a stalled NT$1.25 trillion ($40 billion) special defense budget in the legislature. Defense Minister Wellington Koo Li-hsiung has urged opposition lawmakers to give emergency authorization before March 15, when letters of offer and acceptance will expire.

If the deals, including M109A7 self-propelled howitzers and Javelin and Tow anti-tank missiles, expire, it would be the first time Taiwan misses US arms purchases due to legislative deadlock rather than hesitation in Washington. This situation could damage international confidence in Taiwan's commitment to defend itself.

Analyst Su Tzu-yun compares this situation to missing a medical appointment, emphasizing the need for legislative action to avoid further delays and maintain priority in military procurement.