Taiwan has received 38 Abrams tanks from the US, boosting its aged tank force at a time when China is stepping up its military aggression against it.

Taiwan has received 38 advanced Abrams battle tanks from the United States, the defence ministry said Monday, reportedly the island's first new tanks in 30 years.

TAIPEI -- Taiwan has received 38 Abrams tanks from the U.S. in a shipment announced Monday by the Ministry of National Defense here, the first update in decades to the self-governed island's fleet of main battle tanks.