Taipei, June 30 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen on Friday tweeted a statement from the Presidential Office expressing gratitude to the U.S. government after the latter approved arms sales to Taiwan.
The statement, written in English and released earlier on Friday, said the office welcomes congressional notification of a new arms sales package for Taiwan.
"We also thank the U.S. government for its continued commitment under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances," the statement said.
The Presidential Office stated that the provision of defensive systems help strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capability. "This increases Taiwan's confidence and ability to maintain the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,"
"On this basis, we will continue to seek constructive dialogue with Beijing, and promote positive developments in cross-strait relations. We believe that such efforts will be welcomed by the international community."
The statement also said "we will continue to increase our defense investments, including in indigenous defense industries and defense-related research, in order to demonstrate our commitment to Taiwan's self-defense."
The arms sale to Taiwan was made public by U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert on Thursday, who said the administration had told Congress of the deal, worth US$1.42 billion, earlier that day, according to foreign media reports.
The sale comprises eight items, including technical support for early warning radar, anti-radiation missiles, torpedoes and components for SM-2 missiles.
It marks the first arms sale to Taiwan since U.S. business tycoon Donald Trump took office as president of the United States on Jan. 20.
