The United States has approved a new $385 million arms sale to Taiwan, including spare parts for fighter jets and radar systems, in a move that has further strained relations with China. This sale is part of the deepening military ties between the US and Taiwan, despite China’s opposition to US arms sales to the self-ruled island.
Taiwan’s President William Lai Ching-te is currently on a trip to the Pacific, with planned stopovers in the US, which has angered China. This trip is seen as a way to strengthen Taiwan’s ties with its allies and showcase their commitment to democracy.
China has long claimed Taiwan as its own and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification. The US, despite lacking formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, remains its biggest arms supplier and backer. The State Department has responded to China’s concerns by stating there is no justification for provocation in the region.
This arms sale is the 18th announced during the tenure of US President Joe Biden, and Taiwan has expressed its gratitude for the continued support from the US. The Ministry of National Defense in Taipei has said it is determined to strengthen its defenses in the face of China’s military pressure.
China has increased military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, with frequent deployments of fighter jets and warships near the island. Despite these tensions, Taiwan and the United States are committed to consolidating their security partnership and standing against Chinese aggression.
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