The US has approved a new arms deal for Taiwan worth over US$300 million. It's the first weapons package announced during President Donald Trump’s second term.
00:00The U.S. has just approved a new arms sales package to Taiwan, the first of U.S. President Donald Trump's second term in office.
00:07The more than 300 million U.S. dollar package will provide items needed to keep Taiwan's American-made weapons like the F-16 online.
00:30While this package is essentially spare parts, it could signal what's to come.
01:00Taiwan's foreign ministry held the deal as an example of the U.S. fulfilling its commitment to peace in the Taiwan Strait.
01:09It comes as Taiwan's legislature reviews a special defense budget that could reach 40 billion U.S. dollars.
01:15And just after a meeting between the leader of Taiwan's opposition party and officials from the U.S. de facto embassy in Taiwan, the timing is notable.
01:24Media reported in September that the U.S. withheld more than $400 million in military aid to Taiwan while negotiating with China.
01:33But with this new package, Washington seems to be reaffirming its support for Taiwan and possibly signal a closer partnership in the future.
01:41Devin Tsai and Ellen Lu in Taipei for Taiwan Plus.
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