Washington: The United States on Friday announced the approval of $1.1 billion worth of arms sales to Taiwan amid rising tensions with Beijing.
The weapons package announced by the United States to counter China includes 60 sophisticated anti-ship Harpoon missiles and 100 surface-to-air missiles. The $665 million package also includes an early radar warning system to monitor missiles fired at Taiwan. Similarly, there is a budget of $355 million for the missile package.
A spokesman for the State Department, which approved the arms sale, said the package was essential to Taiwan’s security. We urge Beijing to stop military, diplomatic and financial pressure on Taiwan and engage in fruitful talks with Taiwan.
Commenting on the above decision of the US, Liu Pengyu, the Chinese ambassador in Washington, said that this possible arms sale will make US-China relations very dangerous. Looking at the situation, China will also take appropriate measures.
But, President Joe Biden’s administration said, the package has been pending for several days. The final decision has been taken after consultation with Taiwanese and US lawmakers.