T
he United States has announced a major package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion, a move that has prompted a sharp response from China and heightened tensions over the island’s security.
The State Department said late Wednesday that the package includes eight separate arms sales agreements aimed at strengthening Taiwan’s defensive capabilities. If approved by Congress, it would be the largest U.S. weapons package ever provided to Taiwan, surpassing the $8.4 billion approved during former President Joe Biden’s administration.
According to U.S. and Taiwanese officials, the package totals about $11.15 billion and includes 82 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) worth more than $4 billion. It also covers 60 self-propelled howitzer systems and related equipment valued at over $4 billion, as well as drones worth more than $1 billion.
Additional sales include military software valued at more than $1 billion, Javelin and TOW anti-tank missiles worth over $700 million, helicopter spare parts, and refurbishment kits for Harpoon missiles.
The State Department said the sales serve U.S. national and security interests by supporting Taiwan’s efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defensive capability, helping preserve regional stability and military balance.
China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the arms sales, saying they violate diplomatic agreements between Washington and Beijing and undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Beijing warned that the move would push the Taiwan Strait closer to military confrontation.
China claims Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to reunify the island with the mainland, by force if necessary. The U.S., while not formally recognizing Taiwan as a sovereign state, is legally obligated under U.S. law to assist the island in maintaining its self-defense.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry welcomed the announcement, saying the arms sales would help maintain sufficient defensive capabilities and strengthen deterrence. Taiwan’s foreign minister also thanked Washington for its long-term support, calling it essential for preserving peace and stability in the region.
The announcement comes as Taiwan plans to increase defense spending to 3.3% of its gross domestic product next year, with a goal of reaching 5% by 2030. President Lai Ching-te has also proposed a special $40 billion, multi-year budget for arms purchases, including the development of an advanced air defense system.
The arms sales were previewed in recent U.S. defense legislation passed by Congress, which China has criticized as unfairly portraying it as an aggressor.
(Source: Reuters)
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