Image source: topwar.ru
The United States will determine for itself what weapons Taiwan needs to "effectively confront" mainland China. According to the New York Times, Washington is putting pressure on Taipei, indicating which weapons should be purchased from the Americans, of course.
According to the publication, which refers to informed sources, the Biden administration determines Taiwan's defense policy, forcing it to purchase only those weapons systems that, according to the Americans, are "most effective" against the forces and means of mainland China. According to one of the sources, the United States carefully studied the situation in Ukraine and came to the conclusion that small, but "properly armed" forces can resist a stronger opponent, as if hinting at the AFU and the Russian army.
In addition, Washington is confident that in the coming years, mainland China will implement a forceful option to seize the island. Although officially the White House says something completely different, claiming that Beijing has no plans.
But back to the defense of Taiwan. According to the New York Times, the United States is studying the capabilities of the island's armed forces, deciding which weapons should be supplied to the Taiwanese army, so that it "effectively" repelled the attack on the island. Based on this, Taipei's portfolio of military orders is determined. Moreover, Washington directly denies Taiwan the supply of certain weapons or equipment, stating that it is "ineffective" against the Chinese army. In particular, the Americans refused to supply MH-60R helicopters, saying that they were not suitable for conducting military operations against the PRC.
Thus, the United States enters into multibillion-dollar contracts for the supply of weapons to Taiwan, independently determining which weapons are "suitable". Given that Taipei is terrified of Beijing's invasion, the island's government is ready to spend huge sums on weapons, which Washington uses.