Taiwan Today
Date: May 16, 2016
The annual report released by the U.S. Department of Defense May 13 on military and security
Taiwan’s military spending is trending upward as the government maintains a robust national defense. (CNA)
developments involving mainland China called attention to the current security situation across the Taiwan Strait and Washington’s firm stance regarding the maintenance of cross-strait peace.
Consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, the report stated the U.S. has contributed to peace, security and stability in the Taiwan Strait through such efforts as announcing arms sales of more than US$14 billion to the Republic of China (Taiwan) since 2009 to help the nation maintain sufficient self-defense capabilities.
The report also stated, however, that mainland China “continues to develop and deploy military capabilities intended to coerce Taiwan or to attempt an invasion, if necessary.”
The U.S. “opposes any unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait by either side” and “continues to support the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues in a manner, scope and pace acceptable to the people on both sides,” according to the Pentagon. [FULL STORY]
