Taiwan Wants American M1 Abrams Tanks. And the Reason Is China.

Taiwan is once again interested in purchasing Abrams tanks from the United States.

The National Interest
Date: May 5, 2018
By: Zachary Keck

This week the Hong Kong–based South China Morning Post reported that Taiwan’s Minister of National Defense, Yen Teh-fa, told a legislative panel that Taipei is still interested in purchasing U.S.-made M1A2 Abrams tanks. Citing Taiwan’s United Daily News, South China Morning Post said that Taiwan’s Defense Ministry is initially interested in buying two battalions (or 108) of M1A2 tanks. Ultimately, the Taiwanese military hopes to purchase even more tanks from Washington.

Yen said that the tanks would provide the last line of defense against a Chinese invasion. Besides immediately improving Taiwan’s combat readiness, he indicated that the sale would also involve technology transfers that could enhance the country’s domestic arms industry.    [FULL  STORY]