In light of continued hostilities between the island nation and Beijing, the Biden administration has approved a prospective $180 million arms sale to Taiwan, the State Department reported.
According to the State Department, the administration informed Congress on Wednesday that it had given the go-ahead for the potential sale of vehicle-launched anti-tank munition-laying systems and related equipment to Taiwan’s diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C.
“This proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s efforts to modernize its armed forces; and to maintain a credible defensive capability,” the statement said.
“The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient; and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region.”
According to the Taiwan Relations Act, Washington has long given Taiwan with weaponry, and bipartisan backing exists for doing so. Beijing, which sees Taiwan as a part of China, is likely to be incensed by the action.
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The largest arm sale to Taiwan under President Joe Biden’s administration, totaling over $1.1 billion occurred in September. It comprised up to 60 anti-ship missiles and up to 100 air-to-air missiles.
After House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan in early August, tensions between China and the US spiked, and that transaction occurred shortly after that.
