China Reacts as US Initiates $328.5M Taiwan Military Deal with Lockheed Martin

The United States Department of Defense announced a substantial $328.5 million contract awarded to Lockheed Martin for foreign military sales to Taiwan, fulfilling what Washington identifies as “an urgent operational need” for the Taiwan Air Force. With $157.3 million of foreign military sales funds allocated upon awarding the contract, the agreement encompasses the acquisition and delivery of fifty-five Infrared Search and Track Legion Enhanced Sensor pods and associated components. The Pentagon specified that the contract work will take place in Orlando, Florida, with a scheduled completion date set for June 2031. Washington’s diplomatic alignment with China contrasts starkly with its…