White House plans to sell over $1 bln worth of weapons to Taiwan – Politico
Biden administration plans to ask US Congress to approve approximately $1.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan
Politico reports, citing three directly familiar sources with the package.
We are talking about, in particular, anti-ship missiles and air-to-air missiles.
According to the publication's sources, the package, which is still at an early stage, should include:
- 60 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles for $355 million;
- 100 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical air-to-air missiles for $85.6 million. American-made Taiwanese F-16 fighters will be armed with them;
- Expanding the contract for the use of radar stations for $655.4 million.
Finalizing the arms deal must first be approved by the US Congress.
As Politico points out, US lawmakers are likely to approve the sale, but the process could be delayed due to the congressional recess.
Reference
Nancy Pelosi arrived in Taiwan on August 2, which caused China's displeasure.
She said the visit is a testament to the US's commitment to supporting Taiwan's democracy.
In response to Pelosi's visit, China threatened the United States with "consequences" and began large-scale military exercises 120 km off the coast of Taiwan.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the visit of the US representative to the island "seriously violates" the principle of "one China."
US National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby said that the United States would not be intimidated by China's threats and bellicose rhetoric regarding Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.
Beijing sends warships and aircraft into the Taiwan Strait almost daily and has not ruled out using force to seize the island.
In response, the US and other Western countries declared their support for Taiwan and sought to strengthen its defense capabilities, condemning Beijing's aggressive authoritarianism.
At the same time, the United States still adheres to the so-called "One China" policy, according to which it does not establish official diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
American lawmakers are calling for the policy to be abandoned as Taiwan faces an increasing threat from China.
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