US greenlights $1.1 billion arms deal with Taiwan

Washington, Sep 03: The United States on Friday announced a potential $1.1 billion (€1.1 billion) arms sale to Taiwan, amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing.

The State Department said the arms package aims to boost Taiwan's defense capabilities and includes $355 million for Harpoon air-to-sea missiles and $85 million for Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

An amount of $655 million would go towards a surveillance radar system to help Taiwan track incoming missiles.

A spokesperson for the State Department called the package "essential for Taiwan's security."

China-Taiwan tensions

The announcement of the possible deal comes during a time of escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing. Visits to Taiwan from senior US officials in recent weeks have prompted China to launch military drills.

To date the highest ranking US official to visit the island has been US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi who spent three days earlier in August.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and launched massive military drills in the wake of Pelosi"s visit. It has warned of military aggression if provoked by the United States. While Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan, it is bound by law to provide it with the means to defend itself.

Taipei says the People's Republic of China has never ruled the island and therefore has no right to claim it. Taiwan believes that the increase in China's aggression reveals a plan to invade the island.Taiwan has vowed to defend itself in the event of an attack from China.

Source: DW