By South China Morning Post | Created at 2024-12-16 12:01:37 | Updated at 2024-12-16 14:56:43
3 hours ago
Taiwan has received its first M1A2T Abrams tanks from the United States, which are expected to drastically improve the island’s ability to counter potential amphibious operations by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
A total of 38 of the armoured vehicles, known as the “world’s most powerful tanks”, arrived in Taipei on Sunday night and were transported early on Monday to the Army Armour Training Command in Hsinchu county, just south of Taipei, according to Taiwan’s defence ministry.
Photos and video clips released by the ministry on Monday showed the tanks, painted in green jungle camouflage, being transported on flatbed trailers under police and military escort. Traffic was managed along the route to ensure the convoy’s smooth passage.
In addition to the tanks, four M88A2 armoured recovery vehicles were delivered to support future training exercises.
The shipment of advanced weapons to Taiwan drew sharp criticism from Beijing, which has consistently urged Washington to halt military aid to the island.
“We urge the US to adhere to the one-China principle … and stop arming Taiwan or supporting and encouraging separatist forces attempting to achieve independence through military means,” mainland Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday.
