United States to sell 2 billion dollars in weapons to Taiwan

The United States has approved a 2 billion arm sales in a move that will surely anger the Chinese government, AP News writes.

The sale includes a first-time delivery of an advanced surface-to-air missile system to the island nation as tension grows between Taiwan and China.

“In the face of China's threats, Taiwan is duty-bound to protect its homeland and will continue to demonstrate its determination to defend itself,” Taiwan's Foreign Ministry stated, as cited by Reuters.

The Guardian describes the Nasams air defense system, which is at the center of the sale, as state-of-the-art, having been battle-tested during the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

AP News highlights that earlier in October, the Chinese military engaged in war games encircling the island of Taiwan, raising the alarm to the Taipei government.

CNN reports that Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who was elected earlier this year, thanked Washington for approving the deal.

“Strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities is the foundation for maintaining regional stability”, Taiwan’s presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo stated, as cited by CNN.

As expected, the Chinese government led by Xi Jinping has harshly criticized the arms sale between Washington and Taipei.

“China will take resolute countermeasures and take all measures necessary to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity,” China’s Minister of Defense declared, as quoted by Reuters.

Beijing has also threatened Taipei with countermeasures, Reuters informs. Since then, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has reported Chinese warships and military aircraft patrolling around the island.

The Guardian points out that tension between Beijing and Taipei, albeit originating in a decades-long conflict, has heated up with the past five years with Xi promising to being the island back under the mainland’s control.

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