Japan warned of possible responses if Taiwan faced a military invasion, in the context of the United States’ recent approval of a new agreement to supply military equipment to the island. As reported by the news agency, the US government authorized the sale of materials for the manufacture of fighter jets to Taipei worth $330 million, equivalent to about 280 million euros. This is the first operation of its kind since the beginning of Donald Trump’s second presidential term in January.
According to the source, the Pentagon indicated in a statement that the potential sale would contribute to significantly improving Taiwan’s military capabilities. The primary goal, as detailed by the same agency, is for the island to be able to manage direct threats and maintain adequate readiness with the presence and availability of F-16 and C-130 aircraft. Washington, although maintaining formal diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, maintains close relations with Taipei and remains its main international arms supplier.
The media added that this policy still provokes negative reactions from Beijing. The Chinese government considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory and regularly criticizes arms deals between the United States and Taiwanese authorities, describing the agreements as foreign interference in its internal affairs. Meanwhile, media reported that the Chinese military once again deployed missions and exercises near Taiwan’s waters and airspace, in actions aimed at exerting direct pressure on the island’s government and residents.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s presidential office publicly thanked the US government for approving this contract. Karen Kuo, spokeswoman for the island’s presidency, declared that this relationship is of “vital importance” to Taiwan’s national security, and stressed that Washington’s continued support contributes to regional peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific basin, the news agency reported. Ko also stressed that the decision reinforces the policy of regular sales of military equipment between the two governments.
According to the press report, although administrative approval has already been obtained, the transfer and delivery of materials will not begin for a month. This delay in the protocol comes in response to the notification and consultation procedures conducted by the US Congress regarding this type of contract.
This mandate comes amid escalating tensions in the region, which has been marked by warning statements from both China and Japan. According to what was published, Japan recently clarified its position regarding launching a hypothetical military attack on Taiwan, stressing that it would prepare a response if the island was subjected to armed aggression.
The Indo-Pacific region is witnessing frequent and increasing episodes of exercises and displays of force by China in the vicinity of Taiwan. The international press and analysts interpret this pattern of maneuvers as an attempt to increase political and military pressure on the Taipei government, while maintaining diplomatic controversy with the United States.
According to the media, despite the lack of formal international recognition of Taiwan by the United States – diplomatically the White House only recognizes Beijing as the legitimate state of China – Washington continues its policy of providing military equipment and defense assistance to the island.
Recent events confirm the continued instability in the region and keep open the issue of the military balance in the Taiwan Strait, which is one of the strategic regions with the greatest global geopolitical sensitivity. This decision by the US government maintains the flow of support and resources for Taiwan’s defense modernization, at a time when Japanese government warnings and Chinese military pressure are increasing the tone of the regional dispute.
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