US approves $2 billion in arms sales to Taiwan
TAIPEI, Taiwan: In a move that has drawn China’s ire, the United States has approved US$2 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including the first-time delivery to the self-ruled island of an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system.
Taiwan’s presidential office expressed gratitude to Washington for approving potential arms sales, a move aligned with Taiwan’s increased defense efforts under President Lai Ching-te.
Taiwan has been enhancing its defense as China has escalated military pressure on the island, which it claims as its own.
Just last week, Beijing conducted war games encircling Taiwan for the second time since Lai’s inauguration in May. The U.S., Taiwan’s strongest unofficial ally, is legally committed to providing Taiwan with defense resources.
China condemned the arms sale, arguing it infringes on its sovereignty, harms U.S.-China relations, and threatens peace in the Taiwan Strait.
The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs announced the proposed package includes three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and associated equipment, valued at $1.16 billion, as well as radar systems estimated at $828 million.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry noted that the NASAMS system, combat-proven in Ukraine, will bolster the island’s air defense capabilities.
China’s war games last week were aimed at practicing the “sealing off of key ports and key areas” around Taiwan, according to Chinese officials. Taiwan counted a record one-day total of 153 aircraft, 14 navy vessels, and 12 Chinese government ships.