The self-governing island purchased 29 US-made multiple rocket launchers, with 11 delivered last year

The self-governing island of Taiwan has created a military unit armed with US-made HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, in the first such case ever, the Defense Ministry said in a statement on Friday. The weapons systems were supplied to the island by Washington last year.

The unit's commissioning ceremony was attended by Taipei's defense minister, Wellington Koo, who said the new company's soldiers and officers underwent training in the US.

According to media reports, the HIMARS systems supplied to Taipei can fire GMLRS missiles with a range of up to 80km and ATACMS missiles with a range of up to 300km. It is unclear if both types were also provided.

Taipei reportedly ordered a total of 29 HIMARS systems from the US, 11 of which have already been delivered. In mid-May, the Taiwanese military conducted the first live-fire HIMARS drill at a local base. The systems were also tested in June.

In January, US President Donald Trump's then-national security adviser, Mike Waltz, said Washington planned to increase the pace of weapons deliveries to the self-governed Chinese region.

According to Waltz, the US wants to equip Taiwan with asymmetric defense capabilities, such as mobile missile systems, drones, and advanced surveillance technologies to raise the potential costs for China if it tries to take control over the island by force.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory under the One-China principle, and insists on eventual reunification. According to the Chinese government, peaceful reunification is preferable, but it reserves the right to use force if necessary.

Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949, when nationalist forces retreated to the island after losing the Chinese Civil War. Most nations, including Russia, recognize Taiwan as part of China.

Beijing has condemned US arms sales to Taipei as destabilizing and provocative. In response, China has conducted frequent naval and air drills around the island.

(RT.com)