The United States announced a new round of arms sales to Taiwan on Friday, totaling $1.1 billion, amid heightened tensions with China, which considers the island part of its territory. .
This new arms sale comes a month after a visit to Taiwan by Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, which had provoked the fury of Beijing. China then launched the most important military maneuvers in its history around the island.
The US government approved the sale to Taipei for $355 million of 60 Harpoon missiles capable of sinking warships, 100 Sidewinder short-range missiles ($85.6 million), capable of intercepting missiles or drones, and a $665 million maintenance contract for Taiwan’s radar system, the State Department said in a statement.
These transactions “serve the economic and national security interests of the United States by supporting efforts [de Taïwan] to modernize its armed forces”, underlined the American diplomacy via a spokesperson.
Since 2010, the United States has notified Congress of more than $35 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, said a spokesperson for the State Department, which approved those deals.
To materialize, these sales must receive the approval of Congress, which is almost certain, military support for Taiwan enjoying broad support among elected officials on both sides.
These arms sales are “essential to Taiwan’s security and we will continue to work with the defense industry to support this goal,” the State Department spokesperson added.
“We call on Beijing to end its military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan and instead engage in dialogue” with Taipei, he continued.
“The United States continues to support a peaceful resolution of the matter, in accordance with the wishes and in the interests of the Taiwanese people,” he concluded.