U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan: New Deals Await Congressional Approval

The U.S. plans further arms sales to Taiwan, with four deals pending Congressional notification, as Taiwan's Vice Defence Minister Hsu revealed. Despite tensions with China, Taiwan is bolstering its defense spending, as President Lai advocates for additional funding. Opposition seeks more transparency on the budget details.

The United States is preparing to finalize more arms deals with Taiwan, despite not having formal diplomatic ties. This comes after a record $11 billion package was announced last month, signifying America's continued support for Taiwan amid tensions with China, which claims the island as its own.

Vice Defence Minister Hsu Szu-chien disclosed that four more packages are awaiting Congressional notification, a standard procedure in the approval of such sales. Hsu, citing legal constraints, did not reveal further details on these new packages.

In a move to strengthen Taiwan's defense, President Lai Ching-te announced an additional $40 billion in defense spending by 2033. However, opposition forces in parliament demand specific details, stalling the decision in committee. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Wellington Koo is set to brief lawmakers confidentially to clarify the plan's components.

(With inputs from agencies.)