The United States has greenlit $2 billion worth of weapon sales to Taiwan, including the first-ever shipment of a modern surface-to-air missile defense system to the island, despite China’s discomfort.
The presidential office of Taiwan expressed gratitude to Washington on Saturday for approving the possible sale of arms. China has escalated its military threats against the territory Taiwan claims as its own, prompting the island’s new president, Lai Ching-te, to step up defense measures.
Last week, Beijing staged its second round of war games around Taiwan since Lai’s May administration.
China voiced its disapproval, claiming that the action risked peace across the Taiwan Strait, damaged US-China relations, and undermined Chinese sovereignty and security interests.
The US State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs estimates the potential sale package, which includes three NASAMS and associated equipment, to be worth up to $1.16 billion.
It also includes radar systems valued at approximately $828 million.
The NASAMS system, which has successfully undergone battle testing in Ukraine, will enhance the air defense capabilities of the Taiwanese army, according to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry.
Officials from China claimed last week that the purpose of their war games was to practice cutting off access to strategic ports and areas surrounding Taiwan. Taiwan counted a record-breaking 153 aircraft, 14 navy vessels, and 12 Chinese government ships in a single day.
