Taiwan has received its first batch of 38 advanced Abrams battle tanks from the US in a significant boost to the island’s land defence capabilities. The self-governed island has received the main battle tanks at a time when it is facing increasing aggression and a rise in military drills from China.

Taiwan has received its first batch of M1A2T Abrams main battle tanks as it continues its drive to modernize its armed forces, which face an expanding military threat from Beijing. While the upgrade for the Republic of China Army (ROCA) — which was still operating 1950s-era M41A3 Walker Bulldog light tanks up until recently — is obvious,