Taiwan’s new M1A2T tanks expected to boost defences against PLA amphibious tactics

First shipment of 38 US-made armoured vehicles, dubbed the ‘world’s most powerful tanks’, arrives in Taiwan, with more on the way

Reading Time:3 minutes

Taiwanese soldiers secure a US-made Abrams battle tank onto a trailer in Hsinchu county, Taiwan on Monday. Photo: AFP / Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence

Published: 7:52pm, 16 Dec 2024Updated: 8:14pm, 16 Dec 2024

Taiwan has received its first M1A2T Abrams tanks from the United States, which are expected to drastically improve the island’s ability to counter potential amphibious operations by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

A total of 38 of the armoured vehicles, known as the “world’s most powerful tanks”, arrived in Taipei on Sunday night and were transported early on Monday to the Army Armour Training Command in Hsinchu county, just south of Taipei, according to Taiwan’s defence ministry.

Photos and video clips released by the ministry on Monday showed the tanks, painted in green jungle camouflage, being transported on flatbed trailers under police and military escort. Traffic was managed along the route to ensure the convoy’s smooth passage.

In addition to the tanks, four M88A2 armoured recovery vehicles were delivered to support future training exercises.

The shipment of advanced weapons to Taiwan drew sharp criticism from Beijing, which has consistently urged Washington to halt military aid to the island.

“We urge the US to adhere to the one-China principle … and stop arming Taiwan or supporting and encouraging separatist forces attempting to achieve independence through military means,” mainland Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday.