Taiwan Receives Moldy Armor and Expired Gear from US

A recent report from the U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General revealed that Taiwan received a shipment of military supplies that included moldy tactical vests and expired ammunition. This incident occurred between November 2023 and March 2024, coinciding with heightened tensions between Taiwan and China, which has been increasingly aggressive in its claims over Taiwan. The report highlighted that some of the ammunition was manufactured in 1983 and was no longer usable, raising concerns about the quality of military support provided to Taiwan. The Taiwanese Defense Ministry expressed embarrassment over the situation, stating that it is being jointly reviewed with the U.S. The report indicated that the poor condition of the equipment hampers the Pentagon's ability to meet security cooperation goals and could undermine trust in the U.S. as a reliable partner. The Inspector General warned that such incidents could pose a significant national security risk, as allied nations may lose confidence in the U.S. military's capabilities. This failure in delivering adequate military support comes at a critical time for Taiwan, which has been facing increased military pressure from China, including incursions into its airspace and aggressive actions against its fishing vessels. In response to these threats, Taiwan's President proposed a substantial increase in defense spending for 2025, reflecting the urgency of bolstering its military capabilities. The Pentagon has acknowledged the report and emphasized its commitment to ensuring that equipment provided to Taiwan is suitable for operational use. However, the incident raises serious questions about the effectiveness of U.S. military assistance and the potential implications for Taiwan's defense strategy amidst ongoing regional tensions.