The United States has approved $2 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including the first delivery to the self-ruled island of an advanced surface-to-air missile defense system, in a move that will anger China.
Taiwan’s presidential office on Saturday thanked Washington for giving the green light to the potential arms sale. Under the island’s new president, Lai Ching-te, Taiwan has stepped up defense measures as China escalates military threats against the territory it claims.
It was held in Beijing last week War games surrounding Taiwan for the second time since Lai took office in May.
The US is Taiwan’s strongest unofficial ally and its laws bound Taiwan to provide resources to defend itself.
“Strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities is the foundation for maintaining regional stability,” said Taiwan’s presidential spokeswoman Karen Kuo.
The potential sale package includes three Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and related equipment worth $1.16 billion, according to the US State Department’s Office of Political-Military Affairs.
It also includes radar systems valued at $828 million.
The Chinese government did not immediately comment on the potential arms sale.
The NASAMS system has been battle-tested in Ukraine and will help strengthen Taiwan’s military’s air defense capabilities, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense said.
China’s war games last week were aimed at practicing the “sealing of key ports and areas” around Taiwan, according to Chinese officials. Taiwan tallied a one-day record of 153 aircraft, 14 navy ships and 12 Chinese government ships.
