WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration approved a $360 million weapons sale to Taiwan, including armed drones and missile equipment. The State Department’s announcement is expected to provoke condemnation from China.
The announcement was anticipated amid high tensions between Washington and Beijing. China views Taiwan as its territory and has threatened to unify it by force if necessary.
The sale comprises 291 Altius-600M systems, unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with warheads. Additionally, it includes 720 Switchblade drones, known as “extended-range loitering munitions,” according to the State Department.
It said the sale “serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability.” It will “help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region,” the department said.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te thanked the U.S. for approving the latest arms sale to Taiwan during a press conference Wednesday in Taipei. He said such authorizations help to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
“In the future, we will continue to strengthen Taiwan’s national defense strength, whether through … military purchases or our own efforts,” he said.
In addition to bolstering defense capabilities, the Taiwan Arms Sale also has important geopolitical implications. The approval of this arms deal sends a clear message to other countries about the strength of the US-Taiwan relationship.
Additionally, this move may influence other nations to enhance their defense ties with Taiwan.
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