Thousands rally in Taipei for higher defence spending amid China tensions
Thousands of people have rallied in Taipei in support of higher defence spending, in a public show of concern over Taiwan's security situation. The demonstration came after a US military official said Washington was pausing a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan. Organisers and participants linked the call for more spending to the island's need for stronger deterrence as pressure from China continues.The reported pause was said to be tied to conserving munitions for the war on Iran. That detail has added a wider international dimension to an issue that is already central to Taiwan's defence planning. The rally took... [Continue Reading]
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US pauses Taiwan arms sales amid munitions concerns linked to Iran operations
The United States has put arms sales to Taiwan on pause, according to the acting US Navy secretary, in a move tied to the need to preserve munitions for US operations involving Iran. The comments were made during a congressional hearing on Thursday and relate to a stalled Taiwan weapons package valued at $14 billion. The development adds a new layer of uncertainty to an already sensitive defence relationship between Washington and Taipei.Acting secretary Hung Cao said the pause was intended to ensure the US military had enough munitions for "Epic Fury", while adding that the US had "plenty". The... [Continue Reading]

