US irks China, agrees to sell $1.1 bn in arms to Taiwan

The State Department of the United States of America has potentially approved a $1.1 bn worth of arms sale to Taiwan. The sale will have 100 air-to-air missiles and 60 anti-ship missiles. The step has fumed China, which vows to take necessary counter-measures.

The move comes after Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei last month. China is carrying out aggressive military drills around Taiwan, and the Pentagon has announced a package in its wake.



What Does The Package Include?
The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said that the package would include Sidewinder missiles that can be used for surface-attack and air-to-air missions, costing $86mn.

It includes $355mn Harpoon anti-ship missiles and Taiwan surveillance radar program support for $666mn.

A Chinese Embassy spokesperson in Washington, Liu Pengyu, said that this arms deal massively jeopardizes US-China relations, stability, and peace, across the Taiwan Strait. The administration under Joe Biden said the package had been coming along and was developed after US and Taiwan lawmakers' consultations.

China v/s Taiwan

Biden administration planned new equipment for the Taiwanese, which would only fulfill existing orders and sustain the current systems in the military. It would not add new capabilities. The Pentagon commented that this support to Taiwan would not alter the military balance in the area.

The defense ministry of Taiwan expressed gratitude that China's recent provocative behavior posed a serious threat, and now Taiwan will be in a better position to face military pressure from the Chinese.

Taipei has been facing much Chinese pressure on its territory, and this order shows US support for Taiwan. China considers Taiwan its territory. It has not ruled out force as a way to bring Taiwan under its control.

FAQs

Q. Why do we anger China?
A. The Chinese are angered because the US has agreed to deliver $1.1bn worth of arms to Taiwan.

Q. Does this affect the military balance in the region, and is it a cause of concern?
A. The US says this would not hamper the military balance in the region and is not a cause of concern.