US Approves $2 Billion Defense Package for Taiwan

As a move that could escalate tensions with China, the Pentagon announced on Friday that the U.S. State Department has approved a potential arms sale to Taiwan worth approximately $2 billion. This announcement came just a week after China conducted military exercises near Taiwan.

The defense package includes missile and radar systems, with the missile portion estimated at $1.16 billion and the radar systems at $828 million. RTX Corp has been designated as the prime contractor for the missile systems. The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency emphasized that the sale would support U.S. interests by helping Taiwan modernize its military and maintain a credible defense.

The proposed sale includes three National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) units and advanced AMRAAM long-range surface-to-air missiles. NASAMS has drawn attention due to its use in Ukraine, demonstrating its effectiveness in the battlefield.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense stated that it approved the sale, highlighting the importance of enhancing air defense capabilities in light of China's frequent military activities in the region. The ministry particularly noted the "proven" effectiveness of NASAMS as seen in Ukraine.

Despite not having formal diplomatic relations, the U.S. has a legal commitment to provide defense equipment to Taiwan. This commitment has been a continual source of contention with Beijing, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan. The government of Taiwan, led by President Lai Ching-te, has clearly stated its position that only the people of Taiwan have the authority to determine their own future, which has led China to label Lai as a "separatist."

In addition to the potential arms sale, Taiwan is proactively strengthening its military, including the development of its submarines, to protect maritime supply lines and bolster defenses against possible attacks from China.