TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense criticized the high costs and outdated nature of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, labeling them as two "well-known trademarks" on Tuesday (Oct. 15).
This statement follows recent allegations from the U.S. Government Accountability Office against Raytheon Company (雷神公司) for fraudulently selling overpriced missiles and radar systems to Taiwan.
Spokesperson Wu Qian (吳謙) highlighted the U.S. focus on "American interests," pointing to the sale of moldy bulletproof vests, expired ammunition, and overpriced missile radar systems.
He emphasized that pursuing "Taiwan independence" is a dead end and that relying on foreign powers is futile, asserting that any attempts to use the U.S. for independence will ultimately lead to self-destruction.
The controversy surrounding Raytheon Company involves accusations of inflating military sale prices, with Taiwan becoming a victim, particularly concerning the Patriot missiles and radar systems.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) previously stated that the U.S. Department of Justice had reached a plea deal with Raytheon to return all undue profits.
An August survey update from the CATO Institute, a Washington-based think tank, revealed that delayed deliveries of U.S. arms procured by Taiwan exceed US$20.5 billion. The situation regarding these delays has not changed compared to the previous month.
