U.S. approves potential $1 billion arms sale to Taiwan amid tensions
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $1.1 billion sale of military equipment to Taiwan, the government said Friday, in the latest show of support for the self-ruled island amid heightened tensions with China.
The sale involves logistics support for Taiwan’s surveillance radar program totaling $665.4 million, Harpoon anti-ship missiles worth $355 million, and Sidewinder missiles that can be used for air-to-air engagements and surface-attack missions at an estimated cost of $85.6 million.
The United States’ swift provision of defensive weaponry to Taiwan is essential for the democratic island’s security, and “we will continue to work with industry to support that goal,” a State Department spokesperson said in a statement.
The official added that the proposed weapons sales are “routine cases to support Taiwan’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability.”
Taiwan thanked the United States on Saturday for its fifth arms sale this year and the sixth under the administration of President Joe Biden.
The deal shows that Washington attaches great importance to Taiwan’s defense needs and is committed to Taiwan’s security, Xavier Chang, spokesman for the office of President Tsai Ing-wen, said in a statement.
The arms package will not only help the Taiwan military fight against China’s grey zone coercion but also enhance the island’s early warning capabilities against long-range ballistic missiles, Chang said.
Quoting Tsai, Chang said Taiwan will not escalate tensions nor provoke disputes across the Taiwan Strait.
But the spokesman also said Taiwan will firmly demonstrate its determination and ability to defend itself and continue to deepen cooperation with like-minded counties to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.
The U.S. announcement comes as tensions with China have heightened over Taiwan following U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit in early August to the island, which China views as its territory.
The trip by the third-highest-ranking U.S. official infuriated Beijing, resulting in large-scale military drills near Taiwan and suspension of exchanges with the United States in areas including dialogue between military commanders and talks on climate change.
The United States urges Beijing to “cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure against Taiwan and instead engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan,” the State Department spokesperson said, adding that Washington continues to support a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues.
China and Taiwan have been separately governed since they split in 1949 as a result of a civil war. In recent years, fears have been mounting that the Chinese leadership under President Xi Jinping will try to achieve its long-sought goal of reuniting the island with the mainland, by force if necessary.