The U.S. Department of State has tentatively approved the sale of approximately 530 billion won worth of F-16 fighter jet-related parts to Taiwan, major foreign media reported on the 29th (local time). This decision was made one day before President Lai Ching-te's first overseas trip since taking office.
According to reports, the U.S. Department of State approved a plan to sell spare parts necessary for F-16 fighter jets and radars to Taiwan, valued at $385 million (about 537.7 billion won). Additionally, it tentatively approved the sale of improved mobile tactical communication system equipment and technical support for $65 million (about 90.8 billion won).
The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense emphasized that the U.S. approval will take effect within a month and said it "will help build a reliable defense force." Taiwan also stated in a press release, "Taiwan and the United States will continue to strengthen their security cooperation relationship and work together to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region."
Meanwhile, President Lai Ching-te is scheduled to visit the Pacific island nations of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau for a six-night, seven-day trip starting on the 30th, and will also visit the U.S. territories of Hawaii and Guam.
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