UPDATE - First batch of US-made Abrams tanks delivered to Taiwanese military

UPDATES WITH REACTION FROM CHINA, REVISES DECK

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - The first batch of US-made Abrams tanks was delivered to the Taiwanese military on Monday, the Defense Ministry confirmed.

The 38 M1A2T tanks, a variant of M1 Abrams, reached Port of Taipei in New Taipei’s Bali district on Sunday, and delivery to Taiwanese military began earlier in the day.

Taiwan has bought 108 such tanks and related equipment from the US, which has provided arms to the island worth billions of dollars.

The sale was approved in 2019 and the delivery is scheduled to be completed in 2026. Taiwan last purchased tanks from the US in 1994.

Th M1A2T tanks, equipped with 120-millimeter smoothbore guns, were allotted to the military at Army Armor Training Command training center in north-western county of Hsinchu.

“Heavy Armors Have Arrived! Welcome to join us!” the ministry said on X, sharing pictures of the tanks.

Reacting to the delivery of tanks to Taiwan, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said: "There is no such a thing as the so-called 'Defense Ministry' in Taiwan," state media reported.

"China firmly opposes military ties between the US and the Taiwan island, opposes US arms sales to the island, stressing that China's position on this remains consistent and clear," said Lin, urging Washington to adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques.

"Stop arming the Taiwan island or supporting 'Taiwan independence' forces in their attempts to seek independence through military means," Lin said, addressing the US.