The Taiwanese government confirmed on 6th June it has asked the U.S. to buy 108 M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks, 1,240 TOW and 409 Javelin anti-tank missiles, and 250 Stinger man-portable air defense missiles.

M1A2 Abrams (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

President Tsai Ing-wen said in March that Taiwan was seeking tanks and jet fighters, but didn't provide any details. While the Pentagon refuses to comment on the subject, the request is proceeding "as normal," the Taiwanese Defense ministry says. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that China firmly opposes U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. The U.S. is the main supplier of weapons to Taiwan which is also seeking 66 F-16 fighter jets in the most advanced "V'' configuration.

The Stingers could help boost Taiwan's defenses against China's more than 1,000 advanced fighter aircraft and 1,500 missiles pointing at the island.