Summary
Taiwan plans to position U.S.-made HIMARS rocket systems on islands close to China's coast. This move follows Taiwan's increased defense efforts amid China's military threats and expansion. The U.S. recently sold a significant amount of military equipment to Taiwan, including HIMARS systems.
Key Facts
- Taiwan intends to set up HIMARS rocket launchers on islands in the Taiwan Strait.
- The placement aims at potential targets on China's southeast coast.
- HIMARS systems can fire rockets up to about 50 miles and missiles up to 186 miles.
- The U.S. approved selling HIMARS and missiles valued at about $11 billion to Taiwan.
- Taiwan received 11 HIMARS launchers from an initial purchase of 29 units.
- Taiwan included these launchers in a recent military drill.
- China claims Taiwan as its territory, though Taiwan functions independently.
- The U.S. provides Taiwan with military support under the Taiwan Relations Act.
