US Stinger Missiles Arrive in Taiwan... China Calls It a "Dangerous Action"

Partial Delivery of Weapons Worth 500 Million Dollars

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The first shipment of FIM-92 air defense missiles (Stinger missiles) sent by the United States has arrived in Taiwan.

This is part of the $500 million (approximately 660 billion KRW) worth of weapons that the Biden administration is trying to send to Taiwan via the "fast track" process.

According to China Times on the 26th, some of the weapons that the U.S. decided to send to Taiwan recently arrived at Taiwan Taoyuan Airport in a confidential manner and were handed over to the Taiwanese military.

Earlier, the Biden administration decided to support Taiwan with $500 million worth of weapons using the "Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA)," which can be activated without congressional approval in emergencies.

Taiwanese media reported that the weapons provided by the U.S. include the infantry portable infrared-guided surface-to-air missile FIM-92 missile, TOW 2B-RF anti-tank missile, and Javelin anti-tank missile. These weapons are known to constitute so-called "asymmetric warfare capabilities" (weapon systems that can achieve desired effects with small quantities against stronger enemies).

Meanwhile, China showed a strong reaction to this news. Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing that the U.S. arms supply to Taiwan violates the three joint communiques between the U.S. and China (including the diplomatic communique). He added, "It is an extremely wrong and very dangerous act," emphasizing, "We express strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition."

Spokesperson Mao also said that China has lodged a "stern negotiation," meaning a protest through diplomatic channels, with the U.S. side. He warned, "China will closely monitor the situation and firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity."