Taiwan people's reactions to U.S. arms sale
Su Yuting, Zhang Jing
[]
02:09

Washington's demonstration of support for Taiwan is likely to exacerbate deteriorating ties between the U.S. and China. There's also opposition from people in Taiwan, who say Taipei is wasting money on maritime equipment upgrades. 

Recently, some American officials advocated the continued implementation of "arms sales to Taiwan." But some on the island have gone online to criticize, saying that to continue "arms sales to Taiwan" is to continue to divert the hard-earned money of Taiwan's residents.  

Some comment that "the United States is here to blackmail and waste people's tax money. "

Others criticize Taiwan authorities as fools and say that "Taiwan's purchase of American weapons is to help the old Americans clear their stockpiles, even buying Barbie dolls is better." 

Public criticism of U.S. military purchases on the island is nothing new. Back in 2018, when the White House approved a 330 million-dollar sale, some accused the U.S. of "pressing for protection fees" and "sucking blood". Others also criticized the Taiwan authorities for the continuing buying.  

There's even a nickname for the U.S. military hardware: "scrap iron and copper." For example, the Perry-class Guided Missile Frigate was designed in the 1970s. 

In addition, some American experts question whether Taiwan's military needs to buy these weapons. In a commentary published in January this year by the U.S. magazine, the National Interest, it says that Taiwan's army would not be able to save the maritime forces with a new missile launcher.  

The article quotes James Holmes, a U.S. military expert, as saying that Taiwan authorities are "making a big mistake" in pouring valuable resources into conventional weapons.

The Chinese mainland also urges the U.S. to withdraw its plan immediately. And any misdeed relying on foreigners to build oneself up and intensifying antagonism will certainly "draw fire against oneself" and "pay a price", said Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesperson for Taiwan Affairs Office of State Council.