China Accuses US of Selling Outdated, Overpriced Arms to Taiwan
Beijing: China’s military has publicly criticized the United States for allegedly providing Taiwan with outdated and overpriced military equipment. This statement was made amid escalating tensions between China and Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province.
According to Anadolu Agency, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a Chinese Defense Spokesman, highlighted that the weaponry sold to Taiwan includes items with “obsolete functions” and “sky-high prices.” He referenced a recent investigation by the US Government Accountability Office, which uncovered alleged fraudulent activities by defense contractor Raytheon during its sales of Patriot missile systems and radar to Taiwan in 2013 and 2017. Wu’s statement was supported by reports from China Military Online, which quoted him criticizing the quality of the military items sold, including “moldy bulletproof vests” and “expired ammunition.”
The accusations come at a time when Taiwan’s defense spending and procurement practices under the ruling Democratic Progress
ive Party are under scrutiny. Wu accused Taiwanese officials of wasteful expenditure that benefits only “corrupted officials and arms dealers.”
The US Government has yet to respond to these allegations. However, in a recent development, Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo announced that Taiwan would be compensated for the overcharges by Raytheon, as revealed in the US investigation. Moreover, Taiwanese authorities are pressing for a thorough US investigation into all defense procurement contracts with Raytheon to ensure no further instances of overpricing have occurred.
The issue of arms sales is critical as the US has intensified its military support to Taiwan. Since 2021, under President Joe Biden’s administration, the US has conducted 16 arms sales to Taiwan. The Biden administration also passed legislation in April to bolster military aid to Taiwan, alongside Ukraine and Israel, aiming to strengthen their defense capabilities amid growing geopolitical tensions.