The United States is moving forward with plans to sell US$ 1.1 billion of advanced weaponry to Taiwan. On Tuesday, the US State Department said the United States will continue to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, opposes the transaction and demands it be reversed.
Speaking at a press briefing, US State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel said the weapons package is purely for Taiwan’s defense and that China has no reason to react. He says the proposed arms sale comes in light of China’s increasing pressure on Taiwan following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit in early August.
US law requires the United States to provide Taiwan with the equipment necessary to defend itself. The new weapons package will include Harpoon air-to-sea missiles, Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and support for Taiwan’s surveillance radar system. Experts say the package includes weapons that would bolster Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare capabilities.