The first batch of US-made Abrams tanks was delivered to Taiwan’s military on Monday, as confirmed by the Defense Ministry.
A total of 38 M1A2T tanks, a variant of the M1 Abrams, arrived at the Port of Taipei in New Taipei’s Bali district on Sunday, with delivery to the Taiwanese military beginning earlier that day. Taiwan has purchased 108 of these tanks and related equipment from the US, part of a broader arms deal valued in the billions.
The deal, approved in 2019, is set to be completed by 2026. Taiwan last acquired tanks from the US in 1994.
The M1A2T tanks, equipped with 120-millimeter smoothbore guns, were assigned to the Army Armor Training Command at a training center in the north-western county of Hsinchu.
The Ministry of Defense shared images of the tanks on X, stating, “Heavy Armors Have Arrived! Welcome to join us!”
In response to the delivery, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated, “There is no such thing as a so-called ‘Defense Ministry’ in Taiwan.” Lin reiterated China’s firm opposition to military ties between the US and Taiwan, condemning the arms sales and urging the US to adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques. “Stop arming Taiwan or supporting ‘Taiwan independence’ forces in their efforts to seek independence through military means,” Lin added.
