US raises tensions in China with $619 million arms sale to Taiwan
The US has approved more arms sales to Taiwan, including ammunition for F-16 fighter jets worth $619 million, a decision likely to be another point of friction between the US and China, which claims the island as its own territory.
The State Department said in a statement Wednesday night that it had approved the sale of missiles for use with the F-16, as well as missile support equipment. These include AGM-88 anti-radiation missiles, as well as air-to-air missiles and launchers.
Taiwan is unofficially supported by the US and has a fleet of US-purchased F-16s
Tensions between China and the US are at their highest in years over American support for the self-governing island, including visits by senior politicians, and a host of other issues, including a suspected Chinese spy balloon that crossed the US earlier downed last month.
China regards Taiwan as part of its territory, to be seized by force if necessary, and has increased its military and diplomatic harassment. The sides split in civil war in 1949, and China’s authoritarian Communist Party has never ruled the island.
The United States is Taiwan’s main supplier of military equipment, and China has opposed past sales with sanctions and other measures.
Once gun sales are approved, delivery can take years, and Taiwan has cited persistent delays in receiving purchased guns.
The weapons are provided by Raytheon Missiles and Defense and Lockheed Martin Corporation.
Learn how to navigate and build trust in your organization with The Trust Factor, a weekly newsletter exploring what leaders need to succeed. Login here.
