US Pushes Missile Exports Capable of Striking Mainland China from Taiwan Airspace

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] It has been revealed that the United States is moving to sell missiles to Taiwan that can be launched from outside China's air defense identification zone toward targets on the mainland.

AGM-84H/K SLAM-ER

The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 18th (local time), citing sources, that among the seven weapon systems the U.S. plans to sell to Taiwan is the AGM-84H/K SLAM-ER air-to-ground cruise missile.

This missile can be mounted on Taiwan's F-16 fighter jets and has a maximum range of 248 km, allowing it to be launched from Taiwanese airspace toward targets on the Chinese mainland or Chinese warships.

The AGM-84H/K SLAM-ER air-to-ground missile could be used to strengthen Taiwan's offensive capabilities against the mainland, which is expected to further escalate U.S.-China tensions.

While the U.S. exports weapons to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act, it has so far refrained from exporting offensive weapons, considering its relationship with China.

The NYT reported that the Trump administration plans to brief Congress soon on the arms sales plan to Taiwan, and government officials analyze that there will be no issues with congressional approval.