On October 15, during a press briefing, Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Defense, addressed recent military-related issues. He characterized the terms “exorbitant prices” and “obsolete equipment” as signature hallmarks of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.
A reporter inquired about a recent accusation from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, which claimed that Raytheon had engaged in fraudulent practices regarding the procurement of the Patriot missile system in 2013 and radar systems in 2017, selling overpriced missiles and radars to Taiwan. A representative from Taiwan’s Kuomintang has criticized these arms dealers, likening their actions to that of a scam operation. What’s your response?
In response, Wu Qian stated, “We firmly oppose the United States supplying weapons to Taiwan.” He noted that the reports merely scratch the surface of a larger issue. In recent years, the administration in Taiwan has gone to great lengths to curry favor with the U.S., lavishly spending the hard-earned money of Taiwanese citizens on weapons that turn out to be little more than useless scraps. This situation has stirred increasing dissatisfaction among the people of Taiwan, directing anger toward corrupt officials and arms dealers who profit from these transactions.
Wu Qian emphasized that “exorbitant prices” and “obsolete equipment” define U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. From moldy bulletproof vests to expired ammunition, and overpriced missiles and radars, it’s clear that the U.S. prioritizes its own interests above all else. He warned that pursuing “Taiwan independence” is a losing path, and reliance on foreign powers is misguided; those who attempt to seek independence through cooperation with the U.S. will ultimately face their own downfall.
