Will the US protect Taiwan with outdated body armors?

The US has rolled up its sleeves for a new military sale to Taiwan, which is in a sovereignty dispute with China. However, before Beijing's reaction, the decision brought up the previous flawed delivery of the US.

The Washington administration announced that it is "determined" about a potential sale worth $228 million for the spare parts, repair, and re-delivery of military equipment.

The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) made a statement regarding the determination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the approval of a potential sale.

The statement stated that the total cost of the sale for the spare parts, repair, and re-delivery of military equipment to Taiwan is $228 million.

The statement indicated that the potential sale will "contribute to the maintenance of political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region," and that the sale will enhance Taiwan's ability to deal with current and future threats.

THE US HAD SENT WET AND MOLDY ARMORS TO TAIWAN

According to a research published by the Ministry of Defense, the Pentagon sent "wet and moldy body armors" to Taiwan in weapon shipments aimed at strengthening Taiwan's defense. The flawed products were included in a $345 million package approved by the Biden administration in July 2023.

More than 340 out of 504 pallet equipment (approximately 67%) suffered water damage while waiting for flights to Taiwan at Travis Air Force Base for three months. According to the research, some pallets were exposed to rain, fog, humidity, and heat due to the insufficient storage facility of the base.

120 of the 340 water-damaged pallets were delivered to Taiwan, and they contained over 3,000 moldy body armor plates and 500 wet and moldy tactical vests. It was stated that Taiwanese officials spent weeks opening and drying the equipment.